How Fine to Grind Coffee Beans
Medium grind size used for a pour-over, think “bread crumbs”.
How to Know How Fine to Grind Coffee Beans
At Refuge Coffee, our baristas adjust the grind size for different coffee types daily—whether it's drip coffee, pour-overs, cold brew, or espresso.
Grind size is something you will continually refine. But don't worry—there are simple guidelines you can follow to stay close to the perfect grind. It’s not a “one-size-fits-all” solution, but with a bit of practice, you can still get a great cup of coffee.
Think of it like aiming at a dartboard, even if you don’t hit the bullseye, you're in the target zone and can still score. Your coffee will still taste good even if it’s not 100% dialed in, especially if you're using great beans.
(Hopefully, that relieves some pressure off of you.)
In this post, we’ll walk you through the different grind sizes, how to pick the right one for your brewing method, and how to know if your grind is too fine or too coarse.
Understanding Grind Size
It’s not complicated. There are three main grind levels: coarse, medium, and fine. Below are some visuals to help you identify each one.
Coarse Grinds (Visual: Sea Salt) – Best for immersion methods like French press and cold brew. Tip: Using a coarse grind for drip coffee will make your coffee weak because the water will pass through the grinds too quickly.
Medium Grinds (Visual: Breadcrumbs) – For methods like pour-over, drip coffee makers, and moka pots.
Fine Grinds (Visual: Powder-like) – Ideal for espresso machines. Tip: Using a grind that's too fine for drip coffee will cause over-extraction, resulting in a strong, bitter taste.
Think of these grind levels as general guidelines. Like the dartboard analogy, you can stay close to these levels and still brew a great cup of coffee.
Factors That Affect Grind Size
The grind size you need depends on several factors:
Brewing Method: Different methods require different grind sizes.
Bean Density: Denser beans might need a slightly finer grind, depending on the coffee variety and how it was processed.
Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best grind is the one that tastes right to you. Baristas often have differing opinions on the "perfect" grind for each coffee.
Grind Size for Different Brewing Methods
Here’s a quick guide to the grind size for common brewing methods:
Pour-over (Chemex, Kalita Wave, Hario V60): Medium-fine grind
French press: Coarse grind
Drip coffee maker: Medium grind
Espresso machine: Very fine grind
Cold brew: Coarse grind
How to Tell If Your Grind Is Too Fine or Too Coarse
It can be frustrating when your coffee doesn’t taste just right. Sometimes, even baristas have to make a cup 2-3 times to “dial it in.” (We do this with espresso all day long!)
If the grind is too fine, the coffee will extract too slowly, becoming bitter and overly strong.
If the grind is too coarse, the coffee will extract too quickly, leaving it weak and watery.
Here’s how to check if your grind is off:
Look at the grind: If it’s too fine, it will look like powder. If it’s too coarse, it will resemble sea salt. Both can affect the taste, depending on your brewing method.
Taste the coffee: Bitter coffee usually means the grind is too fine. Weak or tea-like coffee means the grind is too coarse.
Experiment: Try adjusting the grind size and see how it affects the flavor. This process is called “dialing in.”
Additional Tips
Here are some expert tips to help you dial in your grind:
Invest in a good grinder: A quality grinder ensures a consistent grind size.
Grind beans fresh: Pre-ground coffee loses flavor quickly. Grind your beans right before brewing for the best taste.
Make small adjustments: If your grinder has 20 settings, adjust it one at a time. For example, if your coffee tastes weak, try moving from setting 14 to 13 or 12.
Be patient: Finding the perfect grind can take time. It might take several tries to get it just right, but once you do, it will be worth it.
Conclusion
Choosing the right grind size is key to brewing a great cup of coffee at home. With the tips from this guide, you can find the best grind for your brewing method and enjoy an out-of-this-world cup every time.
At Refuge Coffee Roasters, we hand-select our coffees to help you make the perfect cup. Whether you’re after a single-origin or a curated blend, we have something for you.
Now that you know about grind sizes, go ahead and dial in like a pro. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!
P.S. Don’t miss our weekly 15% discount on one of our bags of coffee, sent straight to your inbox every Monday. Sign up below for a great deal!
