To grind coffee beans without a grinder, there are several effective methods using common household tools:
- Mortar and Pestle: Put a small amount of beans in a mortar and crush them with a pestle using firm, circular motions until you reach the desired grind size. This method offers good control over coarseness, suitable for French Press or fine grind coffee.
- Blender or Food Processor: Use the pulse or grinder setting to grind beans in short bursts, shaking or tilting the blender to ensure even grinding. Avoid overheating the beans by grinding intermittently. This method is quick and good for coarse or medium grounds.
- Rolling Pin: Place coffee beans in a sturdy sealed bag (like a Ziploc), then crush them by rolling a rolling pin over the bag until you get the desired coarse grind. This works better for French Press or cold brew style coffee.
- Hammer or Heavy Pan: For a low-tech approach, seal beans in a zip-top bag and repeatedly whack them with a hammer, cast iron pan, or mallet to break them down. This produces coarse grounds and is good for French press or cold brew.
These methods allow coffee grinding without a dedicated coffee grinder, though the grind may be less uniform. Adjust the grinding time and pressure to match the brewing method desired. Freshly ground coffee is always best for flavor.