This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.
Love the taste of freshly ground coffee but don’t have a grinder at home? Wondering if Starbucks can grind those beans for you? Let’s find out if your favorite coffee shop offers this service.
Starbucks offers a cool service: they’ll grind your coffee beans for you. But, there’s a catch. Your beans need to be unopened, fresh, and from Starbucks itself. So, if you grabbed some budget beans from Walmart hoping to get them ground, unfortunately, that won’t work.
Discover the different ways Starbucks can grind your coffee beans for you!
Can Starbucks Grind Coffee for You?
Absolutely! Swing by Starbucks and their baristas will happily grind your coffee beans for free. It’s a convenient perk you should definitely take advantage of.
Starbucks is strict about their coffee grinders – only their own beans are allowed, no exceptions. Even top-notch brands such as Illy or Lavazza don’t make the cut. It’s a Starbucks-only zone.
Make sure the coffee bag stays sealed! Once it’s opened, air rushes in and makes the beans stale fast. Even if you just opened it today, there’s no way to show that. Coffee shops won’t risk their grinders or their good name by using beans that might have been exposed to air or messed with.
Avoid using old coffee beans, as they’re a big no-no. They make your coffee bitter and release oils that can mess up the grinder, making it hard for staff to use it for others. Stick to fresh, branded beans with a best if used before date to ensure the best taste.
Starbucks Grinder Settings
The barista needs to know your preferred coffee grind size. Choose from these options:
| Grind setting | Grind size |
|---|---|
| French press (also for cold brew) | Coarse |
| Universal grind | Medium-coarse |
| Flat bottom filter (drip coffee maker) | Medium |
| Cone filter (drip coffee maker) | Medium-fine |
| Espresso machine | Fine |
| Turkish coffee maker | Extra fine |
Most home coffee makers use flat-bottom filters and do best with a medium grind. But, don’t worry, anything from medium-fine to medium-coarse will brew nicely.
The Universal grind is like a one-size-fits-all choice. It’s slightly too fine for a French press, leaving extra bits in your drink. It’s also a bit too coarse for drip coffee makers, leading to weak coffee. I’d only recommend it for pour-over coffee making.
For pod coffee makers, choose medium-fine grind for Keurig pods and fine grind for Nespresso pods. It makes your coffee just right!
Don’t hesitate to ask your barista for the perfect grind for your coffee maker. Plus, I’ve created a handy coffee grind size chart and a guide to different coffee brewing methods to help you out.
Where Can I Get My Coffee Beans Ground?
Starbucks can quickly grind your beans in-store, making your coffee experience even fresher!
To avoid long lines and delays, time your visit just right. This way, you’ll get served quickly and enjoy your coffee sooner!
During the week, especially not during holidays, coffee shops get super busy between 8 and 10 in the morning. There’s also a smaller rush between 5 and 6 in the evening as most office workers are heading home.
On Saturdays, lunch and early evening see a buzz, but cafes are bustling all day long.
On Sundays, coffee shops are quieter, making it a great time to get your beans freshly ground. Perfect for a leisurely start to your day!
Should I Grind My Own Coffee Beans Instead?
Grinding coffee beans at home keeps them fresh longer. If you can’t, having Starbucks do it is slightly better than pre-ground coffee, but not by much.
Toting a sealed coffee bean bag can be quite a hassle.
You don’t have to break the bank to get a great home coffee grinder. Affordable budget coffee grinders can give you that perfect grind, just like your favorite barista does. So, no need to rush to the coffee shop for fresh grounds every time you crave a cup!
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Starbucks grind my coffee beans for free?
Yes, Starbucks does not charge anything extra to grind your beans. It’s free. It might require a tiny bit more time, but that’s the only inconvenience.
Do remember to tip your barista, though.
Are Costco coffee beans acceptable for grinding too?
Some Starbucks coffee beans are sold retail in the Costco stores. These retail-specific, Starbucks-branded beans can be ground up by the barista too.
But if the beans don’t say Starbucks on the label, you’ll have to grind them yourself.
What’s Next?
When you’re at Starbucks getting your beans ground, don’t miss out on tasting some of the strongest Starbucks coffees. They offer a unique kick, unlike the sweeter frappe or Frappuccino.
Dreaming of making your favorite Starbucks drink in the comfort of your kitchen? You’ll need a top-notch espresso machine or a more affordable option to get started. Curious about what Starbucks uses? Peek at their espresso machine. However, for the ultimate Starbucks experience at home, consider getting a Nespresso Vertuo machine. Pair it with some latte-flavored Nespresso pods, and you’re all set for a barista-level brew!
