What Grind Size for Moka Pot? Complete Guide with Visual Comparisons
The perfect moka pot grind is medium-fine, like table salt. Here's exactly how to identify, achieve, and adjust your grind for the best coffee every time.
Quick Answer
Medium-fine grind – texture similar to table salt or fine sand.
- ✓ Grinder setting: 6-7 on a scale of 1-10 (1 = finest)
- ✓ Texture test: Should feel slightly gritty when rubbed between fingers, not powdery
- ✓ Visual comparison: Finer than drip coffee, coarser than espresso
- ✓ Brew time: Should take 4-5 minutes to brew
Grind size is the single most important factor in making great moka pot coffee. Get it right, and you'll enjoy rich, smooth coffee with a hint of crema. Get it wrong, and you'll end up with bitter sludge or weak, watery coffee.
The problem: "Medium-fine" grind doesn't mean much when you're staring at a bag of pre-ground coffee or adjusting your burr grinder. What does medium-fine actually look and feel like?
This guide gives you specific, actionable ways to identify and achieve the perfect grind size for your moka pot, including visual comparisons, texture tests, and troubleshooting for when your grind is off.
Table of Contents
The Perfect Moka Pot Grind Size (Detailed)
Medium-fine grind: Finer than drip coffee but coarser than espresso. Texture similar to table salt or fine sand.
Why This Grind Size?
Moka pots brew with 1-2 bar of pressure, which is much less than espresso machines (9 bar) but more than drip coffee (0 bar/gravity). This moderate pressure requires a grind that:
- Isn't too fine – Fine espresso grind creates excessive pressure, causes clogging, and results in bitter over-extraction
- Isn't too coarse – Coarse drip grind allows water to pass too quickly, producing weak, under-extracted coffee
- Provides resistance – Medium-fine grind slows water flow just enough for proper extraction (4-5 minutes)
The Science of Extraction
Coffee extraction happens when hot water passes through ground coffee, dissolving flavors, oils, and compounds:
- Under-extraction (too coarse): Water flows too fast, extracting only sour, acidic compounds → weak, sour coffee
- Proper extraction (medium-fine): 4-5 minute brew time extracts balanced flavors → rich, smooth coffee
- Over-extraction (too fine): Water flows too slowly, extracting bitter compounds → harsh, bitter coffee
💡 Pro Tip: Brew time is your best indicator of correct grind size. If your coffee takes 4-5 minutes from placing on heat to the gurgling sound, your grind is perfect.
Visual Comparison Chart
| Brewing Method | Grind Size | Visual Description | Grinder Setting (1-10) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkish Coffee | Extra Fine | Powder, like flour | 1-2 |
| Espresso | Fine | Like granulated sugar | 3-5 |
| MOKA POT ✓ | Medium-Fine | Like table salt or fine sand | 6-7 |
| Pour Over / Drip | Medium | Like sea salt or coarse sand | 7-8 |
| French Press | Coarse | Like breadcrumbs or kosher salt | 8-9 |
| Cold Brew | Extra Coarse | Like coarse ground pepper | 9-10 |
Memory Aid: The "Salt Test"
Imagine different types of salt:
- • Too fine: Granulated sugar (espresso)
- • Perfect ✓: Table salt (moka pot)
- • Too coarse: Sea salt (drip) or kosher salt (French press)
How to Test Your Grind by Touch
Can't compare your grind to other brewing methods? Use these tactile tests:
❌ Too Fine
- • Feels powdery and silky
- • Clumps together when pressed
- • Sticks to fingers
- • Very little grittiness
✓ Perfect
- • Slightly gritty texture
- • Flows freely through fingers
- • Individual particles visible
- • Not powdery, not chunky
❌ Too Coarse
- • Clearly visible chunks
- • Very gritty, rough texture
- • Individual pieces don't stick together
- • Feels like coarse sand
The Pinch Test
- 1. Take a pinch of ground coffee between your thumb and forefinger
- 2. Rub gently back and forth while noting the texture
-
3. Evaluate:
- If it feels like fine powder → Too fine
- If it feels slightly gritty like salt → Perfect
- If individual chunks are clearly distinct → Too coarse
Grinder Settings by Brand
These are starting points—you may need to adjust based on your specific beans and taste preferences:
| Grinder Brand/Model | Recommended Setting | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Baratza Encore | 12-15 | Start at 14, adjust as needed |
| Baratza Virtuoso+ | 12-16 | More precise than Encore |
| Breville Smart Grinder Pro | 18-22 | Use the finer end for moka pot |
| Capresso Infinity | 4-6 | Between fine and medium settings |
| Hario Mini Mill | 6-8 clicks | From fully closed position |
| Comandante C40 | 18-22 clicks | Excellent consistency for moka pot |
| Timemore C2 | 15-18 clicks | Budget-friendly manual option |
| Wilfa Svart | 4-5 | Between espresso and filter |
| Fellow Ode | 1-3 | Use finest settings |
Don't have these grinders? Use this universal guide: If your grinder has 10 settings (1=finest), use 6-7. If it has 40 settings, use 15-20.
