The Medium Grind Guide
The Medium Grind Guide
Three brew methods, one grind size. Chemex, pour over and Aeropress, explained by Alice & Ben.
Hey, it's Alice & Ben here. You've gone for medium grind, which means you're in good company – it's the sweet spot for three of our favourite brew methods: the Chemex, pour over, and Aeropress. Each one pulls out slightly different qualities from the same coffee, which is honestly one of the most fun things about brewing at home.
You don't need to master all three straight away. Pick whichever one matches the kit you've already got, or the mood you're in – clean and bright, classic and balanced, or quick and full-bodied. We've broken each one down below.
You ordered medium grind coffee, so we think these three recipes will be useful for you:
Chemex
Clean, bright, and remarkably smooth. The thick paper filters out oils and sediment for one of the clearest cups you can brew at home.
- Fold your Chemex filter and rinse it with hot water — this removes any papery taste and warms the vessel. Discard the rinse water.
- Add your coffee, then start a timer and pour just enough water to saturate the grounds. Let it bloom for 30-45 seconds.
- Pour the rest of your water in slow circular motions, keeping the water level steady rather than filling it right to the top.
- Let it fully drain through — this should take 4-5 minutes total from your first pour.
- Remove the filter, give it a swirl, and pour straight into your cup.
Pour Over (V60)
Balanced, expressive, and full of nuance. The classic way to really taste what makes each coffee unique.
- Rinse your V60 filter with hot water to remove papery taste and pre-warm your cup or jug below.
- Add your coffee and give it a shake to level the bed. Start a timer as you pour just enough water to cover the grounds, and let it bloom for 30 seconds.
- Pour the remaining water in slow, steady circles, working from the centre outwards and back in, keeping the grounds evenly saturated.
- Aim to finish all your pouring by around 2 minutes, letting the rest drain through by 2.5-3 minutes total.
- Give your jug a gentle swirl before pouring into your cup, to make sure the strength is even throughout.
Aeropress
Quick, full-bodied, and nearly foolproof. Great for mornings when you want something great without the fuss.
- Rinse your paper filter and lock the cap onto your Aeropress, standard (not inverted) orientation.
- Add your coffee, start a timer, and pour in all your water at once. Give it a stir for about 10 seconds.
- Let it steep for 1 minute, then give it a second gentle stir.
- Press down slowly and steadily over about 30 seconds — you should feel gentle, even resistance throughout.
- Add a splash of hot water to taste if it feels a little strong — Aeropress naturally brews more concentrated than other methods.
Quick Fixes
Your grind is likely too coarse for the method, or your pour was too fast. Slow your pour down and pour in smaller, more controlled circles.
Likely too fine a grind, or water that's too hot. Let your kettle rest a little longer before pouring, and check your grind setting.
Give your jug a gentle swirl before pouring — the strength settles unevenly during brewing, and a swirl brings it back together.
Want To Explore Other Brew Methods?
From cafetière to espresso, our full brew guide covers every way to get the best out of your RISE coffee.
Explore The Full Brew Guide →Whichever method you pick, you're in for a genuinely great cup. Enjoy the ritual as much as the result.
Alice & Ben, RISE Coffee Box
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