What is the Best Grind Size For Pour-Over? (Better Extraction)

One aspect that greatly influences the quality of pour-over coffee is the grind size. You might want to check your grind size if you’re not getting your desired pour-over brew at home.

Here, we will explore why using the right grind size is important for pour-over brewing and uncover the best grind sizes for various pour-over brewers to achieve that perfect cup of coffee.

What is pour-over coffee?

Pour-over coffee is a manual brewing method where hot water is poured over coffee grounds in a filter which allows the water to slowly drip through and extract the coffee flavors into a carafe or cup below.

It's a hands-on and artful way of brewing that offers control over various brewing variables, resulting in a delicious and nuanced coffee experience.

Does the ground level of coffee beans affect pour-over brewing?

Absolutely! The importance of coffee grind size for pour-over coffee is undebatable. It impacts the extraction rate, brewing time, and flavor profile of the coffee. Finding the right grind size is essential to unlocking the best flavors from the coffee beans during the pour-over process.

How does grind size affect the taste of pour-over coffee?

The grind size affects the taste of pour-over coffee in various ways. A finer grind leads to faster extraction and stronger flavors, while a coarser grind results in a slower extraction and milder taste. Finding the right balance ensures you get the desired flavor and strength in your cup.

​​Factors on which the ground size depends

These factors impact the extraction process, determining how much flavor is extracted from the coffee grounds into the final cup. Here's a deeper dive into each factor:

1) Type of coffee bean

Different coffee bean varieties have distinct physical properties and flavors. For example, Arabica beans are often more delicate and require a slightly coarser grind to prevent over-extraction. On the other hand, Robusta beans can handle a finer grind for a richer taste.

2) Roast level

The roast level of the coffee beans plays a significant role in grind size selection. Lighter roasts are more porous, necessitating a finer grind to maximize extraction, while darker roasts are more soluble and benefit from a coarser grind to avoid bitterness.

3) Water temperature

The temperature of the water used for brewing affects how quickly the flavors are extracted. Hotter water can lead to faster extraction, requiring a coarser grind to balance the brewing time, while cooler water might need a finer grind to achieve the desired extraction.

4) Pouring technique

The way you pour water over the coffee grounds impacts the extraction rate. A slow and steady pour with precise control requires a finer grind for balanced extraction, while a quicker pour might call for a coarser grind to avoid over-extraction.

5) Brew time

The time the water and coffee grounds are in contact during brewing affects the extraction. Longer brew times typically require a coarser grind to prevent over-extraction, while shorter brew times often benefit from a finer grind to ensure sufficient extraction within the limited time.

What is the best grind size for pour-over coffee?

In general, the best grind size for pour-over coffee is medium-coarse which is similar to the texture of kosher salt.

This grind size offers a balanced extraction, allowing for a well-rounded and flavorful cup. However, let's dive into the specific grind sizes for different popular pour-over brewers:

1) Best grind size for Kalita wave

For the Kalita Wave, a medium grind works best. It strikes a sweet spot between fast and slow extraction, resulting in a smooth and well-balanced cup.

2) Best grind level for Chemex

The Chemex performs best with a medium-fine grind. This grind size ensures a clean and bright cup with pronounced flavors.

3) Best grind size for Hario V60

Even Hario V60 gives the best results with a medium-fine grind.

4) Best grind size for Aeropress

The Aeropress benefits from a fine grind, delivering a quick extraction and a rich, intense flavor.

5) Best grind level  for Melitta

A medium-fine grind is ideal for Melitta pour-over brewers, providing a balance of flavors.

6) Best grind size for Bodum pour-over

For Bodum pour-over brewers, a medium-coarse grind works wonderfully, accentuating the coffee's unique characteristics.

7) Best grind size for Osaka pour-over

Opt for a medium-grind coffee when using an Osaka pour-over brewer.

How to grind roasted coffee beans for pour-over?

When grinding coffee beans for pour-over, use a burr grinder for consistent results and grind the beans just before brewing to preserve freshness and flavor. Try to aim for a medium-coarse grind size, similar to kosher salt, as a starting point for most pour-over methods.

We would suggest you measure the appropriate amount of coffee beans and store any remaining beans in an airtight container. Doing so will help you maximize the flavors and aroma in your pour-over coffee, allowing for a more satisfying cup.

Grinding tips to brew better pour-over

To brew better pour-over coffee, start by selecting high-quality coffee beans. The quality of the beans directly affects the taste and overall experience of your brew. Look for freshly roasted, specialty-grade beans from reputable coffee roasters. It's worth investing in premium beans to ensure a more flavorful and enjoyable cup.

Next, a good grinder is essential for achieving consistent and precise grinding. If your budget allows, opt for a burr grinder, as it provides uniform particle size, leading to an even extraction while brewing.

Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment with different grind sizes and brewing techniques. Adjusting the grind size can significantly impact the flavor and strength of your coffee, allowing you to fine-tune your brew to match your taste preferences.

Wrapping up

Now you know why the grind size is a critical factor in achieving a nice cup of pour-over coffee. Experimenting with different grind sizes and considering the specific brewer you're using will help you brew your way to perfection.

Just remember to enjoy the journey of exploring the flavors and complexities that pour-over coffee has to offer!

FAQs

1) Can I use a fine grind for pour-over coffee?

Using a fine grind for pour-over is possible, but it may result in over-extraction and bitterness. It's generally better to use a medium-coarse grind for a flavorful cup.

2) Should I adjust the grind size based on the coffee bean origin?

Yes, the grind size can be adjusted based on the coffee bean origin. Different beans have varying densities and flavors, so experimenting with grind sizes allows you to bring out the best in each bean.

3) How does water temperature affect the extraction during pour-over?

Water temperature affects the rate of extraction during pour-over. Hotter water leads to faster extraction, extracting more flavors but risking over-extraction. Cooler water requires a finer grind and may result in a lighter flavor profile.

4) Can I use pre-ground coffee for pour-over brewing?

While you can use pre-ground coffee, it's best to grind the beans just before brewing to preserve freshness and flavor. Pre-ground coffee may lose some aroma and taste compared to freshly ground beans.