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Relative grind-size chart
Grind labels are broad starting points, not universal particle measurements. Beans, burrs and calibration change the result. The order here helps you compare methods; it does not give a setting number that works on every grinder. On a narrow screen, scroll the table sideways to read every column.
| Brewer | Relative starting point | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| French press | Coarse | A relatively coarse, even grind limits sediment through the metal screen. Adjust to the maker's recipe. |
| Filter / drip | Medium range | Paper filter and brewer shape influence flow; use that brewer's guidance. |
| Moka pot | Medium-fine, visibly gritty | Bialetti says gritty, not powdery. Fill the funnel loosely and do not tamp. |
| Pump espresso | Fine | Dial in for the machine and basket; do not copy this texture directly into a moka funnel. |
The texture words are comparisons, not a micron chart. A standard moka pot and a pump espresso machine do not share one required grind setting. For a broader cross-method reference, see our general coffee grind chart.
How to check the moka grind
- Start with the pot's directions. Bialetti's Moka Express guidance recommends a medium-fine texture that feels gritty rather than powdery. Different makers may use different baskets and language.
- Fill the funnel loosely. Level the grounds without tamping. Keep the rim clean and water below the safety valve as the maker instructs.
- Watch the brew, then adjust one thing. If coffee fails to emerge or the safety valve vents, turn off heat and let the pot cool before inspecting the filter, seal, fill and grind. Do not use a finer grind to force a stronger drink.
- Record your own starting point. Note the bean, grinder model and setting that worked; change one step at a time. Another person's “setting 14” is not a transferable particle-size standard.
For a pot-specific walkthrough, read our moka grind guide and troubleshooting guide.
Four exact grinder listings to compare
A grinder is optional if you buy suitable pre-ground moka coffee. If you do grind beans, compare manual versus electric operation, adjustment range, cleaning and the exact model. These are examples, not a tested ranking. The X-Ultra ASIN is newly added to this site; the other three were already linked in the moka grinder guide.
1Zpresso X-Ultra, Midnight Black
New sitewide ASIN. Manual grinder with an external adjustment ring and magnetic catch cup; the maker describes it as an all-round grinder. Start with a maker chart, then adjust by the coffee and pot.
View exact 1Zpresso X-Ultra, Midnight Black listing on Amazon →TIMEMORE Chestnut C3 ESP, black
Reused sitewide ASIN. Compact hand grinder with adjustable burr settings; compare its exact model and adjustment style with the X-Ultra.
View exact TIMEMORE Chestnut C3 ESP, black listing on Amazon →Baratza Encore ESP, black
Reused sitewide ASIN. Electric burr grinder with a separate espresso-focused range. It is not the standard Encore model.
View exact Baratza Encore ESP, black listing on Amazon →Fellow Opus, matte black
Reused sitewide ASIN. Electric all-purpose burr grinder; check the exact Opus generation and its maker's adjustment instructions.
View exact Fellow Opus, matte black listing on Amazon →Do not use a generic Amazon search page as a substitute for checking an exact product. No fixed price or “best under $50” claim is maintained here.
Common questions
How fine should moka coffee be?
For Bialetti Moka Express, start medium-fine and gritty, not powdery. Match your own maker's manual and adjust from a safe, normal brew.
Can I copy a grinder's numbered setting?
Only as a model-specific starting point. Calibration, burr wear and beans change the output; the old chart's universal Baratza numbers have been removed.
Should I tamp the basket?
No. Bialetti calls for a loosely filled funnel without tamping. A blocked pot needs cooling and inspection, not more heat.
Sources and scope
Bialetti's Moka Express instructions support the gritty medium-fine starting point, loose funnel and safety guidance. 1Zpresso's X-Ultra page describes its external adjustment and all-round design. Fellow's grind-setting guidance explains why even maker numbers are starting points rather than rules. Amazon US product pages for the four exact ASINs showed matching titles in the latest public retrieval. This article does not claim laboratory particle measurements, hands-on grinder testing, current prices, stock, seller or commission outcomes.