COFFEE GRIND SIZE - Why it Matters and What You Should Know - MAKE BETTER COFFEE

[@lucashoffman9823]

Hi Rob, not only your videos are informative but they are also a pleasure to watch. I came across your video on the moka pot a few months ago, and I’m really glad the algorithm brought me back to your content. Keep up the great work!

[@RJ-ek7ov]

Thanks for the easy to follow instructions. As a newby To grinding my own beans, I didn’t realize I grounded my beans so fine and the flow stopped in my refillable k-cops. Still looking for that sweet spot using my manual grinder.

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

Heck ya buddy! Thanks so much for the feedback and glad it was helpful! Truly appreciate you watching!

[@nikolaybonapartov7379]

I like your style of explaining these things. I found myself getting deeper into the specialty coffee and now looking for a grinder at around $200, I think. Don't wanna go overboard with all them Comandante stuff, but also don't wanna go with some cheap grinder that I'll have to replace soon anyways. This video helps a lot to understand the whole logic as far as grind size goes. Now it makes perfect sense and a good starting point for further experiments. Cheers from Russia! 👍

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

Thanks buddy! I’m glad you enjoyed it! There is a KZbinr named Kyle Roswell that has a great comparison video on hand grinders. Def check it out before you make you decision. Thanks for watching buddy!

[@porterbrewer9349]

I need a great grinder. My coffee is often bitter (extra bitter) and I hear too fine a grind can be the cause. Great tech session. More please.

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

The grind plays a big role. This was a fun video to make so I definitely plan to make some more covering different topics.

[@rickhoupt6933]

Love your delivery. I’m brand new to this. I’m a coffee guy not espresso. Using Aeropress, Timemore Chestnut C2 max. And getting coffee from local roaster. “ may know JH” 😂😂😂 new sub

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

Haha thanks so much for watching my friend and truly appreciate you subscribing. I’m still learning a lot about coffee myself. Seems like a never ending journey!

[@lightsout176]

Good bye Keurig. Hello Mr. Coffee! My first 2 sips made my eyes roll back and then I shuddered my shoulders involuntarily by the third. I am taking my time to write this as this deserves it. I’ve gone through 2 Keurigs a year for the last 5-8 years. I’ve had every single problem imaginable with them. Fed up. But I appreciate its innovation. I just picked up a little 5 cup maker and found it’s Mr. Coffee burr grinder counterpart on next isle. Really all I needed was something small with a brew later function to wake up to and stepped into grinders with 8 O’Clock beans because I deserve them. I can’t tell you the nostalgia I am experiencing hearing the burner clicking on and off or the way my headache is turning into a happy cloud with the aromas dancing around my Condo. Can’t wait for my next cup and then my next pot. I would say the default course chip setting is a tad more course than what I’m used to but there’s 12 grinding settings on it. I think setting it to 4 or 3 with 6 cups worth of coffee in 5 cups of water is going to be my go to. I can also tell I’ve been tasting microplastics and forever chemicals coming off the K-cups as they are not present at all in what could be the purest cup of coffee I’ve ever experienced to date. Thank you for this bearded guy. I was a little lost until I watched your video. I was not expecting much but am very impressed. 🙏

[@jakke1975]

Last time I went to visit my mother-in-law I came with a few packs of beans. "You have a grinder, right?" "Oh yes I do". Turns out it was a blade grinder! I didn't even test it, went online and ordered a manual grinder. Blade grinders don't "grind", they smash the beans to bits which results in a combination from espresso size to French press size. The drink you pour from it is a mixture of under- and overextracted coffee. It's a total mess unless you manually sift through with a size separator and who does that? The other day I picked up a pack of Maragogype coffee from my favorite roaster. I thought I picked up beans, turns out it was ground coffee :( No matter whether I put it in a moka pot, v60 or chemex, I only get "bad coffee" from it, absolutely nothing like what I get from when I grind the beans myself. It just goes to show that the coffee grind makes so much more difference than whatever brewing machine you're using. If you're on a small budget, the very best thing you can do for a nice cup is to get a decent grinder. All the rest are just 1st world problems, just get yourself the right grind size for what you use and you'll have an enjoyable cup. Hand grinders are relatively cheap to get great results, electric grinders are a whole lot more expensive but they're still worth every penny if you can afford them. And don't just buy any grinder (there are lousy ones), look at a couple recommendations from people like Rob, James Hoffman, Kyle Rowsell or other connoisseurs on the internet.

