How to adjust the grind size of your coffee grinder for the best taste?

Adjusting the grind size of your Ground Coffee Machine for the best taste is a delicate process, as each brewing method requires different ground coffee, and everyone has different preferences for the taste of coffee. It is important to know the grind size required for different brewing methods. For example, if you plan to use an espresso machine, you will need a very fine grind. A fine grind increases the contact area between the coffee and the water, which can extract the strong flavor of the coffee in a short time. The espresso making process requires high pressure to force water through fine coffee grounds, so a grind that is too coarse will result in a coffee that tastes too light and does not fully extract the flavor of the coffee. However, if the grind is too fine, it may cause over-extraction, produce a bitter or burnt taste, and affect the balance of the flavor of the coffee.

For drip coffee, a moderate grind size is ideal. You can grind the coffee grounds to a particle size similar to granulated sugar, which ensures that the water can pass through the coffee grounds smoothly and extracts rich flavors in the right amount of time. If the grind is too fine, the coffee liquid flows too slowly, which may lead to over-extraction and bitter taste of coffee; while too coarse grinding may lead to under-extraction and the coffee taste is weak.

French Press usually requires coarser grinding. This method requires the coffee powder to remain larger particles, which can ensure that the water and coffee powder are in contact for a longer time without causing over-extraction. Too fine coffee powder may block the filter and affect the flow of water, which will eventually lead to cloudy and even bitter taste of coffee. Coarser grinding can maintain the clarity of coffee, and the taste of coffee is smoother and mellower.

Cold Brew requires very coarse grinding. Because the cold brew process usually requires a long soaking time (usually more than 12 hours), coarse grinding can help water extract the flavor of coffee evenly for a long time without releasing too much bitter substances in coffee. Too fine grinding will cause cold brew coffee to have too much bitterness and unbalanced taste.

The adjustment of grinding degree needs to be fine-tuned according to your brewing method. When adjusting, it is recommended to start with a medium grind and then experiment gradually. After each adjustment, brew a cup of coffee, taste its taste, and find the most suitable grind. Try not to make too big a change at once each time, so that you can more accurately perceive the impact of different grinds on the taste of coffee. During the adjustment process, you can notice the aroma, acidity, bitterness, sweetness and overall balance of the coffee. If the coffee is too bitter or too sour, you may need to adjust the grind to change the balance of extraction.

The type of grinder will also affect the grinding effect. For example, due to the limitations of the operating principle of the blade grinder, the size of the coffee powder particles may be uneven, affecting the consistency of extraction. The uneven particle size will cause some coffee powder to be over-extracted and some to be under-extracted, which will affect the taste. The conical grinder can provide more uniform particles, which is convenient for more precise adjustment of the grind, ensuring a more stable and consistent taste for each brew.

While adjusting the grind, water temperature and soaking time are also factors that cannot be ignored. After the grind is adjusted, the combination of water temperature and soaking time will also affect the final taste. A finer grind usually requires a shorter steeping time because it releases the coffee's flavor quickly, while a coarser grind requires a longer steeping time to fully extract the coffee's essence. Controlling the water temperature is equally important, as too high a water temperature may cause the coffee to be over-extracted, resulting in a bitter taste, while too low a water temperature may result in under-extraction, resulting in a bland taste.