Here’s the Scoop On How Grind Size Affects Your Coffee

Coffee grind size can mean the difference between a lackluster cup of coffee and a perfect one. Even if you use the best coffee beans and the most expensive coffee maker, you won’t get a great cup of coffee if the grind is too coarse or too fine.

The Different Types of Coffee Grinds

There are three primary coffee grinds: coarse, medium and fine. The type of grind you use should be based on your brewing method.

  1. Coarse grinds: Coarse grinds are best for brewing methods that use longer brewing times, like a French press. The longer brewing time allows the coffee to extract fully without being over-extracted.
  2. Medium grinds: Medium grinds are best for brewing methods that use medium brewing times, like a drip coffee maker. The medium brewing time extracts the coffee fully without over-extraction.
  3. Fine grinds: Fine grinds are best for brewing methods that use shorter brewing times, like an espresso machine. The shorter brewing time doesn’t allow the coffee to extract fully, so the grind needs to be fine to get a good cup of coffee.

The Effect of Grind Size on Coffee Flavor

Coarse Grinds

If your grind is too coarse, your coffee will be under-extracted and taste weak. Finding the perfect grind size for your brew method is essential to making great coffee.

Medium Grinds

Medium grinds are the perfect size for most coffee brewing methods. They provide the ideal balance of surface area and extraction, resulting in a cup of coffee that is flavorful and well-balanced.

Fine Grinds

If you use too fine of a grind, the coffee can taste bitter and over-extracted. The water will extract too much of the coffee’s oils and solubles, resulting in a cup of coffee lacking balance.

different types of coffee grinds

BostonbeaN Provides the Best Coffee Brewing Machines

The ideal grind size for coffee is somewhere in the middle—not too coarse or too fine. Finding the perfect grind size is a challenge for many coffee brewers. That’s why you may need experts and the best coffee brewing machines.

At BostonbeaN Coffee Company, we supply your office break room with touchless coffee brewing machines that perfectly grind the beans to enhance your coffee-drinking experience. Whether you need snacks or beverages, we have everything you need to fuel your office staff throughout the workday — and beyond when needed!