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

All so true! It is so much more than beans and water. Thanks so much for taking the time to add and drop some knowledge! Truly appreciate that! Does mother in law have a “grinder” now? Lol

[@jakke1975]

@@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee lol, yeah she does. It's still a cheap one but it's a burr grinder that works a million times better than that blade grinder. Honestly, blade grinders should not be called grinders. It gives people the false impression they could or should be used for coffee beans. They literally do not grind. If anyone has one, use them for herbs and spices and you might find a good purpose for them.

[@jerryhubbard4461]

I also use a filter basket in my Mr. Coffee and when my machine begins to put the hot water on the coffee, I stand there and turn the basket to get all of the coffee covered with hot water to get an even brew. Works great.

[@EricCosner]

Interesting perspective on the grinds. I probably need to experiment more. I tend to grind more on the side of fine on a very dark roast and use a French press and it definitely takes a minute. I also pay close attention to the screen and getting it all flattened out so the grinds don’t slip by. I usually brew coffee at 185F. I got a coffee at McDonalds at an airport recently and it took an hour to cool off enough for me to consume it 😂

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

Haha ya you think McDonalds would have learned by now! Ya there is so many little micro variables that goes into finding that great tasting cup. But some days (like today) I don’t care and just need caffeine! Haha

[@rickryan2157]

Nice way to end my night watching. thanks Rob👌

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

Heck ya buddy! Thanks so much for watching. Really hope you enjoyed it!

[@bluesfool1]

It was an eye opening experience using a good grinder and a cheap burr grinder and tasting the difference in the cup. Instant improvement in your coffee experience

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

Yes indeed! The quality of grind is almost as important as the roast or coffee quality itself. Thanks for watching buddy!

[@jerryhubbard4461]

My electric grinder has the settings marked. One for perk, one for drip and one for Espresso. You can adjust between each mark to fit your desired brew. Over time I have learned to put my dial about 3 min past top or drip mark. The coffee blooms at the setting just right. I also use Mr.Coffee machine and it does a great job. Temp gets to 196 and that about it. Perfect.

[@Hywel2thefuture]

Great video - I have a whole batch of grinders and my blade grinder is not consistent at all, although I've had some great pour over coffees using it. I think part of the excitement is those different flavours that you can get from an inconsistent surface area - agreed sometimes it can turn out a bit strange but then other times you brew an absolute gem regardless of the weird grind sizes added. Sometimes I'd love to go to my customers house and brew up a coffee for them or at least see how they do it I think the brewing methods and grind size can be overlooked massively. I've loved starting from the bottom with coffee, from different roasting, grinding and brewing methods.

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

Yes! The journey is so cool and it seems like just when you think you have one thing figured out an entire new avenue opens. I have experienced the same thing with the inconsistent grinds. Sometimes I mess up something and it ends up tasting different or even better than the “correct” way I have been using. Haha thanks so much for watching and have a great weekend!!

[@andaisshadows5285]

Excellent video, learned a lot. Simple no frills explanation.

[@dankuhlwein2752]

Rob I can’t lie... I’m a fanboy. Your videos reach the farm fields of the great Buckeye state as I ride on my tractor and bring a smile to my face. I’m roasting on a Mill City 1kg. Brewing a fruity natural Ethiopian Natural from Guji Shakiso on my 1930’s commercial grade grinder. Yea I’m about that life. Keep up the videos and hit me up!

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

Heck ya dude!! What do you guys farm? Sounds like a dang good cup of coffee you sipping on. I will say, great coffee early in the morning plowing a field is about as far to heaven as you can get before committing fully! Lol Truly appreciate you watching and hope the weather treats you guys well!

