Grinding coffee beans at home is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your morning coffee. Whether you’re using a cafetière, pour-over, espresso machine or AeroPress, the right grind size and technique can transform the flavour of your coffee.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about grinding coffee beans – from choosing the right grinder to matching grind size with your brewing method. We’ll also share tips for beginners and recommend affordable gear to get you started.

Why Grind Coffee Beans at Home?

Pre-ground coffee might seem convenient, but it stales quickly—losing flavour, aroma, and complexity. Grinding your beans fresh ensures:
• Better-tasting coffee with fuller flavour and aroma
• Control over grind size for more consistent brewing
• The ability to get the best out of high-quality beans

The Benefits of Grinding Coffee Fresh

The Basics: What You Need to Grind Coffee Beans

You don’t need a huge budget to get started. All you need is:

1. Whole Bean Coffee

Choose freshly roasted, traceable coffee. At Horsham Coffee Roaster, we roast in small batches and offer a range of single origin coffees and blends perfect for all brew methods.

2. A Coffee Grinder

We recommend starting with a burr grinder, even a budget-friendly one. Burr grinders produce a consistent grind size, essential for proper extraction. Avoid blade grinders—they chop unevenly, which leads to bitter, muddled brews.

New to grinding? We stock a variety of great-value coffee grinders that are perfect for beginners.

Need a hand picking the right grinder for you?

Check out our Coffee Grinder Guide to discover the different types of grinders available and discover what type is best for you.

What Coffee Grinder Do I Need

How to Grind Coffee Beans: Step-by-Step

1. Measure your beans – Use a digital scale for accuracy

2. Adjust your grinder – Set the grind size based on your brew method

3. Grind just before brewing – Ideally within 5–10 minutes of making coffee

4. Brew and taste – If your coffee is too bitter or weak, adjust the grind finer or coarser next time

Coffee Grind Size: What You Need to Know

Different brewing methods require different grind sizes. Here’s a quick guide:

Brew Method Grind Size Texture
Espresso Fine Like table salt or plain flour
AeroPress Medium-fine Similar to caster sugar
V60 / Pour Over Medium Like granulated sugar
Cafetière Coarse Similar to coarse sea salt or Demerara sugar
Cold Brew Extra coarse A little chunkier, like cracked pepper

Using the wrong grind size can lead to under- or over-extraction – resulting in weak, sour, or bitter coffee. Dialling in the grind is one of the most important parts of brewing.

Your Morning Coffee Routine Starts with the Grind

Grinding coffee beans isn’t just for baristas. With the right tools and a little know-how, anyone can brew café-quality coffee at home. Whether you’re just starting out or levelling up your setup, fresh grinding gives you more flavour, more control, and more enjoyment in every cup.

Explore our full range of delicious and exceptionally ethical whole bean coffees.

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