There are many variables that contribute to how you make a great cup of coffee. Temperature, dose, and grind size are some of the most common variables to work with, and all of the above depend on your chosen brew method. When it comes to determining which grind size to order for your coffee, how you plan to prepare your coffee will dictate the right grind for your needs.
Why does the right coffee grind matter?
Different methods for brewing coffee expose hot water to ground coffee for different amounts of time. The longer the coffee grounds are exposed to hot water, the coarser (larger) the grind should be.
Whether you’re buying whole beans and grinding on your own, or you’re buying pre-ground coffee, you’ll want to make sure to match the grind size to the preparation method you intend to use in order to get the best results.
Klatch Coffee offers six options on most of our beans:
- Whole Bean
- Extra Coarse
- Coarse
- Medium Coarse
- Medium
- Fine
Let’s take a look at each of these options and their intended use, starting with the coarser grinds and working toward the finest (smallest) grind!
Whole Bean
Customers who plan to grind their own beans should purchase whole bean coffee. This option allows you to vary the size of the grind, and grind only what’s needed at the moment. Buying whole bean coffee allows you to keep your options open if you frequently use multiple different brewing methods, and also helps maintain the freshest cup of coffee as you’re only grinding as-needed.
Extra Coarse Grind
An Extra Coarse grind is typically recommended for preparing cold brew coffee. If you’re grinding your own beans, this will usually be the coarsest possible setting on your grinder. Since cold brew usually steeps for 12 to 24 hours, you want the coffee to be as coarse as possible to prevent any acidity or sourness in your coffee.
Coarse Grind
If you intend to use a French Press or Percolator, choose our Coarse grind option. This is a little finer than the Extra Coarse grind, as you aren’t exposing your coffee to water for as long as cold brew, but these will be the next slowest two brew methods.
Medium Coarse Grind
Brewing with a Chemex or Cone Filter? Use a Medium Coarse grind!
Medium Grind
Choose a Medium grind for Pour Over* or Auto-Drip brewing. If you purchase ground coffee from a grocery store, for example, it will typically be a Medium grind. This grind size is visually most similar in size to small grains of beach sand.
*Note: different Pour Over brewers might need a slightly coarser or finer grind due to their differing designs. Remember: the more time the hot water spends in contact with the coffee grind, the coarser the grind should be.
Fine Grind
A Fine grind is used when preparing espresso. Since espresso is the quickest brewing method, and your coffee grounds are only in contact with hot water for a very short period of time, a Fine grind is most appropriate. This grind size is visually similar to the size and feel of table salt.
When we prepare our own espresso shots with coffee such as our WBC World’s Best Espresso in our office or at any of our cafes, for example, we’ll use a Fine grind!
What if the wrong grind is used?
The right grind plays an important role in the quality and taste of your cup of coffee. Coffee that comes out too watery could suggest that a finer grind is needed, while bitter coffee is an indicator that a coarser grind is required in the future.
Your personal preferences and tastes
These are suitable guidelines for choosing a coffee grind, but the specific equipment you’re using and your own personal preferences might mean choosing a slightly coarser or finer grind than what’s commonly recommended. It’s OK to experiment!
If you’re a Klatch club subscriber, you can change your grind preferences for future orders at any time. If you have any further questions or want to share your latest favorite grind size and brewer combo, feel free to reach out to us via email or give us a phone call!