If you want better coffee at home, the easiest upgrade isn't a new machine. It's grinding your own beans. Coffee starts losing its flavour and aroma within minutes of being ground, so beans ground just before brewing taste noticeably fresher, richer, and more balanced than pre ground coffee from a bag.
The secret is matching your grind size to your brewing method. Here's everything you need to know.
Why Grind Size Matters
Grind size controls how quickly water pulls flavour out of your coffee. Finer grounds have more surface area, so flavour comes out fast. Coarser grounds release flavour more slowly.
If your grind is too fine for your brewing method, your coffee can taste bitter and harsh. If it's too coarse, it can taste weak and sour. Getting the size right is what makes a cup taste smooth and balanced.
Grind Size Guide
Extra coarse (like peppercorns): best for cold brew, which steeps for many hours.
Coarse (like sea salt): best for French press.
Medium (like sand): best for drip coffee makers.
Medium fine (like table salt): best for pour over and moka pots.
Fine (like powdered sugar, but slightly gritty): best for espresso.
How to Use a Manual Coffee Grinder
1. Measure your beans. A good starting point is about 2 tablespoons of whole beans for every 6 ounces of water. Adjust to taste.
2. Set your grind size. Adjust the grinder to the setting that matches your brewing method from the guide above.
3. Grind. Add your beans and turn the handle at a steady pace until the beans are all ground. It usually takes less than a minute for a single cup.
4. Brew right away. Use your fresh grounds immediately for the best flavour.
Tips for Better Coffee
Store whole beans in an airtight container away from heat, light, and moisture. Only grind what you need for each cup. Brush out leftover grounds from your grinder regularly so old coffee doesn't affect the taste of your next brew. And don't be afraid to experiment. If your coffee tastes bitter, try a slightly coarser grind. If it tastes weak or sour, go a little finer.
Why Choose a Manual Grinder?
A manual grinder is quiet, compact, and doesn't need an outlet, so you can use it at home, at the cabin, or on a camping trip. It also gives you full control over your grind size, from coarse for French press to fine for espresso. Many coffee lovers also enjoy the simple morning ritual of grinding by hand.
Start Grinding at Home
Our Manual Coffee Grinder is just $23.80 and makes a great gift for any coffee lover. Pair it with our Portable Espresso Machine for rich espresso wherever you go, or add a Rechargeable Handheld Milk Frother for café style lattes at home. Browse our full Kitchen collection for more. Better Choice, Better Life.