Grinding coffee beans is one of the easiest ways to take your coffee from “good” to “great.” The method you choose — and the grind size you aim for — will shape the flavour in your cup. These days, there’s a wide range of options, from compact hand grinders to high-performance burr grinders, and not all are created equal. Some older styles, like blade grinders, have largely been phased out in favour of more consistent, flavour-friendly tools.
In this easy guide, we’ll walk you through how to grind coffee beans using the most common methods, share what we recommend, and help you match your grind size to your brew method. And if you’re short on time? We’ll also cover how to get fresh, perfectly ground coffee without doing the work yourself.
How to Grind Coffee Beans
- Choose your desired grind size before starting, as it affects flavour and is linked to your brewing method.
- Pre-Ground Coffee: Purchased already ground by the roaster, ready to measure and use directly in your coffee maker.
- Manual Hand Grinder: Manually crank whole beans through burrs to crush them into grounds, collected in a container below.
- Blade Grinder (Last Preference): Spinning blades chop whole beans into smaller pieces when you pulse or hold a button for 5–15 seconds.
- Burr Grinder: Whole beans are fed between two burrs that crush them into uniform particles, adjustable for precise grind size.
- Grinding too coarse results in weak, watery coffee with less flavour; too fine leads to bitter, over-extracted coffee.
- If watery and acidic, grind finer; if bitter, grind coarser.
How to Determine Grind Size
Here’s a quick look at recommended grind size and brew type:
- French Press coffee: Coarse grounds
- Espresso machines: Fine grounds
- Moka pots: Medium - Fine grounds
- Pour over coffee: Medium - Coarse grounds
- Cold brew: Coarse grounds
Common Grinding Methods
- Choose your desired grind size before you start — grind size affects flavour and is linked to your brewing method.
- Pre-ground coffee offers convenience but sacrifices freshness.
- Hand grinders are now a surprisingly strong option — many produce excellent results without needing power, and they’re compact and affordable.
- Blade grinders are our last recommendation — inconsistent and outdated, with better alternatives available.
- Burr grinders are still the most consistent and flavour-friendly option, though they can be pricey and bulky.
Grind Type #1: Pre-Ground Coffee
How It Works:
Pre-ground coffee is purchased already ground by the roaster or supplier. You simply measure the desired amount for your brewing method and use it directly in your coffee maker. No grinding equipment is needed, making it the simplest option.
Pros:
- The ultimate convenience
- No equipment required
Cons:
- No control over actual grind size
- Loses freshness quickly
- Can lack flavour compared to freshly ground beans
Price:
Same as whole beans
Bottom Line:
If you’re in a rush, pre-ground coffee works — just buy from a reputable roaster who grinds to order.
Grind Type #2: Manual Hand Grinder
Modern hand grinders have come a long way. Many now use burr mechanisms for a more consistent grind, making them a solid choice for home brewers and travellers alike.
How It Works:
You place whole coffee beans into the grinder’s hopper, adjust the grind size if the model allows, and manually turn a crank or handle. The beans are crushed between burrs, producing grounds that collect in a container below. The process typically takes 1–2 minutes depending on the amount and grind size.
Pros:
- No electricity required
- Compact and portable
- Affordable entry point for fresh grinding
- Many current models produce a surprisingly consistent grind
Cons:
- Requires manual effort
- Can take longer to grind larger amounts
- Some cheaper models still produce uneven results
Price:
From budget-friendly to premium manual burr grinders
Bottom Line:
A quality hand grinder is ideal if you want fresh coffee without the expense or bulk of an electric burr grinder. Great for home use, offices with limited space, or travel.
Grind Type #3: Blade Grinder (Our Last Preference)
Blade grinders chop beans with spinning blades, similar to a small food processor. While they were once common, they’ve largely been replaced by more effective options.
How It Works:
You add whole coffee beans to the grinder’s chamber, secure the lid, and press a button to activate the spinning blades. The blades chop the beans into smaller pieces, and you control the grind size by pulsing or holding the button, typically for 5–15 seconds.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Compact
- Fast
Cons:
- Highly inconsistent grind size, impacting flavour and extraction
- Generates heat that can damage delicate coffee oils
- Lacks grind size control
- Modern hand grinders now outperform them in quality and flavour
Price:
Usually $20–$30
Bottom Line:
If you already own one, it will grind your beans — but if you’re buying new, skip the blade grinder. You’ll get better flavour and consistency from a hand grinder or even high-quality pre-ground coffee.
Grind Type #4: Burr Grinder
Burr grinders crush beans between two burrs, producing uniform particles and consistent flavour.
How It Works:
You load whole coffee beans into the hopper, select your desired grind size using the grinder’s settings, and turn it on. The beans are fed between two burrs (flat or conical) that crush them into uniform particles, which collect in a container or directly into your brewing device.
Pros:
- Excellent grind consistency
- Greater control over grind size
- Better flavour and extraction
Cons:
- Higher price point (often $100+)
- Larger footprint on the counter
- Less portable than a hand grinder
Price:
$200–$1000+
Bottom Line:
Burr grinders remain the gold standard for quality, especially for espresso and precision brewing. But if budget or space is an issue, a good hand grinder can get you close at a fraction of the cost.
How Does Grind Size Affect the Flavour?
Grind size has a direct impact on coffee flavour.
- Too coarse: Weak or watery coffee with less flavour extraction.
- Too fine: Bitter, over-extracted coffee that masks the bean’s true taste.
Common grind size fixes:
- Watery and acidic → grind finer
- Bitter → grind coarser
FAQs
How long should you grind coffee beans?
- Burr grinders: 20–30 seconds for a fine espresso grind
- Hand grinders: 1–2 minutes, depending on amount and grind size
- Blade grinders (if you must): 5–15 seconds, shaking in between pulses for better consistency
The above can vary depending on the type of grinder you purchase. [use as guide only].
What is the difference between burr vs blade grinders?
The difference comes down to the grinding method — and the results in your cup.
Burr Grinder:
- Produces consistent texture and particle size
- More control over grind size
- Superior flavour and extraction
- Available in both manual and electric versions
- Price ranges from entry-level hand burr grinders to high-end electric models
Blade Grinder:
- Inconsistent grind size, which can lead to weak or bitter coffee
- Generates heat that can reduce flavour quality
- Lacks precision and control over grind size
- Now largely replaced by more effective, affordable hand grinders
Bottom Line:
If quality and flavour matter, choose a burr grinder first. For smaller budgets or limited space, a good hand grinder is a far better option than a blade grinder. In most cases, we’d even suggest freshly roasted pre-ground coffee over using a blade grinder.
Grinding Coffee Beans the Easy Way
No time to grind your own coffee beans? When you buy coffee from us, you can select your grind type, and we’ll do the work for you.
That means you get the flavour benefits of fresh coffee without the extra step — the best of both worlds.
Browse our range of coffee beans online or contact us for personalised grind recommendations.