What grind size works in the AeroPress?
Highly flexible: from medium-fine (table salt) for fast, concentrated shots to medium-coarse for longer, filter-like brews. The grind size must match the brew time — finer = shorter, coarser = longer.
Why that is
When it comes to grind size, the AeroPress is one of the most flexible manual brewing methods. While the French press requires a coarse grind and the V60 needs a medium-fine grind, the AeroPress works within a broad spectrum — because manual pressure serves as an additional variable.
Fine (between espresso and table salt):
- For short brew times (1–1:30 minutes).
- High extraction in a short time due to more surface area.
- Result: Concentrated, intense, full-bodied.
- Note: Grinding too fine makes plunging difficult — if the plunger barely moves, the grind size is too fine.
Medium-fine (standard, like table salt):
- For standard brew times (1:30–2 minutes).
- The safest starting point for most AeroPress recipes.
- Result: Balanced, clear, good body.
Medium to medium-coarse:
- For longer brew times (2–3 minutes).
- Less extraction per unit of time, but a longer contact time.
- Result: Filter coffee-like, lighter, more clarity.
Coarse (like for French press): Too coarse for the AeroPress. The short contact time and the paper filter yield a watery, under-extracted cup.
Practical test: The plunging resistance reveals a lot. If you can push the plunger all the way down evenly with moderate pressure in 20–30 seconds, the grind size is right. Too easy = too coarse. Too hard = too fine.
This distinguishes the AeroPress from most brewing methods: With the V60, the grind size determines the draw-down time. With the French press, it determines the clarity. With the AeroPress, you can freely choose the grind size and adapt the brew time plus pressure to it — that's why there are hundreds of different AeroPress recipes.
In practice at Green Wall Coffee
At Sophienstraße 27, I recommend starting with medium-fine — like table salt. This works with most standard recipes and is forgiving of small variations. If you want to experiment, try going finer with a shorter time for an espresso-like shot.
Feel free to drop by for a coffee — Green Wall Coffee, Sophienstraße 27 in Berlin-Lichtenberg, Mon–Fri 8am–5pm and Sat 10am–5pm.
Further reading
In-depth article: Pour-Over Guide (V60)
Related questions:
- Can you make espresso with the AeroPress?
- Is the AeroPress really good for traveling?
- How does the AeroPress work?
Also relevant:
- What grind size do I need for AeroPress? — Grinding & Grind Size
- Why does my coffee taste bitter? — Problems & Troubleshooting
All questions in this topic: AeroPress