How to Grind Coffee Beans at Home For Barista-Quality Coffee Every Morning

Coffee lovers can be pretty opinionated when it comes to their perfect cup, but there’s a strong consensus that buying whole beans and grinding them yourself makes for a fresher brew. Whole coffee beans retain their flavor and fragrance for longer than pre-ground beans do, and they have a longer shelf life. Win win! We’re here to teach you how to grind coffee beans with four different devices so you can upgrade your at-home coffee game.

How to Grind Coffee Beans With a Blade Grinder

Blade grinders are accessible and inexpensive, and they get the job done quickly, albeit noisily, with a propellor-like blade. However, keep in mind that they don’t provide particularly fine or consistent grinds, so they’re a better fit for those seeking coarser coffee grounds. Grinding the beans in small batches and pulsing rather than buzzing them helps them break down more evenly.

1. Add coffee beans to the blade grinder, making sure not to overfill.
2. Turn on the grinder. (Blade grinders typically turn on when you put pressure on the top, or apply pressure to a button.)
3. Pulse the grinder until the beans reach your desired consistency. The longer you grind, the finer the coffee grounds will be.
   

How to Grind Coffee Beans With a Burr Grinder

If you’re particular about coffee, you should consider investing in a burr grinder. Thanks to two revolving abrasive surfaces that break down coffee beans in between them, burr grinders result in the most consistent grind of any available option. Burr grinders can get pretty expensive, but don’t worry; there are affordable options out there that are just as effective as the upscale varieties. Coffee nerds, rejoice!

1. Set the burr grinder to your preferred grind size.
2. Add coffee beans to the upper container of the burr grinder.
3. Turn on the grinder. (Burr grinders typically turn on with the press of a button.)
4. Let the grinder run. The grinding will stop when the pre-set consistency is reached.
   

How to Grind Coffee Beans With a Mortar and Pestle

The mortar and pestle method requires patience (and muscle), so it’s not the easiest coffee-grinding approach. That said, if you’re willing to put in the work, you can definitely grind coffee beans with a mortar and pestle; just do small amounts at a time.

1. Add a small amount of coffee beans to a mortar.
2. Use your dominant hand to hold the pestle while your other hand holds the mortar in place, and start grinding. A combination of crushing and twisting motions will eventually break down the beans to your desired consistency.
   

How to Grind Coffee Beans With a Blender

Blenders are similar to blade grinders in that they both process food with a propellor-like blade, so they’re a solid option for grinding coffee beans if you don’t own a grinder. Make sure to use the blender’s pulse function, and to process the beans in small batches for the most even grind possible.

1. Add coffee beans to a blender.
2. Set the blender to medium-high, and pulse until the beans reach your desired consistency.
   

And there you have it—four different ways to grind coffee beans at home. With your coffee grounds, you can make pour-over coffee and even whip up your own cold brew.