How to Grind Coffee Beans Without a Grinder?

Okay so you’re in a predicament, you have  a bag of coffee  beans and no grinder, you’ve got a problem - you need coffee.

The truth? The best way to grind coffee is…with a burr grinder (see our blog post on burr vs. blade grinders, there is no debate). But if you’re stuck in your kitchen right now, we’ve got some emergency methods for you.  

Do they work? Yes. Do they make us cringe a little? Also yes.

But on to your questions…

Can I use a blender to grind coffee beans?

You can. Should you? We’d rather you didn’t.

This will be similar to a blade grinder, but worse. A blender will break up the beans, but it’s not going to give you that nice, even grind you need to extract for a great cup of coffee. Plus, if you’re not careful, you’ll end up with a mix of coffee dust and chunky bits—not exactly the recipe for a balanced brew. You’ll also need to use a lot more coffee for it to taste good.

If you must use a blender:

• Use short pulses to avoid overheating the motor (and smoking up your kitchen).

• Tilt the blender slightly to help the beans hit the blades.

• Brace yourself for the noise — it’s going to be loud.

What about a food processor?

It’s basically a bigger, clunkier blender. The same rules apply—pulse, don’t blend, and expect uneven results. But hey, desperate times…

For decent results: 

• Add a small amount of beans and pulse in short bursts.

• Shake or tilt the processor between pulses for a more even grind.

• Process in small batches for better consistency.

Can I smash the coffee beans with something heavy?

Technically, yes. But it’s not pretty. This is considered the "caveman coffee" method. If you try it remember you’ll want to crush the beans down little by little, like you’re trying to flatten them, not shatter them.

Your options include:

• A rolling pin – Wrap the beans in a bag first unless you want coffee shrapnel everywhere. A canvas bag may be ideal.

• A hammer – Use gently to pound the beans (also in a bag unless your goal is coffee-flavored dust).

• A cast-iron pan – A solid choice, but it takes effort. Press and rock the pan over the beans rather than slamming it down. Be ready because it’s quite a workout.

What if I use a mortar and pestle?

Congratulations, you’re making artisanal coffee like a 15th-century apothecary.

This method takes patience, but might actually be the best option at home for a medium grind if you don’t have a grinder. Just don’t expect perfection — and prepare for a sore wrist.

The process: 

• Add a small amount of beans at a time.

• Use a firm circular motion to crush and grind them evenly.

• Continue until you reach the desired grind size (settle in — this will take a while).

Can I use a knife to crush coffee beans?

Sort of. If you have a big, sturdy chef’s knife, you can use the flat side (not the sharp edge!) to crush the beans like you would garlic. 

How to do it:

• Place the beans on a cutting board.

• Lay the knife flat over them.

• Press down firmly (carefully!) to crack them open.

• Once cracked, use the sharp edge of the knife to chop them as finely as possible.

Is this a good method? Not really. It’s messy, uneven, and slightly dangerous. But if you’ve got no other options, it works.

Can I chew the beans?

Absolutely not. Move along.

Why does coffee grind size even matter?

Different brewing methods need different grind sizes. If you’re using one of these "alternative" grinding methods, chances are your grind will be pretty uneven. That’s a problem because:

• Too fine of a grind = bitter, over-extracted coffee. It can also clog your filter.

• Too coarse = weak, under-extracted coffee.

• A mix of both? Welcome to unpredictable, sometimes undrinkable coffee. 

If you’re serious about making great coffee, you need a grinder that gives you control over grind size and creates a uniform grind. While the upfront investment seems high, a nice burr grinder is perhaps the most important first investment in coffee, and will pay itself off in a year by giving you more servings per bag. Not sure where to start with burr grinders? Check out our guide on how to choose the best coffee grinder.

Can I just buy pre-ground coffee instead?

Yes! If you don’t have a grinder (or don’t want to deal with this kind of crisis again), you can buy pre-ground coffee. Some coffee roasters and cafes will even grind beans for you when you buy them and if you ask them they will grind it specifically for your brewer.

The catch? Once coffee is ground and the bag is open, it starts losing freshness fast. Whole beans stay flavorful much longer. If you want to know more, check out our blog about whole bean vs. ground coffee. 

Why freshly ground coffee tastes better

• More flavor and aroma: Coffee starts losing its aroma and taste immediately after grinding.

• Longer shelf life: Whole beans stay fresh for weeks when stored properly. Pre-ground coffee oxidizes quickly, leading to stale flavors.

• Control over brewing method: Choosing your grind size lets you brew better coffee for your method of choice. 

If you don’t want to commit to a grinder, choose pre-ground coffee from a local roaster, have your beans ground at the cafe when you buy them for the brewer you use, or get freshly ground coffee delivered to your door with a coffee subscription.

How to brew coffee with these DIY grinds

Since you’re dealing with less-than-perfect grinding methods, your coffee will likely not be the best it could be, but here’s how to make the most of it:

• French press: Best if you used a blender, rolling pin, or hammer (coarse grind).

• Pour-over: Mortar and pestle or a careful rolling pin grind can work (medium grind).

• Espresso: Tricky without a grinder — mortar and pestle is your best bet for a finer grind.

Pro tip: If your grind isn’t quite right, adjust your brewing time:

• Too coarse? Let it steep longer.

• Too fine? Shorten the brew time.

So… what’s the best way to grind coffee beans without a grinder?

Get. A. Burr Grinder.

Take the opportunity and buy one. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but if you’re serious about good coffee, investing in a burr grinder is 100% worth it.

Why a burr grinder?

Not all grinders are created equal. Blade grinders chop beans unevenly, creating a mix of fine dust and chunky bits. This leads to inconsistent extraction — meaning your coffee might be bitter, weak, or just plain unpredictable.

Burr grinders, on the other hand, crush beans between two burrs, ensuring a consistent grind size. This gives you:

• Better flavor – Even grounds extract evenly, so you get a smooth, balanced cup.

• More control – You can adjust the grind size for different brewing methods, from French press to espresso.

• Less waste – No more coffee dust clogging your filter or ruining the taste You can get more output from less input

Final verdict: get a grinder

(or use a mortar & pestle if you must
–your coffee will thank you

At the end of the day, there’s no real substitute for a proper grinder — especially a burr grinder. Sure, you can crush, smash, or blend your way to something drinkable, but it won’t do your coffee any favors.

If you’re stranded, desperate, or just feeling experimental, these methods will technically work. Just don’t make it a habit — you and your coffee deserve better.