[@dankuhlwein2752]

I’m the son of a third generation farmer... I think I’ve heard that in a song before but I’ll digress. We farm about 3,000 acres of corn, soybeans, and wheat. Usually we run between 400-500 head of beef cattle at a given time. We like to to kick it old school so we still bale a bunch of hay and straw. Got to keep the physique of you know what I mean. Plus the next generations got to have some callous on their hands and gravel in their gut. Nothing like hard work to build characters. My dad has always called it the school of hard knocks but my older brothers are pushing 50 and they haven’t graduated yet lol. I fall hard and fast with coffee roasting bug... yea it’s a problem. Thankfully I’ve got a supportive wife who let me put my roaster in our dining room. It makes for a good show piece and she don’t mind the the sweet aroma of freshly roasted coffee it provides. I was just currently listening to your podcast and I’m really excited for the potential. As an aspiring coffee roaster it’s going to be great to learn from People already doing it and the farming aspect hits close to home. Besides coffee, when the chores are all done and the haynus in the barn there are few things I enjoy more than a good four mile run. I’m out of swing of things with an 8 month boy in the house and the busy planting season but last about time to pound the pavement if you know what I mean.

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

Dang son!! You got a lot on your plate! I love hearing stories like this especially when they are this unique. A farmer who runs and roasts coffee is pretty rare. I must say you are the first I have heard of! Lol I hear you on the young kids. My third just turned 7 months and he is a handful. How are you liking the mill city roaster?

[@dankuhlwein2752]

I’m roasting on a North 1 kg (Mill City). It’s a solid little roaster with all the controls and power a man could want. I using Roastmaster App for data logging.

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

Nice! Thanks for the support to buddy!! Means a lot! Hoping to keep getting better and better at this podcasting thing.

[@stevenloewen2950]

So good Rob. Love it

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

Thanks my friend! I appreciate you checking it out! Hope you have a good weekend buddy!

[@leroyl2427]

Hello there Rob, I would like to commend you on your explanations within this topic by describing these things in every day common language that people can pick up on very easily. I try to do the same in my videos here on KZbin as well, although they’re not as refined as yours with all things take patience in the pursuit of Quality.. I hope to get there soon…lol i’ve stumbled upon your channel I have subscribed and gave you some likes on videos that I watched. So I say thank you for doing such a good job. Diving down into the Coffee rabbit hole such as I’ve done here lately this has given me a little more hope!

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

Thanks so much for the kind words my friend! I try to keep it fun and simple. It seems coffee can get very technical and opinionated. It’s a fun journey though and I really enjoy it. Are you planning to roast coffee?

[@leroyl2427]

@@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee That is correct Rob. I’m looking into roasters to see what size and type will fit my needs. I’m seriously looking at the mill city 1 kg roaster..

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

A lot of people start on them and I have heard mostly positive feedback. Customer support seems to be really good to. The last podcast I did with Scott gives some details on his experience.

[@jerryhubbard4461]

I have a Kidisle flat burr grinder 3.0. It does any excellent job with little mess. Keep the blade, I will keep my burr.

[@AaliyahOKee]

Thank you for your information ❤

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

No problem! Hope you found it helpful and thanks for watching!

[@BrucePappas]

Well done! It would be good to comment on flat vs conical burrs, as that's an important concept.

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

Yes!! That’s actually a great video idea. Exhaling the differences in all the burrs and design would be good! Thanks for watching Bruce!

[@jerryhubbard4461]

One of the best specialty brands that I love is Blue Bottle bold.

[@trailguy]

Very good, thanks!

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

No problem!

[@joejessey2392]

Rib, great video!

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

Thanks buddy! Truly appreciate you checking it out!!

[@timmcdraw7568]

I grind fine on a french press, but i use a lighter more breakfasty roast. I like thick coffee…. Some people call it sludgy, but i dont think so. Its def thikk but with a little cream and sugar its my favorite taste in the world

[@rikmcrae]

Great overview Rob. I’m torn between the efficiency (laziness) of finding a single grind size that’s okay but not great for V60, Aeropress and Moka pot, vs the pure enjoyment of flavour from dialling in each one on the nose.

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

Haha I hear ya on that. Some days forget to adjust it back and realize it when I am pouring out the grounds. Roll with it anyways! Haha thanks for watching buddy!

[@trailguy]

I have two antique burr grinders that i use to make to make cold brew. One makes it too coarse, the other too fine. I need a new one, I think. But until then I’ve been steeping the super coarse grinds for two days and the medium fine grinds for 16 hours.

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

Nice! Ya the grind size is so important. The more I learn about coffee the more I realize the significance of it. You planning on getting a new grinder?

