The Fresh Grind Difference

One of the easiest ways to improve the taste of home brewed coffee is to grind whole coffee beans fresh

immediately before brewing. The basis for grinding coffee beans is to generate a larger surface area for the hot

water to extract the flavor and oils from the beans. If coffee is ground too far in advance, the exposure to air

causes the flavor to be released making for a weak cup of coffee when the grounds are brewed.

Coffee starts to lose flavor and aroma within hours of being ground, so even pre-ground coffee stored in airtight

containers is not as fresh and flavorful as freshly ground whole bean coffee. For the widest grinding range with the

most precision, it is recommended to grind with a conical burr grinder. However, for more economical options a

disk or blade grinder can also be utilized.

Reference the below chart for information on grind size and brewing methods:

Grind Size Brewing Method Recommended Grinder Visual Comparison

Coarse French Press/Percolator Blade or Burr Similar to the texture of soil

Medium Drip Coffee Blade or Burr Similar to the texture of sand

Fine Steam Espresso Disk or Conical Burr Similar to the texture of sea salt

Super Fine Pump Espresso Disk or Conical Burr Similar to the texture of fine sugar

Turkish Turkish Conical Burr Similar to the texture of sifted flour