What is The Best Grind Size For Espresso?

If you have ever brewed espresso coffee and found it over-extracted or under-extracted, the grind size can be one of the reasons behind that.

Different coffee brewing methods require different sizes of coffee grounds.

In this article, I will tell you the best grind size for espresso.

Let’s start.

What is grind size?

Grind size is the coarseness or fineness of ground coffee particles produced when coffee beans are ground.

It is an important factor in the coffee brewing process and greatly influences the flavor, aroma, and overall quality of the coffee.

Types of grind sizes

There are various types of coffee grind sizes.

1) Extra coarse

Extra coarse grind has the largest coffee particles among all grind sizes. The texture is similar to breadcrumbs or coarse sea salt. These particles are noticeably larger than those used for most other brewing methods.

2) Coarse size

Coarse grind coffee also resembles breadcrumbs or coarse sea salt, with particles slightly smaller than those in the extra coarse grind.

3) Medium-coarse size

Medium-coarse grind coffee is coarser than table salt but finer than breadcrumbs. The particles are larger than those used in most pour-over methods.

4) Medium grind texture

A medium grind has a texture similar to table salt, with small, uniform particles.
Implications: Medium-grind coffee is commonly used in drip coffee makers with flat-bottom filters.

5) Medium-fine size

Medium-fine grind coffee is slightly finer than table salt, with particles that are smaller and more uniform.

6) Fine grind

Fine-grind coffee has a texture similar to granulated sugar, featuring very small and consistent particles.

7) Extra fine size

Extra fine grind is similar to powdered sugar, with extremely small particles.

This texture is essential for traditional Turkish coffee preparation and some espresso machines designed for Turkish coffee.

The ultra-fine particles ensure a highly concentrated and finely textured coffee that’s characteristic of Turkish coffee.

8) Super fine grind texture

Super fine grind is extremely fine, almost powdery in texture. This size of coffee is used in some specialized espresso machines designed for specific espresso styles.

The ultra-fine particles allow for precise control over the extraction process, resulting in espresso shots made for specific preferences, often with unique flavor profiles.

Effect of every grind size on the taste profile of espresso

1) Fine grind size

It allows for a fast and efficient extraction process in espresso machines as water flows through the grounds relatively quickly.

It can lead to a bright, acidic, and fruity espresso with a lighter body. However, if over-extracted, it can turn bitter and astringent.

2) Medium-fine grind

Medium-fine grinds can produce a balanced espresso with moderate acidity and body. This grind size often strikes a good balance between the bright notes of fine grinds and the richness of coarser grinds.

3) Medium grind size

Medium grinds typically yield a well-balanced espresso with a balanced acidity, a good body, and a smooth, rounded flavor.

4) Medium-coarse grind

Espresso made with medium-coarse grinds may have a fuller body and a milder acidity compared to finer grinds.

5) Coarse grind

Coarse grinds would generally produce under-extracted espresso, which can taste sour and weak. This grind size is not recommended for espresso preparation.

What is the best grind size for espresso?

Espresso generally requires a fine grind. The grind size should be fine enough to ensure that the hot, pressurized water can evenly penetrate the coffee bed so the extraction process can take place efficiently.

While deciding the right espresso grind size, you need to aim for a grind size where the coffee particles measure at least 0.8mm or smaller. This ensures that the water can fully extract the flavors from the coffee grounds during the approximately 25 to 30second extraction time.

However, you need to keep in mind that the ideal grind size can vary depending on the specific coffee beans you are using, as well as the espresso machine you have.

Espresso grinders often have adjustable settings, allowing you to fine-tune the grind size to achieve the best results with your equipment and coffee beans.

Why does espresso need fine grinds?

1) Extraction time

Espresso is brewed under high pressure in a short amount of time, generally around 25-30 seconds.

To achieve a balanced and flavorful shot within this brief window, the coffee grounds need to have a fine texture. It is because fine grinds allow for a quick and efficient extraction because water can flow through them more slowly and uniformly.

2) Pressure and resistance

The espresso machine uses pressure to force hot water through the compacted coffee grounds.

Fine grinds offer more resistance to the water flow which allows the pressurized water to interact with the coffee grounds evenly.

This resistance helps create the rich and concentrated flavor associated with espresso.

3) Surface area

Fine grinds provide a larger surface area for the water to contact. This increased surface area allows for greater extraction of the coffee’s soluble compounds, including oils, sugars, and aromatic compounds, resulting in a more complex and full-bodied flavor.

4) Formation of crema

Fine grinds are essential for the creation of the creamy, caramel-colored crema that sits atop a well-brewed espresso shot. The pressure and fine grind size facilitate the emulsification of oils, which contributes to the crema’s formation.

