Grinder Settings Guide for Every Coffee Maker

Getting the Best from Your Costa Rican Coffee

Costa Rican coffees are known for their hard, dense beans — a result of being grown at high altitudes. This density means the beans hold a wealth of complex flavours, from bright citrus and stone fruit notes through to rich chocolate and caramel undertones. To unlock these flavours, grind size and extraction are everything.

Because these beans are so dense, they require a slightly finer grind than you might use with softer beans at the same roast level. Take your time dialling in — small adjustments make a big difference. Grind fresh, brew with water around 92–96°C, and give the coffee time to bloom (especially for pour over and AeroPress methods) to let those beautiful aromatics open up.

Whether you're pulling a bright, juicy espresso or a clean, floral pour over, Costa Rican beans reward patience and precision. Use the guide below as your starting point.

☕ Espresso Machine

Grind Size: Extra Fine

Setting: 1–3 (on most grinders)

Espresso requires a very fine, consistent grind to allow water to pass through the puck under high pressure. If your shot pulls too fast, grind finer. If it's too slow or bitter, go slightly coarser.

🫖 Moka Pot (Stovetop Espresso)

Grind Size: Fine

Setting: 2–4

Similar to espresso but slightly coarser. A fine grind helps build the pressure needed for a rich, strong brew without clogging the filter.

☕ Pour Over (V60, Chemex, Kalita Wave)

Grind Size: Medium-Fine to Medium

Setting: 5–7

Pour over methods benefit from a consistent medium grind that allows for even extraction. Adjust based on your pour speed — finer for slower pours, coarser for faster ones.

☕ Drip Coffee Machine

Grind Size: Medium

Setting: 6–8

A classic medium grind works best for most automatic drip machines. This allows water to flow through at the right pace for balanced extraction.

🔵 AeroPress

Grind Size: Medium-Fine to Fine

Setting: 3–6 (depending on brew time)

The AeroPress is versatile — use a finer grind for shorter brew times and a coarser grind for longer steeps. Experiment to find your sweet spot!

🫙 French Press

Grind Size: Coarse

Setting: 8–10

A coarse, even grind is essential for French press. Fine grounds will pass through the metal filter and make your coffee gritty and over-extracted.

🧊 Cold Brew

Grind Size: Extra Coarse

Setting: 10–12

Cold brew steeps for 12–24 hours, so a very coarse grind prevents over-extraction and bitterness. Think rough, chunky grounds — almost like raw sugar.

💡 Tips for Dialling In Your Grind

• Taste too bitter? Your grind may be too fine — go coarser.
• Taste too sour or weak? Your grind may be too coarse — go finer.
• Always use freshly ground coffee for the best flavour.
• Grinder settings vary by brand — use these as a starting point and adjust to taste.

📩 Got Questions?

If you have any questions or run into any problems dialling in your grind, we're here to help! Reach out to us at info@montesantocoffee.com.au and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.