The Art of the Perfect Grind: How to Dial In Your Coffee Grinder
Why Your Grinder is the Most Important Tool in Your Coffee Setup
At The Hills Roastery, we often say: ‘You can’t make great coffee with bad grounds.’ Your grinder is the unsung hero of your brewing setup – it has more impact on your final cup than even the most expensive espresso machine or pour-over device. Dialling in your grinder properly means unlocking the full potential of your specialty beans.
Understanding Grind Size: The Foundation of Extraction
The Grind Spectrum: From Turkish to French Press
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Extra Fine (Turkish): Powder-like consistency
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Fine (Espresso): Similar to table salt
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Medium (Drip/Pour Over): Like beach sand
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Coarse (French Press): Chunky like breadcrumbs
Why Size Matters
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Too fine: Over-extraction (bitter, astringent)
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Too coarse: Under-extraction (sour, weak)
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Just right: Balanced sweetness and acidity
Step-by-Step Guide to Dialling In Your Grinder
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Start with Manufacturer Recommendations
Most quality grinders include suggested settings for different brew methods. Use these as your starting point.
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The Coffee Rule of 18
Aim for a 1:18 coffee-to-water ratio (by weight) as your baseline for filter coffee.
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The Time Test
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Espresso: Should extract in 25–30 seconds
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Pour Over: Should complete in 3–4 minutes
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French Press: 4-minute steep time
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Taste and Adjust
Use the ‘Coffee Compass’ method:
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If sour → grind finer
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If bitter → grind coarser
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If weak → increase dose slightly
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If harsh → decrease dose slightly
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Pro Tips for Grinder Maintenance
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Keep it clean: Old grounds oxidise and taint fresh coffee.
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Burr alignment: Check annually for consistent particle size.
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Season your burrs: New grinders need about 5kg of coffee to break in properly.
Troubleshooting Common Grinder Issues
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Problem: Inconsistent grind size
Solution: Check for worn burrs or misalignment.
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Problem: Static causing messy grounds
Solution: Try the ‘Ross Droplet Technique’ – add a few drops of water to beans before grinding.
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Problem: Grinder overheating
Solution: Don’t grind more than 500g at a time without breaks.
Experience the Difference at The Hills Roastery
We offer:
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Free grind size consultations with every bean purchase
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Custom grind recommendations for our subscription members
Ready to perfect your grind?