Techniques Learn the appropriate ground sizes for filter drip, espresso and french plunger pot.
Victor Allen recommends grinding a little coarser for decafs and darker roast coffees. For a typical espresso coffee machine grind beans halfway between very fine sand and powder. The grounds must resist the flow of water to make a rich cup of coffee, but they must not totally obstruct the flow of water. A delay of about two to three seconds between the time you start the espresso pump and the time coffee streams into the cup, as well as a rich, thick golden foam color on the coffee going into the cup, is an indication of the proper grind. It should take about 10 to 20 seconds to brew a standard espresso serving.