What Are The 5 Main Coffee Grind Sizes?

The process of grinding coffee is crucial yet often underestimated in coffee-making. While it might be easier to purchase pre-ground coffee, the quality will not compare to freshly ground coffee beans. Therefore, grasping the appropriate coffee grind for various brewing methods is vital. 

There are five main levels of coffee grinding, ranging from extra fine to coarsely ground coffee beans. Let's explore their impact on flavor and how we can apply it to our daily coffee routine.

Coffee Grind Chart: What Are The 5 Main Coffee Grind Sizes?

Different brewing methods require specific coffee grind sizes. Here's a chart for the best grinds for French press, pour-over, siphon, stovetop espresso, and Turkish coffee maker.

Different Types of Grinds and How They Impact Flavor

Here is a brief overview of various coffee grinds and their most suitable uses.

1. Coarse Grind – Best for French Press

Coarse coffee grounds have a similar consistency to kosher salt, with large, even chunks. They are ideal for French press and cold brew methods, as the extended water saturation period allows the coffee beans to fully absorb the water, whether hot during the French press brewing or cold during the cold brew process.

When using a French press, use a coarse, even grind. Coarse ground coffee will look chunky. A coarser grind is necessary for better extraction since the coffee is steeped in boiling water for longer.

Larger, more coarse grinds are best for cold-brew coffee. Because the coffee grounds are steeped in water for up to 24 hours, coarse grinds allow for the gradual extraction of flavor and aromas. An espresso grind would lead to a bitter taste as the extraction process would happen too quickly.

Coarse Ground Coffee Uses:
French Press
Percolators
Cupping/Tasting

Extraction Rate: Very Slow

2. Medium-Coarse Grind – Great for Pour Over 

Medium-coarse ground coffee beans are slightly chunky, similar to rough sand. This coffee grind is not as widely used as espresso, but it is the best for other coffee brewing styles, particularly the Chemex method. 

When making pour-over coffee, it's best to use a medium-coarse grind. This grind should be similar in size to a French press grind but slightly smoother. Different pour-over brewers may require different grinds, so it's worth experimenting to find the best taste. If you use a cone-shaped pour-over, opt for a medium-fine grind instead.

Remember, the finer the grind, the less time the water should contact the coffee.

3. Medium Grind – Best for Siphon Coffee Maker

When shopping for pre-ground coffee at your local grocery store, medium grind is the most widely available option across various brands. This is because medium-grind coffee is versatile and can be used with multiple brewing methods. This type of grind focuses on achieving a consistency size similar to sand or sea salt. 

Siphon coffee requires a medium grind size between the filter and espresso grind sizes but closer to the filter size. Siphon coffee makers usually use a cloth or metal filter, resulting in a full-bodied and clean cup of coffee. It's important to avoid grinding the coffee too finely, as this can clog the filter, and also avoid grinding it too coarsely, as this can result in a lack of flavor due to the quick brewing process.

Medium grind works well with drip, vacuum, single-serve brewing machines, and stovetop brewers. Drip brewing is one of the oldest and most affordable coffee brewing methods.

4. Fine Grind – Best for Espresso Machine or Stovetop Espresso Maker

This is for espresso lovers! The fine grind, also known as the espresso grind, is essential for brewing espresso because of its necessary consistency. It is similar in size to table salt and can be easily found as pre-ground bags found at your local grocery store or your favorite coffee shop.

But why is the espresso grind crucial for making espresso? It all boils down to espresso's rapid brewing style. Since brewing time is very short, the flavor must be extracted as rapidly as possible.

Espresso is famous for its strong flavor, which people love about it. The espresso grind ensures the most robust flavor. Due to their size and extraction requirements, coarse coffee grounds cannot replicate the strength of flavor of the espresso grind. When using stovetop espresso makers, use a fine coffee grind. The grind should be similar in size and feel to sugar and slightly coarser than the grind used for a regular espresso maker.

Even a slight difference in grind size can drastically affect the taste of the extracted coffee, so it's essential always to use fine coffee grinds when brewing espresso in an espresso machine or moka pot espresso maker.

5. Extra Fine Grind – Best for Turkish Coffee Maker

The size and consistency of extra-fine grind of coffee beans are similar to that of powdered sugar. The extra-fine grind is even finer than what's used in espresso. The grounds need to be so fine that some grinders may be unable to handle Turkish coffee. Therefore, when choosing a coffee grinder, ensure it has the correct settings for Turkish coffee. This grind has a high-speed extraction rate and is only used for these two types of coffee:

Turkish Coffee

To make Turkish coffee, you must use a small pot with a long handle called a cezve. In the past, cezve pots were made of brass or copper, but now they are also made of stainless steel, aluminum, or ceramics. This unfiltered process results in a highly caffeinated cup of coffee.

Arabic Coffee

The coffee brewing style known as Arabic coffee was developed in Arab countries and is widely used there. Extra-fine coffee grounds are often mixed with cardamom for additional flavor. Arabic coffee is steeped in tradition and cultural significance. It's served in finjan, an elegantly adorned cup used for family gatherings or entertaining guests.

The Daily Grind is Worth It

Finding the perfect grind for your daily coffee ritual can be overwhelming, but it's always worth it. Whether you prefer the fine grind of espresso or the coarser texture of ground coffee, achieving that ideal grind is worth celebrating. Aim to achieve perfection with every sip!