For coffee enthusiasts, finding the perfect grind for a delicious cup of joe is an important quest. While many opt for buying pre-ground coffee or using a dedicated coffee grinder, others wonder if they can use a standard blender like a Blendtec to grind coffee beans instead. In this blog post, we’ll explore if and how you can use your Blendtec blender to grind coffee beans at home.
Why Grind Your Own Coffee Beans?
Grinding beans right before brewing brings many benefits over using pre-ground coffee:
Fresher taste: Whole coffee beans start losing flavor soon after being ground. Grinding them yourself results in a fresher, more aromatic cup of coffee.
Better flavor control: You can customize the grind size based on your preferred brew method, allowing you to fine tune the coffee’s flavor profile.
Versatility: With the ability to adjust grind size, you can use the same beans for different kinds of coffee like espresso, drip, cold brew, etc.
Cost savings: Buying whole bean coffee is usually cheaper per pound than pre-ground. Grinding the amount you need also reduces waste.
Can You Use a Blendtec Blender for Grinding Coffee?
The short answer is yes, absolutely! Blendtec blenders are powerful enough to grind coffee beans thanks to their strong motors and quality blades. Here are some key reasons why a Blendtec works for coffee grinding:
Large capacity: Blendtec blenders can hold plenty of beans for grinding. This allows you to grind enough for several cups of coffee at once.
Versatile speeds: Variable speed control and pulse mode let you fine tune the grind texture for anything from coarse (for French press) to super fine (for espresso).
Durable blades: The super sharp, cold forged blades easily pulverize the hard coffee beans into ground particles.
Easy to clean: The blender jar detaches easily from the base for quick cleanup. The blades can handle grinding coffee without dulling quickly over time.
However, blenders lack the finer grind size control that dedicated coffee grinders provide. So while great for most drip and immersion brewing methods, a Blendtec may not allow ultra fine espresso grinds.
Start with freshly roasted beans for maximum freshness and flavor.
Add up to 2 cups of beans into the blender jar for each grind batch.
2. Attach blender lid
Make sure the lid is securely tightened before grinding to avoid a mess.
3. Set grind speed and time
For a coarse grind, use lower speeds (1-3) and pulse in short 5-10 second bursts.
For a fine grind, use higher speeds (7-10) and grind up to 30 seconds.
Adjust speed and grind time based on desired coffee brew method.
4. Allow the beans to grind
Run the blender until beans are ground to your liking.
Shake or stir the grounds in between pulses to ensure even grinding.
5. Remove ground coffee
Tap jar firmly to dislodge any stuck grounds from the bottom or sides.
Pour the freshly ground coffee into an airtight container to preserve aroma and flavor.
6. Clean the blender jar
Rinse the jar immediately after grinding to remove any residual coffee particles and oils which can impact flavor.
And that’s it – you now have fresh, aromatic coffee ground exactly the way you need it! Experiment with grind sizes and brew methods to find your perfect cup of coffee using the Blendtec.
While you can grind coffee in most standard blenders, high performance blenders like Blendtec are ideal. Their stronger motor, better jar design, and quality blades produce a more uniform and customized grind.
Is it safe to grind coffee in a plastic blender jar?
Yes, it’s perfectly safe. Blendtec jars are BPA-free and made of super durable polycarbonate plastic. They withstand heat and impact without affecting food.
How do you determine the right grind size in a blender?
There’s no preset grinder settings in a blender. You’ll need to experiment with grind times starting from 5 second pulses. Check the grounds and adjust speed or time until you get the desired consistency for your brew method. Start fine and go coarser as needed.
Dale is the founder and appliance expert behind PressToCook.com. He is a former restaurant manager who has spent years behind the scenes using just about every kitchen appliance imaginable.
He founded PressToCook.com to debunk the myths around appliances and show home cooks how to truly harness the power of their gadgets to whip up incredible dishes easily and efficiently.
Dale is on a mission to prove that kitchen appliances should be celebrated, not feared, and he can’t wait to share his real-world tips and tricks with you!