What Is the 80/20 Rule for Coffee?

If you’ve ever gone down the coffee rabbit hole, dialing grinders, obsessing over ratios, or debating brew methods—you’ve probably wondered: Is all of this really necessary?

Enter the 80/20 rule for coffee, a simple mindset that helps you get great coffee without overcomplicating your routine.

Understanding the 80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle)

The 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, suggests that 80% of results come from 20% of the effort. Applied to coffee, it means:

• Most of your coffee’s flavor and quality come from a small number of key factors.

Instead of chasing every minor variable, the 80/20 rule encourages you to focus on what actually makes the biggest difference in the cup.

The 20% That Delivers 80% of Great Coffee

If you want noticeably better coffee, these are the areas worth your attention:

1. High-Quality Coffee Beans

Everything starts with the beans. Specialty-grade coffee that is fresh and properly roasted will always outperform stale or low-quality coffee, no matter how fancy your equipment is. This is why we *always* source high-end specialty-grade beans and roast-to-order because it guarantees quality and freshness.

Grinding and brewing is up to you, but you will not find dull commercial grade coffee around here. Freshness and quality matters (duh). We don't play around when it comes to coffee and quality of the bean.

2. Grinding Fresh

Pre-ground coffee loses flavor fast. Grinding right before brewing preserves aromatics, oils, and complexity. You don’t need a $500 grinder, just a consistent one that suits your brew method.

3. Good Water

Coffee is over 98% water, yet it’s often overlooked. Using clean, filtered water can dramatically improve flavor by eliminating chlorine and off-tastes. Temperate is also key. You want the water to be around the 205 degree mark to take full advantage of the coffee's flavors. 

4. Proper Extraction

You don’t need laboratory precision, but basic brewing fundamentals go a long way:

• Correct coffee-to-water ratio

• Appropriate grind size

• Reasonable brew time

Get these right, and you’ll already be ahead of most coffee drinkers.

The 80% You Can Stop Stressing About

This is where the rule really shines. You can safely worry less about:

• Ultra-precise temperatures

• Expensive gadgets

• Constantly switching brew methods

• Chasing “perfect” tasting notes

Those details can be fun—but they offer diminishing returns compared to the big fundamentals.

The Lifestyle Side of the 80/20 Rule

Some coffee lovers also apply the 80/20 rule to how they enjoy coffee:

• 80% of the time: clean, simple brews (black coffee, minimal sweeteners)

• 20% of the time: indulgent drinks like flavored lattes, creamers, or sweet treats

It’s about balance—enjoying great coffee daily without guilt when you want something extra.

Why the 80/20 Rule Makes Coffee More Enjoyable

Coffee shouldn’t feel like homework. The 80/20 rule helps you:

• Save time and money

• Avoid burnout from over-optimization

• Enjoy consistently great coffee

• Focus on flavor, not frustration

By mastering the essentials, you get better results and a better experience.

Final Thoughts: Keep Coffee Simple (and Delicious)

The 80/20 rule for coffee is a reminder that you don’t need perfection to brew something amazing. Prioritize quality beans, grind fresh, use good water, and brew with intention. Everything else is optional.

Great coffee isn’t about doing more—it’s about focusing on what matters most.