The #1 Mistake People Make When Brewing Coffee at Home

Why Brew Ratios & Grind Size Matter More Than You Think (and How to Brew Better Coffee at Home)

If you’ve ever wondered why your home-brewed coffee doesn’t taste quite like your favourite café’s, the answer often lies in two key factors: coffee-to-water ratio and grind size. Whether you’re using a French press, Chemex, pour-over, drip brewer, or espresso machine, getting these right is the difference between “meh” and mind-blown.

At Stone City Coffee Roasters, we believe that great coffee starts with great brewing practices. Here’s why your ratio and grind size matter—and how to level up your coffee game at home.

☕ What is a Coffee Brew Ratio?

A brew ratio refers to how much coffee you use compared to water. A common starting point is 1:16—that’s 1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams (or ml) of water. For a stronger cup? Go closer to 1:15. For a lighter cup? Try 1:17 or 1:18.

Pro tip: Always weigh your coffee and water. It might sound fussy, but it’s the secret to consistency and a delicious cup every time.

🔧 Why Grind Size Is Crucial

Grind size affects how fast water flows through your coffee—and that impacts flavor. Too fine, and you’ll get over-extracted bitterness. Too coarse, and you’ll end up with a weak, sour brew. Here's a quick guide:

Brew Method	Ideal Grind Size
Espresso	Fine
Drip Brewer	Medium
V60 / Kalita	Medium to Medium-Fine
Chemex	Medium-Coarse to Coarse
French Press	Coarse

💡 Note: Pour-over methods like V60 use thinner filters and faster brew times, so a finer grind works best. The Chemex, with its thicker filter and slower flow rate, needs a coarser grind—closer to what you'd use for French press.

🔥 Brew Better Coffee at Home with Stone City

Once you dial in your ratio and grind size, your coffee will taste dramatically better—bringing out all the notes we roast into every bean. Not sure where to start? We're here to help.

At Stone City Coffee Roasters, we offer freshly roasted specialty coffee, artisan syrups, and expert brewing advice to help you get the most out of every cup.

👉 Explore our beans here or come visit us at our Steinbach coffee bar—we’re always happy to talk coffee and help you brew better.

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