Espresso Grind Size: How Fine Is Too Fine?

by thecafehq Admin

If espresso tastes sour, bitter, weak, or harsh…
90% of the time, the problem is grind size.

Not your machine.
Not your beans.
Not your tamp strength.

Your grind.

Let’s simplify this so any home brewer can adjust confidently — without expensive tools.

🔎 Why Grind Size Matters So Much

Espresso works by pushing water through tightly packed coffee under pressure.

Grind size controls how fast water flows through the coffee.

  • Too coarse → water flows too fast

  • Too fine → water struggles to pass

Flow speed directly affects flavour.

🍋 Too Coarse = Sour & Thin

When coffee is ground too coarse:

  • Shot runs too fast (under 20–22 seconds)

  • Espresso looks pale and watery

  • Taste is sour, sharp, or weak

  • Crema disappears quickly

💡 Fix: Adjust slightly finer, not dramatically.

Small movements matter.

🔥 Too Fine = Bitter & Harsh

When coffee is ground too fine:

  • Shot drips slowly or chokes

  • Takes over 35 seconds

  • Espresso tastes bitter or dry

  • Mouthfeel feels heavy or astringent

💡 Fix: Adjust slightly coarser.

Again — small steps.

⏱️ The Simple Beginner Target

For home espresso:

  • Aim for 25–30 seconds extraction

  • Use a steady, honey-like flow

  • Adjust grind before changing dose or tamp

Grind size should always be your first adjustment.

⚙️ Why Small Adjustments Matter

Espresso grind is very sensitive.

One small click on a grinder can:

  • Add 5 seconds to your shot

  • Completely change flavour balance

That’s normal.

Dialing in espresso is about tiny changes + tasting the result.

🏠 What If You Have a Basic Grinder?

Even entry-level grinders can work well if you:

✔ Keep dose consistent
✔ Adjust slowly
✔ Test one change at a time
✔ Use fresh beans

Fresh coffee makes dialing in easier (as we discussed in Week 6 😉).

❌ Common Beginner Mistakes

🚫 Changing grind and dose at the same time
🚫 Making huge grind adjustments
🚫 Judging only by crema
🚫 Ignoring taste

Taste is your compass.

🧠 Pro Tip (Beginner Friendly)

If your espresso tastes:

  • Sour → grind finer

  • Bitter → grind coarser

Keep it simple. Don’t overthink.

📝 Conclusion: Grind Size Is Your Main Control Tool

If you understand grind size, you understand espresso.

You don’t need a premium machine.
You need control over grind and the patience to adjust gradually.

Master this — and your home espresso improves instantly.

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