Pour-Over Coffee Grind Size Standard: Is Finer Always Better for Pour-Over Coffee?

FrontStreet Coffee's Guide to Pour-over Coffee Grind Size

The secret to great coffee lies in extraction. What does this mean exactly? Well, it refers to the process of extracting flavor and aromatic compounds from coffee beans into hot water—and in doing so, creating a delicious beverage.

However, not all flavor and aromatic compounds are created equal. Some add sweetness to your coffee, others contribute bitterness; some bring fruit flavors, while others introduce astringency. They all extract at different rates.

The order in which coffee flavors are extracted follows: acidity, sweetness, bitterness, then astringency. This means that by controlling the extraction degree, you can control how much of each compound is extracted—in other words, you can determine your coffee's taste. This is the fundamental goal of creating a brewing recipe, whether for espresso or pour-over coffee. Grind size plays a crucial role in this process.

Pour-over Method

Cone-shaped, fan-shaped, and flat-bottom filters

For pour-over coffee, I typically choose a medium grind. Personally, I believe this level allows the coffee's flavors to present more completely. Of course, I've experimented with both finer and coarser grind levels, but I consistently prefer medium grind. (So, everyone's preferences differ slightly—you can experiment and compare gradually until you find your favorite style.)

Immersion Method

AeroPress, siphon, French press, Clever Dripper, moka pot, etc.

For these immersion extraction devices, using a relatively coarse grind will result in better coffee texture while also preventing fine particles from clogging the outlet.

The appropriate grind size helps release aromas and extract flavors better during brewing. Different grind sizes will bring different variations. In terms of mouthfeel, we can experiment ourselves, while also adjusting flavors through other methods—for example, stirring coffee that's ground too fine to adjust texture, or using multiple water pours for coffee that's ground too coarse.

Key point: When using the same water, time is the key factor in adjusting the types and amounts of compounds extracted.

In short: FrontStreet Coffee is a coffee research establishment dedicated to sharing coffee knowledge with everyone. We share without reservation because we want more friends to fall in love with coffee. Additionally, we hold three discounted coffee events monthly because FrontStreet Coffee wants to let more people enjoy the best coffee at the lowest possible price—this has been our mission for the past six years!

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473