How to Grind Coffee Beans Without a Grinder
In a pinch you can grind coffee with a blender or bullet grinder (pulse), a mortar and pestle, a rolling pin and bag, or a manual hand mill. None matches a burr grinder for evenness, but each gets you drinkable coffee.
Out of beans-ready coffee and no grinder in sight? You have more options than you think. None beats a proper burr grinder for even grounds, but each of these gets you a decent cup.
The methods
| Method | Grind you get | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Blender / bullet | Uneven, medium | Larger amounts, drip, French press |
| Mortar & pestle | Controllable, coarse–medium | Small amounts, most control |
| Rolling pin + bag | Coarse, uneven | French press, cowboy coffee |
| Manual burr hand mill | Even | Best result if you have one |
| Hammer + bag (last resort) | Very uneven | Emergencies only |
How to do each
- Blender: add beans, pulse in short bursts, shake between pulses so it grinds evenly, and stop before it heats up (heat dulls flavour).
- Mortar and pestle: work small batches, press and crush rather than only pounding, tip out the fine grounds and repeat.
- Rolling pin: seal beans in a sturdy bag or between paper, and crush and roll firmly until you reach the size you want.
- Hand mill: if you own a manual burr mill (even a spice one rated for it), you will get the most even grind of all.
Grind size to aim for
Match the grind to your brewer: coarse for French press, medium for drip, finer for espresso (hard to achieve without a burr grinder). Uneven blade-style grounds brew unevenly, so a slightly coarser, more consistent grind usually tastes better than a patchy fine one.
For everyday freshness, a dedicated grinder is worth it, see the best spice & grain grinders and the best spice grinder for fresh spices.
Frequently asked questions
Can I grind coffee in a blender?
Yes, pulse in short bursts and shake between them. It gives an uneven, blade-style grind, fine for drip or French press, but not as consistent as a burr grinder.
What is the best no-grinder method?
A mortar and pestle gives the most control for small amounts; a manual burr hand mill is best of all if you have one. A blender is fastest for larger amounts.
Why not just use a grain mill?
Coffee beans are oily and can gum up or damage stone/impact grain mills. Use a blade grinder, mortar, or a burr grinder made for coffee instead.