How to Grind Coffee Beans Without a Grinder With Your Hands

Did you ever find yourself in trouble when the grinder is out of reach? And you can’t compromise the rich aromatic taste of fresh whole beans over ground coffee. Right?

Well, I personally got stuck in this situation many times. Then I learned and tried different methods to grind the coffee using my hands and other simple types of equipment.

With a little practice and the right techniques, you can achieve a satisfying grind to improve your coffee experience.

So, do you want to learn how to grind coffee beans without a grinder? Let’s dive in and learn different methods of grinding coffee beans.

How to Grind Coffee Beans Without a Grinder

Before diving into the alternative grinding methods, let’s briefly discuss why grinding coffee is important.

Coffee beans are naturally protected by a hard outer shell, which preserves their freshness and flavor.

However, once you grind the beans, this protective barrier is broken, exposing the inner goodness of the coffee. The finer the grind, the more surface area is exposed, resulting in a stronger and more flavorful cup of coffee.

Best Methods Of Grinding Beans Without a Grinder

Let’s divide these methods into two categories.

Mechanical Methods
Manual Methods

Mechanical Methods of Grinding Beans

Mechanical Methods are involved in grinding the coffee beans using some alternative electrical equipment rather than a proper grinding device. All Mechanical methods produce “Coarse to Medium” grind type.

You can grind the beans using:

A Food Processor
A Blender
Magic Bullet
Spice Grinder

How to Use the Food Processor for Grinding the Beans

How to use a food processor for grinding Beans

If you don’t have a coffee grinder, a food processor can be used as an alternative method to grind beans.

Although a food processor is not specifically designed for grinding coffee beans, it can still be effective in breaking them down. Here’s how you can use a food processor for grinding beans:

Start by cleaning your food processor thoroughly to ensure no residual flavors from previous use.
Measure the desired amount of coffee beans you want to grind. It’s best to grind small batches at a time to achieve a more consistent grind.
Place the coffee beans into the food processor’s bowl. Make sure not to overload the bowl as it may affect the grinding process.
Secure the lid tightly on the food processor to prevent any spillage during operation.
Pulse the food processor in short bursts for 10 to 20 seconds rather than continuous grinding. This helps to ensure an even grind and prevents the beans from overheating.
Check the consistency of the grind after each pulse. You can stop grinding once you achieve the desired grind size.
If you notice any clumps or uneven particles, pause and scrape down the sides of the bowl using a spatula. This helps to redistribute the beans and ensure more consistent grinding.
Once you’re satisfied with the grind size, transfer the ground coffee to an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

It’s important to note that grinding coffee beans in a food processor may produce a coarser and less uniform grind compared to a dedicated coffee grinder. This can impact the extraction process during brewing.

However, if you adjust your brewing parameters accordingly, you can still enjoy a decent cup of coffee using ground beans from a food processor.

How to Use the Blender for Grinding the Beans

It is possible to use a blender to grind coffee beans; if you don’t have access to a coffee grinder, you can try using a blender with the following steps:

Wash the blender thoroughly to remove odors from previous use.
Measure the desired amount of coffee beans you want to grind. Remember to grind small batches at a time for better results.
Place the coffee beans into the blender jar, ensuring you don’t overload it to maintain efficient grinding.
Start by pulsing the blender in short bursts. Avoid running it continuously, as this can lead to excessive heat buildup and affect the flavor of the coffee.
After each pulse, check the consistency of the grind. Once you have achieved the desired grind size, stop the blender and use your ground coffee to prepare your espresso shot.

Using the Magic Bullet and Spice Grinder for Grinding the Beans

How to use a spice grinder for grinding Beans

If your grinder breaks down, and you don’t have ground coffee in your kitchen cabinet, Magic Bullet or Spice Grinder will surely be on the shelf. Let’s try them to grind coffee.

The method of grinding beans using Magic Bullet or Spice Grinder is the same as you grind the beans in a food processor or blender. Just measure the amount of beans, clean the grinding equipment, and give short bursts for 10 to 20 seconds.

Once beans reached the desired level of grinding(can’t be too fine), Use them to make your coffee without a grinder.

Tips and Tricks for Using Mechanical Methods for Grinding Beans

Here are some tips and tricks for grinding beans in a Food Processor, Blender, Magic Bullet, and spice grinder:

Instead of running the Mechanical Equipements continuously, pulse it in short bursts. This helps to achieve a more consistent grind and prevents overheating of the beans.
During the grinding process, occasionally stop and shake the blending cup gently. This helps to redistribute the beans for more even grinding and ensures a consistent result.
Avoid overloading the grinding cup with too many beans. Grinding smaller batches at a time allows for better control and ensures effective grinding.
Keep an eye on the grind consistency during the process. If you notice any large clumps or uneven particles, pause the grinding, shake the cup, and use a spatula to redistribute the beans for a more uniform grind.

Keep all these tips in your mind while grinding the beans, you’ll get a good quality espresso shot using these grinding methods.

Manuel Methods of Grinding Beans

Manual methods of grinding beans involve using simple tools and physical effort to grind the beans.

Mortar and Pestle

A mortar and pestle is a traditional tool consisting of a bowl-shaped mortar and a handheld pestle. This tool has been used for years to grind spices, grains, etc. So, you can safely use it for grinding your coffee beans.

To grind beans, place the beans in the mortar and use the pestle to crush and grind them by applying pressure and a grinding motion. This method allows for precise control over the grind size but can be labor-intensive for larger quantities.

