How to Grind Coffee Beans

How to Grind Coffee Beans

Grinding coffee beans is one of the most important steps in brewing a fresh, flavourful cup of coffee at home. The right grind size ensures optimal extraction, allowing the natural aroma, sweetness, and body of your coffee to shine through. Whether you’re using electric grinders, a manual grinder, or a simple household tool, learning how to grind coffee properly will instantly elevate your home coffee routine.

Why Grinding Coffee Beans Matters

Coffee begins to lose its flavour as soon as it’s ground. Whole beans preserve the oils and aromas that give your brew its character. Grinding the beans just before brewing ensures:

  • Richer aroma

  • Better flavour extraction

  • Consistency across every brewing method

  • Fresher, more vibrant freshly ground coffee

Freshly roasted beans such as House Blend Coffee, Royal Blend Coffee, and Excellence Blend Coffee are perfect for grinding fresh at home.

Choosing the Right Grind Size

Different brewing methods require different grind settings. Using the wrong grind can make your coffee taste bitter (too fine) or weak and under-extracted (too coarse). Here’s a quick guide:

Brew Method Grind Size Recommended Coffee
Espresso Fine Italian Blend Coffee
Aeropress Fine–Medium Forte Blend Coffee
Drip / Pour Over Medium House Blend Coffee
French Press Coarse Royal Blend Coffee
Cold Brew Extra Coarse Frozen Amazon Coffee, Mayan Chill Coffee

Understanding grind settings ensures the right balance of sweetness, acidity, and body.

How to Grind Coffee Beans With a Grinder

1. Blade Grinder

Blade grinders are affordable and simple to use. However, they often produce uneven grinds, which may affect how the coffee is extracted.

  • Best for filter coffee, drip coffee, or French press.

  • Grind in short bursts to avoid overheating the beans.

  • Ideal for beginners who want a quick grind for coffee at home.

2. Burr Grinder

A burr grinder is the best choice for consistent, uniform grinds.

  • Produces even particles for balanced extraction.

  • Offers adjustable settings for fine, medium, or coarse grind.

  • Perfect for those who want greater control over how their coffee is prepared.

If you’re serious about brewing, a burr grinder aligns well with premium beans such as Colombia Excelso Huila Coffee or Brazil Yellow Bourbon Coffee.

How to Grind Coffee Beans Without a Grinder

No grinder? No problem. You can still enjoy fresh grounds using simple household items:

1. Mortar and Pestle

  • Add small amount of coffee beans for best control.

  • Crush using a circular, rocking motion.

  • Great for coarse to medium grinds.

2. Rolling Pin

  • Place beans in a sealed bag to prevent mess.

  • Roll firmly and repeatedly to achieve the desired grind size.

  • Produces a fairly even grind for filter coffee or French press.

3. Hammer or Meat Mallet

  • Best for a coarse grind.

  • Gently tap the bag of beans until crushed.

  • Ideal when camping or travelling.

4. Manual Coffee Grinder

  • Portable and inexpensive.

  • Provides uniform grinds with a bit of elbow grease.

  • Perfect for pairing with high-quality beans like JBM Blend Coffee.

How Much Coffee Beans to Use

For medium-strength coffee, use 1–2 tablespoons of coffee per 180ml of water. Adjust depending on taste and brewing method. Grinding the beans fresh gives you more control over flavour intensity.

Tips for Grinding Coffee Beans

  • Grind just before brewing – pre ground coffee loses flavour quickly.

  • Measure accurately to avoid weak or overly strong coffee.

  • Store beans properly – airtight container, away from heat and sunlight.

  • Experiment with grind settings for your machine and taste preferences.

  • Clean your grinder regularly – leftover oils affect how your coffee tastes.

Fresh blends like Autumn Seasonal Blend Coffee or Morning Bliss Coffee grind beautifully for both espresso and filter methods.

Common Mistakes When Grinding Coffee

  • Grinding too early – flavour loss starts within 15–30 minutes.

  • Using inconsistent grind size – leads to uneven extraction.

  • Overheating beans – causes bitterness.

  • Forgetting to clean the grinder – stale residue impacts taste.

  • Using the wrong grind for the machine.

Grinding Coffee for Your Coffee Machine

Each machine requires a different grind size:

  • Espresso machines: Fine grind

  • Drip machines / Pour-over: Medium grind

  • French press: Coarse grind

  • Cold brew: Extra coarse grind

Pairing the right grind with your machine helps ensure maximum flavour and a smooth, balanced extraction.

If you want a versatile option suitable for different grinding needs, explore our full Coffee Blends Collection.

Back to blog