Medium to coarse grind: Ultimate Brewing Guide & Expert Tips (2026)

Medium to Coarse Grind: A Guide to Rich, Balanced Brewing

Discover the bold and robust character of medium to coarse grind coffee. This grind size offers a perfect balance between extraction time and control, ideal for brewing methods like pour-over and French press. It minimizes over-extraction, ensuring a smooth, less bitter cup while preserving the essential oils for a rich aroma.

Overview & Background

The medium to coarse grind size ranges from approximately 0.8 to 1.5 mm. It is larger than the fine grind used for espresso but finer than the coarse grind used for French press. This grind size is versatile, suitable for manual brewing methods where a bit more control over the brewing process is desired.

Key Brewing Parameters / Specs

• Grind Size: Medium to coarse (0.8 to 1.5 mm)
• Water Temperature: 90°C to 96°C (194°F to 205°F)
• Water to Coffee Ratio: 1:15 to 1:18 (water in grams to coffee in grams)
• Brewing Time: 3 to 4 minutes for pour-over, 4 to 5 minutes for French press

Step-by-Step Guide

For a pour-over:

1. Warm your pour-over dripper and filter with hot water.
2. Place the filter in the dripper and wet it with hot water, then discard the water.
3. Grind your coffee beans to a medium to coarse consistency.
4. Add the coffee grounds to the filter, ensuring a single layer of coffee.
5. Pour a small amount of hot water (about 30 grams) over the grounds and let it bloom for 30 seconds.
6. Slowly pour the remaining water (about 450 grams) over the grounds, making sure to wet them evenly.
7. Allow the water to drip through the filter, collecting the coffee in your cup.

For a French press:

1. Preheat your French press with hot water, then discard the water.
2. Grind your coffee beans to a medium to coarse consistency.
3. Add the coffee grounds to the press, filling it about 1/3 full.
4. Slowly pour hot water (about 450 grams) over the grounds, making sure to wet them evenly.
5. Stir the mixture gently with a spoon, then let it steep for 4 minutes.
6. Place the plunger on top of the press and slowly press down to separate the grounds from the liquid.
7. Pour the coffee into your cup and serve immediately.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes

Pro Tips

• Use fresh, properly stored coffee beans to ensure optimal flavor.
• Consistency in grind size is key to achieving the best flavor.
• Adjust the water temperature to suit your taste preference, aiming for a balance between extraction and bitterness.

Common Mistakes

• Over-grinding can lead to a bitter, over-extracted coffee.
• Under-grinding can result in a weak, under-extracted cup.
• Improper water temperature can either under-extract or over-extract the coffee, affecting the taste.