The Coffee Kits

Grind Size for Pour Over Coffee: The Ultimate Guide

Pour over coffee is a popular and beloved method of brewing coffee. It involves slowly pouring hot water over coffee grounds that are held in a filter, resulting in a clean and nuanced cup of coffee. One of the most important factors in achieving a great pour over coffee is using the right grind size. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about grind size for pour over coffee.

What is Grind Size?

Grind size refers to the size of the coffee particles that are produced when coffee beans are ground. The size of the grind can have a significant impact on the flavor of the coffee. If the grind is too fine, the coffee can taste bitter and over-extracted. If the grind is too coarse, the coffee can taste weak and under-extracted.

Why is Grind Size Important for Pour Over Coffee?

The grind size is particularly important for pour over coffee because the water is in contact with the coffee for a relatively short amount of time. This means that the grind size needs to be just right in order to extract the right amount of flavor from the coffee. If the grind is too fine, the water will not be able to flow through the coffee quickly enough, resulting in over-extraction. If the grind is too coarse, the water will flow through the coffee too quickly, resulting in under-extraction.

How to Determine the Right Grind Size for Your Pour Over Coffee?

The right grind size for your pour over coffee will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of coffee you are using, the roast level of the coffee, and the specific pour over method you are using. However, as a general rule of thumb, coarser grinds are better for light roast coffee, while finer grinds are better for dark roast coffee.

Grind Size Recommendations for Different Pour Over Methods

Here are some general grind size recommendations for different pour over methods:

1. Hario V60

The Hario V60 is a popular pour over method that uses a cone-shaped filter. For this method, a medium-fine grind is recommended.

2. Chemex

The Chemex is another popular pour over method that uses a thicker, square-shaped filter. For this method, a medium-coarse grind is recommended.

3. Kalita Wave

The Kalita Wave is a pour over method that uses a flat-bottomed filter. For this method, a medium grind is recommended.

4. Aeropress

The Aeropress is a unique pour over method that uses a plunger to force the coffee through a filter. For this method, a medium-fine grind is recommended.

Conclusion

The right grind size is crucial for achieving a great pour over coffee. By understanding the factors that affect grind size and following the recommendations for your specific pour over method, you can ensure that your coffee is flavorful and delicious every time.