Mastering the Moccamaster: Choosing the Right Grind Size

Have you ever brewed a cup of coffee and wished it just tasted a little better? If so, then maybe it’s time to start paying attention to all the small details that go into making a delicious cup of java. One such detail is the size of your ground beans.

So, what is the optimal grind setting for Moccamaster? The optimal grind setting is medium-coarse. This grind size is perfect for allowing the water to flow through the coffee beans at the correct pace, extracting the ideal amount of flavor.

A medium-coarse grind is also ideal for preventing the coffee from becoming too bitter or weak. This article will go over the best grind size for the Moccamaster and how different grind settings can affect the taste and quality of your coffee.

Overview of the Moccamaster Coffee Brewer

For those who love the perfect cup of coffee, a Moccamaster coffee brewer is the way to go. It’s a fast and simple way to have delicious fresh-brewed coffee in no time and with minimal effort.

The Moccamaster is an automated brewer that’s SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) [1] approved and made in the Netherlands, so it’s built to last. 

Someone who wants a straightforward, no-frills coffee maker that works. And works incredibly well.

Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm, thekitchn On the Moccamaster Coffee Maker

With features like a powerful heating element, water level reader, cool touch exterior, and precision brewing temperature (murdered at 196-205°F) you can be sure that your coffee will always taste great [2].

Moccamaster 53948 KBGV Select 10-Cup Coffee Maker
Moccamaster 53948 KBGV Select 10-Cup Coffee Maker
Technivorm Moccamaster One-Cup Coffee Maker
Technivorm Moccamaster One-Cup Coffee Maker

The Moccamaster also has various sizes available, such as a single-serve or a full-size carafe with 8 – 15 cups, meaning you can tailor it to fit your needs. 

The easy-to-fill removable 10 oz -1.8-liter tank provides enough water for 1 – 15 cups of freshly brewed coffee whenever you need it, making it ideal for busy mornings or when entertaining houseguests. 

What Grind Level Is Best for a Moccamaster?

Mocamaster is a drip coffee brewer. So, the ideal grind size for brewing with Moccamaster should be a medium-coarse grind, resembling crystal sugar or rough sand when held in your hand.

When you grind coffee beans, each whole bean is broken into fragments, increasing the total exposed surface area of each bean

us.moccamaster

Any finer than this and you run the risk of over-extraction, which could result in an overly bitter taste. Conversely, if your grind is too coarse then the flavor compounds won’t be fully released during the brewing cycle, resulting in an under-extracted flavor that’s weak and flavorless.

Medium Coarse Coffee Grounds
Medium-coarse Coffee Ground

It’s also important to ensure that your grind is consistent in size so that all the flavor compounds are properly released during the brew cycle.

When using pre-ground coffee from the supermarket, it’s often ground too finely which can lead to an over-extracted brew when using a Moccamaster. That’s why we recommend grinding your own beans with a pour-over setting using a grinder [3].

But if you insist on using pre-packaged ground coffee and find it too fine, try experimenting by adding less coffee than usual for your Moccamaster brews.

More Resources:

Factors That Can Influence the Grind Size of Your Moccamaster Coffee Maker

Although medium-coarse is the recommended grind size for the Moccamaster coffee maker. But the grind size may get influenced by a few factors and related to coffee gear & personal preferences. 

1. The Way You Grind Your Coffee

Choosing the right grind size for the coffee you are brewing through a Moccamaster can make all the difference in the flavor of your cup.

Baratza Encore Grinder
My Baratza Encore Electric Coffee Grinder

When it comes to a grinder, there are multiple features to take into account. Manual grinders as well as electric ones come in many different sizes. Also, most offer adjustable settings so that you can control the coarseness or fineness of the coffee grounds. 

The other factor to be aware of is burr shape, which will also have an effect on grind size precision and speed. Conical burrs are better suited for coarse grinds than flat-edged burrs. 

Manual Coffee Grinder
Manual Coffee Grinder

You can use a blade grinder as well, however, burr grinders are best suited to grinding coffee because of consistent grind size. 

I use the Baratza Encore coffee grinder, and I get a consistent medium-coarse grind. I also recommend the grinder to you if you are on a budget.

