Grinding Coffee Beans Using A Blender

Quick answer

• While you can technically grind coffee beans in a blender, it’s generally not recommended for achieving optimal coffee flavor.
• Blenders produce an inconsistent grind size, leading to uneven extraction and a less desirable taste.
• For the best results, invest in a dedicated coffee grinder (burr grinders are preferred).
• If you must use a blender, opt for a pulse function and very short bursts to minimize heat buildup.
• Expect a coarser, less uniform grind compared to a grinder, which will impact brewing.
• This method is best for very occasional use when no other option is available.

Who this is for

• This guide is for home coffee enthusiasts who are curious about using a blender as a makeshift coffee grinder.
• It’s for those who might be in a pinch and don’t have access to a coffee grinder at the moment.
• This information is for individuals who want to understand the trade-offs and potential pitfalls of this method.

What to check first

Brewer type and filter type

The type of coffee maker you use and the filter it requires will significantly influence the ideal grind size. For instance, a French press needs a coarse grind, while an espresso machine requires a very fine grind. Using a blender, which struggles to produce uniform grinds, will make it difficult to match your brewer’s needs. If you’re using a paper filter, a very fine, powdery grind can clog it, leading to over-extraction and bitter coffee. If your brewer is sensitive to grind size, using a blender is likely to yield poor results.

Water quality and temperature

The quality and temperature of your water are crucial for a good cup of coffee, regardless of how you grind your beans. Use filtered water to avoid off-flavors from tap water impurities. For most brewing methods, aim for water between 195°F and 205°F. Water that is too cool will result in under-extraction and a weak, sour cup, while water that is too hot can scorch the grounds, leading to bitterness. While the blender doesn’t directly affect these factors, an inconsistent grind from a blender can exacerbate issues with water temperature and extraction.

Grind size and coffee freshness

The consistency of your coffee grind is paramount. A uniform grind size allows water to flow through the coffee bed evenly, resulting in balanced extraction. Coffee beans are best ground just before brewing to preserve their volatile aromatics and oils, which contribute to flavor. Pre-ground coffee loses flavor rapidly. If you’re using a blender, you’ll likely end up with a mix of very fine powder and large chunks, making balanced extraction nearly impossible. This inconsistency is the primary reason why blenders are not ideal for coffee grinding.

Coffee-to-water ratio

The ratio of coffee grounds to water is a fundamental element of brewing. A common starting point for drip coffee is a ratio of 1:15 to 1:18 (e.g., 1 gram of coffee to 15-18 grams of water, or roughly 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 oz of water). If your grind is inconsistent due to using a blender, it becomes much harder to accurately measure and achieve this ratio’s intended effect. Larger particles will under-extract, while finer particles will over-extract, even if your total weight of coffee and water is correct.

Cleanliness/descale status

A clean coffee maker and grinder are essential for good-tasting coffee. Coffee oils can build up and turn rancid, imparting a stale or bitter flavor to your brew. If you’re using a blender, ensure both the blender jar and blades are thoroughly cleaned and dried before grinding beans. Any residue from previous use, especially from strong flavors like garlic or onion, can transfer to your coffee. Regularly descaling your coffee maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions is also vital to prevent mineral buildup that can affect taste and brewing performance.

Step-by-step (brew workflow)

1. Gather your supplies: You’ll need your blender, whole coffee beans, a measuring scoop or scale, and your chosen brewing device.

• What “good” looks like: Everything is clean, dry, and ready to go.
• Common mistake: Using a dirty blender. Avoid it by: Washing the blender jar and blades thoroughly and drying them completely before use.

2. Measure your beans: Determine how much coffee you need based on your brewer and desired strength. A good starting point is 1-2 tablespoons of whole beans per 6 oz of water.

• What “good” looks like: You have the correct amount of beans for your brew.
• Common mistake: Eyeballing the amount. Avoid it by: Using a kitchen scale for accuracy or a consistent measuring scoop.

3. Add beans to the blender: Place the measured whole beans into the blender jar. Do not overfill the blender; grind in smaller batches if necessary.

• What “good” looks like: Beans are loosely distributed in the blender jar.
• Common mistake: Cramming too many beans in. Avoid it by: Leaving ample space for the beans to move freely.

4. Select the right setting: If your blender has variable speed settings, start with the lowest. If it only has a “pulse” function, this is your best bet.

• What “good” looks like: You’re ready to use a controlled grinding action.
• Common mistake: Using a continuous high-speed setting. Avoid it by: Opting for short, controlled bursts of power.

5. Grind in short pulses: Use the pulse function or very short bursts (1-2 seconds) of the lowest speed. This helps prevent the beans from overheating and creates a more manageable grind.

• What “good” looks like: You hear the beans being broken down, not pureed.
• Common mistake: Holding the button down too long. Avoid it by: Pulsing repeatedly, checking the grind consistency between pulses.

6. Check the grind consistency: After a few pulses, stop and check the texture. You’re aiming for a relatively uniform particle size, though this is where blenders struggle.

• What “good” looks like: A mix of coarse and medium particles, ideally not too much powder.
• Common mistake: Grinding until it all looks the same (which it won’t). Avoid it by: Stopping once you have a usable, albeit inconsistent, grind.

7. Continue pulsing as needed: Repeat step 5 and 6 until you achieve a grind that is appropriate for your brewing method. For a French press, you’ll want it coarser; for drip, medium; and for espresso, this method is highly discouraged.

• What “good” looks like: The grind is as uniform as you can get it with the blender.
• Common mistake: Over-grinding, creating too much dust. Avoid it by: Being patient and using minimal pulses.

8. Transfer grounds to your brewer: Carefully empty the ground coffee from the blender jar into your coffee filter or brewing chamber.

• What “good” looks like: All grounds are transferred without significant loss.
• Common mistake: Leaving grounds stuck to the blender. Avoid it by: Tapping the blender jar gently.

9. Prepare your brewer: Add hot water (195-205°F) to your brewer, following the specific instructions for your chosen method (e.g., pour-over, French press).

• What “good” looks like: Water is at the correct temperature and ready for brewing.
• Common mistake: Using boiling or too-cool water. Avoid it by: Letting boiling water sit for about 30-60 seconds, or using a thermometer.

10. Brew your coffee: Follow your usual brewing process. Be aware that the inconsistent grind might affect brew time and extraction.

• What “good” looks like: The brewing process proceeds as expected for your method.
• Common mistake: Expecting the same results as with a proper grinder. Avoid it by: Adjusting expectations and being observant of the brew.

11. Serve and enjoy: Pour your freshly brewed coffee and taste the results.

• What “good” looks like: A cup of coffee you’re happy with.
• Common mistake: Being disappointed with the flavor. Avoid it by: Understanding that blender-ground coffee is a compromise.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

| Mistake | What it causes