Dialing in Your Coffee Grind
The relationship between your grinder and your dripper is the most significant factor in your morning cup. Understanding how particle size dictates flow rate allows you to troubleshoot any brewing device.
Consistency is the only metric that matters.
Before adjusting your dial, ensure your grinder is clean and empty of old dust. Changes to grind size should be made in small increments while the burrs are spinning.
- Burr grinder
- Digital scale
- Brewing device (dripper or press)
What goes in.
- 20gwhole coffee beans
- 300gfiltered water at 200°F
Micro-adjustments
Only change one variable at a time. If you alter your grind size, keep your water temperature and coffee-to-water ratio identical until you reach the desired flavor.
The method.
Set the baseline
Start with a texture familiar to your method: coarse like sea salt for a French press, or fine like table salt for a pour-over.
Observe the flow
Pour your water. If the water rushes through the bed instantly and leaves the grounds flat, the particles are too large; tighten the setting.
Check the bed
After the brew finishes, inspect the used coffee grounds. A flat, muddy surface suggests over-extraction, while a high, domed surface might indicate the water didn't extract enough.
Taste and refine
If the cup leaves a dry sensation on your tongue, go coarser. If the cup lacks body and tastes like weak tea, go finer.
Other turns to take.
French Press
Requires a coarse, chunky grind to prevent silt from passing through the metal mesh filter.
Pour-Over
Requires a medium-fine grind, similar to sand, to maintain a consistent draw-down time of 3 to 4 minutes.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Always adjust the grinder while the motor is running to avoid jamming the burrs.
Keep a log of your grind settings for different beans; different roast levels will affect how the beans shatter in the burrs.
Fresh beans require a slightly finer grind than older, gassed-out beans.
The ones that keep coming up.
How do I know if my grinder is the problem?
If you see a mix of boulder-sized chunks and fine dust in your grounds, your grinder is producing inconsistent particles, which makes it impossible to achieve a balanced extraction.
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