which nutribullet blade for coffee beans

Which NutriBullet Blade is Best for Grinding Coffee Beans?

As a coffee lover, I enjoy the ritual of hand-grinding fresh beans each morning But when my trusty grinder broke, I had to get creative Could my NutriBullet blender work in a pinch to grind beans? After some experimenting, I learned that yes, you can use a NutriBullet to grind coffee beans! However, there are some important tips to follow.

In this article, I’ll share my experience using a NutriBullet for coffee grinding, including:

• The difference between the NutriBullet blades
• Which NutriBullet blade works best for grinding beans
• Grind time recommendations for various brew methods
• My verdict on using a NutriBullet as an emergency coffee grinder

Read on to learn why the milling blade is the best choice for grinding beans and how to get the right consistency for your preferred brewing method.

The Two Main NutriBullet Blade Types

The NutriBullet comes with different blade attachments designed for specific functions. The two main types are:

Milling Blade: This flat, two-pronged blade is made to grind dry ingredients like coffee beans, seeds, nuts, and grains. It’s ideal for pulverizing hard items.

Extractor Blade: The four-pronged extractor blade is meant for blending wet ingredients like smoothies and shakes. It’s not the best choice for grinding dry beans.

While the extractor blade will grind beans in a pinch, the milling blade is specially engineered for that task. Its sharp edges and broad surface area work together to grind the beans into an even consistency.

Why The Milling Blade Excels at Grinding Coffee

Here are a few reasons why the NutriBullet’s milling blade is the top choice for grinding coffee beans:

1. Engineered for Dry Grinding

As mentioned above, the milling blade’s 2D design and sharp edges allow it to pulverize dry substances like beans into a powder. The extractor blade, on the other hand, is made for blending wet ingredients.

1. Broad Surface Area

The flat shape of the milling blade maximizes contact between the beans and the grinding surfaces. This helps it grind the beans into an even texture.

1. Two-Pronged Design

Having two prongs allows the milling blade to grind in two directions: both horizontally and vertically. This bi-directional grinding action helps ensure an evenly ground coffee.

1. Fits Beans Perfectly

The capacity of the milling blade chamber is ideal for grinding a small batch of beans – about enough for 2 to 4 cups of coffee. You don’t want too much room or else the beans won’t circulate properly.

How to Grind Coffee Beans in a NutriBullet

Grinding beans in a NutriBullet is simple. Just follow these steps:

1. Attach the milling blade onto the cup/chamber. Make sure it’s completely dry.

2. Add your desired amount of whole bean coffee. For best results, don’t fill the chamber all the way – leave some room for the beans to move around.

3. Twist on the chamber until it’s securely attached to the power base.

4. Press down on the cup to start the grinding action. Use short pulses, checking the consistency between grinds.

5. Once the beans are ground to your liking, twist off the cup and dump out the fresh grounds. Enjoy!

NutriBullet Coffee Grinding Times

Grinding coffee beans in a NutriBullet takes some trial and error. You’ll need to pulse, check, and adjust the texture. Here are some general guidelines for grind times based on the brew method:

• Coarse grind (for French Press): 5 to 10 seconds
• Medium grind (for drip machine): 10 to 15 seconds
• Fine grind (for espresso): 15 to 20 seconds

These times can vary based on your specific NutriBullet model, the amount of beans, and your taste preferences. Expect a learning curve as you figure out what works for you.

My Experience Grinding Coffee in a NutriBullet

When my coffee grinder broke, I was sceptical that my NutriBullet could grind beans well enough for a decent cup of joe. But with the milling blade and some experimenting with grind times, I was able to produce an acceptable french press brew.

While the grounds weren’t as consistent as my old burr grinder, the coffee had good flavor and minimal bitterness. For an emergency fix, the NutriBullet did the job!

However, for daily coffee grinding I would stick to an actual coffee grinder. Burr grinders allow you to control the grind size precisely, ensuring the right texture for your preferred brewing method. NutriBullet blades don’t offer that fine of tuning.

Verdict: Good for Occasional Use Only

The bottom line after testing the NutriBullet as a coffee grinder:

• It can grind beans in a pinch if your grinder breaks
• The milling blade is specially designed to pulverize dry ingredients
• With some trial and error, you can grind coffee appropriately for french press or drip coffee
• For daily coffee grinding, an actual coffee grinder (especially a burr grinder) is better

So while your NutriBullet isn’t the ideal coffee grinding solution, it’s handy for the occasional emergency bean grind when needed!

Which Coffee Grinder is Best?

If you’re in the market for a new coffee grinder, whether to replace a broken one or buy your first, here are some top options to consider:

Manual Grinders

Manual coffee grinders provide a simple, no-frills grinding experience. Models like the JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder have adjustable grind settings and built-in conical burrs to help produce uniform grounds. They take physical effort to operate but give you complete control over the process.

Electric Blade Grinders

Many affordable electric grinders use stainless steel blades to pulverize the beans. The affordability makes them popular, though they can sometimes produce uneven grinds. Well-reviewed models like the Hamilton Beach Coffee Grinder provide one-touch operation and a removable grinding chamber for fast cleanup.

Electric Burr Grinders

For coffee aficionados, an electric burr grinder is the gold standard. The burrs crush the beans between two abrasive surfaces, allowing you to precisely adjust the grind size. Models like the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder offer ease of use and consistent results. The burrs are durable and will give you years of quality performance.

The Bottom Line

While you can use a NutriBullet to grind coffee beans if needed, for frequent coffee grinding it’s worth investing in an actual coffee grinder. Manual and electric burr grinders allow control over grind size and help ensure flavorful, aromatic coffee every time. With some models under $100, there’s an option for every budget. Ditch the makeshift NutriBullet method and get yourself a grinder designed for the job!