If you’ve ever made coffee at home and it didn’t turn out as expected, it’s very likely that the problem is neither the coffee nor the coffee maker. ☕️
Often the key lies 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 that it’s not complicated. With a few clear references, you can easily get it right.
In this guide, we explain which grind to use according to your coffee maker and which DFRNT coffees work best in each case.
The simplest rule to understand grind size
There is a very easy way to remember it:
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More pressure → finer grind ✅
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More contact time with water → coarser grind ✅
Espresso coffee makers 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 coffee makers
Examples of espresso coffee makers
Many of the most popular home machines use this type of grind:
All of them are 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 alone and with milk.
Grind size for Italian coffee maker (moka)
The moka pot, also known as 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 moka pot filter and generate too much pressure. If it’s too coarse, the coffee will come out 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 through the coffee slowly.
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 better 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 coarse 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 machine, 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 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.
