The Ultimate Coffee Grind Size Guide

Unlock the full flavor of your beans. The right grind size is the most important step between you and a perfect cup. Find your brewer below and taste the difference.

 

The Essential Coffee Grind Size Chart

This chart is your quick-reference guide to brewing success. Find your method and grind accordingly.

Brewing Method Ideal Grind Size Visual Reference Why It Works
Cold Brew Extra Coarse Peppercorns Prevents over-extraction during long steeps (12-24 hrs).
French Press Coarse Breadcrumbs Allows for full immersion without bitter sediment.
Chemex Medium-Coarse Rough Sand Balances clarity and body for slower pour-overs.
Drip Machine Medium Sand The standard for most automatic coffee makers.
Pour Over (V60) Medium-Fine Fine Sand Offers the perfect resistance for a balanced, flavorful cup.
AeroPress Medium-Fine to Fine Table Salt Adaptable; finer for short brews, coarser for longer ones.
Moka Pot Fine Fine Table Salt Allows steam pressure to build and extract properly.
Espresso Very Fine Powdered Sugar Creates necessary pressure for a rich shot with crema.
Turkish Coffee Extra Fine Flour Dissolves completely in water for a traditional, potent brew.

 

The #1 Rule: Grind Fresh with a Burr Grinder

Your equipment is just as important as your technique.

  • Burr Grinder vs. Blade Grinder: For consistent results, a burr grinder is non-negotiable. It produces uniform particles, which is the key to even extraction. Blade grinders create a mix of fine dust and large boulders, leading to both bitter and sour notes in the same cup.
  • Whole Bean is Best: Pre-ground coffee loses its aromatics and flavors quickly. For the best cup, always buy whole bean coffee and grind it moments before you brew.

 

Troubleshooting Your Coffee

Use this guide to diagnose and fix common brew problems.

  • Is your coffee BITTER?

    • Cause: Over-Extraction. Your grind is too fine.
    • Fix: Make your grind setting more coarse.

  • Is your coffee SOUR or WEAK?

    • Cause: Under-Extraction. Your grind is too coarse.
    • Fix: Make your grind setting more fine.

  • Is your French press coffee MUDDY?

    • Cause: Too many fine particles.
    • Fix: Use a coarser grind and a higher-quality burr grinder.


Ready to Practice? Start with World-Class Beans.

Knowledge is power, but the best teacher is experience. The vibrant, complex flavors of our single-origin Kenyan coffee beans make it immediately obvious when you've nailed the grind. Their bright acidity and notes of blackcurrant shine through with a perfect extraction.

Put this guide to the test with coffee that deserves the effort.

Explore Our Freshly Roasted Kenyan Coffee Beans & Grind Perfectly Today →

FAQ Section (Optional but great for SEO)

Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee for everything?
A: We don't recommend it. Pre-ground is typically a medium grind for drip machines. It will be too coarse for espresso (sour shot) and too fine for a French press (bitter, muddy coffee).

Q: What's the best grind for Kirenge Gold's Kenyan AA beans?
A: To highlight their bright, complex notes, we recommend a medium-fine grind for pour-over methods like a Hario V60.

Q: How often should I clean my grinder?
A: To prevent stale oils from contaminating your coffee, clean your burr grinder with a dedicated brush every few uses and use grinder cleaning tablets every few months.