Timing Coffee Infusion Time

The infusion time is the length of time that the coffee grind is in contact with hot water to produce the final beverage. Common sense would suggest that the coarser the grind the longer infusion time is required for efficient extraction of the coffee soluble.

In practice however the infusion time is controlled by the particular brewing equipment used or by the end user as in the case with a coffee pot of cafetiere.

The following infusion times given are approximately only.


Typical infusion times using the various grind sizes are:

10-25 seconds –  espresso grind (very fine)
3-5 minutes –  fine grind
5-8 minutes –  medium grind
8-10 minutes –  coarse grind