How Fine Should Espresso Grind Be? How to Achieve the Perfect Espresso Grind?

How Fine Should Espresso Grind Be? How to Adjust the Correct Espresso Grind?

How fine should espresso grind be? How to adjust the correct espresso grind? This is a major challenge for amateur enthusiasts.

Understanding Espresso Grind Adjustment

We must clarify one point: adjusting espresso grind is not a once-and-for-all solution. Changes in coffee bean condition and air humidity will constantly affect espresso extraction. Therefore, we need to fine-tune the grinder to adapt to these changes. Generally, we check every morning whether the grind setting is suitable for extraction with these parameters. Sometimes when weather changes frequently, the grind setting adjusted in the morning may deviate in the afternoon, requiring readjustment.

Factors Affecting Extraction Stability

FrontStreet Coffee wants to specifically explain here that sometimes when extraction is unstable and requires frequent grind adjustments, besides uncontrollable factors like weather, there's another important reason: the freshness of the coffee beans. Very fresh coffee beans contain abundant gases, making extraction unstable and limiting flavor development. Espresso beans generally require a longer aging period. If you want the beans to be more stable, FrontStreet Coffee recommends aging for at least 2 weeks.

Adjusting the appropriate espresso grind can only be achieved through repeated extraction adjustments. Before adjusting the grind, we need to clarify several goals: First, why do we need to adjust the grind? Because the extracted espresso doesn't meet our preset requirements, including extraction parameters and flavor. Second, when adjusting the grind, we should keep other parameters as consistent as possible, such as skilled and precise distribution and tamping techniques, consistent dose and yield. Otherwise, your grind adjustment will be full of uncertainties.

A Quick Method to Determine Grind Size

Here's a simple and quick way to determine grind size: First, apply a 1:2 brew ratio with 20-30 seconds extraction time. The dose should be calculated based on the basket's recommended capacity—for example, use 20g for a 20g basket. Then select a grind setting (should look like flour consistency) and extract while monitoring the time. If the time exceeds 30 seconds, the next extraction needs a coarser grind. If the time is less than 20 seconds, the next extraction needs a finer grind.

Fine-Tuning Through Taste

After controlling extraction time within 20-30 seconds, we then fine-tune by tasting the espresso. If the coffee lacks aroma and is overly acidic, we need to grind finer. If the coffee tastes burnt and bitter, causing discomfort, we need to grind coarser.

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473