The Art and Science of Coffee Grind Sizes: Brewing Perfection in Every Cup

Exploring the Spectrum from Extra Coarse to Extra Fine

Grind verbiage and their corresponding micrometer ranges are certainly up for debate but we’ve got to start somewhere. 😉

1. Extra Coarse Grind: Typically around 1,000 µm to 1,400 µm. This grind size is used for cold brew and cowboy coffee, where a slow extraction rate is desired over an extended brewing time.

2. Coarse Grind: Roughly 600 µm to 900 µm. Ideal for French press (plunger or press pot), percolator, or cupping. The coarse particles allow for a slower extraction suitable for these methods.

3. Medium-Coarse Grind: Approximately 500 µm to 700 µm. This size is suitable for Chemex or other pour-over methods that require a slightly longer brew time compared to a medium grind.

4. Medium Grind: About 400 µm to 600 µm. A versatile grind size that works well for drip coffee makers.

5. Medium-Fine Grind: Generally in the range of 300 µm to 500 µm. Good for pour-over cones (Like the Hario V60), and the AeroPress, especially with shorter brewing times.

6. Fine Grind: Usually around 200 µm to 300 µm. Primarily used for espresso machines, where a fine grind is essential for a quick and effective extraction under pressure.

7. Extra Fine Grind: Often 100 µm to 200 µm. This powdery grind is used for making Turkish coffee, which involves simmering coffee unfiltered in water, often with sugar.

Take for instance this Kruve Brewler coffee grind size ‘ruler’. It doesn’t exactly match up with the above but the key piece here is to measure up the micrometer sizes with the brewing method and experimentation. One of these ‘rulers’ is about $19 CAD.

The grind size and particle distribution rabbit hole can be fun and if you are a coffee enthusiast who enjoys gadgets, this one is sure to make the list at some point.

It’s the DIFluid Omni, a high-performance device that integrates advanced roast and particle analysis to help the coffee industry improve quality and meet consumers' demand for high-quality coffee.

• Smart vibration device

• 2D near-infrared imaging

• Multi-band data fusion

• Instant use without preheating

• Multiple data display modes

• 2.8-inch high-definition touchscreen

• Support data with APP

• Supports SDK and OTA

The right grind size can significantly influence the taste and quality of your coffee by affecting the extraction rate and contact time between the coffee and water. Keep in mind that these ranges are approximate and can vary based on the grinder, bean type, and specific brewing method. Experimenting with slightly different grind sizes within these ranges can help you fine-tune the flavor to your preference.

Recap:

1. Extra Coarse Grind: 1,000 - 1,400 micrometers (μm)

   • Cold Brew, Cowboy Coffee

2. Coarse Grind: 800 - 900 micrometers (μm)

   • French Press

   • Cupping (Coffee Tasting)

3. Medium-Coarse Grind: 500 - 700 micrometers (μm)

   • Chemex

4. Medium Grind: 400 - 600 micrometers (μm)

   • Drop Coffee Maker

   • Aeropress (Inverted Method_

5. Medium-Fine Grind: 300 - 400 micrometers (μm)

   • Hario V60 & Pour-Over Cone Shaped Brewers

   • AeroPress (Standard Method)

6. Fine Grind: 200 - 300 micrometers (μm)

   • Espresso

7. Extra Fine Grind: 100 - 200 micrometers (μm)

   • Turkish Coffee

Thanks for reading and love to get your feedback as I journey through the coffee realm.