5) Balanced flavor

A fine grind allows for precise control over the extraction process, leading to a balanced flavor profile. With a consistent and uniform particle size, you can avoid over-extraction (resulting in bitterness) or under-extraction (resulting in sourness), achieving the ideal balance of flavors.

6) Aroma and concentration

Fine grinds help extract a concentrated shot of espresso with a strong aroma and intense flavor. The fine particles release a wide range of aromatic compounds that contribute to the sensory experience of espresso.

7) Shot consistency

Using a consistent, fine grind size ensures that you can replicate the same shot of espresso consistently, making it easier to dial in your espresso machine for optimal results.

Factors that influence the espresso grind size

Though fine grind size is considered the most suitable for espresso brewing, there are some factors that can make you different grind sizes as well.

Here are they:

1) Origin and variety

The type of coffee beans you’re using, including their origin and variety, can impact grind size. Some beans may have unique characteristics that require adjustments in the grind to bring out their full flavor potential.

2) Roast level

Lighter roasts are often dense and may require a slightly coarser grind to allow for adequate extraction.

Medium roasts are versatile and can work well with a range of grind sizes, depending on the desired flavor profile.

Dark roasts are often less dense and may benefit from a finer grind to maximize extraction.

3) Machine and equipment

The type of espresso machine you have (e.g., manual, semi-automatic, or super-automatic) may influence the grind size. Different machines have varying levels of pressure, temperature, and extraction capabilities.

4) Single vs. double shot

The grind size can vary based on whether you’re preparing a single or double shot of espresso. Double shots often require a slightly coarser grind to maintain the desired extraction time.
Extraction Time:

5) Desired extraction time

The typical espresso extraction time is around 25-30 seconds. The grind size should be adjusted to achieve this target time. Finer grinds slow down the extraction, while coarser grinds speed it up.

6) Water quality and temperature

The hardness of your water can affect how efficiently coffee is extracted. Softer water may require a slightly finer grind to balance extraction, while harder water may benefit from a coarser grind.

Espresso machines should deliver water at the correct temperature (usually around 195°F to 205°F or 90°C to 96°C) for optimal extraction. Water temperature influences grind size adjustments.

7) Humidity

Changes in humidity can impact the moisture content of coffee beans, affecting their density. Adjustments in grind size may be necessary under varying humidity conditions.

8) Personal taste preferences

Your preferred flavor profile influences grind size. Some people prefer a brighter, more acidic shot, while others prefer a smoother, fuller-bodied shot. Adjustments in grind size can help achieve your desired taste.

9) Dosing and tamping

The amount of coffee you use (dosing) and how evenly you tamp it can affect the rate of water flow through the grounds. Consistency in dosing and tamping is crucial to maintaining shot consistency.

Why does grind size matter in espresso brewing?

1) Better control of extraction time

Espresso is all about precise control of extraction time. The grind size directly affects how quickly or slowly water flows through the coffee grounds during the brewing process.

Finer grinds slow down the flow, while coarse grinds speed it up. By adjusting the grind size, you can control the time it takes for the water to extract flavors from the coffee.

2) Balanced extraction

Achieving a balanced extraction is the goal of espresso brewing. This means that you want to extract the right amount of soluble compounds from the coffee grounds without over-extracting (which can result in bitterness) or under-extracting (which can lead to sourness).

3) Flavor profile

Different grind sizes extract different flavor compounds from the coffee. A finer grind generally extracts more compounds, resulting in a fuller flavor profile with increased sweetness and body.

Coarser grinds extract fewer compounds, leading to a brighter and more acidic flavor. By selecting the appropriate grind size, you can tailor the flavor of your espresso to your liking.

4) Crema formation

The grind size impacts crema formation because it affects how well the coffee puck resists the pressurized water. A fine grind aids in the emulsification of oils, which contributes to crema development.

So if you use any other grind size rather than the fine one, you may not get the perfect crema in your cup.

5) Extraction efficiency

The grind size also influences the efficiency of the extraction process. Inconsistent or improper grind sizes can result in channeling, where water flows through paths of least resistance in the coffee puck, leading to uneven extraction and suboptimal flavor.

6) Shot consistency

Consistency is key in espresso brewing. A consistent grind size ensures that each shot you pull is uniform in flavor, strength, and quality. It allows you to replicate your desired results and make precise adjustments as needed.

7) Equipment compatibility

Different espresso machines, particularly those with various pressure settings, require specific grind sizes to function optimally. Matching the grind size to your equipment ensures that you’re making the most of your espresso machine’s capabilities.

Wrapping up

Here, I have got you covered with the right espresso grind size. Along with this, we have discussed lots of other various aspects of grind size.

I hope this article will help you enhance your espresso brewing by informing you about the grind size to use while brewing espresso coffee.

Remember, fine grounds are the most popular choice when it comes to espresso.

However, you can always try different sizes and decide what works best for you.