The Coffee Kits

Moka Pot Grind Size Experiment: Which Size is Best?

For coffee lovers, choosing the right grind size is critical to achieving a perfect cup of coffee. Whether you use a French press, drip coffee maker, or espresso machine, the grind size can make or break the final result. This is especially true for Moka pot users.

The Moka pot is a stovetop coffee maker that produces a strong, rich coffee. It's a favorite among coffee enthusiasts, but it can be tricky to get the grind size right. In this article, we'll explore the Moka pot grind size experiment and answer the question: which size is best?

What is a Moka pot?

Before we dive into the experiment, let's take a quick look at what a Moka pot is. A Moka pot is a stovetop coffee maker that was invented in Italy in the 1930s. It's made up of three parts: a bottom chamber for water, a middle chamber for the ground coffee, and a top chamber for the brewed coffee.

The Moka pot works by using steam pressure to force hot water through the coffee grounds and into the top chamber. The result is a strong, rich coffee that's somewhere between drip coffee and espresso in strength.

The Moka pot grind size experiment

For this experiment, we brewed coffee using three different grind sizes: fine, medium, and coarse. We used the same coffee beans and the same Moka pot for each brew. Here's what we found:

Fine grind size

When we used a fine grind size, the coffee was strong and intense, but it also had a slightly bitter taste. The fine grind size caused the water to pass through the coffee too quickly, which resulted in over-extraction. We recommend avoiding a fine grind size for Moka pot brewing.

Medium grind size

The medium grind size produced the best results. The coffee was strong, but not overpowering, and it had a smooth, rich flavor. The medium grind size allowed the water to pass through the coffee at the right speed, resulting in a well-balanced cup of coffee.

Coarse grind size

When we used a coarse grind size, the coffee was weak and lacked flavor. The water passed through the coffee too slowly, resulting in under-extraction. We don't recommend using a coarse grind size for Moka pot brewing.

Conclusion

Based on our experiment, we recommend using a medium grind size for Moka pot brewing. This will result in a strong, rich coffee with a smooth, well-balanced flavor. Avoid using a fine grind size, as it will result in over-extraction and a bitter taste. And while a coarse grind size may seem like it would produce a strong coffee, it will actually result in under-extraction and a weak, flavorless cup.

Experiment with your own Moka pot to find the perfect grind size for your taste preferences. And remember, the key to a great cup of coffee is using high-quality beans and fresh water.