If you’ve ever made coffee at home and it didn’t turn out as expected, it’s very likely the problem isn’t the coffee or the coffee maker. ☕️
Often the key is in the grind.
Each coffee maker needs a different grind size. If the coffee is too fine or too coarse for the method you’re using, the result can be a coffee that is bitter, flat, or too watery.
The good news is it’s not complicated. With a few clear references, you can easily get it right.
In this guide, we explain which grind to use depending on your coffee maker and which DFRNT coffees work best in each case.
The simplest rule to understand grind size
There’s an easy way to remember it:
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More pressure → finer grind ✅
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More water contact time → coarser grind ✅
Espresso machines use pressure, so they need a fine grind.
Filter methods let water pass slowly, so they need a coarser grind.
Quick reference table
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Grind size for espresso machines
Examples of espresso machines
Many of the most popular home machines use this type of grind:
They are all coffee makers semi-automatic espresso machines, so they require a fine grind.
DFRNT coffees recommended for espresso
For this type of extraction, we recommend our coffees designed for espresso:
These are balanced profiles that work very well both on their own and with milk.
Grind size for Italian coffee maker (moka)
The moka pot, also known as the Italian coffee maker, uses pressure but much more gently than an espresso machine.
That’s why it needs a medium-fine.
The texture resembles sugar.
If the coffee is too fine it can block the coffee maker’s filter and create too much pressure. If it’s too coarse, the coffee will taste somewhat flat.
Recommended coffees
For moka, coffees with good body work especially well, such as:
Grind for V60 and filter methods
Filter methods like V60, Kalita, or Chemex work by gravity: water passes slowly through the coffee.
That’s why they need a medium.
The texture resembles coarse salt.
If the coffee is too fine, the water will take too long to filter and the coffee may taste bitter.
If it’s too coarse, the water will pass too quickly and the coffee will taste flat.
DFRNT coffees recommended for filter
The coffees that best express their aromas in filter are:
These profiles usually show their floral and fruity notes best in filter methods.
Grind for cold BREW
Cold BREW is prepared with a long cold infusion, usually between 12 to 24 hours.
That’s why it needs a coarse.
The texture resembles rock salt.
A grind that is too fine can make the coffee bitter and harder to filter.
❓Frequently asked questions about grind
What grind to use for Sage Bambino Plus?
The Sage Bambino Plus is a espresso coffee maker, so it requires fine grind like fine salt.
What grind to use for Lelit MaraX?
The Lelit MaraX is a semi-automatic espresso machine, so it requires fine espresso-type grind.
What grind to use for Italian coffee maker?
The moka pot requires medium-fine grind, similar to sugar.
What grind to use for V60?
The V60 requires medium grind, similar to coarse salt.
What grind to use for cold BREW?
Cold BREW requires a coarse grind, similar to coarse salt.
