Coarseness levels in coffee grinders

When it comes to brewing the perfect cup of coffee, grind size is a critical ingredient that often goes unnoticed. Yet it plays a significant role in determining the taste, aroma, and overall coffee experience. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the world of grinder grits and explore how different grind sizes can up your coffee game.

How to Control Coffee Grind Size – The Most Important Step Before Brewing.

Regardless of the brewing method you use for coffee extraction, there is always one crucial step before brewing: “coffee grinding”. To smoothly extract the flavors and aromas hidden within the coffee beans, you need to increase the surface area of the extraction point to shorten the penetration distance. The smaller the grind size, the greater the surface area created by the cut, resulting in a shorter penetration distance and a shorter time for substances to dissolve. However, this also means a longer exposure to air.

The Connection Between Coffee Extraction and Grind Size

When coffee beans are ground to a size of about one millimeter, there are typically over eight thousand cells in one gram. All the substances produced during cultivation, post-processing, roasting, and grinding are stored within these cells. Each process creates small cracks in the cells and natural pores in the cell wall. Although this gradual loss of stored substances occurs, it is also these pores that form the foundation for flavor and aroma during extraction.

For instance, when a coffee bean measures about six millimeters in size, it typically contains around six grains per gram and boasts a total surface area of roughly eight square centimeters per gram. However, by reducing the size of the coffee bean into pieces of about three millimeters, you can augment the number of grains to roughly forty-eight per gram, signifying an increase of forty-two grains per gram and a total surface area of around sixteen square centimeters.

When grinding coffee for an espresso, a grind size of 0.38 will result in roughly 24,572 grains per gram, an increase of 21,500 grains per gram compared to whole beans, resulting in a total surface area of 128 square centimeters.  As for pour-over coffee, the grind size is usually around one millimeter, resulting in an average of 1,296 grains per gram, an increase of 912 grains per gram compared to whole beans, and a total surface area of 48 square centimeters.

Smaller grinds with larger extraction surfaces extract more flavor, but over-fine grinding can result in excessive bitterness and off-flavors. Conversely, larger grinds with smaller extraction surfaces can reduce the bitterness and off-flavors, but may not bring out the essential flavor of the coffee beans. Attaining the appropriate and uniform grind size is crucial in determining the extraction quality to facilitate a smooth extraction of flavors and aromas.

The Relationship Between Coffee Brewing Methods and Grind Size

For the best coffee grind, keep it consistent (reduce coffee dust) and adjust the size to avoid blade friction and oxidation. To perfect the extraction, tailor the grind size to meet your goals, such as bean type, brewing gear, consumer choices, and routines. Coffee shops and baristas regularly adjust the grinder to enhance flavor before and during daily operations. Despite using the same grinder, variations in coffee beans, changes in temperature and humidity, differences in roasting times, and potential blade overheating during busy periods can result in differing grind particle sizes and conditions.

Different roasts of coffee beans can also result in different grinding conditions. Darker roasted coffee beans expand more and weigh less individually compared to lightly roasted beans, which affects their density, meaning you get more beans per weight for dark roasts.

There are different brewing tools available today to accommodate different extraction methods, each with different solubility of aromatic compounds and flavor components. Different extraction methods result in different flavor experiences and mouthfeel structures. While it's ideal to extract as many aromatic compounds as possible, over-extraction can result in excessive bitterness and off-flavors that consumers may find unpleasant.

For example, for medium roast coffee beans, the grind size for different brewing tools typically looks like this:

1. Espresso requires a fine grind, approaching that of powdered sugar. Because of the finer grind, it's important to avoid excessive grinding time to prevent excessive heat production. Special espresso grinders are recommended.
2. Siphon coffee usually uses a fine grind, about the size of fine sand sugar. It has a larger surface area, but because of the longer brewing time, it shouldn't be as fine as espresso.
3. Hand drip and American drip coffees, which are popular today, often use a medium grind, typically slightly larger than fine sand sugar. Since the brewing time is longer, very fine grinds should be avoided to prevent excessive off-flavors.
4. French press coffee typically requires a coarse grind, about the size of crystallized sugar.

The above is generally the case, but since the coffee world is not absolute, if you happen to see a barista using a grind size close to siphon coffee while pouring, don't be surprised. The individual may adjust the taste by changing the brewing method, water volume, and temperature according to their needs, the characteristics of the coffee beans, and the preferences of the consumer. When practicing at home, regardless of the brewing tool you use, remember to change one factor at a time with each extraction adjustment to minimize variables.

Let's talk about the game changer in the world of coffee grinders – the VEVOK CHEF O6 SLIM.

This exceptional manual coffee grinder is designed to make your coffee journey even more extraordinary. With six different grind settings, it's a versatile powerhouse that meets the unique needs of different coffee brewing methods. No more guesswork or searching for the right grind size – each level on the VEVOK CHEF O6 SLIM corresponds precisely to a specific brewing style.

Whether you're a fan of the rich and bold Italian espresso or prefer the refreshing cold brew, this grinder has you covered. It's a tool that not only simplifies the grinding process but takes your home brewing to a professional level. Say goodbye to compromise and hello to the perfect grind, every time. Let's dive into the world of coarseness in coffee grinders and discover how the VEVOK CHEF O6 SLIM can revolutionize your coffee routine.