Best Grind Sizes for Every Coffee Brewing Method

June 13, 2025

Brewing great coffee at home starts with one key decision: grind size. Whether you're making a bright pour-over, a bold espresso, or a smooth cold brew, using the right grind can completely change the flavour in your cup.

In this post, we’ll break down the best grind sizes for each brewing method and why grinding your beans fresh at home makes all the difference.

Why Grind Size Matters

Grind size affects extraction, so how easily water pulls flavour from the coffee. Too fine, and you risk over-extraction: bitterness, astringency. Too coarse, and your brew may taste weak or sour.

That’s why matching the right grind to your method is essential.

Different coffee brewing methods

Grind Sizes by Brewing Method

1. Espresso – Extra Fine

Texture: Powdery, like table salt or flour
Why: Espresso requires high pressure and short contact time. A fine grind gives enough resistance for full extraction.
Tip: Consistency is crucial: a burr grinder makes a big difference here.

2. Moka Pot – Fine

Texture: Slightly coarser than espresso
Why: Moka pots brew with steam pressure, so a fine grind works well without over-extracting.

3. AeroPress – Medium-Fine to Fine

Texture: Like sand
Why: The AeroPress is flexible. Use finer grinds for short brews, and medium-fine for longer steep times.

4. Pour-Over (V60, Chemex) – Medium

Texture: Like sea salt or regular sand
Why: Balanced flow rate for clear, nuanced brews. Adjust slightly finer or coarser based on brew time.

5. Drip Machine – Medium

Texture: Similar to pour-over
Why: Designed for even, steady extraction.

6. French Press – Coarse

Texture: Like kosher salt
Why: Longer steeping time requires a coarser grind to prevent bitterness and sludge.

7. Cold Brew – Extra Coarse

Texture: Almost like cracked peppercorns
Why: Long brew time (12+ hours) means you need a very coarse grind to avoid over-extraction.

Why Whole Bean Matters

Pre-ground coffee loses its aroma and flavor fast, sometimes within minutes. That’s why we always recommend buying whole-bean specialty coffee and grinding just before brewing. It’s the easiest upgrade for any brewing method.

Fresh Beans, Perfect Grind

At Jaeger Morris, we offer only fresh, whole-bean specialty coffee, including exceptional microlots and rare varieties like Geisha. Our beans are roasted and shipped at peak freshness.

Want to master your brew? Start with better beans.