A Simple Guide to Great Coffee

Grind Types & Why They Matter

Once roasted, how you grind your coffee has a huge impact on taste. The grind controls how quickly water extracts flavour.

Coffee Grind Types

Whole Bean

  • Best for: Freshness & flexibility
  • Benefits: Longest shelf life, maximum aroma

Grinding just before brewing keeps flavours vibrant. If you can, whole bean is always worth it.

Espresso Grind

  • Texture: Very fine, almost powdery
  • Best for: Espresso machines, moka pots
  • Benefits: Allows fast extraction under pressure

Too coarse and espresso tastes sour. Too fine and it turns bitter — precision matters here.

Filter Grind

  • Texture: Medium to coarse
  • Best for: Pour-over, drip machines, Chemex
  • Benefits: Clean, balanced extraction

Filter grinds slow water just enough to draw out sweetness and clarity without harshness.