How to Grind Coffee Beans Without a Grinder? 6 Simple Ways 

The grinding size of coffee directly influences the coffee flavor. Baristas use coffee grinders to get the desired consistency of coffee grounds. But for homies, like me, what if you don’t have a coffee grinder? How to grind coffee beans without a grinder? 

No worries! 

You can still grind your coffee beans using simple household tools. Here are 6 effective ways to get the perfect grind for your cup of coffee.

6 Simple Ways to Grind Coffee Without a Grinder

Grinding coffee beans without a grinder isn’t the best practice. Even though you have freshly roasted beans belongs to the most popular types of coffee beans. Doing so, you’re not gonna get the rich coffee flavor as with a coffee grinder. However, we’re talking about survival.

Here’s how to grind coffee beans without a grinder with 6 alternative kitchen tools. 

1. Grind with a Blender

As I am putting this in coffee grinding ways, the question “Can I use a blender to grind coffee beans” does not exist. It is obvious! 

A blender can be a handy alternative to a coffee grinder, especially if it has a pulse setting. Short pulses work better than long continuous blends. Grinding coffee beans in a blender is quick and easy. 

Moreover, grinding coffee beans in a blender gives a medium grind that is suitable for drip coffee and some espresso machines.

How to Do It:

• Add a small number of coffee beans to the blender.
• Use short pulses to break down the beans evenly.
• Tilt the blender slightly to ensure uniform grinding.
• Continue pulsing until you achieve the desired consistency.

2. Use a Mortar and Pestle

Love traditional kitchen tools? Good for you! I hope you have a mortar and pestle in your kitchen then.

For those who don’t know, a mortar and pestle is a traditional tool used for grinding spices—and it works great for whole coffee beans too!

Although, it’s tricky and time-consuming to grind coffee beans in a mortar and pestle, but, this tool gives the best control on grind size. So, work in small batches to ensure a consistent grind.

How to Do It:

• Add a small number of bean coffee to the mortar.
• Hold the pestle firmly and press down with a twisting motion.
• Continue until you get your desired consistency. For drip coffee, aim for medium-fine grounds, while a coarse grind works well for French press coffee.

3. Smash with a Rolling Pin

A rolling pin is a simple yet effective way to grind your coffee beans without a grinder. It smashes and grinds your coffee beans simultaneously. Therefore, good for pour-over and drip coffee machines.  

How to Do It:

• Place your beans inside a ziplock bag to prevent mess.
• Lay the bag flat on a solid surface.
• Use the rolling pin to press down and crush the beans.
• Roll back and forth until you reach the desired consistency.

4. Blend with a Food Processor

Have a food processor, you’re in luck! Like a blender, you can use a food processor to grind your coffee beans without a grinder. It can work as a makeshift coffee grinder.

Blender or food processor, which one is better for grinding coffee beans? The food process is the winner here because its bowl is wider than the blender which gives more area for beans to move arround. It helps achieve an even coffee grind compared to a blender. 

Grinding coffee beans in a food processor gives medium to coarse coffee grounds, perfect for French press or drip coffee.

How to Do It:

• Add a small amount of beans to the processor.
• Use short pulses to break down the beans.
• Shake the processor gently between pulses to distribute the grounds evenly.
• Keep pulsing until you get a consistent grind.

5. Smash with a Hammer or Meat Tenderizer

If you need a quick fix, a hammer or meat tenderizer can do the trick. Be careful not to overdo it—too much force can create uneven grounds! Grounds by hammer or meat tenderizer are good for cold brew.  

How to Do It:

• Place your beans in a sturdy plastic bag.
• Set the bag on a hard surface.
• Gently pound the beans until they reach the desired consistency.

6. Grind with a Knife

A chef’s knife can also help break down coffee beans without a grinder. Personally, I don’t recommend this, but it’s still an alternative tool to grind your coffee beans without a grinder at home. 

Grinding coffee beans with a knife is good for producing a medium to coarse grind suitable for French press coffee.

How to Do It:

• Place beans on a cutting board.
• Lay the flat side of the knife over the beans.
• Press down firmly until the beans crack.
• Keep pressing and crushing until you get finer ground.

The Final Sip

Freshly ground coffee extracts a flavorful cup of coffee. Grinding the beans without a grinder is totally doable with the right technique. Whether you use a blender, a rolling pin, a food processor, or a mortar and pestle, the key is to achieve a consistent grind. 

Remember, a finer grind increases the surface area, making your coffee more flavorful, while a coarse grind is ideal for slow-brewing methods like cold brew or French press coffee.

Try these methods and enjoy your cup of coffee just the way you like it!

FAQs About Grinding Coffee Without a Grinder

Is it better to manually grind coffee beans?

It depends upon the preferences of coffee lovers. Manual coffee bean grinding is good for those who are patient and want a real flavor of coffee. On the other hand, for instant coffee grinding, a burr coffee grinder does the job well, but the heat dissipates the flavor notes of coffee. 

Can you grind coffee beans by hand?

Use a roll pin and smash the beans inside a ziplock bag. This is how you can grind your coffee beans by hand. 

How fine should I grind my coffee beans?

It depends on your brewing method. French press coffee needs a coarse grind, drip coffee requires a medium grind, and espresso calls for fine grounds.

How do I ensure an even grind without a grinder?

Work in small batches, use short pulses in a blender or food processor and shake or stir the grounds between pulses to distribute them evenly.

Will grinding beans without a grinder affect the flavor?

Grinding methods that generate heat (like blenders or food processors) can slightly alter the flavor. For the best taste, use methods that don’t overheat the beans, like a rolling pin or mortar and pestle.