How to grind coffee at home

updated blogpost 2023

Of course there are variations, but the easiest way to get your "perfect grind" is to turn the dial of whatever you are using to both extremes to "fine" or "course". Start by grinding about 5 grams of beans of both extremes - just to test it out. Then you will know by seeing and doing, how your grinder actually works. This can be applied to all hand and electric grinders. It's just an interesting thing to do. As a barista, I would do this in the cafe too, if I got a new grinder. You need to see how sensitive the grinder is, and how it works.

This is a diagram I came up with that I think most simply represents whatever grinder you are using:

Fine = Espresso Coffee

Medium = filter coffee (V60, Aeropress etc)

Course = Cafetiere/French Press Coffee

Examples of different GRINd sizes

Fine = espresso coffee grind

Medium= filter coffee (V60, Aeropress etc)

Course = Cafetiere Coffee

You can see that there is a "window of variance". You should be able to change your dial in the direction of “course” or “fine” which is within the “variance” to safely fit whatever desired brew method you want. By experimenting within this 'window of variance' it should help you better gauge your grinder more quickly.

Coffee is subjective, but if you can get familiar with what coffee grind gets you to that cup that you like (within the window of variance) then you can play around with other variables (such as dosage or water volume)

Grinders I recommend & use at home

The Melitta Calibra is a fantastic grinder for filter coffee and as a back up for espresso. While in NZ, my brothers coffee grinder broke so I tested out the Calibra grinder for espresso and it was great. But I’d recommend this grinder primarily for filter longer term.
The grinder I currently use at home with my espresso machine is the Fiorenzato AllGround that has a really intuitive revolving ring nut to adjust your grind settings with easily identify able labels and one of the easiest grinders to clean. I’ve been very impressed with the burrs which are made out of Steel and coated in titanium, so they won’t shouldn’t blunt or need changing for years! Which is something even I have even forgotten to check in the past!
Fellow have a couple of grinders which have done well on the market, specifically their Ode grinder for filter. I’m yet to try their newly released Opus (soon which I’ll update here asap) but that is apparently great for espresso, so I’ve got high hopes for it!
At the time of this original blog, The Hario V60 Electric Grinder had just come out (2016) and at the time it was awesome! It's one of the few home electric grinders at home at the time that was simple to use, but quite accurate. I do think there are better quality home grinders now out in the market, but I still liked using this. I made a product review at the time here.
Hario V60 Electric Grinder YouTube VLOG here.
I also use the Hario Mini Mill which I've had for years. I take it with me when I'm travelling to ensure I always have freshly ground coffee! I love its quality and accuracy.
I also have the Baraza Encore electric grinder. It's very basic and simple to use. Great for entry level use. Baraza have other more sophisticated versions also.

To try a 250g bag of MY TGITC COFFEE* BEANS click here

Some Tips:

Hario Mini Mill Grind adjuster

Turn right (coarse) or left(fine)

Fill with coffee beans

Start with one recipe first. Then only experiment with your grind size for your first few 5 or so coffee brews. You will hit a sweet spot.
When making a single cup V60: once you have hit your optimum volume weight (250g-280g) try to aim for your hot water to finish draining at around 3 minutes.

EG: If you’ve poured all your hot water to reach a 280g, and its only taken you 2 minutes, then try turning your dial (1-2 clicks) slightly towards fine. Then your next brew should take slightly longer to filter.

You can start playing around with dosage (amount of coffee beans in) and yield (end weight of your cup of coffee) after you have a better understanding of how to grind your coffee.
Make sure you regularly clean your grinders (both electric and handgrinders)

The best thing to do is have a go! Play and feel free to get in touch.