Signs Your Grind Is Too Fine
Symptoms:
- • Sputtering and violent hissing during brewing
- • Slow brewing – takes 6+ minutes instead of 4-5
- • Bitter, over-extracted taste – harsh and unpleasant
- • Thick sludge at the bottom of your cup
- • Safety valve releases steam due to excessive pressure
- • Coffee grounds in upper chamber – filter clogs, grounds pushed through
Why Too Fine Is a Problem
Fine grind creates excessive resistance to water flow. The pressure builds up too much, causing:
- Over-extraction: Water stays in contact with coffee too long, extracting bitter compounds
- Pressure problems: Can damage your moka pot or activate the safety valve
- Clogging: Fine particles block the filter, causing uneven extraction
- Unpleasant texture: Fine particles pass through the filter, creating muddy coffee
How to Fix It
Solution: Grind coarser. Adjust your grinder 0.5-1 notch coarser and test again. Keep adjusting until brew time is 4-5 minutes and bitterness disappears.
Signs Your Grind Is Too Coarse
Symptoms:
- • Fast brewing – coffee ready in under 3 minutes
- • Weak, watery taste – lacks body and richness
- • Pale, thin appearance – looks diluted
- • No crema formation – no foam layer on top
- • Sour or acidic taste – under-extracted flavors
- • Very little aroma – weak coffee smell
Why Too Coarse Is a Problem
Coarse grind offers insufficient resistance to water flow. Water rushes through too quickly, causing:
- Under-extraction: Water doesn't have enough contact time to extract flavors
- Weak body: Coffee lacks the characteristic richness of moka pot brewing
- Sour taste: Only acidic compounds are extracted, not the balanced flavors
- Wasted coffee: You're using the same amount of beans for inferior results
How to Fix It
Solution: Grind finer. Adjust your grinder 0.5-1 notch finer and test again. Keep adjusting until brew time is 4-5 minutes and coffee develops full body.
Best Pre-Ground Coffee for Moka Pot
Don't have a grinder? These pre-ground options work well with moka pots:
1. Lavazza Qualità Rossa (Moka Grind)
Price: $8-10 / 250g
Grind: Specifically labeled "Moka" grind – perfect medium-fine texture
Taste: Balanced, chocolatey, slightly sweet – classic Italian profile
✓ Best overall pre-ground for moka pot
2. Illy Moka Ground Coffee
Price: $10-12 / 250g
Grind: Premium medium-fine grind optimized for moka pot
Taste: Smooth, aromatic, well-balanced with notes of caramel and chocolate
✓ Premium option with excellent consistency
3. Café Bustelo
Price: $4-5 / 283g
Grind: Slightly coarser than ideal but works well
Taste: Bold, strong, slightly rough – authentic Cuban-style coffee
✓ Best budget option
4. Kimbo Aroma Intenso
Price: $9-11 / 250g
Grind: Traditional Italian medium-fine grind
Taste: Intense, full-bodied, notes of dark chocolate and spices
✓ Best for those who like strong coffee
5. Pellini Top 100% Arabica
Price: $8-10 / 250g
Grind: Medium-fine moka grind
Taste: Mild, aromatic, well-balanced – good for those who prefer lighter coffee
✓ Best for milder taste preferences
❌ Avoid These Pre-Ground Coffees:
- • Regular "drip" or "filter" grind – Too coarse, will produce weak coffee
- • "Fine" or "espresso" grind – Too fine, will clog and over-extract
- • Turkish coffee grind – Way too fine, will create a mess
- • Generic supermarket brands – Often use inconsistent grind sizes
How to Dial In Your Grind (Step-by-Step)
"Dialing in" means finding the perfect grind size for your specific setup. Follow this systematic process:
Step 1: Start with Baseline
- • Set your grinder to medium-fine (6-7 on 1-10 scale)
- • Grind enough coffee to fill your filter basket (don't tamp)
- • Fill the lower chamber with room-temperature water to just below the valve
Step 2: Brew and Time
- • Place on medium heat
- • Start a timer when you place it on the stove
- • Note when you hear the gurgling/sputtering sound (brew complete)
- • Target: 4-5 minutes total brew time
Step 3: Evaluate Results
If brew time was < 3 minutes:
→ Grind is too coarse. Coffee will taste weak/watery.
→ Solution: Grind 0.5-1 notch finer
If brew time was 4-5 minutes:
→ Grind is perfect! Note the setting.
→ Solution: Keep this setting
If brew time was > 6 minutes:
→ Grind is too fine. Coffee will taste bitter.
→ Solution: Grind 0.5-1 notch coarser
Step 4: Taste Test
Even if brew time is correct, taste the coffee:
- • Too bitter/harsh? Grind slightly coarser
- • Too weak/sour? Grind slightly finer
- • Balanced and smooth? Perfect—record your setting!
