When considering how finely espresso should be ground, it’s important to remember that getting it right could be your path to the perfect cup. That’s because it won’t matter how high quality your beans are if you can’t grind them to the right consistency. An improper grind can lead to watery, bland brews or choked, splattery shots. So, how fine should espresso be ground? Let’s break it down.
Does grind size matter for espresso?
Just like all coffee, the grind size matters for espresso. Grind size affects the way the coffee is extracted and the method of extraction (espresso machines, moka pot, french press, drip, etc.) needs to be considered when determining size. That’s because each method of brewing extracts flavor differently. French press, for instance, has no filter other than the mesh on the plunger, so larger grounds keep the grit out of your coffee and a longer steeping time keeps it flavorful.
So what does that mean for espresso? Ideally, you’ll want a relatively fine grind. But some trial and error may be needed before you land on the perfect size for your machine. If you grind the coffee too finely, then you’ll be stuck with bitter, over-extracted shots that can even choke your machine and make a mess. If you grind it too coarsely, you can get sour, weak shots that are totally under-extracted.
Ideally, a great shot takes about 25–30 seconds to pour.
What should espresso grounds look like?
Because espresso machines can use more force to saturate the grounds with water, the grounds should be finer. That’s why they’re finer than french press and even drip coffee grounds. If you’re used to buying preground drip coffee at the grocery store, that’s a good comparison to know if your espresso grounds are too coarse. They should be finer than that.
So how fine should espresso grounds be, and how do you know when you’ve achieved it? For starters, it should clump slightly when pinched but not stick together like powder. It should stick to your fingers and feel slightly finer than table salt. This of course is only if you’re using a countertop espresso machine. There are different sizes for moka pots and stovetop espresso makers.
Ultimately, using the right grind size will help you achieve a better flavor, more consistent brews, and a higher-quality cup.
How to adjust espresso grind size
You can’t tell exactly how to grind your espresso just by looking at it. The only way to know for sure is by brewing it and noting the flavor. So, if you try it one way and find yourself drinking a subpar cup, it’s time to start playing around with your grind adjustments.
Start with your grinder settings
First things first: make sure you’re using a burr grinder to grind your espresso! If you’re using a blade grinder, you’ll be unable to get the texture and consistency you need for a good cup of espresso. A proper burr grinder will offer you lots of room for adjustment, but start with small changes — just go one notch at a time.
Once you’ve adjusted your settings, you can brew a test batch and do a taste test. Brew your espresso as normal, but keep a close eye on brew time, flow rate, and shot volume. If any of those seem off, you’ll immediately know you must make further adjustments. If all of those seem more or less correct, give it a taste and keep fiddling until you’ve found the right settings to brew the perfect cup.
Account for the humidity, beans, and the machine
Where can you go beyond just how finely espresso should be ground? It’s time to take outside factors into account! To do that, look at:
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Bean Roast: Lighter roasts may need finer grinds and darker roasts may need coarser grinds. This will likely come down to a taste test with your favorite beans.
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Humidity & storage: Humidity can affect grind—coffee absorbs moisture. So if you’re not storing your beans properly and your kitchen runs humid, you may want to make a change.
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Your machine’s specs: Different espresso machines have different pressure and basket sizes. Learn what your machine can do so you can brew the best cup possible.
Signs you need to adjust your grind size
Shots pour too quickly/slowly
The ideal shot pour time is around 25–30 seconds for a double shot from the moment the pump starts. If your shot runs too fast (under 20 seconds), the grind is likely too coarse which means the puck can’t be packed tightly enough. But if your shot runs slow (more than 35 seconds), the grind is too fine, and the puck is too tight. This is where you can see channeling occur, which makes your shots taste worse.
The flavor is suddenly off
If you’ve been pouring good shots for a while, but suddenly your cup doesn’t taste right, that’s a symptom of some possible extraction issues. If it tastes bitter and dry, you’ve likely over-extracted your coffee, and it’s ground too fine. If it’s sour and watery, you’ve under-extracted it with too coarse of a grind.
If you recently acquired new equipment, you might be experiencing a learning curve. If you’re trying a new bag of beans from a different roaster, then it’s a simple matter of finding what grind makes them taste the way you want.
Change in beans or environment (humidity/temp)
Environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature can affect grind behavior. Beans can absorb moisture from the air in high humidity, which might mean you need a coarser grind. In dry, desert-like conditions then a finer grind might help. But the best way to deal with this is to store your beans properly, ideally in an airtight container to help protect them from the elements.
It’s also important to note that different beans have different densities. Lighter roasts typically need finer grinds than darker roasts, so pay attention to the type of beans you’re buying.
Grind consistency is key — and so are the right tools!
With the perfect grind, leveling up the rest of your coffee setup with professional quality gear will make an even bigger difference. Pesado sells all the accessories you need to pull professional quality shots home. F
rom solid tampers to portafilters to the best distribution tools, you can really start creating the kinds of espresso drinks you used to have to go to your cafe for. Shop the entire collection here.
