Does Coffee Bean Roast Level Affect Grind Size? What Grind Size Should You Use for Different Roasts?

When brewing coffee, we may all encounter the same question: different coffee brewing methods require different equipment. Similarly, for the coffee beans themselves, different roast levels actually require different grind sizes. The grinding for light roast, medium roast, and dark roast coffee beans are all different.

Today, FrontStreet Coffee will use medium roast coffee beans as an example to illustrate the appropriate grind levels for various brewing tools:

1. Espresso Grind

The grind state for espresso is approximately close to powdered sugar. Due to the finer grind degree, larger burrs are generally needed to avoid generating more heat from extended grinding time. Most regular grinders cannot handle this task well, so it's recommended to use a grinder specifically designed for espresso.

2. Siphon Grind

The grind state for siphon brewers is mostly fine grind, approximately the size of fine sugar. The larger surface area speeds up extraction, but due to the longer brewing time, extremely fine grinds like those used for espresso are not suitable.

3. Pour-over and Drip Grind

The grind degree for popular pour-over and American drip coffee makers in recent years mostly belongs to medium grind, typically with particles slightly larger than fine sugar. Because the steeping time is relatively long, using fine grind would extract too many undesirable flavors.

4. French Press Grind

The grind degree for French press is generally coarse grind, with the grind size approximately in the state of rock sugar.

The above are general guidelines. Since there are no absolutes in the world of coffee, next time if you have the opportunity to see a barista using pour-over with a grind level close to the fine grind of siphon brewing, please don't be surprised. They might have made corresponding adjustments in brewing technique, water flow size, and water temperature. When practicing at home, regardless of whichever brewing equipment you use, remember that for each extraction adjustment, only change one variable at a time to reduce variables.

Important Notice :

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