Differences in Coffee Grind Size: Espresso vs French Press

Are you confused about the differences between espresso and French press coffee? It’s a common dilemma for coffee lovers.

Espresso, with its intense, concentrated flavor, and French press, with its smooth, full-bodied richness, are two staples in the coffee world. Yet, despite both using the same basic ingredients (coffee and water), their preparation, grind size, and brewing time couldn’t be more different.

When you understand the differences between these methods, you unlock the potential to create coffee exactly how you like it. In this blog, we’ll take you through the nuances of each method—exploring espresso grind vs french press grind size, brewing time, flavors, and textures they produce. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which method suits your taste and how to master each brew.

What is Espresso?

Espresso is the heart and soul of many coffee drinks, delivering a strong, concentrated shot with a bold flavor and rich texture. But despite its widespread use, espresso is often misunderstood. 

It’s not a special type of coffee bean, despite what you may see on store shelves. Instead, espresso refers to a brewing method—hot water is forced through finely ground coffee under pressure to create a concentrated, flavorful shot.

This method of brewing produces a thick, intense coffee that’s much more concentrated than regular drip coffee. An espresso shot is typically served in a small cup called a demitasse and acts as the base for popular beverages such as lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos.

With its rich flavor and caffeine kick, a shot of espresso is perfect for those moments when you need an instant energy boost or a flavorful way to kick-start your day.

How to Make Espresso

Making espresso requires the right equipment and a precise process to achieve that rich, concentrated shot of coffee. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft the perfect espresso.

1. Grind the Coffee: Start with high-quality coffee beans. Use a fine grind, similar to table salt, ensuring it’s uniform. A grind that is too coarse will result in weak coffee, while a grind that is too fine will cause over-extraction and bitterness.

2. Preheat the Machine: Switch on your espresso machine and let it heat up until it reaches the optimal brewing temperature, which is typically between 190°F and 200°F. Preheating helps guarantee that your coffee brews at the ideal temperature for the best flavor.

3. Measure and Tamp the Coffee: Use approximately 18 to 20 grams of ground coffee when preparing a double shot. Even out the coffee grounds in the portafilter, then tamp them down with firm, even pressure to ensure uniform extraction. The tamp ensures a smooth and even extraction.

4. Brew the Espresso: Secure the portafilter into the espresso machine, begin the brewing process, and allow it to extract for approximately 25 to 30 seconds. You should see a rich, dark coffee flow with a golden crema on top. If the extraction time is too long or too short, make adjustments to the grind size or the tamping pressure accordingly.

5. Serve: Pour the espresso into a demitasse (small cup), and enjoy! The final shot should be rich and robust, featuring a full-bodied flavor and a thick, creamy layer of crema on the surface.

Now that we understand what espresso is, let’s dive into another popular brewing method: French press coffee.

What is French Press Coffee?

The French press is a well-loved brewing method known for producing coffee with a rich, full-bodied flavor. Made using a French press pot (or press pot), this method extracts coffee oils, creating a bold and smooth cup. 

It involves steeping coarsely ground coffee in hot water for a few minutes before pressing down the plunger to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee. The result is a flavorful coffee that highlights the natural oils, delivering a robust taste that's hard to replicate with other brewing techniques. 

While it doesn’t create the crema that espresso does, the French press is known for its robust flavor and aromatic profile. It’s a straightforward and affordable way to enjoy a flavorful cup, especially if you want to explore the nuances of different coffee beans.

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How to Make French Press Coffee

Brewing coffee with a French press is simple and effective. It allows the coffee’s natural oils to blend fully into the drink, resulting in a smooth and richly flavored cup. Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Grind the Coffee: Use coarsely ground coffee for the French press. A medium-coarse grind works best, as finer grounds can slip through the mesh filter, resulting in a gritty texture. For a standard 8-oz cup, use about 1 ounce (28 grams) of coffee.

2. Boil the Water: Bring water to a temperature just under boiling, approximately 200°F. Water that's too hot can overextract the coffee, leading to a bitter and unpleasant flavor.

3. Add Coffee Grounds to the French Press: Place the coarsely ground coffee into the French press. Add a small amount of hot water to the coffee grounds to let them "bloom"—this releases carbon dioxide and improves flavor extraction. Let it sit for about 30 seconds.

4. Pour the Remaining Water: Slowly pour the rest of the hot water into the French press, making sure all the coffee grounds are fully saturated. Stir gently to make sure the grounds are evenly saturated.

5. Steep the Coffee: Place the lid on the French press, but don’t plunge yet. Let the coffee steep for about 4 minutes. Adjust the steeping time to your taste—longer steeping results in a stronger brew.

6. Press the Plunger: After the steeping time is up, slowly and steadily press down the plunger to separate the coffee grounds from the brewed coffee. Pressing too quickly can cause bitterness, so take your time.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Pour the freshly brewed French press coffee into your mug and enjoy the rich, full-bodied flavor. No paper filters, just pure coffee goodness.

While French press coffee employs a distinct brewing method, it’s essential to understand how it differs from espresso. Let’s explore the key differences between the two.

Also read: How Much Will It Actually Cost to Open a Coffee Shop

Espresso Grind vs French Press: The Differences

Espresso and French press coffee differ in more ways than one, from the equipment used to the brewing process. In this section, we’ll explore how these two methods vary across key parameters and how those differences impact your coffee experience.

Equipment: Espresso vs French Press

Espresso and French press coffee require different sets of equipment, each designed to extract the unique flavors and textures of their respective brews.

To brew espresso, you’ll need an espresso machine to generate the high pressure needed for extraction. A coffee grinder with a fine setting is essential, along with a tamper to evenly press the coffee grounds into the portafilter. If you’re making milk-based drinks, a milk frothing pitcher is also necessary.

