The grind is the invisible element that changes everything in a cup of coffee.
Too fine or too coarse, it can turn an exceptional coffee into a disappointing experience.
At Cosy Coffee , we see it every day: the same coffee can reveal gourmet, fruity or flat aromas… only depending on how it is ground.
In this guide, we explain how to choose the right grind for each method—espresso, filter, moka, and French press—so your cup always comes out on top.
1. Why grinding is key
The grind directly influences the extraction time and the balance of aromas :
Too fine → over-extraction: bitter, heavy, drying taste.
Too coarse → under-extraction: flat, acidic, watery taste.
💡 Concrete example: Take a Cosy Coffee specialty coffee roasted for espresso. With a fine grind, you get a dense body, a thick crema, and a long finish. With a medium grind, the aromas become lighter, the acidity rises, and the crema disappears.
2. Visual cues by method
|
Method |
Grind size |
Average extraction time |
Cup rendering |
|
Espresso |
Fine (flour texture) |
25–30 sec |
Intense, creamy, full-bodied |
|
Filter (V60, Chemex) |
Medium (fine sand) |
2:30 – 4 min |
Clear, aromatic, clean |
|
Italian mocha |
Between fine and medium |
2 – 3 min |
Full-bodied, balanced, slightly bitter |
|
French press |
Coarse (large grains) |
4 – 5 min |
Round, soft, rich texture |
Cosy Coffee Tip :
Our espresso coffees are ground finer to extract strength and body.
Our filter coffees are optimized for clarity and finesse.
3. Adjust to taste
The grind is not fixed: it adapts to your tastes.
Too acidic → finer grind or longer extraction.
Too bitter → coarser grind or shorter extraction.
Not aromatic enough → check freshness and adjust grind size.
🔑 Use a burr grinder rather than a blade grinder for more consistency. And always grind just before brewing .
4. Practical tips
Clean your mill regularly : oils go rancid quickly.
Use a scale : 18g for a double espresso, 15–20g for a V60, for example.
Keep a notebook : note down coffee, grind, method, time and result in cup.
5. Quick FAQs
Can the same grind be used for all methods?
No. Each method has a different extraction time, so proper grinding is essential.
Why is my espresso grind blocking the machine?
It's probably too fine. Open the grinder setting slightly.
What is the difference between a burr mill and a blade mill?
The burr mill cuts evenly, the blade mill breaks unevenly, giving an unbalanced extraction.
Grinding is one of the simplest and most powerful levers to improve your coffee at home.
By adjusting the size according to the method and your tastes, you open up a world of aromas and pleasure.
📌 Explore our:
Preparation guides
Espresso coffees
Filter coffees