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But if you have the budget, I’ll suggest you go for the KM5 burr grinder made by Technivorm Moccamaster.

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2. The brewing method

The Moccamaster is a drip coffee maker which uses a paper or metal filter to separate the coffee grounds from the water. As a result, medium-ground coffee beans are best.

This grind is ideal for drip coffee makers because it extracts the most flavor from the beans while producing the least amount of sediment in the cup.

You can, however, experiment with slightly finer or coarser grinds to suit your personal preferences. Try a somewhat finer grind for a stronger cup of coffee.

This results in a stronger cup of coffee and may result in more sediment. If you want a weaker coffee, use a slightly coarser grind.

3. Type of grinder in the Moccamaster

When using different grinders, adjust the grind setting for Moccamaster to match that of a medium-fine grind. The following grinders are commonly used in a Moccamaster coffee maker:

  • The Baratza Encore: This is a conical burr grinder with 40 grind settings that allow for various brewing methods, from French press to espresso.
  • The Fellow Ode: This is a commercial-grade flat burr grinder with 31 grind settings and the ability to fine-tune the grind to an exact level.

The Fellow Ode should be set between 3-5 and the Baratza Encore between 17-19.

  • The Rancilio Rocky: This is a high-end burr grinder designed for home and commercial use. It has 55 different grind settings.
  • The Baratza Forté has 54 grind settings and a weight-based dosing system built in.

4. Type of coffee beans you’re using

Because different beans have distinct flavors and characteristics, choosing a grind that complements the taste of your beans is critical. A medium grind, for example, will complement a light roast coffee well. A slightly finer grind may be preferable if using a dark roast coffee.

Finally, remember that the grind you use will affect the brewing time. The longer the brewing time, the finer the grind. The faster the brew, the coarser the grind.

It’s also worth noting that grind size can vary depending on the model of Moccamaster you have. Some models, such as the classic Moccamaster KBG, can accommodate a greater variety of grind sizes than others.

As a result, it’s critical to consult your Moccamaster’s manual to determine the recommended grind size for your specific model.

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Different Grinder Setting for Moccamaster

In the below table, you’ll find the grind setting for different grinders to get the perfect grind for brewing in the Moccamaster.

Coffee Grinder Brand NameGrind Setting
Baratza Encore17-19
Baratza Virtuoso17-19
Fellow Ode3-5
Capresso InfinityFine 4 – Medium 1
Cuisinart Supreme Grind4-6
Bodum BistroDrip icon – 2.5
Mr. Coffee Burr Grinder3
Javapresse5-13
Hario4-12
Hario V60 Electric Coffee Grinder 12-32
OXO BREW Conical Burr Grinder 4-11

Conclusion

Choosing the right grind size for your Moccamaster is one of the keys to getting the perfect cup of coffee every time.

And don’t forget that a consistent grind size is also essential; it’ll make all the difference in taste, so be sure to follow a reliable process when grinding your beans. With these tips in mind, you’ll be enjoying a flavorful cup of brewed-to-perfection coffee in no time!

Coffee Gears that I Use Daily

Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

This is my favorite grinder when I’m at home to start my day with the perfect cup. It delivers excellent grind consistency & offers versatile settings. The price is also reasonable. I recommend this grinder to all my fellow coffee enthusiasts. Check it out on Amazon now.

VSSL JAVA Manual Hand Coffee Grinder

I travel a lot, but can’t take Baratza with me. So, I carry this fantastic manual hand coffee grinder made by VSSL. It’s compact and lightweight, and its crank handle comes with a convenient carabiner feature, making it the perfect on-the-go companion for me. Get yours on Amazon today.

Coffee Scale

I rely on my trusty digital scale to measure the exact amount of coffee grounds and water for the perfect flavor and strength. Whether I’m at home or on the go, this scale is a must-have. Available on Amazon, get your hands on one and elevate your coffee game to the next level.

References

  1. https://www.thekitchn.com/best-coffee-makers-23153163
  2. https://sca.coffee/certified-home-brewer
  3. https://us.moccamaster.com/blogs/blog/the-importance-of-coffee-grind-size
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