[@trailguy]

@@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee probably, until then I might get a sifter and analyze the sizes im getting. If I can sift once and make good cold brew, I might just keep what I’ve got, but if I’ve got to sift twice to get a reasonably predictable/regular extraction, I’ll get a new grinder. Got any suggestions for cold brew grinders? I’m looking at the 100-150 range but would go up if there’s something spectacular for 200 or maybe go down id there’s a pretty great one for less than 100. It’s only actually important to make good coarse grinds, so paying more for something that makes great espresso grinds isn’t at all attractive to me.

[@BadBoy-ie6ic]

I’m an amateur roaster, just doing it for a month. I plan on trying my Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Organic to see how it is. Currently enjoying a balanced El Salvador Bourbon natural.

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

Nice dude! What are you roasting on?

[@BadBoy-ie6ic]

@@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee I bought a Behmor 2000AB to get started on. It has been good to learn with so far !

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

Heck ya. You can learn a lot on it! You just plan to home roast or grow it into something later down the road?

[@BadBoy-ie6ic]

@@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee I’m getting interest from people for locally roasted coffee, since no one is doing it in my area. So I am considering packaging and selling in the somewhat near future. The learning curve is steep, but I feel I’ve done okay already.

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

Ya, fresh roasted coffee is a game changer in areas where no one really has experienced it. Where you located?

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

What are you grinding on this weekend?

[@rikmcrae]

Wilfa Svart at home. Timemore C2 on the road.

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

@@rikmcrae Yes indeed! Packing the heat!

[@shanewilson2152]

Another great video Rob. ☕👍 PS, l just bought myself a new 2kg drum roaster. What do you recommend for seasoning the drum, your help would be appreciated. Regards Shane.

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

I would just season it with some cheap coffee. Buy some older lot coffee like a couple years old and you can usually get a decent price. If you have any local roaster near you they may have some old coffee they were not able to use up or sale that you could get at a discount too.

[@shanewilson2152]

@@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee thanks heaps Rob

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

No problem buddy!

[@HaekalAlchatieb]

ayyy nice intro dude

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

Thanks so much buddy!

[@HaekalAlchatieb]

@@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee cheers ☕

[@shanewilson2152]

Hi Rob, could you please share with me your method of roasting on your 2kg roaster. Your help would be appreciated. Regards Shane.

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

I am planning to make a full roast review on it. Was hoping to this weekend but we got hit by Hurricane Ida and we a literally in the path of it. Electricity is out now. If all goes well and my roastery building does not blow down I will try and record it next weekend. Things are kind of up in the air right now. I have an older video I made. Like my third or fourth video that goes over the basics. I can help with any direct questions in the meantime though. Just let me know. I may be out of pocket for the next couple days depending on how much damage the storm does.

[@shanewilson2152]

@@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee sorry to hear that you have gone through this, l hope everyone in your are ok.

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

Oh ya! We will be good. Just got to deal with it. Always something!

[@Adrian-bk8hv]

Do you recommend Timemore Slim Plus for espresso ? I mean not for perfect one but pretty decent

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

I think it’s it’s good. It’s not able to dial in as precise as some others but price wise it is pretty good. You go and spend double the money on another grinder and you will be able to have some more precise grind options but that’s the trade off. For a beginner or someone not to picky, I think it is more than enough. You have to get the E&B burrs though for espresso.

[@jfeghali]

Is the Timemore grinder that you use able to get the coffee fine enough for Turkish coffee? I'm really wanting to get more into Turkish coffee, but I can't find a grinder that can get it fine enough!

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

I will do some research and see!

[@jfeghali]

@@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee Thank you so much! I'm eager to see what you find. Everyone tells me to buy the Comandante for Turkish grind, but I just can't bring myself to spend $300+ on it. The Timemore would be much better on my bank account!

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

haha I hear that. I would love to get one of those Comandantes but ya.. its a chunk of change.

[@jfeghali]

@@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee Hey Rob! Were you ever able to try out the Timemore to see if it can go finer than espresso grind for Turkish coffee?

[@scottgarfield893]

what is the espresso machine in the video at 3:09?

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

It is called the XBar espresso machine. It was on Kickstarteter awhile back but it may be out now. It is a unique little unit.

[@kai.H]

how many clicks you use on the slim plus for pour over?Z

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

16-18 depending on V60 or Chemex. 17 clicks if I just don’t feel like adjusting every time. Lol

[@kai.H]

@@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee thank you.. really appreciate it..

[@RobPirieCedarOtaCoffee]

No problem my friend!