HOME > Chowhound > Home Cooking >


Coffee Grind for 30 cup urn-style pot

  • 4

Hey there-
So, I am supposed to make coffee for an office baby shower in one of those 30 cup coffee pots.

2 questions-

1.Is it worth it to buy coffee beans and grind them my self, or should I just buy a can of Folgers?

2.If I do use beans (like I do at home), how find do I grind them? Like for a french press or for a drip machine?


  1. Click to Upload a photo (10 MB limit)
  1. 1. No, not worth it - use folgers. Most people, (unless they're all under 30!) won't care.

    2. I'm no barrista, but I would grind them in between a coarse grind and a medium grind. I had an electric percolator that was great, but if I ground the beans too finely, there was a bit in the bottom of the cup.

    1. FYI. A full can (1lb) of coffee makes 40 cups so you will need 3/4 of a can or 3/4 lb. No need to scoop out 30 spoonfuls.

      1. Thanks,
        I figured that it wouldn't make much sense using quality coffee. Ill just use Folgers.

        1 Reply
        1. re: BillyP

          i would go a little extra step .... go to a store that sells the A&P beans, grind them there at the machine in the store on a medium grind. good coffee DOES make a difference. (and remember, nobody likes wimpy, weak coffee --you might as well drink swamp water.).

          and bring REAL half and half to the party! remember, do unto others as you would have them do unto you! ;-).

          ps, that coffee urn will take at least 1/2 hour to do its thing, so get there in advance to get the coffee ready for people to have when they arrive. it sets the tone for good times when there is good coffee awaiting!