How do you grind whole bean coffee in a Vitamix?

For coffee aficionados, few things beat the flavor and aroma of freshly ground coffee beans. Using whole coffee beans and grinding them just before brewing allows you to experience the coffee at peak freshness and extract the most flavor. While you can purchase pre-ground coffee, grinding beans yourself gives you more control over the coarseness and consistency of the grind.

One of the most versatile kitchen appliances for grinding coffee beans is the Vitamix blender. Vitamix blenders are powerful enough to grind coffee beans into a fine powder for espresso or a coarse grind for drip coffee makers. Their aircraft-grade stainless steel blades can pulverize beans in seconds. If you already own a Vitamix, you can save money by skipping a dedicated coffee grinder and use your blender to grind coffee instead.

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Benefits of Grinding Your Own Coffee Beans

Here are some of the biggest advantages of grinding whole bean coffee yourself using a Vitamix:

Freshness – Whole beans maintain peak flavor and aroma much longer than pre-ground coffee. Grinding them right before brewing captures more of the fresh taste.
Versatility – You can customize the grind size based on your preferred brew method, from fine espresso grinds to coarse French press grinds.

Value – Grinding your own beans can save money compared to buying specialty pre-ground coffee.
Aroma – Grinding releases more aromatic compounds compared to using pre-ground coffee.
Quality – You can use high-quality beans and have control over the grind consistency.

While pre-ground coffee loses flavor quickly after being ground, whole beans can retain peak quality for 2-4 weeks after roasting when stored properly. Grinding beans as needed allows you to get the most out of your coffee’s flavor and aroma.

How to Grind Coffee Beans in a Vitamix

With its powerful motor and sharp blades, a Vitamix makes quick work of grinding whole coffee beans. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Select your beans: Choose whole bean coffee that is freshly roasted. Stay away from beans that contain oils, like dark roasts, as the oil can stick to the blender container.

Measure the beans: Determine how much coffee you need and measure out the desired amount of whole beans. A good starting point is 2 tablespoons of beans per cup of brewed coffee.
Load the container: Put the measured beans into the Vitamix blender dry container. Don’t add any liquid.
Set the blender speed: Start at a lower Variable 1 or 2 speed setting. You can increase to Variable 10 or High for a finer grind.

Grind the beans: Run the Vitamix for 15-30 seconds, stopping to check the grind consistency. Grind in short 5-10 second bursts to avoid overheating the beans.
Check the grind: Open the blender and inspect the grind size. Repeat short grind cycles until you achieve your desired coarseness.
Store the grounds: Transfer the freshly ground coffee to an airtight container to preserve freshness until brewing.

It’s quick and easy to grind beans to the perfect size using your Vitamix. With some trial and error, you’ll find the optimal grind time for different coarseness settings. Be careful not to over grind the coffee into a powder, which can lead to overextraction and bitter flavor.

Grind Size Recommendations

The proper grind size depends on the brew method you’ll be using. Here are some general guidelines for Vitamix coffee grinding:

Brew Method	Grind Size	Vitamix Speed Setting
Espresso	Fine	Variable 10 or High for 15-20 seconds
Drip coffee	Medium-fine	Variable 5-7 for 20 seconds
Pour over	Medium	Variable 4-6 for 15 seconds
French press	Coarse	Variable 1-3 for 10 seconds

Faster Vitamix speed settings result in finer grinds, while slower speeds produce coarser grinds. Use the above recommendations as a starting point and adjust as needed for your specific beans and taste preferences.

Tips for Grinding Coffee in a Vitamix

To get the best results when using a Vitamix blender for coffee grinding, keep these tips in mind:

Use short grinding times – Grind beans in 10-20 second bursts to prevent overheating.
Let the blender rest – Allow the motor and beans to cool down between grind cycles.

Remove bean chaff – Brush off dried bean skin periodically to prevent buildup.
Keep beans dry – Don’t add water when grinding, as this alters the grind and creates paste.
Clean thoroughly – Wash the container and blades immediately after grinding to remove oils.

Check the dates – Only grind beans that have been roasted within the past 2-4 weeks for optimal freshness.
Use a brush – A soft brush helps remove coffee particles stuck to the blender walls.

By avoiding overheating the beans and cleaning the Vitamix properly after use, you’ll get the most out of your blender for coffee grinding over the long term.

Advantages of Grinding Coffee in a Vitamix

Compared to standalone coffee grinders, using a Vitamix blender to grind beans offers several advantages:

Speed – Vitamix blenders can grind beans much faster than many burr or blade grinders.
Versatility – You can also use a Vitamix to blend smoothies, grind grains, make nut butters, and more.

Power – The motor generates enough power to grind beans finely for espresso.
Cost savings – Vitamix owners don’t need a separate grinder.
Capacity – Vitamix containers hold multiple servings worth of beans.

Consistency – Containers are designed to create even grounds.

