Home Barista Guide: Choosing the Right Grind to Unlock Every Aroma

You can buy the best coffee in the world, but if the grind is not adapted, the cup will never be as good as it should be. Grind size is one of the most important parameters in extraction. Once you master it, every bag of coffee reveals its full potential.

Why is grind size so important?

When hot water comes into contact with coffee:

Too fine a grind → extraction takes too long, resulting in a bitter, astringent cup.

Too coarse a grind → extraction is too fast, producing acidic, “watery” coffee.

The right grind allows balanced extraction: sweetness, aroma, and a lasting finish.

Grind sizes according to brewing methods

To visualize:

Turkish coffee: extra fine, like flour.

Espresso: fine, close to table salt.

Moka pot: between fine and medium-fine.

Filter / V60 / drip machine: medium grind.

AeroPress: often medium-fine, depending on the recipe.

French press: coarse grind.

Cold brew: very coarse.

If your cup doesn’t taste right, adjusting the grind is often the first thing to do.

Common grinding mistakes

Using one grind size for everything
Espresso, filter coffee and French press do not require the same grind.

Ignoring freshness
Very fresh coffee (just after roasting) may require adjustments compared to more “rested” coffee.

Using a blade grinder
It chops beans unevenly. A burr grinder produces a much more consistent grind.

How to adjust your grind like a pro

Start with a grind recommended for your method, then taste:

Bitter, heavy, very dry on the palate → grind slightly coarser.

Sour, sharp, very light → grind slightly finer.

Change only one parameter at a time (the grind) so you can clearly see the difference.

The importance of a good grinder

A good grinder is often the most valuable investment:

Consistent burrs for excellent uniformity.

Precise settings to adapt the grind to each brewing method.

Manual grinders: compact, quiet; electric grinders: fast and convenient.

Pair a quality grinder with 8grams coffee beans and your coffee immediately improves.

Final note

Grind size is the secret language between your coffee and your cup. By learning to master it, you transform an ordinary coffee into a memorable experience.