Medium grind coffee recipe: Ultimate Brewing Guide & Expert Tips (2026)

Medium Grind Coffee Recipe: A Comprehensive Guide

Medium grind coffee strikes a delicate balance between fineness and coarseness, offering a rich, balanced flavor that is neither too harsh nor too weak. This grind size is ideal for brewing methods that require a moderate level of extraction, such as the pour-over or French press. However, achieving the perfect cup with a medium grind can be tricky, as it demands precise attention to detail in terms of grind size, water temperature, and brewing time. In this guide, we will explore the key parameters, step-by-step brewing process, and common pitfalls to help you master the art of medium grind coffee.

Overview & Background

Medium grind coffee is characterized by its uniform, granular texture, typically ranging from slightly smaller than table salt to slightly larger than sand. This grind size is versatile and can be used in various brewing methods, including pour-over, French press, and Aroma syphon. The medium grind allows for a balanced extraction, providing a robust yet smooth flavor that highlights the nuances of the coffee bean.

Key Brewing Parameters / Specs

• Grind Size: Medium
• Water Temperature: 92°C - 96°C (197°F - 205°F)
• Brewing Time: 2 to 4 minutes
• Water-to-Coffee Ratio: 1:15 to 1:18 (water to coffee by weight)

Step-by-Step Guide

Using a Pour-Over Method

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Rinse your pour-over cone and filter with hot water to preheat and remove any paper taste.
2. Weigh Your Coffee: Use a precise scale to measure out your coffee. A good starting point is 15-18 grams of coffee per 250 ml of water.
3. Grind Your Coffee: Grind your coffee beans to a medium consistency using a burr grinder. You should be able to pass a piece of paper through the grind.
4. Place Filter and Coffee: Place a filter in the pour-over cone and add the ground coffee.
5. Brew:
   1. Pour a small amount of water (about 30 ml) over the coffee and let it bloom for 30 seconds.
   2. Slowly pour the remaining water evenly over the coffee, ensuring it's fully saturated. The total brewing time should be between 2 to 4 minutes.
6. Drain: Allow the coffee to drain completely into your cup. Avoid pressing down on the grounds as it can lead to over-extraction.

Using a French Press

1. Preheat Your Press: Fill the French press with hot water and swirl it around to warm the press and plunger. Discard the water.
2. Weigh Your Coffee: Measure out 15-18 grams of coffee per 250 ml of water.
3. Grind Your Coffee: Grind your coffee beans to a medium-fine consistency, slightly finer than sea salt.
4. Add Coffee and Water: Add the ground coffee to the press and pour in the hot water, filling it to about three-quarters full.
5. Stir: Stir the coffee and water gently for 10 seconds to ensure even saturation.
6. Brew: Place the plunger on top of the coffee and let it steep for 4 minutes.
7. Plunge Slowly: Slowly plunge the plunger to separate the coffee grounds from the liquid. Ensure the plunger is parallel to the press to avoid introducing sediment into the coffee.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes