Grind Levels, Uses and Recommendations
As mentioned in several of our blog posts and articles, the question we get asked most is: What is the best coffee?
Our first answer is usually:
Do you have a grinder?
That is where the conversation needs to begin. From there we can discuss what you like and how you will be preparing it.
If the answer is no, the conversation shifts quickly into why you need a grinder!
Coffee grind level plays a huge role in your coffee experience!
Grind effects everything from extraction, total dissolved solids, aromas and all of the magic that makes coffee great. Every coffee related website seems to have its take on grind size, advice and grinder preferences. Since we don't want to appear biased or snooty, we asked ChatGPT to explain grind levels and search the web for the highest recommended grinder options. Here is a breakdown of what was found.
1. Extra Coarse Grind (Feels like Kosher Salt)
Used for: Cold Brew
The large particles allow for a slow extraction over 12-24 hours, preventing bitterness.
As discussed in past articles, this is my brewing method of choice.
Grinder Recommendation: Conical Burr Grinder
Recommended: Baratza Encore, Fellow Opus, Hand Grinders even a Cuisinart Burr Grinder or Bodum Bistro will work well.
Side note: While we seldom suggest using a blade grinder, if you are in a pinch, the nature of a cold brew extraction lends itself to a blade grinder (just be careful not to over grind the coffee or it will pass through the screen making your coffee muddy).
2. Coarse Grind / Bodum (Feels like Coarse Salt)
Used for: French Press, Percolators, Cowboy Coffee
A coarse grind is used for immersion brewing methods as the large surface area prevents over extraction which would make the coffee bitter. It also prevents grinds from coming up though the screen resulting in a clean, smooth coffee.
Grinder Recommendation: Conical Burr Grinder
Recommended: Similar to above, most decent or even budget burr grinders will work well.
3. Medium-Coarse Grind (Feels like Rough Sand)
Used for: Chemex, Clever Dripper, Hario V60
Works well for pour-over methods with a longer brew time where you can control the water flow and duration of the extraction.
Grinder Recommendations: Conical Burr Grinder
Recommended: Baratza Virtuoso+, Timemore C2
4. Medium Grind / Basket (Like Beach Sand)
Used for: Drip Coffee Makers, Siphon Brewers
This is usually the grind level you'll find if you buy pre-ground coffee at a supermarket. While not always perfect, it will do the trick for most counter top coffee makers and drip brewers.
5. Medium-Fine Grind / Cone (Like Fine Sand)
Used for: Pour-over (if you are in a hurry), Aeropress
This grind allows water flow evenly through it, while coming in contact with as much coffee as possible. This creates a relatively quick brew time without compromising on the extraction. Allows for quicker extraction, great for cone-shaped pour-over brewers.
Grinder Recommendations: Electric Burr Grinder (Start looking into Higher Precision Flat Burr Options)
Recommended: Eureka Mignon Specialita, Fellow Ode Gen 2, Timemore Chestnut X
6. Fine Grind / Espresso (Like Fancy Table Salt)
Used for: Espresso Machines, Moka Pot
This grind level packs tightly together forcing water to require pressure to pass through. The fine grind allows water to contact as much coffee as possible creating the espresso extraction.
Grinder Recommendations: Electric Burr Grinder (High Precision Flat Burr)
Recommended: Eureka Mignon Specialita, Timemore Chestnut X
Grinder Recommendations: Espresso-Specific Flat Burr Grinder
Espresso baristas are a special breed of coffee aficionado, so it goes without saying that Espresso grinders are their own rabbit hole. They require the ability to make and hold slight adjustments. consistency is the name of the game (once you dial in the perfect grind you want it to stay there every time).
Recommended: Niche Zero, Eureka Mignon Specialita, DF64, Mazzer Mini.
7. Extra-Fine Grind / Turkish (Like Powder)
Used for: Turkish Coffee
This ultra fine grind allows for a really full extraction. The high level of dissolved solids creates a bold thick coffee with grounds settling like mud at the bottom of the cup.
Grinder Recommendation: Household Burr Grinders may not grind fine/consistent enough, so a dedicated Turkish grinder is recommended.
Recommended: Comandante C40 (Manual), Zassenhaus Turkish Mill, Bunn G3.
This article is by no means an exhaustive dive into coffee grinds and grinders. While we love coffee and all things coffee our time and budget are limiting factors. If you have any recommendations or suggestions, feel free to reach out to us or comment on our blog. If you are looking for a coffee grinder to up your coffee game, do the research and really figure out what will work best for you. We highly recommend asking other coffee lovers for their input, there is little more that a coffee aficionado enjoys more than sharing their knowledge!