Types of Coffee Grinds and How to Use Them

The best cup of coffee starts with the perfect coffee beans, but the level of the grind of that bean is very significant to the strength of the coffee as well as the brewing method used.

It is true that not all coffee brewers require the same grind level of coffee beans, it is important to check your coffee maker manual to make sure the correct coffee grounds are used. A general rule of thumb is the finer the grind the stronger the coffee, as illustrated with the fine grind required for Espresso and super find grind that is used for the strongest coffee available, which is Turkish coffee.

3 Ways to Grind Beans

1. You can grind your own by buying fresh beans and using a home grinder. This is the best way to the get the freshest coffee aroma and flavor. Coffee bean grinders have auto settings for the level of grind required and it is best to grind only what is needed at the time for the freshest flavor.

2. You can buy ground beans in a package, just make sure to get the correct grind level for the coffee maker you are using.

3. Many supermarkets and gourmet shops offer in-store grinders where you choose the beans you want and grind them fresh right in the store.

Basic Coffee Grinds

There are three main types of grinds, each yielding a particular coffee strength, as well as requiring a particular type of coffee maker. Using the correct grind is one of the most essential coffee facts.

Coarse Grind - A coarse grind coffee is primarily used for the press pot, which is also known as the French press.

Medium Grind - A medium grind coffee is what is required by automatic drip pot brewers and vacuum-pots. Also, there are different degrees of medium depending upon filter type.

Fine Grind - The fine grind produces a strong coffee and is used for to make Espresso with a specific Espresso machine. While this grind can be used in a a regular coffee maker, it will leave sediments at the bottom of the coffee pod.

Extra Fine - Produces a very strong coffee and can be used in Espresso machines.

Super Fine - This grind makes coffee on turbo! It is used to make the most strong coffee, called Middle Eastern or commonly referred to as Turkish coffee in in a small pot called an Ibrik.