Good Coffee Part 4: Grind (with some tips on different brewing methods)

When you get serious about coffee, you should get yourself a quality grinder before going after the latest electronic wonder of a coffee maker. Pictured above is my morning coffee setup. I use the auto-drip machine at 5:30am purely for the convenience when I am running around trying to get ready for work. The photo demonstrates the importance of proper grind. The grinder set me back about $200, while the Mr. Coffee cost me only $30. By grinding good coffee fresh right before brewing, and following the basics, I can make a suburb cup of java even with a cheapo coffee machine. When purchasing a grinder for the home always get a burr grinder. These crush the beans evenly at the consistency you chose.  Blade grinders that just chop up the coffee are useless. If you have your coffee ground at the store, take care to know what brewing method you will be using before you go, for this will determine the grind that you will need.

If you use an AUTO-DRIP machine that uses a metal screen, or paper filters like the ones pictured above, use a MEDIUM GRIND. that's the middle setting on most grinders.

POUR OVER CONE FILTER: EXTRA FINE GRIND (about half way between auto-drip and espresso) An excellent way to make a good cup of coffee. with this manual method you control every aspect of the brewing process. Many coffee pros make their coffee this way at home. This is s a one cup at a time method that lately has become popular at coffee shops with may kind of coffee to sample.
Directions: Heat water to just off boiling in a kettle. Put cone shaped filter into coffee cone. Wet the filter with a little hot water. Place cone over mug. Add coffee into the filter. Slowly pour the correct amount of hot water over the grounds making sure to soak them evenly. Sometimes I like to stir the mixture with a chopstick. Wait for the coffee to pour through. Enjoy.

MOKA POT: (No photo): FINE GRIND (just a little finer than auto drip).
Here are a few links with instructions on how to use a Moka pot.
http://www.coffeenate.com/how-to-use-a-moka-pot/ (good quality video here).
http://stumptowncoffee.com/guide/moka-pot/ (this website is an excellent resource for the home coffee brewer)

 PRESS POT, or FRENCH PRESS:  COURSE GRIND
The french press is cheap, easy, and brings out the brings out the taste of your coffee better than just about any other method. Heat water in a kettle (just off boiling). Pour coffee into bottom of pot. Add hot water. Stir with small wooden spoon or chopstick. Replace lid on to the carafe  (do not push down plunger). Let coffee steep for 4 minutes. Slowly push down plunger, pressing the coffee grounds to the bottom of the pot where they will stay. Pour and enjoy.

PECULATOR: COURSE GRIND
Some people still use these, especially for large batches.