Grinding is a simple process – all you need is a good machine and some quality beans. This being said, you’re probably well aware of how expensive coffee grinders can be and, if you’re like me, have decided that spending that kind of cash on a single-purpose machine is something that you aren’t going to do.
While I don’t have a fancy coffee grinder at home, I do have a NutriBullet and, since you’ve stumbled upon this article, I’m willing to bet that you do, too.
So, the question stands, fellow coffee lovers.
Can the NutriBullet grind coffee in the absence of a coffee grinder?
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Can you use a NutriBullet to grind coffee?
As it turns out, yes! NutriBullets are surprisingly efficient when it comes to grinding coffee beans. NutriBullets are sturdy, powerful little machines that are unmatched in terms of versatility and can be used for just about anything – including coffee beans.
The NutriBullet’s efficiency comes from its milling blade, which is powerful enough to cut through a variety of coffee beans ranging from light to dark roast. Dark roast is the most difficult for the NutriBullet to handle but, when put to the test, the device can and will grind these kinds of beans appropriately.
When it comes to creating a uniform grind, the NutriBullet does a pretty good job. Of course, there are always a few larger pieces left on top but if that’s a big issue for you, all you have to do is use a spoon to push them to the bottom and give the device another pulse or two.
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The best grinds for NutriBullet
Medium
Medium grind coffee is best used with siphon brewers and drip coffee makers. Typically, a medium grind is what you’ll get when you buy a bag of pre-ground store-bought coffee.
In order to achieve a medium grind, fill your cup three-quarters of the way up and then pulse the beans in one-second bursts roughly five times. The coffee beans should end up being the same size as beach sand and you should still be able to see individual particles.
Coarse
A coarse grind is ideal for French press and percolators. When attempting a coarse grind with your NutriBullet, fill the cup nearly three-quarters of the way full and pulse two or three times in succession. By the end of the pulsing, your grinds should have a similar consistency to sea salt.
Read More: Can You Grind Coffee Beans In A Magic Bullet? Simple 5 Step Process
Fine
Fine ground beans are also common to find in grocery stores. They are usually used exclusively for espresso, both with and without a machine. To achieve this consistency, the NutriBullet will need to run in 10-second intervals for 1-2 minutes.
At some point between the intervals, the cup will need to be removed from the base and given a little shake. Make sure the lid is closed securely when you do this!
Extra-Fine
Also known as “Turkish” grinds, extra-fine grounds are typically reserved for making coffee in a cezve or ibrik. Coffee grounds of this kind are very, very fine and have the consistency of powdered sugar.
In order to break the beans down so that they reach this level of fineness, the NutriBullet must be run for longer than two minutes in 10-15 second intervals.
Getting the beans this fine takes time, so don’t be discouraged if your beans seem to be taking an unusually long time to reach your desired consistency.
Like when you grind fine grounds, you’ll need to shake the cup on occasion (with the lid on tightly!).
Read More: Can I grind coffee in a Vitamix blender?
How to grind coffee in a NutriBullet
Despite the fact that it seems like a rather large chore, grinding beans in your NutriBullet is pretty simple all things considered. But if you’re feeling nervous, don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. Here are a few easy steps to get you going.
- Read your NutriBullet’s manual and fix the flat blade to the unit as instructed by the instructions. Before you attempt this, make sure that your unit is unplugged.
- Fill the NutriBullet cup with beans and secure the lid. Plug the unit in, making sure that it’s away from water and excess heat.
- Grind your beans according to your desired consistency.
- After you’ve finished grinding, leave the device’s lid on for 10 or so seconds to allow the blades to stop moving, and then unplug the unit.
- Give the unit a shake with the lid closed. This will ensure that the large particles of beans sink to the bottom while the smaller, finer grinds rise to the top.
- From this point on, make yourself a cup of coffee or transfer your beans into an air-tight container for later use.
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NutriBullet bean grinding FAQ
Does NutriBullet change the taste of my coffee beans?
Nope! The NutriBullet does not alter the taste of your coffee grinds at all. They will taste the same as they would coming out of a dedicated coffee grinder.
Can NutriBullet handle dark roast beans?
Although dark roast beans are harder to grind and take longer to reach a fine consistency, the NutriBullet can get the job done.
Will coffee beans clog the NutriBullet?
After they’ve been ground, coffee beans should not clog the device. To make sure that this doesn’t happen, though, you could always tap your device on a counter or with your hand to dislodge any stuck grounds after each use.
Which NutriBullet cup should I use for grinding coffee beans?
It doesn’t really matter which cup you use, however, smaller cups tend to be less of a hassle. The beans don’t have to travel as far to hit the blades, which can speed things up a bit.
Read More: What to do if your NutriBullet lid is stuck on
Can a NutriBullet grind coffee: final thoughts
Next time someone asks you if the NutriBullet grinds coffee, you can give them a rundown of this article. Just remember that the NutriBullet is a blender – not a coffee grinder and as such, it takes patience and a bit of practice to master the art of grinding beans with it.