For French press coffee, you’ll need a French press pot, typically made of glass or stainless steel, with a plunger and mesh filter. A coarse grinder is key for the grounds, and a kettle helps heat water to the correct temperature. Using a scale to measure your coffee and water ensures a balanced brew.

Are you ready to brew the perfect coffee? Explore Pro Coffee Gear’s premium selection of espresso machines, French press coffee makers, grinders, and accessories to elevate your coffee-making experience.

Beans: Roast Type

The type of roast you use can significantly impact the flavor of both espresso and French press coffee. 

Espresso typically uses medium-dark to dark roast beans, which enhance the rich, bold flavor and create a full-bodied cup. Dark roasts work best with espresso as they provide the necessary depth and strength to handle the pressure and extraction method.

For French press coffee, medium to dark roasts are also a great choice, as they offer a smooth and robust flavor. The longer steeping time allows the oils from darker roasts to infuse, resulting in a well-rounded, aromatic cup fully. However, lighter roasts can also be used if you prefer a more nuanced flavor profile with a slightly brighter taste.

Grind Size

Grind size plays a crucial role in both espresso and French press coffee. 

For espresso, a fine grind is essential. A fine grind is like powdered sugar or table salt—it’s very finely ground to increase the surface area, allowing hot water to extract flavor under high pressure, creating a concentrated shot with a rich crema.

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On the other hand, French press coffee requires a coarse grind. A coarse grind resembles sea salt or chunks—larger particles that prevent over-extraction during the long steeping time and ensure a clean, smooth cup. Using a finer grind in a French press can result in over-extraction, making the coffee bitter and muddy. To achieve a balanced, flavorful brew, a coarse grind is key.

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Ratio of Water to Coffee

The ratio of water to coffee is crucial for both espresso and French press brewing, as it affects the strength and balance of your brew. 

For espresso, the typical water-to-coffee ratio is 2:1, meaning two parts water to one part coffee. This creates a concentrated shot that packs a punch.

For French press, the ratio is much higher—around 16:1 to 12:1, depending on how strong you like your coffee. The extended brewing time requires more water, resulting in a fuller, less concentrated cup of coffee.

Brewing Time and Method

Espresso is brewed using high pressure, forcing hot water through finely ground coffee. This method extracts a concentrated shot of coffee in approximately 25-30 seconds, producing a quick and intense brew.

French press coffee is brewed through a manual immersion method, where coarsely ground coffee is steeped in hot water for approximately 4 minutes. The plunger is then pressed to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee, resulting in a smooth, rich cup.

Taste Profile, Flavor, and Strength

Espresso delivers a bold, intense flavor with a thick crema and high caffeine content, making it strong and concentrated. The fine grind and high pressure result in a rich, smooth cup that packs a punch.

In contrast, French press coffee offers a smoother, fuller flavor with a balanced strength. The longer steeping time allows the coffee to release more of its natural oils, resulting in a rich, full-bodied brew that is less intense but still flavorful and aromatic.

Texture

Espresso has a creamy, velvety texture due to its high-pressure extraction and the thick crema that forms on top. The result is a smooth, concentrated shot with a rich mouthfeel.

French press coffee offers a full-bodied, smooth texture. The coarser grind and extended steeping time allow for the extraction of oils, giving the coffee a richer, more substantial feel, without the thickness of espresso.

Volume

Espresso is typically served in small 1-2 ounce servings, emphasizing intensity over volume. It’s perfect for those who want a quick, concentrated coffee experience.

French press coffee, on the other hand, is brewed in larger quantities, typically 8-12 ounces or more. It’s ideal for sharing or for those who prefer a bigger, more relaxed cup of coffee.

Also read: How Many People Drink Coffee? Interesting Coffee Statistics and Facts

Health Benefits and Concerns

Espresso contains more caffeine per ounce than French press coffee, providing a quick energy boost. However, its high concentration can be harsh for some, and excessive consumption may lead to jitters or stomach acidity.

French press coffee, while rich in antioxidants, contains more coffee oils, which can raise cholesterol levels if consumed in large quantities. However, it’s generally easier on the stomach due to its smoother, less intense brew.

With a solid understanding of how each brewing method works, it’s time to explore if it’s possible to replicate espresso with a French press. Let’s find out.

Can You Make Espresso with a French Press?

While you can't truly replicate espresso with a French press, you can mimic some of its qualities. By using a finer grind, increasing the coffee-to-water ratio, and shortening the brewing time to 1-2 minutes, you can create a stronger, more concentrated coffee. 

Press gently to avoid over-extraction. While this method won’t provide the pressure or crema of espresso, it can result in a bolder cup with some espresso-like characteristics. It’s a fun experiment, but authentic espresso requires an espresso machine.

Now that we have explored the possibility of making espresso with a French press, let’s examine the best grinders to achieve the perfect grind for both espresso and French press coffee.

Best Grinders for Espresso and French Press

Choosing the right grinder is crucial for brewing the perfect espresso or French press coffee. A consistent grind size ensures proper extraction, and different brewing methods require different settings. Let’s look at the best grinders for each method and how they impact your coffee.

Are you looking for the perfect grinder to suit your brewing needs? Pro Coffee Gear has the best selection of grinders to help you get the grind just right, ensuring every cup is as perfect as the last.

Conclusion

After comparing espresso grind vs French press, we found that both methods have their own unique qualities, from brewing method to flavor and texture. Each offers a distinct coffee experience, with the espresso requiring a fine grind for intense extraction, while the French press benefits from a coarse grind for a smooth, balanced cup. By experimenting with different grind sizes and roasts, you can find the perfect brew that suits your taste.

For coffee lovers and cafe owners, Pro Coffee Gear offers premium espresso machines, grinders, and accessories to help you craft the perfect cup every time. Explore our collection today!