How to Grind Coffee Beans Without a Grinder (7 Methods)

If you’re like most coffee drinkers, you probably have a grinder that you use to grind your beans fresh each morning. But what if you don’t have a grinder? Or what if you’re traveling and don’t want to bring your coffee grinder?

Don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to grind coffee beans without a grinder. This article will show seven methods you can use to complete the job.

You first need to know that there are two primary coffee grinds: coarse and fine. Coarse grinds are best for drip coffee, french press, and cold brew coffee, while fine grinds are best for espresso.

How to Grind Coffee Beans Without a Coffee Grinder

So you’ve found yourself with whole coffee beans with no sign of a coffee grinder. All is not lost, though.

Here is a list of 7 methods to grind coffee beans with some essential kitchen tools and, of course, the most critical element: WHOLE COFFEE BEANS!!

1) How to Grind Coffee Beans Using a Kitchen Blender

All you’ll need for this method is your coffee beans and a basic kitchen blender or food processor.

Take a quarter of the coffee beans and pour them into the blender.
After setting the blender to the low or grind setting, cover it with the lid and start to pulse the coffee beans for about 10 seconds.
After the beans have been crushed, add the next quarter of coffee beans and repeat the process.
Continue adding coffee beans until you’ve achieved the right amount of coffee grounds and the coffee is ground to your required consistency.
If you are using an older blender, it may be challenging to get a fine medium grind consistency.
Once you’re done, make sure you wash the blender properly to get rid of all the coffee flavor and smell.

Pro Tip: You’ll get much better results if you pulse the blender in short bursts. Else, the blades will heat up and spoil the taste of your coffee.

2) How to Grind Coffee Beans Using a Food Processor

A food processor is nothing but a larger blender with bigger blades. There are different sizes and designs of a food processor, but the method is almost the same as the blender.

Measure a scoop of coffee beans and pour them into the food processor. Make sure the lid is properly secured.
The pulse technique we used in the blender case remains the same, grinding the coffee beans in short intervals.
You may want to tilt the food processor slightly from one side to another to get better results while grinding.
Add the next batch of beans and repeat the process till you get the desired quantity of ground coffee.

The food processor will give better results than the blender, and you’ll get a finer grind.

A food processor can be used to grind coffee beans

3) How to Grind Coffee Beans Using a Hammer

You’re going to like this one:

Are you looking for a way to vent your frustration and tension without causing harm to your loved ones? Well, you can do that with this method and enjoy a nice cup of joe afterward.

Get a hammer or a meat tenderizer and your coffee beans.
You’ll also need a high-quality plastic bag.
Pour the beans into the plastic bag and cover it with one or two pieces of towel or any cloth.
Start gently crushing and grind the coffee beans until you get the medium-fine grind you desire.

This technique may be rough and explosive, but it may just be the perfect stress buster you’ve always sought!

4) Grinding Coffee Beans Using a Mortar and Pestle

This technique involves no electrical appliances, which is the traditional method of grinding when there are no gadgets or machines around.

Hence, this method may take some time and be a little tiresome, but it will work perfectly. The technique involves muddling, rolling, and hammering motions that assist in making a medium-fine grind.

Scoop 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee beans and put them into the mortar.
Cover the top of the mortar with one hand and use the pestle to swirl and mash the beans in the mortar, making sure that none of the beans spillover.
The longer you do this, the more refined your grind will be.

Pro Tip: It’s best to do this in small quantities at a time. This will ensure a fine grind and prevent spillage over the edge of the mortar.

5) How to Grind Coffee Beans Using a Cutting Board and a Knife

Another method that doesn’t require any advanced electrical appliances or tools to grind and crush whole coffee beans. All you’ll need is a broad-bladed knife and a solid cutting board.

Take a handful of coffee beans and place them on a large cutting board, preferably wooden. If you have a large butcher’s knife, then use that!
Take the flat blade and place it on the coffee beans. A chef’s or butcher knife will give you a wider flat surface, giving you additional leverage to make cracking and grinding the beans easier.
The beans will crack open into multiple pieces by exerting pressure on the blade to crush the beans.
Do this until the beans get finer and finer.

This method may not give you the finest grind. However, if a medium-fine grind works for you, you’re golden.

6) How to Grind Coffee Beans Using a Rolling Pin

A rolling pin was not the first thing that came to mind when looking for something to use for this task. However, this method can be very effective.

Place a handful of coffee beans inside a high-quality plastic bag.
Make sure to release all the extra air from the bag and seal it. Because the presence of any air will burst the bag once you start rolling.
Use the rolling pin to gently roll over the coffee beans in the bag.
The more you roll, the finer the grind will be.

Pro Tip: Use dark roasted coffee beans. This will allow you to quickly judge the consistency of the grind and allow very fine powder, as used for Turkish coffee and your french press.

7) Grinding Coffee Beans Using a Hand Mincer

You must have used a pencil sharpener at some point in your life.

Hand mincers have very similar functionality and are used to mince many different types of vegetables, spices, herbs, and even meat.

Now:

If you have one of these fantastic little machines, you’ll be able to mince (grind) your coffee beans without much effort.

Take some coffee beans that need grinding. Measure and place it aside.
Take a measuring cup or a large bowl and put it where the coffee powder will exit from the mincer.
Start rotating the hand crank and gradually pour the coffee beans into the hand mincer.

As the coffee grind collects in the bowl, you can use that, or you can make it finer by running all the steps again, based on how fine or coarse you want your coffee to be.

How to Grind Coffee Beans Without a Grinder: Conclusion

No matter whichever method you use, make sure that you store the crushed coffee in an airtight coffee jar.

The higher the quality of whole-bean coffee, the better the grinding and brewing of the coffee.

Do not overheat the beans, as it will make them bitter and harder.

Knowing these nifty hacks will allow you to enjoy fresh, natural flavored, delicious coffee every morning after you wake up.

Grinding Coffee Beans: FAQs

Can I Grind Coffee Beans in A Blender?

Yes, you can grind coffee beans in a blender. However, it won’t be as fine a grind as with other methods. You can use a coffee grinder specifically if you want a finer grind.

How Do You Make Coffee Powder Without A Grinder?

Simply use a method from the list above to grind your whole bean coffee beans into powder. The finer the grind, the more soluble the coffee will be.

Can You Make Coffee without Grinding Beans?

Yes, you can make coffee without grinding the beans. However, it won’t be as fine a grind, and the coffee may not taste as good.

Does Grinding Coffee Beans Make a Difference?

Brewing coffee from freshly ground beans makes a big difference in taste. The oils and aromas that give coffee its delicious flavor start dissipating soon after the beans are roasted, so it’s best to grind them just before brewing. Pre-ground coffee can still be used, but it won’t have the same flavor as using whole beans that have been freshly ground.

How Do You Smash Coffee Beans Without A Grinder?

There are several ways to grind coffee beans without a grinder. You can use a mortar and pestle, a blender, food processor, coffee mill, spice grinder, rolling pin, or even your hands.

What Is a Coffee Bean Crusher Called?

A coffee bean crusher is also called a burr mill or burr grinder.

Is It Better to Manually Grind Coffee Beans?

No, it’s not better to manually grind coffee beans. However, it’s easier and faster to use a grinder.

Is It Worth Grinding Coffee Beans?

Yes, grinding your own coffee beans is worth it. The fresher the beans, the better the coffee will taste. Of course, pre-ground coffee can still be used, but it won’t have the same flavor as using whole beans that have been freshly ground.