Introduction:Want to brew great coffee with the AeroPress but always confused about which grind size to choose? This article uses Panama Elida Typica light roast natural processed beans as an example. By keeping the coffee-to-water ratio, water temperature, and brew time consistent, we tested the performance of three different grind sizes. From flavor complexity, off-note control to acidity-sweetness balance, we help you find the most suitable grind setting for these beans and explain the AeroPress brewing steps in detail — even beginners can easily get started.
Tired of pour over coffee and want to try a different method to explore varied flavors? The AeroPress is a brewing device that combines the advantages of both pour over and French press, and has become increasingly popular among coffee enthusiasts in recent years. However, the first thing you need to figure out to brew great coffee with the AeroPress is—how to choose the grind size? Too fine may lead to over-extraction and unwanted off-flavors, while too coarse might under-extract, resulting in noticeable acidity and astringency.
For this experiment, we selected Elida Typica from the Boquete region of Panama as our test bean. It’s a light roast natural processed coffee, rich in fruity aromas and sweetness. The brewing conditions were fixed as follows: 15g of coffee, 90°C water temperature, 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio, total brew time around 2 minutes. Only the grind size was adjusted, using three settings: BG 5M (60% passing rate through a #20 sieve), BG 5R (58% passing rate), and BG 6M (47% passing rate). We observed how each affected the flavor profile.
【BG 5M Grind Size】：This grind is close to a medium-fine grind typically used for pour over. In actual brewing, it produced intense fermented fruit aromas, with clear notes of blueberry and cocoa. The finish had a mellow, rice tea-like sweetness. However, the overall profile was somewhat complex, with occasional subtle off-notes. While the flavor layers were rich, it lacked a bit of clarity and freshness.
【BG 5R Grind Size】：With a 58% passing rate, this is a moderately fine grind and the setting we found most suitable for this Elida Typica after testing. The brewed coffee had a clean and refreshing flavor. It delivered prominent acidity and sweetness with notes of starfruit and berries, along with delicate fermented wine-like aromas. The rice tea-like finish had distinct layers, and the overall balance was excellent, with almost no interference from off-flavors.
【BG 6M Grind Size】：This is a relatively coarse grind, with only a 47% passing rate — close to the coarseness commonly used for French press. The brewed cup had a sharper acidity. Although fruit notes such as berries, nectarine, and lemon peel were clear, the overall profile felt a bit thin. The finish had a rice-tea-like feel but lacked roundness and sweetness, raising concerns about potential under-extraction.
After a comprehensive comparison,BG 5R is the recommended grind size, as it best showcases the fruitiness and sweetness of this light roast natural bean while maintaining pure flavors and a balanced acidity-sweetness profile — suitable for most AeroPress users.
Recommended brewing steps are as follows: First, add 15g of coffee grounds into the AeroPress, then pour a small amount of hot water to bloom for about 10–15 seconds. Next, pour water up to 225g (1:15 ratio) and start timing. At around 1 minute, gently stir to ensure even extraction. Let it sit until 1 minute and 30 seconds, then invert the AeroPress and press the filter down. Complete the brew around the 2-minute mark. You can then enjoy a cup of AeroPress coffee with clear and vibrant flavors.
Quick Tip: Although the AeroPress is easy to use, details matter. For instance, water that’s too hot may bring out unwanted off-flavors from the natural bean. Uneven pouring can also lead to inconsistent extraction. Additionally, using fine paper filters or metal filters is recommended to more effectively trap fine particles, improving mouthfeel smoothness.
By simply changing the grind or tweaking a few details, the AeroPress can offer you a completely different coffee experience compared to pour over. If you enjoy experimenting with different devices and parameter combinations, why not start with this Elida Typica and find your optimal brew setup?
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
