The Fine Grind Guide
The Fine Grind Guide
Espresso machine and Moka pot, explained by Alice & Ben.
Hey, it's Alice & Ben here. We saw you chose finely ground coffee as your preferred option, so here are some recipes and tips to help you brew at home.
Fine grind is all about pressure and concentration – whether that's the high pressure of an espresso machine or the gentle stovetop pressure of a Moka pot. Both give you a bold, rich, full-bodied cup, just with slightly different character. Here's how to get the best out of each.
You chose fine grind coffee, so we think these two recipes will be useful for you:
Espresso Machine
Concentrated, syrupy, and the base for everything from a straight shot to a flat white. The most precise way to brew at home.
- Grind fresh if you can, and dose 18g into your portafilter basket.
- Distribute the grounds evenly, then tamp firmly and level — you want a flat, even puck with no gaps for water to rush through.
- Lock in the portafilter and start your shot immediately, so the grounds don't sit and stale against the hot group head.
- Aim for 36g of liquid espresso in 25-30 seconds. If it runs faster, grind finer. If it runs slower, grind coarser.
- Drink it straight, or use it as the base for your milk drink of choice.
No scales? A level double-shot basket is designed to hold roughly the right dose — just make sure it's filled and levelled evenly.
Moka Pot
Bold, rich, and full of character. A stovetop classic that's been making strong coffee at home for generations.
- Fill the bottom chamber with hot water, right up to the level of the safety valve — starting with hot water means less time on the stove and less bitterness.
- Fill the funnel basket with coffee and level it off gently. Don't tamp it down — Moka pot relies on the grounds staying loose.
- Assemble the pot and place it on low-medium heat with the lid open, so you can watch and hear what's happening.
- As soon as the coffee starts flowing and you hear a gurgling, spluttering sound, take it off the heat — this means the water's run out and it's about to start burning.
- Give it a swirl before pouring to even out the strength, then serve straight or with hot water for a longer cup.
Quick Fixes
Your grind is likely too coarse. Grind finer and try again — you're aiming for that 25-30 second window.
Your grind is likely too fine, or your tamp too hard. Grind slightly coarser and use firm, even pressure rather than forcing it.
Turn the heat down and take it off the stove the moment you hear that gurgling sound — leaving it on too long is the most common cause of a burnt taste.
Make sure your funnel basket is properly full and level, and that you're starting with hot (not cold) water in the bottom chamber.
Want To Explore Other Brew Methods?
From cafetière to pour over, our full brew guide covers every way to get the best out of your RISE coffee.
Explore The Full Brew Guide →Bold, rich, and unmistakably strong — that's the fine grind promise. Enjoy every cup.
Alice & Ben, RISE Coffee Box
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