Tips & tricks
Choosing a Grind Size for Your Brewing Method
In short
Short brew, fine grind. Long brew, coarse grind.
Many people don't realise grind size can completely change the flavour of their coffee. The right grind makes your coffee taste sweeter and more balanced. The wrong grind can make it taste bitter, sour or weak.
This guide will help you pick the right grind setting, and decide whether to buy whole beans, ground espresso or ground plunger from Adore.
Quick guide: which grind to choose
| Brewing method | Best grind option |
|---|---|
| Espresso machine | Ground espresso |
| Moka pot | Ground espresso |
| AeroPress | Ground espresso |
| Pour over / V60 | Ground plunger |
| Drip coffee machine | Ground plunger |
| French press / plunger | Ground plunger |
| Cold brew | Ground plunger |
Why does grind size matter in coffee?
Grinding exposes more of the coffee's surface for the water to extract flavour from. A fine grind extracts quickly and a coarse grind extracts slowly. If the grind doesn't match your brewing method, the coffee can over-extract or under-extract.
Here's a simple way to think about it:
- Fine grind means fast extraction
- Coarse grind means slow extraction
- Too fine can taste bitter
- Too coarse can taste weak
Getting the grind right makes brewing much easier, and much more enjoyable.
Which grind size is best for each brewing method?
Espresso machines
Espresso needs a fine grind, because the water pressure is high and the extraction time is very short. A fine grind helps the coffee extract evenly for a sweet, balanced shot. If you use an espresso machine at home, choose our ground espresso option or grind whole beans fine on your grinder.
Stovetop or moka pot
A medium-fine grind works best, somewhere between espresso and pour over. It gives you rich flavour without harsh bitterness.
AeroPress
A medium-fine grind is the most versatile and makes a clear, balanced cup.
Pour over and drip machines
A medium to medium-coarse grind works well. It helps the water flow smoothly through the coffee and gives a clean cup with clear flavour notes.
French press or plunger
A coarse grind is essential. It stops the coffee over-extracting during the long steep and keeps the brew smooth. If you enjoy plunger coffee, choose our ground plunger option or grind your whole beans on a coarse setting.
Cold brew
Cold brew needs a very coarse grind to avoid bitterness. The slow overnight steep extracts flavour gently, so a coarse grind makes a sweeter, cleaner drink.
Should you buy whole beans or pre-ground coffee?
The right grind option makes brewing easier and improves the flavour. Here's the simplest way to decide which suits your routine.
Choose whole beans if you have a grinder at home
Whole beans give you the best freshness and flavour. They also let you adjust the grind for different methods, like espresso, pour over, plunger or cold brew. If you like experimenting, or want the freshest possible cup, whole beans are the best choice.
Choose ground espresso if you brew with pressure
Ground espresso is made for:
- Espresso machines
- Stovetop moka pots
- AeroPress
It's fine enough to extract rich, balanced flavour under pressure.
Choose ground plunger if you brew by steeping or slow extraction
Ground plunger is a coarse grind that works perfectly for:
- French press or plunger
- Cold brew
- Drip or filter brewers that suit a coarser grind
It makes brewing simple and helps prevent bitterness. If your coffee steeps in water rather than passing through quickly, ground plunger is the right choice.
Final thoughts
Grind size is one of the easiest ways to improve your coffee at home. Once you match the grind to your brewing method, your coffee will taste clearer and far more balanced.
Whether you buy whole beans, ground espresso or ground plunger, explore our blends and single origins to find the flavour that suits your daily cup.
