Can you use Vitamix to grind coffee?

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. Many people can’t start their day without a cup of coffee to help wake them up and give them a boost of energy. While there are many ways to brew coffee, one of the keys to a great cup of coffee is using freshly ground coffee beans. But can you use a Vitamix blender to grind coffee beans? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using a Vitamix as a coffee grinder.

What is a Vitamix?

A Vitamix is a high-powered blender that is designed to blend, grind, chop, and liquefy ingredients. Vitamix blenders have powerful motors and sharp blades that can handle the tough job of grinding coffee beans. Here are some key features of Vitamix blenders:

• High-performance motor – Can reach speeds of over 240 mph to grind even the hardest ingredients.
• Aircraft-grade stainless steel blades – Sturdy and durable blades that can pulverize coffee beans.
• Variable speed control – Allows you to fine-tune the texture from coarse to super fine.
• Large containers – Can hold enough beans to grind coffee for several cups.
• Self-cleaning – Able to clean itself by blending water and dish soap.

Benefits of using a Vitamix to grind coffee

Here are some of the advantages of using a Vitamix blender to grind your coffee beans:

1. Consistent grind

The powerful motor and blades of the Vitamix can produce an very consistent grind size. This allows you to get the exact texture you want, from fine powder for espresso to coarse grind for French press. The uniform grinding yields better flavor extraction.

2. Versatility

In addition to grinding coffee, a Vitamix can also blend smoothies, puree soups and sauces, knead dough, and much more. This makes it a versatile appliance you can use for a wide range of kitchen tasks.

3. Fresh coffee

Grinding beans right before brewing helps preserve the freshness and full flavor of your coffee. Vitamix allows you to grind beans on demand so you can enjoy incredibly fresh coffee.

4. Large batches

With its large container size, a Vitamix has the capacity to grind enough beans to make several cups of coffee at once. This makes it easy to grind coffee for a crowd.

5. Fast grinding

The powerful motor enables fast grinding, so you can go from whole beans to fresh grounds in under a minute. This makes morning coffee prep quick and easy.

6. Easy to clean

Keeping your coffee grinder clean is important for flavor. Vitamix blenders are designed to be self-cleaning. Just add water and dish soap and run it on high speed.

Potential downsides to using a Vitamix as a coffee grinder

Despite the advantages, there are also some potential disadvantages to keep in mind when using a Vitamix for grinding coffee:

1. Cost

Vitamix blenders are an investment, typically retailing over $200. There are less expensive dedicated coffee grinders on the market.

2. Oily beans

The blender jars may have a hard time handling oily coffee beans, as the oil can stick to the container and lid.

3. Bean capacity

The containers may be too large for grinding small amounts of beans, meaning you may end up with more ground coffee than you need.

4. Static

The fast spinning blades can create static that causes ground coffee to cling to the inside of the container.

5. No settings

Unlike many grinders, Vitamix does not have preset grind size settings. Achieving a consistent grind requires manually adjusting the speed.

6. Noise

The powerful motor and grinding blades generate a lot of noise, which some find disruptive early in the morning.

Tips for using a Vitamix to grind coffee

If you want to use your Vitamix for grinding coffee, here are some tips to get the best results:

• Use roasted whole beans – Grinding beans right before brewing maximizes freshness.
• Set the variable speed on low – Start grinding on low speed to avoid overheating the beans.
• Grind in short bursts – Run the grinder for 15-20 seconds at a time, shaking between bursts.
• Use a dedicated container – Keep a separate jar just for coffee to prevent odors and oils from building up.
• Wipe container & lid – Clean after each use to prevent oils from sticking.
• Adjust speed to get desired texture – Increase speed to make grounds finer.
• Store grounds properly – Keep grounds in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Vitamix coffee grinder vs. dedicated burr grinder

How does using a Vitamix to grind coffee compare to a dedicated burr coffee grinder? Here is a look at some of the differences:

Vitamix Blender	Burr Coffee Grinder
Grinds with fast spinning blades that pulverize beans	Grinds beans between two abrasive surfaces (burrs)
Provides a consistent texture	Can produce a very uniform grind size
Easy to use and clean	Typically has grind size settings
Noisy when grinding	Designed to run quieter
More expensive	Dedicated models start at around $50
Large capacity	Smaller capacity optimized for coffee

Burr coffee grinders are specially designed just for grinding coffee beans and may provide a more precise grind. But the Vitamix is a versatile option that can also make coffee grinding part of its long list of kitchen tasks.

Best Vitamix models for grinding coffee

Vitamix offers a range of different blender models. Here are some of the best Vitamix blenders to consider for coffee grinding:

Vitamix 5200

The Vitamix 5200 is a popular classic model known for its durability and power. With a 2+ peak horsepower motor and aircraft-grade stainless steel blades, it can grind coffee beans easily.

Vitamix Explorian E310

A more affordable option, the Vitamix E310 has a 3 horsepower motor and pulse feature ideal for grinding. Its shorter design is convenient for storing under cabinets.

Vitamix 7500

The slightly higher-powered Vitamix 7500 provides faster and smoother blending performance. It features variable speed control and pulse for grinding coffee.

Vitamix A3500

The A3500 is a smart blender option, with five built-in presets programs including one for grinding. The stainless steel blades and digital touchscreen make it very user friendly.

Vitamix Professional Series 750

With a 2.2 horsepower motor, hardened stainless steel blades and good viscosity sensor, the Professional Series 750 is ideal for grinding and blending coffee drinks.

Conclusion

Using a Vitamix to grind coffee beans can be a convenient option for many people. The powerful performance and versatility of Vitamix blenders enables them to grind coffee beans into fresh grounds for great tasting coffee. However, they lack some specialized features of dedicated burr coffee grinders. For those who already own a Vitamix, using it occasionally to grind coffee can be a good solution. But avid coffee drinkers may want to consider investing in a machine designed specifically for grinding coffee beans. The choice comes down to your needs and preferences as a coffee drinker.

When shopping for a Vitamix blender, opt for models with at least 2 peak horsepower motors, variable speed control, and stainless steel blades. With the right techniques, a Vitamix can quickly grind fresh, flavorful coffee beans for a perfect cup of coffee to start your day.