Cool Dad Coffee Club Brewing Guide
You've got the coffee. Now let's get the most out of it. Our helpful coffee brewing guide explains different ways to brew coffee and how the coarseness of the beans affect taste and flavour.
As a general rule:
Finer grind = quicker extraction
Coarser grind = slower extraction
So, here's your helpful cheat sheet.
Espresso - Fine Grind
For: Espresso machines
Starting recipe:
18g coffee → 36g espresso
Brew time: Around 25–30 seconds
The aim: A rich, concentrated shot with plenty of body.
If your espresso shoots through really quickly and tastes sharp or sour, go finer.
If it barely comes out and tastes bitter or harsh, go coarser.
'Dialling in' an espresso machine can be a thankless task at first, but persistence pays off and your coffee will be dialled in perfectly before you know it.
Cafetiere/French Press - Coarse Grind
For: Cafetière / French Press
Starting recipe:
30g coffee → 500ml water
Brew time: Around 4 minutes
How to do it:
- Add your coffee.
- Pour in hot water.
- Give it a gentle stir.
- Put the lid on without plunging.
- Leave for 4 minutes.
- Slowly press the plunger.
- Pour straight away.
A grind that's too fine can make your coffee muddy, bitter and full of sediment.
Filter Coffee - Medium Grind
For: Filter machines and most standard drip brewers
Starting recipe:
15g coffee → 250ml water
Brew time: Around 3–5 minutes, depending on your machine.
Filter coffee is probably the easiest place to start if new to homebrew coffee.
If your coffee tastes thin or sour, try going slightly finer.
If it's bitter or taking too long to brew, go slightly coarser.
AeroPress - Medium-Fine Grind
For: AeroPress
AeroPress is seriously forgiving, so don't worry about getting everything perfect.
Starting recipe:
15–17g coffee → 200–250ml water
Brew time: Around 1–2 minutes
A medium-fine grind is a great starting point.
If pressing feels like you're trying to push a car uphill, your grind is probably too fine. Go a little coarser.
Top Tips for Brewing Coffee at Home
If your coffee doesn't taste quite right, don't immediately blame the coffee.
Try changing the grind.
Tastes sour, sharp or weak? Go finer.
Tastes bitter, harsh or dry? Go coarser.
Tastes muddy or gritty? Go coarser and make sure you're not over-brewing.
Tastes great? Don't touch a thing.
