The Best Grind Size for a Manual Espresso Machine

Our customers often ask what is the best grind for their espresso machine? To be frank, espresso machines can differ enormously, in our opinion, trial and error is the best policy. Persevere with various grind settings and practice with your machine until you are satisfied.

Of all the coffee making options available to you, manual espresso machines are capable of extracting coffee in the quickest time. Commonly, an espresso takes between 20 and 30 seconds to pour! The contact time between water and coffee will therefore also be noticeably short. It is important to make sure that the water does not pass too quickly through the coffee as it needs enough time to absorb the flavour of the coffee. You’ll need a very fine grind in order to slow the flow of the water and ensure that it interacts with all of the compacted coffee grounds.

As I mentioned, an espresso grind should be a much finer grind and tamped down using the right amount of pressure, heed a warning though, tamper too tight using too much force or pressure and the water will not seep through the grind.

IDLE RIVER TIP: If you have a manual espresso machine (not bean to cup), consider getting a grinder to go with it (preferably a burr grinder either electric or manual and one that can produce an espresso grind, check the maker’s specifications). It is well worth the investment and does not have to be expensive. As well as giving a fine, accurate and even grind, coffee made with freshly ground beans will have a fuller and more intense flavour.