For those who already own a Vitamix, it makes economic sense to use it for coffee grinding. The power and blender container design allow it to grind beans quickly and evenly.

Potential Drawbacks to Vitamix Coffee Grinding

While quite effective, there are a few potential downsides to using a Vitamix for grinding coffee beans:

Can overheat beans if run too long, burning flavors
Not optimal for very fine espresso grinds
May retain some coffee oils that can go rancid over time

Lower capacity than some standalone grinders
Requires immediately cleaning after use
Beans can get stuck under blades

Proper techniques can avoid overheating and rancid oils. And for low volumes, the capacity is adequate. But very fine espresso grinding may be better achieved with a dedicated burr grinder in some cases.

Best Blades for Grinding

Vitamix offers different blender containers and blade types that work for grinding coffee beans:

Standard Wet Blade Container – The classic 4-prong stainless steel blade that comes with most Vitamix models. Excellent for most grinding needs.

Dry Blade Container – A specialized container with staggered 2-prong stainless steel blades. Helps grind very fine particles.
Low Profile Wet Blade – A shorter 4-prong blade designed for the Vitamix Ascent and Venturist models. Grinds well but smaller capacity.

The Dry Blade Container offers the best performance for grinding super fine coffee powder. But the standard Wet Blade Container works great for most grinding purposes and is more versatile for wet blending.

Best Vitamix Models for Grinding Coffee

Vitamix blenders are known for their power and durability. Any Vitamix can grind coffee beans, but some models are better suited for the task. Here are top recommendations if you’ll primarily use a Vitamix for coffee grinding:

Vitamix 7500 – A moderately priced model with great grinding power. Its variable speed dial offers lots of grind size control.
Vitamix 5200 – Vitamix’s classic blender still delivers excellent grinding performance despite its age.

Vitamix Explorian E310 – A more affordable Vitamix with the same great grinding capability.

Higher-end “smart system” models like the A3500 are also fantastic blenders for grinding beans. But the mid-range models offer the best value for dedicated coffee grinding use.

Tips for Better Grinding in a Vitamix

Here are a few tips and tricks to get the most consistent, high-quality coffee grinds out of your Vitamix:

Use short variable speed bursts – This prevents overheating beans.
Grind smaller batches – Don’t overfill the container.
Clean thoroughly after use – Remove oils that can go rancid.

Use a soft bristle brush – Dislodge any trapped grounds.
Inspect the grind – Make sure there are no large undef ground fragments.
Keep beans cool and dry – Don’t grind beans that feel hot or are damp.

Adjust speed as needed – Higher speeds create finer particles.

Dialing in the perfect grind takes some practice but is worth it for the fresh taste of coffee brewed right after grinding. Follow these tips and with some trial and error you’ll master grinding with your Vitamix in no time.

Grinding Beans for Other Uses

In addition to brewed coffee, you can use a Vitamix to grind beans for these uses:

Espresso – Finely ground beans are packed into the portafilter of espresso machines.
Turkish coffee – An extra-fine powder is simmered in a pot for traditional Turkish coffee.
Bean flour – For gluten-free baking, beans can be ground into a flour substitute.

Rubs and scrubs – Coarsely ground beans can be used in body scrubs or dry rubs for meat.

The dry blades allow you to grind an ultra-fine powder suitable for Turkish coffee. Just take care not to scorch the beans when grinding for very long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can all Vitamix models grind coffee?

Yes, any Vitamix blender has the power and blade speed to grind coffee beans. However, some models like the 5200 or 7500 may be better suited for coffee grinding than lower-powered models.

Is it better to grind beans wet or dry in a Vitamix?

Always grind beans completely dry. Adding any water will turn the beans into a mushy paste rather than a granulated powder.

How long will grounds stay fresh after grinding in a Vitamix?

Freshly ground coffee begins losing its flavor almost immediately. For peak taste, brew the coffee within 10-15 minutes of grinding. Leftover grounds should be discarded within 20-30 minutes as the flavor fades.

Can you grind nuts and spices in a Vitamix?

Yes, Vitamix blenders are versatile kitchen tools that can grind nuts into nut butter or flour, and pulverize whole spices into powder. The same techniques used for grinding coffee work well.

What is the maximum amount of beans a Vitamix will grind?

Most full-size Vitamix containers hold around 64 ounces or 8 cups. The maximum depends on the bean size and roast level. For typical whole bean coffee, you can grind up to 1.5-2 cups beans in a batch.

Conclusion

With its sharp stainless steel blades and powerful motor, a Vitamix blender is perfectly suited for grinding fresh whole coffee beans. By following proper techniques for grind time and speed setting, you can achieve the ideal grind for espresso, drip, pour over, or French press coffee. Grinding beans as needed results in delicious, aromatic coffee that retains all its natural oils and flavor compounds compared to pre-ground coffee. If you already own a Vitamix, utilize it to save money on buying a dedicated burr grinder. With a few easy tips, you’ll get cafe-quality grounds every time you blend beans in your Vitamix.