What Grind Size Should You Use for Espresso?

You buy good coffee beans.

You measure everything carefully.

You make your espresso...

…and something still isn't quite right.

Your grind size could be part of the problem.

Espresso usually requires a fine grind

Compared with many other brewing methods, espresso generally uses finely ground coffee.

But “fine” isn't one universal setting.

Different beans, equipment and recipes can require slightly different adjustments.

This process is often called dialling in your espresso.

Why grind size matters

Water has to travel through your prepared coffee during brewing.

Change the size of those coffee particles and you change how easily that water can pass through the coffee bed.

This means even a relatively small grinder adjustment can alter the result in your cup.

Adjust gradually

If you're experimenting with grind size, don't change everything at the same time.

Keep your other variables reasonably consistent and make small adjustments.

This makes it much easier to understand what actually improved your espresso.

Don't forget puck preparation

Grind size isn't the only thing that matters.

How evenly your ground coffee is distributed and tamped can also contribute to a more consistent preparation process.

This is where espresso accessories such as:

• WDT tools
• Dosing funnels
• Coffee tampers
• Dosing accessories

can become useful additions to your setup.

You certainly don't need every coffee gadget in existence.

But the right tools can make preparing espresso cleaner, easier and more consistent.