How grind size impacts extraction
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Time to read 2 min
Hey friends,
Here’s another blog that might interest you! In our last post, we focused on water composition. This time, we’re diving into grind size and how it impacts your cup’s flavour and overall experience. Some of you might already be familiar with this, while others might be new to it.
Why Grind Size Matters
We talk about grind size constantly—it’s a big part of our daily dialling-in process. Since the coffees we source are seasonal, our lineup rotates depending on the harvest cycle. That means we’re always working with different coffees from various origins, featuring various varieties and processing methods.
Because of these differences, bean size and density change based on origin, directly affecting how we grind and brew each coffee. The grind size helps us achieve the best extraction after roasting, ensuring we bring out the full complexity of the coffee.
our Wilton Benitez decaf on the brew
What We Look for in a Coffee
Every coffee is unique, and we evaluate it based on its complexity—by that, we mean the depth and variety of flavours it offers.
Tasting notes are subjective, so rather than focusing too much on them, we started highlighting the variety and producer more and more. We want you to explore and experience the coffee in your own way because, ultimately, your personal connection to the coffee matters most.
For us, acidity and sweetness intensity are some of the key indicators we look for in a complex cup. When balanced well, they create a mouthfeel that moves through your palate like a tornado of flavours.
Grinders: Flat Burr vs. Conical
Now, let’s talk about grinders. There are two main types: flat burr grinders and conical grinders. You’ll find flat burr grinders more commonly in coffee shops, as they provide excellent consistency and clarity in flavour.
Conical grinders are commonly used at home and can still produce excellent results. Flat burr grinders are a game changer for flavour and consistency.
That said, you can get a great home experience with a conical grinder. Just like with knives, the quality of the burrs makes a huge difference. How the burrs interact with the coffee bean affects how much surface area is exposed, directly impacting extraction and flavour.
Wilton Benitez decaf conical grind
Dialing in Your Recipe - this will determine how much grind size you can dial in depending on the grinder and coffee type you will brew.
When it comes to brewing, there are three key factors: Surface contact (how much coffee is exposed to water); Grind size (which affects extraction time); Your recipe (the coffee-to-water ratio).
Our starting point:
15g of coffee → 250g of water
Brewed at 205°F
Total brew time: 2 min 30 sec – 3 min
Playing around with grind size within this time frame will help you fine-tune your brew. I’ve been using 10g of coffee to 167g of water, which gives me a more elegant, softer mouthfeel—something I’ve really been enjoying. However, if you’re using a flat burr grinder, you might need to tweak this recipe to match your flavour preference.
Final Thoughts
I want to emphasize that there’s no such thing as bad coffee—it’s all about what you enjoy. Some people prefer a longer brew time, a finer grind, or a coarser one. At the end of the day, coffee is simple: if you love how it tastes and enjoy the process, that’s all that matters.
We throw out the rulebooks and connect with coffee in a way that feels right. The best coffee is the coffee you like!
Without diving too deep into the science of grinders, know that there’s a whole world of coffee experiences out there.
Stay open to experimenting and trying new methods. Coffee is a lifelong journey, and your palate will continue to evolve as you explore new flavours.
Until next time, happy brewing!
Wilton Benitez decaf on the brew