A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Coffee Grind

Buying great coffee is one thing but, getting the grind right is what makes it taste its best.

If you’ve ever wondered which grind to choose, you’re not alone. Espresso? Filter? Cafetière? It can feel confusing at first, but once you understand the basics, it’s simple.

This guide will help you choose the right grind for your brew, so you can get the most out of every cup.

 

Why Grind Size Matters

The grind size controls how quickly water extracts flavour from the coffee.

• Too fine → over-extraction (bitter, heavy taste)
• Too coarse → under-extraction (weak, sour taste)

The goal is to have a balance and the right grind helps you get there.

 

Espresso Grind (Fine)

Best for:
• Espresso machines
• Stove-top (Moka pot)

What it’s like:
A fine, powdery texture (similar to table salt)

What it does:
Slows down water flow, creating a rich, intense shot with a smooth crema.

Flavour profile:
Bold, concentrated, full-bodied

 

Filter Grind (Medium)

Best for:
• Pour over (V60)
• Drip/filter coffee machines

What it’s like:
Slightly coarser, like granulated sugar

What it does:
Allows water to pass through at a steady rate for a clean, balanced brew.

Flavour profile:
Smooth, bright, well-balanced

 

Cafetière / French Press (Coarse)

Best for:
• Cafetière (French Press)

What it’s like:
Chunky and coarse - similar to sea salt

What it does:
Slower extraction over a longer time, giving a fuller body.

Flavour profile:
Rich, rounded, slightly heavier

 

Quick Cheat Sheet

• Espresso machine? → Fine grind
• Pour over or filter? → Medium grind
• Cafetière? → Coarse grind

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the same grind for every method
• Buying pre-ground coffee without checking suitability
• Going too fine for filter (leads to bitterness)
• Going too coarse for espresso (leads to weak shots)

 

Want the Best Results?

If you can, grind fresh at home, it makes a noticeable difference in flavour. But if you’re buying pre-ground, choosing the right option ensures your coffee performs exactly as it should.

At Bró, we offer our coffees in a range of grind options, so whether you’re brewing espresso, filter, or cafetière, you’ll get a cup that’s smooth, balanced, and true to the blend.