[Video Guide] How to Grind Coffee: The Complete Guide to Grinders, Grind Sizes & Brewing Success

Grinding coffee might seem as simple as pushing a button, but there’s much more to it if you want to unlock the best flavors from your beans. The grinder you choose, the grind size you set, and even the roast level you’re working with all have a huge impact on your final cup. In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials of grinding coffee like a pro—from choosing the right grinder to dialing in the perfect grind size for your brewing method.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Is a burr grinder really better than a blade grinder?
Yes. Burr grinders produce consistent particle sizes, which allows for even extraction. Blade grinders chop beans unevenly, leading to poor flavor.

What grind size should I use for French press?
A coarse grind works best for French press, allowing for a full-bodied extraction without too much bitterness.

Can I use the same grind size for all brewing methods?
Not ideally. Each brewing method requires a specific grind size to achieve the best flavor balance.

Do light and dark roasts need different grind sizes?
Yes. Light roasts generally need a finer grind to help with extraction, while dark roasts benefit from a slightly coarser grind to avoid over-extraction.

How do I keep ground coffee fresh?
Always grind right before brewing. Store beans in an airtight container in a cool, dark place—never in the fridge or freezer.

Grinding coffee is one of the most important steps in brewing a great cup. Freshly ground beans can make the difference between a rich, flavorful coffee and one that tastes flat or unbalanced. Let’s break down the essentials so you can grind coffee like a pro.

Choosing the Right Grinder

Not all grinders are created equal. Burr grinders are considered the gold standard, producing consistent particle sizes that allow for even extraction. Hand burr grinders are affordable and portable, though they take time and effort. Brands like Hario and Porlex offer great options for beginners.

Electric burr grinders are faster, more consistent, and perfect for frequent brewers or households making multiple cups. While they take up more counter space and cost more, they’re worth the investment. On the other hand, blade grinders should be avoided. Instead of grinding, they chop beans unevenly, leading to poor extraction and inconsistent flavor.

For espresso lovers, precision is key. A fine and consistent grind is essential, so look for grinders like the Rancilio Rocky or Breville Smart Grinder Pro. If you’re ready to invest in the best, high-end grinders like the Eureka Mignon or Fellow Ode deliver exceptional results and long-term reliability.

Grind Size for Brewing Methods

Grind size is the secret to unlocking flavor. A coarse grind is best for French press or cold brew, as it allows for slow, even extraction. Medium grind is versatile and works for drip machines, pour-overs, and Aeropress. Fine grind is essential for espresso, as it extracts quickly under pressure to deliver intense flavor.

The best way to know if your grind size is correct is to taste your coffee. If it’s bitter, your grind is probably too fine. If it’s sour, it’s likely too coarse. Adjust gradually until you find the sweet spot.

Light vs. Dark Roast Grinding

Light roasts are harder to extract, so they benefit from a slightly finer grind that exposes more surface area. Dark roasts, being more porous, extract more easily and often work better with a slightly coarser grind to prevent over-extraction and bitterness.

Pro Tips for Grinding Coffee

• Experiment: Use general grind guidelines, but trust your taste and adjust.

• Reduce static: Spritz beans lightly with water before grinding to keep grounds from clinging.

• Grind fresh: Only grind what you need right before brewing, since coffee loses freshness quickly after grinding.

• Store properly: Keep beans in an airtight container away from light, air, and moisture. Skip the fridge or freezer, which can introduce unwanted odors and moisture.

Mastering grinding may take some experimentation, but once you dial in your grinder and grind size, you’ll notice a huge improvement in your coffee.

Full Video Transcript: 

"How to grind coffee. Get a grinder, get some coffee, grind it, done. Well, yes—that is true, but there’s a little more to it. I’m here to guide you through all of the essentials to grinding coffee like a pro. We’ll cover the types of grinders, the best grind size depending on your brewing method, how to grind for light or dark roasts, and also what you’ll want to avoid. I’m Lizzy, and I’m all about helping you make better coffee at home. If that’s something you want to know more about, then subscribe.

The grinder you choose can make or break your coffee experience. It’s the difference between great coffee and just average coffee. Burr grinders are the gold standard. Hand burr grinders are affordable and portable, and they provide a consistent grind. The only downside is that they’re time-consuming and can be a bit of a workout, especially if you’re grinding for more than one cup. If you enjoy the process, brands like Hario or Porlex offer reliable options.

If you’re serious about your coffee, an electric burr grinder is the way to go. These are quick, consistent, and easy to use—perfect for frequent brewers or those making coffee for multiple people. They’re more expensive and take up more counter space, but the investment is worth it.

Now, let’s talk about blade grinders. Avoid these at all costs. I used to use one before I knew better, and the coffee just didn’t taste right. Blade grinders chop rather than grind, which leads to inconsistent particle sizes. This inconsistency results in uneven extraction, with some grounds being over-extracted and others under-extracted. Using a blade grinder is like trying to cut your lawn with a pair of scissors—it’s just not the right tool. If you look closely at a grind from a burr grinder versus a blade grinder, you’ll see the difference immediately.

For espresso lovers, precision is key. Espresso requires a very fine and consistent grind, which only certain grinders can achieve. These grinders allow for precise adjustments, making them essential for anyone serious about espresso. Consider options like the Rancilio Rocky or the Breville Smart Grinder Pro. They’re more expensive, but worth the investment if you want great espresso. I’ve used the Fellow Opus in the past—it’s a good all-rounder, but it can be tricky to dial in compared to a grinder dedicated to espresso.

If you’re just starting out, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good grinder. Entry-level burr grinders are a solid choice. But if you’re ready to invest in the best, look into grinders like the Eureka Mignon or the Fellow Ode. These offer exceptional performance and build quality, ensuring a consistent grind for years to come. Personally, I love the Fellow Ode—it’s consistent, easy to use, and built to last.

Grind size is the secret ingredient to unlocking the best flavors from your beans. A coarse grind is best for French press and cold brew. These large, chunky particles allow for slow, full extraction, which suits immersion methods. A medium grind works well for drip coffee makers and Aeropress—though you may need to experiment a little. It’s a balanced grind that works for many brewing methods. For espresso, you need a fine grind. The very fine particles extract quickly under pressure, delivering the intense flavors espresso lovers crave.

How do you know if your grind size is right? Start with a visual inspection—compare your grind to a reference chart. Coffee enthusiasts can even get a grind size ruler to measure particles. But the ultimate test is taste. Brew a cup and see how it tastes. If it’s too bitter, your grind might be too fine. If it’s too sour, it’s probably too coarse.

Generally, light roasts require a finer grind to bring out their subtle flavors, since they’re harder to extract. Dark roasts, on the other hand, can benefit from a coarser grind to balance their stronger, more robust flavors. Darker roasts are more porous and extract more easily, so they don’t need as much surface area. Mastering grind size is all about experimentation—use these guidelines as a starting point, but adjust based on taste.

Here’s a quick tip before we wrap up: spritzing your beans with a little water before grinding can help reduce static electricity. This small step keeps your workspace cleaner and prevents grounds from sticking everywhere.

To keep your coffee fresh, store it in airtight containers, away from light, air, and moisture—all of which degrade flavor. Only grind what you need for immediate use, since coffee starts losing freshness as soon as it’s ground. And avoid storing coffee in the fridge or freezer. Contrary to popular belief, that can introduce moisture and odors that affect flavor.

If you’d like to learn more, check out my video on how to make the perfect moka pot. Or, if you want to brew a delicious French press, click the video linked here. Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you next time."