For coffee enthusiasts, getting the perfect grind for your morning brew is essential. Using a high-powered blender like a Vitamix to grind coffee beans is one option, but how does it compare to using an actual coffee grinder? In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of using a Vitamix as a coffee grinder and help you decide if it’s the right option for you.
How a Vitamix Works
First, let’s look at what makes a Vitamix so powerful. Vitamix blenders have large, hardened stainless steel blades that spin incredibly fast – up to 37,000 rpm. This allows them to pulverize virtually any ingredient into a smooth texture or fine powder.
Vitamix motors are designed for frequent use and can handle grinding coffee beans with ease. The blades are able to grind the beans evenly and consistently. This differs from some coffee grinders which use rotating burrs or wheels to crush the beans. The high-speed blades of a Vitamix can create a very fine powder texture suitable for espresso or Turkish coffee. So in terms of grinding capability, a Vitamix has the power and consistency needed for coffee grinding.
Benefits of Using a Vitamix
There are a few potential advantages to using a Vitamix instead of a traditional coffee grinder:
- Consistency – The powerful blades can grind coffee beans into a very uniform texture. No large chunks or fine coffee “dust.”
- Versatility – A Vitamix can switch between coarse grinds for drip or french press to super fine grinds for espresso. Dedicated coffee grinders often only allow one texture.
- Large batches – With its big container, a Vitamix can grind enough beans for several days’ worth of coffee at once.
- Easy cleaning – Vitamix containers are simpler to hand wash thanelectric burr grinders which require cleaning the burrs.
For those who already own a Vitamix, using it for coffee grinding means you don’t have buy another gadget. You can save money and kitchen counter space.
Potential Drawbacks
However, there are some downsides to be aware of when using a Vitamix as a coffee grinder:
- Messy – Because Vitamix containers are so big, coffee grounds can get everywhere if you aren’t careful opening the lid.
- Static – The fast spinning blades create static electricity which causes coffee grounds to stick to the walls of the container.
- No settings – Unlike most electric coffee grinders, Vitamixes lack grind size settings. Achieving a precise texture requires manually pulsing and checking the grounds.
- Overheating – Grinding coffee for more than 60-90 seconds can overheat the beans, affecting the flavor.
- Nocatch container – Ground coffee can spill out when removing the Vitamix container. A grinder’s catch container is more convenient.
While convenient, the Vitamix lacks some of the precise controls and mess-free experience of an actual coffee grinder. The process requires a bit more effort and clean up.
Grinding Beans in a Vitamix
If you do want to proceed with using a Vitamix to grind coffee, here are some tips:
- Grind in small batches – Don’t fill the container more than 1/4 full to prevent overheating.
- Pulse don’t blend – Use short pulses for an even, consistent grind.
- Remove chaff – Pulse a few times, then remove chaff before continuing pulsing.
- Check often – Open and check the texture frequently to achieve desired grind size.
- Use a towel – Cover the lid with a towel when grinding to contain mess.
- Clean right away – Empty and wash immediately after grinding to remove oil buildup.
It takes some trial and error to get the perfect grind. But with some practice, you can achieve a great coffee grind with a Vitamix.
Grind Size Chart
Here is a general guide for achieving different grind sizes in a Vitamix:
| Grind Type | Texture | Grind Time |
|---|---|---|
| French Press | Coarse, even chunks | 15-20 seconds |
| Drip | Medium-fine, gritty | 20-30 seconds |
| Espresso | Super fine, powdery | 45-60 seconds |
The grind time is just a starting point – you’ll need to adjust and check as you go. Turkish coffee requires an even finer powder than espresso so may take over 60 seconds to achieve.
Coffee Grinder Alternatives
While usable in a pinch, a Vitamix lacks some of the features that make coffee grinders the optimal choice for grinding beans:
Burr Grinder
Burr grinders use gears or abrasive surfaces to crush the beans. Settings allow control over grind size. Conical burr grinders are quieter and produce less heat than blade grinders.
Blade Grinder
Blade coffee grinders use stainless steel blades that spin at high speeds. Models with more power settings provide more control. Blade grinders get hotter than burr grinders but are more affordable.
Manual Grinder
For a non-electric option, manual coffee grinders offer quiet and mess-free grinding. They require more physical effort but let you directly control the grinding process and result.
Dedicated coffee grinders provide more user control, produce less heat, and come in affordable options. But in a pinch, a Vitamix can grind beans relatively evenly.
Should You Use a Vitamix as a Coffee Grinder?
So should you ditch your coffee grinder for a Vitamix? Here are some final pros and cons to consider:
Pros
- Powerful, fast grinding
- Large batch capability
- Provides very fine to coarse grinds
- Easy to clean container
Cons
- Can be messy
- No grind settings
- Requires frequent checking/pulsing
- Can overheat beans
For those who already own a Vitamix, using it occasionally to grind small batches of coffee can be a convenient option. But for everyday coffee grinding, most people will prefer the precise control and mess-free experience of a dedicated coffee grinder. Burr grinders in particular create cooler, more uniform grounds perfect for drip or espresso brewing.
The power of a Vitamix enables it to grind coffee beans. But lacking specific coffee grinding features means the process requires more effort. For the best grinding results, investing in a quality coffee grinder is recommended over relying solely on a blender.
Knowing the pros and cons of both options allows you to choose the right tool for your coffee grinding needs.
Conclusion
While a Vitamix can definitely grind coffee beans thanks to its powerful blades, using a blender lacks the precise control and optimized design of an actual coffee grinder. The process requires more effort and fine tuning to achieve the perfect grind. Dedicated burr or blade coffee grinders allow you to easily grind exact amounts of beans to the ideal texture for your preferred brewing method. So for easy, everyday coffee grinding, a purpose-built coffee grinder remains the recommended option over an all-purpose blender like a Vitamix.