Tips for Grinding Beans Using Mortar and Pestle

Following are the tips for how you can use a mortar and pestle to grind beans:

I recommend you select a mortar and pestle that is appropriate in size. The mortar should be deep enough to prevent the beans from spilling out during grinding.
Measure the desired amount of beans you want to grind, ideally 5 to 10 g. It’s best to grind small batches at a time to ensure better control over the grind consistency.
Place the beans in the mortar. It’s advisable to start with a smaller amount to avoid overcrowding the mortar and making grinding difficult.
Hold the pestle firmly and use it to crush and grind the beans. Apply downward pressure while rotating and grinding the beans against the bottom and sides of the mortar. Use a combination of grinding and pounding motions for best results.
Continue grinding until you achieve the desired grind size
Periodically pause the grinding process to check the consistency of the ground beans. If necessary, continue grinding to achieve a more uniform texture.
Once you’re satisfied with the grind, transfer the ground coffee to an airtight container for storage, and enjoy your coffee at home. Mortar and Pestle can produce “Coarse to Super-fine” grinding types.

Using a mortar and pestle requires manual effort and can be time-consuming, especially when grinding larger quantities. However, it offers the advantage of precise control over the grind size and a traditional approach to coffee preparation.

Hammer or Rolling Pin for Grinding the Beans

YouTube video — Rolling Pin for Grinding the Beans

Using a hammer or rolling pin for grinding beans is an improvised method that requires physical effort. However, it can be a suitable option when you don’t have access to specialized grinding tools or a dedicated grinder.

Here’s how you can use these tools to grind beans:

Place the desired amount of beans in a sturdy bag or wrap them in a clean cloth. This will help contain the beans and prevent them from scattering during grinding.
Then place the bag or cloth containing the beans on a solid surface such as a cutting board or countertop.
With a hammer or a rolling pin, apply firm pressure and crush the beans by striking or rolling over them. Use a combination of pounding and rolling motions to break down the beans.
Continue grinding until you achieve the desired grind size. Keep in mind that using a hammer or rolling pin may result in a less consistent grind compared to a dedicated coffee grinder.
Periodically pause and check the consistency of the ground beans. If needed, continue grinding to achieve a more uniform texture.
Once you’re satisfied with the grind, carefully open the bag or unwrap the cloth and transfer the ground coffee to an airtight container for storage. Hammer or Rolling Pin gives you” Medium and Coarse” grinding.

Ensure that the bag or cloth you use to contain the beans is strong and durable. This will prevent tears or leaks during the grinding process, keeping the beans contained and making cleanup easier.

Blunt Object and Cutting Board

Another improvisational method involves using a blunt object, such as a heavy mug, meat tenderizer, knife, and cutting board. These tools produce “Coarse to Medium” grinding.

Place the beans on the cutting board and use the blunt object to crush and grind them by applying force. This approach may produce a less consistent grind like the hammer or rolling pin method.

You can use a blunt object and a cutting board to grind beans by using these methods:

Choose a heavy object with a flat, solid surface suitable for grinding beans. A heavy mug, meat tenderizer, knife, or clean hammer can work well.

Place a cutting board on a stable surface. Please ensure the cutting board is clean and securely positioned to prevent it from moving while you grind the beans.

Determine the amount of beans you want to grind. It’s advisable to grind small batches at a time for better control over the grind consistency.

Evenly distribute the beans on the cutting board. Spreading them out provides a larger surface area for grinding and allows for more efficient crushing.

Hold the blunt object firmly and press it down onto the beans. Use a combination of pounding and grinding motions to break down the beans. Apply consistent pressure and adjust your grinding technique as needed.

Periodically stop and check the consistency of the ground beans. Examine them to ensure they are evenly crushed. If necessary, continue grinding until you achieve the desired texture.

Different Types of Coffee Grounds

The four different types of coffee grounds are:

Coarse Ground Coffee

This type of coffee ground is characterized by its large particles. It has a rough texture and is commonly used for brewing methods that require longer extraction times, such as French press or cold brew.

Medium Ground Coffee

Medium-ground coffee has a consistency similar to granulated sugar. It is a versatile grind size that works well for various brewing methods, including drip coffee makers and pour-over cones.

Fine Ground Coffee

Fine ground coffee has a smooth texture, resembling table salt or powdered sugar. It is commonly used for espresso machines or Moka pots, which require shorter extraction times and a finer grind to achieve optimal flavor extraction.

Extra-Fine Ground Coffee

Also known as Turkish grind, extra-fine ground coffee has a powdery texture similar to flour. It is used specifically for Turkish coffee, where the coffee is brewed directly in water without any filtering.

Final words On How to Grinde Coffee Beans Without a Grinder

Finally, the mortar and pestle is a fantastic option for grinding beans when you don’t have access to a dedicated grinder.

Its simplicity and versatility make it a reliable tool for achieving a consistent grind size. With a mortar and pestle, you have complete control over the texture of the beans, allowing you to customize your coffee brewing experience.

Mortar and pestle also grind all types of ground coffee because it depends upon your manual efforts. So, you can enjoy even super-fine grind size if you’re willing to do more manual efforts.

Read about making espresso without a machine.

FAQs

You can naturally grind the coffee beans using a food processor, spice grinder, blender, hammer, mortar, and pestle. Although these improvised methods may not give you a fine grind; however, you can still enjoy good coffee.

The best way to grind beans without a dedicated grinder is mortar and pestle. It’s a traditional and manual method for grinding coffee beans. It may require more effort and time, but it allows for control over the grind size.

Burr grinders are preferred for their ability to deliver consistent grind sizes, control over the grind, versatility, and durability. Investing in a good-quality burr grinder can greatly enhance your coffee brewing experience and allow you to enjoy freshly ground beans’ full flavors and aromas.

How to Grind Coffee Beans Without a Grinder: Alternative Ways

How to Grind Coffee Beans Without a Grinder