How to Grind Coffee Beans
A burr grinder is the most important tool in your kitchen if you value a consistent cup. It turns beans into uniform particles, whereas blade grinders chop them haphazardly, leading to an uneven extraction where some grounds are bitter and others are weak.
Consistency is the only goal
The setting on your grinder dictates how fast water flows through the grounds. If your brew tastes sour, the grind is likely too coarse; if it is harsh or bitter, it is likely too fine.
- Burr grinder
- Scale
- Airtight storage canister
What goes in.
- variesWhole roasted coffee beans
Calibrating the Gap
Adjust the burrs while the motor is running to avoid jamming the mechanism with trapped beans. This small movement changes the distance between the cutting plates, defining your final particle size.
The method.
Weigh your dose
Use a kitchen scale to measure your beans by weight rather than volume. Start with 15 grams of coffee for every 250 grams of water.
Select your setting
Set the grinder dial. Aim for the texture of sea salt for pour-over, kosher salt for French press, or fine sand for espresso.
Grind in bursts
If you have a large batch, grind in 30-second intervals to prevent the friction of the burrs from heating the coffee, which can alter the oils.
Transfer immediately
Move the grounds directly into your filter or brewing chamber. Freshly ground coffee begins to oxidize and lose its aroma within minutes.
Other turns to take.
The Cold Brew Grind
Use the coarsest setting possible. Because the coffee steeps for 12 to 24 hours, extra-large particles are needed to prevent over-extraction and sludge.
The Espresso Grind
Requires the finest setting. The grounds should feel powdery, clumping slightly when pressed between your fingers.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Clean your grinder burrs monthly with a stiff-bristled brush to remove old oils that turn rancid.
Grind a small amount of beans first to flush out any grounds left in the chute from the previous day.
Static electricity can cause grounds to fly everywhere; touch the portafilter or grounds bin to a damp cloth to ground the static.
The ones that keep coming up.
Can I use a blender if I don't have a burr grinder?
Only as a last resort. A blender creates a mix of dust and large boulders, which results in a muddy, unevenly extracted cup. If you must use one, use short, quick pulses.
How do I know if my grind size is correct?
Taste your coffee. If the brew time is too long and the flavor is biting, coarsen the grind. If the brew runs through too fast and the flavor is hollow or sour, tighten the grind.