Coffee grinder...... need to pick your brains.....

[skyep]

I have been bought a coffee grinder for Christmas. What is the taste difference between fine grinding and course grinding the beans?

[shivvy]

Hi skyep.
I don't think that the taste changes depending on how fine or otherwise you grind the coffee - I think it changes how you should use the coffee ie whether in a cafetiere, mocha machine or pour-over machine etc. I am far from an expert in this so I wouldn't trust my answer too much! However, Mr shivvys business is all about coffee so I will ask him tomorrow and post a more accurate answer then!

[skyep]

shivvy - Thanks for your reply, I'll come back to see if you found any more off Mr shivvy, thanks! xxx

[shivvy]

I'm back again skyep with a far more accurate answer! Here goes:
As a general rule you should use fine grind for espresso, medium for filter and coarse grind for cafetiere use.
For espresso make sure you use the recommended dosage of coffee and it should take 20 - 25 seconds to extract 1 fluid ounce (that is presuming that your espresso machine pump pressure and water temperature are correct).
As a rough guide for fineness of grind for espresso it should not feel like talcum powder but more like sand. The finest adjustment can make all the difference to the extraction time.
Filter coffee should be twice as coarse as espresso coffee. Cafetiere coffee should be approx twice as coarse as filter coffee and definately coarse enough that it doesnt come through the mesh on the cafetiere. Let it sit for 4 minutes before plunging.
In summary, grind does effect the difference in taste of the coffee because the grind effects how long the water is in contact with the coffee ie the finer the grind the harder it is for the water to find a way through it so it extracts more flavour. However, too long is over extracted and will bring out unwanted bitterness. The trick is to extract the quality flavours from the coffee and leave behind the bitterness.

Hope this helps skyep. If you have any more questions he is happy to clarify/assist. Happy christmas.

[skyep]

Mr & Mrs shivvy, thanks so much both of you! xxx

[skyep]

Pickle - Thanks to you too! xxx

[rgunson]

skyep

congratulations on purchasing a grinder. i expect it has already transformed your appreciation of coffee.

if you want to take the next step and power it with some first class coffee, please try visit us at;

londiniumespresso.com

kind regards


reiss.

[skyep]

rgunson - OOOh! Will take a look, cheers! xxx

[skyep]

reiss - Thanks for that! Some very interesting information too! At the moment I'm swamped with coffee beans, daughter bought a large selection for me. I will definately bear your products in mind for the future! Thanks again xxx

[rgunson]

you're very welcome. if anyone has any coffee issues do feel free to contact us, free of obligation. reiss.