If you’re serious about coffee, there’s one simple habit that will immediately improve every brew: grinding your beans fresh. Coffee contains nearly 800 different aromatic compounds — twice as many as wine — making it one of the richest sensory experiences available, but these aromas are fleeting and best preserved by grinding immediately before use

Whether you’re using an espresso machine, AeroPress, V60 or cafetière, freshly ground coffee makes a big difference. Here’s why:

Why Freshly Ground Coffee Tastes Better

Coffee begins to lose flavour within minutes of being ground. That’s because once the beans are broken up, their aromatic compounds start to oxidise and dissipate. The result? A loss in nuanced flavours that might have been there to begin with.

By grinding fresh just before brewing, you lock in the nuanced flavours and aroma that make specialty coffee so special. Expect:

  • More vibrant, complex flavour
  • Stronger aroma and crema
  • Better control over brew strength and extraction

At Horsham Coffee Roaster, our coffees are roasted with clarity and character in mind. Grinding fresh helps you taste each origin’s unique profile. Most disctinctive, fuity, high cup score coffees will only reach their full potential when brewed using freshly ground coffee using a grind setting specifically tailored to your personal brew method. This is especially true for espresso brewing.

The Science: What Happens When Coffee Is Pre-Ground?

When coffee is ground, its surface area increases dramatically. That’s great for brewing – but it also exposes the coffee to oxygen, moisture and light, which accelerate staling. Within minutes, ground coffee begins to lose:

  • Aromatic oils
  • Acidity and sweetness
  • Clarity of flavour

Even the best storage can’t fully stop this degradation. That’s why we always recommend buying whole bean coffee and grinding fresh whenever possible just minutes before brewing.

A Grinder is the Game-Changer: Why You Should Invest

Investing in a coffee grinder is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to improve your daily brew. And it doesn’t have to be expensive. Even a low-cost burr grinder can drastically outperform pre-ground coffee when it comes to flavour and freshness.

Look for:

  • Burr grinders (not blade grinders) for even particle size and consistent extraction
  • Adjustable grind settings to suit your preferred brew method
  • Compact or entry-level models if you’re just getting started a hand grinder is typically the most affordable option.

Tip: We stock a great value grinder that’s perfect for home brewers on a budget – the Hario Mini Mill. Alternatively the Wilfa range of grinders are fantastic electric coffee grinders for home brewing.

Upgrading to a grinder puts you in control of your coffee and opens up a whole new level of brewing quality at home. It's worth noting that not all grinders will grind fine enough for espresso so make sure to check this before purchasing a grinder.

Not Ready To Take The Plunge on a Coffee Grinder?

We’ve got you covered. Pre-ground, speciality coffee still tastes fantastic. At Horsham Coffee Roaster, we offer precise, method-specific grinding in 250g bags. Simply select the grind size that matches your setup:

  • Espresso for home espresso machines
  • Filter for pour-over, AeroPress, batch brewers
  • Cafetiere for French press

We grind just before dispatch to maximise freshness, but even then, we recommend using your coffee within 1–2 weeks of opening and storing it in an airtight container away from light and heat.

One thing to bear in mind, we can't promise the espresso grind will work perfectly with all home espresso machines due to the variation in pump pressure and flow rate. Another great reason to grind fresh before brewing.

Final Thoughts: Fresh Is Best

Grinding your coffee fresh is one of the simplest and most affordable upgrades you can make. It preserves the full spectrum of flavours and aromas in each cup—and helps you get the most from your beans, whether you’re brewing a delicate single origin or a bold espresso blend.

Explore our selection of freshly roasted, ethically sourced coffee beans, and if you’re ready to level up your brew, pair them with a reliable grinder—your taste buds will thank you.

Discover Freshly Roasted Coffee Beans

View all