In the UK, the love of a good brew runs deep. And while we Brits are known for our tea, our obsession with coffee—especially the quality kind—is quickly catching up. Whether you prefer a velvety latte, a bold Americano, or a smooth French press pour, your choice of coffee beans (and how you grind them) makes all the difference.
Today, we’ll walk you through how to choose the perfect coffee beans and grind size for your preferred brewing method—from espresso coffee to the humble cafetière—so you can get the most flavour from every cup.
Why the Right Grind Matters?
Coffee brewing is a delicate balance of time, temperature, and extraction. And at the heart of that is grind size. Grinding your beans correctly means you’re able to extract the right amount of flavour—too coarse, and your coffee may be weak or sour; too fine, and it might turn bitter or over-extracted.
But it’s not just about grind—it’s also about choosing the right coffee beans in terms of roast and origin. Each method, from espresso machines to AeroPress, brings out different notes and textures. Here’s how to pair your brew method with the right grind and bean.
- Espresso Machine: Precision & Power
Ideal grind: Fine
Recommended beans: Espresso Coffee
Espresso is strong, rich, and concentrated. It needs a fine grind—similar in texture to table salt—to deliver a bold shot in under 30 seconds. That pressure and precision mean not just any bean will do.
Look for coffee that’s specifically roasted for espresso. At Discount Coffee, we offer expertly crafted espresso coffee blends with low acidity and chocolatey or nutty profiles, ideal for milk-based drinks like flat whites or cappuccinos.
Pro tip: Avoid using general medium roast beans for espresso unless they’re labelled espresso-suitable—you risk extracting sharp or unbalanced flavours.
- French Press (Cafetière): Full-Bodied & Rustic
Ideal grind: Coarse
Recommended beans: Whole coffee beans, medium to dark roast
The French press is perfect for those who love a full-bodied brew with a bit of texture. It doesn’t use paper filters, so you’ll get the natural oils and robust character of the coffee. But you’ll also need a coarse grind—think breadcrumbs—not only to avoid over-extraction but to keep sediment out of your cup.
Beans with bold, earthy, or chocolatey notes tend to shine in this method. Try a medium to dark roast with Brazilian, Colombian, or Sumatran origins for a comforting, full-flavoured cup.
Pro tip: After pressing, let the coffee sit for an extra 30 seconds to allow the grounds to settle. This results in a cleaner pour.
- AeroPress: Versatile & Quick
Ideal grind: Medium-fine
Recommended beans: Lighter roasts for fruitier flavour; espresso blends for stronger brews
The AeroPress is the Swiss Army knife of coffee makers—great for travel, office use, or experimenting at home. Depending on your brew time and technique, you can tweak the grind to suit your taste.
For a quick 1-minute brew, go for a medium-fine grind, slightly coarser than espresso. If you’re steeping longer, you can get away with a more medium grind.
Lighter roasts can produce bright, fruity notes perfect for a black cup, while a shot made from espresso coffee beans will result in a punchier brew with crema-like texture—ideal for milk-based AeroPress drinks.
Pro tip: Use a paper filter for a cleaner cup, or go metal for a more intense body and mouthfeel.
- Pour-Over / V60: Clean & Delicate
Ideal grind: Medium
Recommended beans: Single-origin, light to medium roast
The pour-over method is ideal for those who enjoy exploring the subtle nuances of coffee. It demands a medium grind (similar to sea salt) to control the flow rate and extraction.
Go for beans that highlight bright, fruity, or floral notes. Single-origin coffee beans from Ethiopia or Kenya are great choices. The clarity of pour-over brewing showcases their complexity in a way that richer brewing methods may mask.
Pro tip: Pour in slow circles to evenly saturate the grounds and avoid channelling (uneven extraction).
- Stovetop Moka Pot: Old-School Italian Intensity
Ideal grind: Fine-medium
Recommended beans: Espresso roasts or dark-roasted coffee beans
The Moka pot gives you an espresso-like experience at home, minus the machine. You’ll need a fine-medium grind, coarser than espresso but finer than drip coffee. Grind too fine, and you may clog the filter; too coarse, and you’ll miss the intensity.
Beans roasted specifically for espresso coffee work brilliantly here, offering that desired richness and body.
Pro tip: Use pre-heated water to speed up brewing and prevent the grounds from ‘cooking’ too long before extraction begins.
Whether you’re a purist with a V60 or a power-caffeine sipper using a Gaggia espresso machine, getting the best out of your brew starts with pairing the right coffee beans with the right grind size and method.
At Discount Coffee, we make it easy to find exactly what your taste buds (and brew gear) demand—offering a full range of expertly selected coffee beans, including dedicated espresso coffee blends.
Ready to Brew Like a Pro?
Explore our full coffee range to match your brewing method—and don’t forget, freshly ground is always best. Your perfect cup is only a grind away.
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