We talk a lot about coffee; where it’s from, how it’s roasted, and whether it has hints of chocolate, berries, or caramel. We fuss over water temperature, timing, and even the cup we drink it from. But there’s one quiet detail that has a huge impact on how your coffee tastes which most people don’t even think about it.
It’s grind size.
Yes, the way your coffee is ground can completely change your brew. Get it right, and even a modest blend can taste rich and balanced. Get it wrong, and even the fanciest beans might leave you disappointed. It’s a simple factor, but it holds the key to making every cup you brew taste better.
Why does grind size matter?
It comes down to extraction, which is the process of pulling flavour from the coffee beans. If your grind is too coarse, the water will pass through too quickly, leading to under-extraction and a weak, sour taste. On the flip side, if your grind is too fine, water will struggle to pass through the coffee, resulting in over-extraction and bitter tasting coffee.
The goal is balance. You want the water and coffee to have just the right amount of contact time; not too little, not too much, so the flavour is properly drawn out. Getting the grind right is a bit like seasoning your food. A small tweak can take something good and make it great.
Here’s a short list of the different grind sizes:
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Espresso: Fine grind, like table salt or finer
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Moka Pot: Fine grind, slightly coarser than espresso
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AeroPress: Medium-fine grind, slightly finer than regular sand
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Filter: Medium grind, like sand
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French Press: Coarse grind, like sea salt
Each method needs its own ideal grind size. That’s because the way water interacts with the coffee; whether it’s slow, fast, under pressure or steeping, changes how the flavour is extracted. Using the right grind helps avoid bitterness, blandness, or that sharp tang you sometimes get when something’s off.
Think of grind size as tuning your brewing method. Get it wrong, and your coffee might taste flat or harsh. Get it right, and you unlock the full potential of your beans.
Dialling in the right grind size is the key to unlocking the best flavour your beans have to offer. So next time your coffee tastes off, don’t blame the beans, check your grind.
If you’ve not got a grinder at home, no problem, we’ve got you covered. When you purchase coffee from us, we’re happy to grind your beans to suit your preferred brewing method.
Just let us know how you make your coffee; French Press, Espresso, Filter, AeroPress, or anything else, and we’ll grind your beans to the ideal size for that method. This ensures you get the best possible flavour right out of the bag, no extra equipment needed.
It also saves you time and effort. You don’t need to invest in a grinder or guess which setting to use. We’ll do the work for you; freshly ground, ready to brew, and matched perfectly to your method.
So whether you’re a seasoned coffee fan or just getting started, you can enjoy a better cup with no extra hassle.
At Maison Dieu, we sell freshly roasted, speciality coffee that’s full of character and flavour. Whether you like it bold, bright, or beautifully balanced, we’ve got a roast for you and we’ll grind it exactly how you need it. Just tell us how you brew, and we’ll take care of the rest.