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.

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

The AeroPress is the most flexible of all manual brewing methods when it comes to grind size. 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.

Related questions

• How does the AeroPress work?
• What is the ideal brew time for the AeroPress?
• Why should you grind coffee fresh?

Come visit us at Sophienstraße 27 — Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat 10am–5pm.