Step 5: Make Small Adjustments
- • Never adjust more than 1 notch at a time
- • Brew a full test pot after each adjustment (don't judge by appearance alone)
- • It typically takes 2-4 test brews to dial in perfectly
- • Once you find the perfect setting, write it down!
💡 Pro Tip: Different coffee beans may require slight adjustments. Darker roasts often work better with slightly coarser grinds, while lighter roasts may need slightly finer grinds.
Best Grinders for Moka Pot
Not all grinders are created equal. Here are the best options for consistent moka pot grinds:
Budget Electric Grinders ($30-60)
Capresso Infinity – $90
Conical burr grinder with 16 settings. Good consistency for moka pot. Setting 4-6 works well.
✓ Best budget burr grinder
Mid-Range Electric Grinders ($100-200)
Baratza Encore – $170
40 grind settings, excellent consistency. Setting 12-15 for moka pot. Very reliable and easy to clean.
✓ Best overall value
Breville Smart Grinder Pro – $200
60 grind settings, programmable doses. Setting 18-22 for moka pot. Digital display makes it easy to repeat settings.
✓ Best features for the price
Manual Grinders ($30-250)
Timemore C2 – $65
Excellent manual grinder with consistent results. 15-18 clicks from closed for moka pot. Portable and durable.
✓ Best budget manual grinder
Comandante C40 – $250
Premium hand grinder with exceptional consistency. 18-22 clicks for moka pot. Built to last decades.
✓ Best manual grinder overall
❌ Avoid Blade Grinders
Blade grinders (like coffee whizzers) produce extremely inconsistent particle sizes—some powder, some chunks. This results in simultaneous over-extraction and under-extraction, creating muddy, bitter coffee.
Always choose burr grinders (conical or flat burrs) for consistent results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grind size for moka pot?
Medium-fine grind, similar to the texture of table salt. This is finer than drip coffee but coarser than espresso. On a grinder scale of 1-10 (1=finest), aim for 6-7. The grind should feel slightly gritty when rubbed between fingers, not powdery like espresso or grainy like drip coffee.
Can I use espresso grind in a moka pot?
No, espresso grind is too fine for moka pots. It causes several problems:
- Creates excessive pressure that may damage the pot
- Clogs the filter causing sputtering and uneven extraction
- Results in bitter, over-extracted coffee
- Increases risk of safety valve activation
Use medium-fine grind instead, which is one step coarser than espresso.
Can I use pre-ground coffee in a moka pot?
Yes, but choose the right type. Look for coffee specifically labeled "moka pot grind" or "stovetop espresso." Avoid:
- Regular drip/filter grind (too coarse)
- Fine/espresso grind (too fine)
- Turkish coffee grind (way too fine)
Good pre-ground options: Lavazza Qualità Rossa (moka grind), Illy Moka Ground Coffee, Café Bustelo (slightly coarse but works), Kimbo Aroma Intenso.
How do I know if my grind is too fine or too coarse?
- Coffee sputters violently
- Brews very slowly (5+ minutes)
- Tastes bitter and over-extracted
- Leaves thick sludge at bottom
- Safety valve may release steam
- Coffee brews too fast (under 3 minutes)
- Tastes weak and watery
- Little to no crema
- Looks pale and thin
Should I grind finer or coarser for stronger coffee?
Don't use grind size to adjust strength. Grinding finer doesn't make coffee "stronger"—it makes it more extracted (and often bitter). Grinding coarser makes it under-extracted (weak and sour).
To make stronger coffee:
- Use more coffee (fill the basket to the top)
- Choose darker roasted beans
- Use a smaller moka pot for more concentrated coffee
Keep grind size at medium-fine for proper extraction, regardless of desired strength.
Does grind size change with different moka pot sizes?
No, grind size stays the same regardless of moka pot size (1-cup, 3-cup, 6-cup, etc.). Always use medium-fine grind. However, brew time may vary slightly—larger pots take a bit longer due to more water/coffee, but the 4-5 minute guideline still applies. Don't adjust grind to compensate for pot size.
Can I use the same grind for moka pot and espresso?
No. Espresso requires fine grind (3-5 on 1-10 scale) because machines use 9 bar of pressure. Moka pots only produce 1-2 bar of pressure, so they need medium-fine grind (6-7 on scale). Using espresso grind in moka pot causes clogging, bitterness, and pressure problems. Always use one step coarser than espresso.
Final Thoughts
Getting the grind size right is the single most important factor in making great moka pot coffee. Remember the key points:
- ✓ Use medium-fine grind (texture like table salt)
- ✓ Aim for 4-5 minute brew time as your guide
- ✓ Make small adjustments (0.5-1 notch at a time)
- ✓ Test and taste to dial in your perfect setting
- ✓ Invest in a burr grinder for consistent results
Once you dial in your grind, you'll consistently produce rich, smooth moka pot coffee that rivals any café. Need help choosing the right moka pot? Check out our best moka pots guide.
Looking for more brewing tips? Read our guide on what coffee to use in moka pots or learn how to fix bitter coffee.