Mastering Your Brew: Why Coffee Grind Size Matters

Mastering Your Brew: Why Coffee Grind Size Matters

At Forget Me Not Coffee, we believe that every detail matters when crafting your perfect cup—right down to the grind size. While the quality of the beans is essential, understanding how to grind them properly can make or break your brew. Whether you're enjoying our signature single-origin roasts at home or savouring them in one of our cafes, mastering the grind is key to unlocking their full flavour potential.

Here’s a friendly guide to help you get the most out of your coffee experience!

What Is Grind Size?

Grind size refers to how finely or coarsely coffee beans are ground. It ranges from extra fine (powdery, like flour) to extra coarse (chunky, like sea salt). The size you choose impacts how water interacts with the coffee grounds during brewing, which determines the taste, aroma, and strength of your brew.

How Grind Size Affects Your Coffee

The grind size influences two key factors: extraction and brew time.

Extraction: This is the process of pulling soluble flavours from the coffee grounds into the water.

  • Too coarse? The water passes through too quickly, resulting in under-extraction and a sour or weak taste.
  • Too fine? The water lingers too long, leading to over-extraction and a bitter, muddy flavour.
Brew Time: Coarser grinds require more time to extract flavors, while finer grinds extract faster. The balance between grind size and brew time is essential for achieving a perfect cup.

    Grind Sizes & Their Uses

    Here’s a breakdown of grind sizes and the best brewing methods for each:

    Extra Coarse (like peppercorns)
    • Best for: Cold brew, Cowboy coffee
    • Pros: Long brew times bring out smooth, low-acidity flavors.
    • Cons: Can taste flat if brewed too quickly.
    Coarse (like sea salt)
    • Best for: French press, percolators
    • Pros: Retains oils and robust flavors without over-extraction.
    • Cons: Prone to sediment if the filter is too fine.
    Medium-Coarse (like coarse sand)
    • Best for: Chemex, clever drippers
    • Pros: Balances clarity and body in the cup.
    • Cons: Requires precise brewing times to avoid inconsistency.
    Medium (like regular sand)
    • Best for: Drip coffee makers, AeroPress (with a longer brew time)
    • Pros: Versatile for most standard brewers.
    • Cons: Can be too bland for manual brewing purists.
    Medium-Fine (like table salt)
    • Best for: Pour-over methods (Hario V60, Kalita Wave)
    • Pros: Allows precise control over flavor notes.
    • Cons: Demands a steady hand for consistent pouring.
    Fine (like powdered sugar)
    • Best for: Espresso, Moka pots
    • Pros: Extracts bold, concentrated flavors quickly.
    • Cons: Requires exact timing to avoid bitterness.
    Extra Fine (like flour)
    • Best for: Turkish coffee
    • Pros: Creates a rich, velvety mouthfeel.
    • Cons: Can be overwhelming for those not used to its intensity.

      Choosing the Right Grind Size

      To select the perfect grind, start with your brewing method and experiment to find your sweet spot. Small adjustments can make a noticeable difference. For example:

      • If your French press tastes weak, try a slightly finer grind.
      • If your espresso tastes too harsh, adjust to a coarser grind.

      Tools of the Trade

      Invest in a good grinder for consistent results.

      Blade Grinders: Affordable but inconsistent in grind size. Best for beginners.

      Burr Grinders: The gold standard for precision and consistency, ideal for serious coffee lovers.

      Final Sip

      The grind size is your ticket to coffee perfection. It transforms a good cup into a great one, unlocking the full potential of your beans. With a little experimentation and the right tools, you’ll brew with confidence, enjoying every sip as if it were made by a barista.

      Got questions about grind size or brewing tips? Stop by one of our cafes—we’d love to chat all things coffee with you. ☕

      Back to blog