The Coffee Kits

Grinding Coffee with a Ninja Blender: Dos and Don'ts

Grinding coffee beans at home is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. Not only does it allow for fresher, tastier coffee, but it also gives you more control over the grind size. However, not everyone has a dedicated coffee grinder at home. Enter the Ninja blender. While it may not be the first tool that comes to mind for grinding coffee, it can be a surprisingly effective option. Here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind when using your Ninja blender to grind coffee.

Do:

1. Use the pulse feature.

Unlike a traditional coffee grinder, a blender doesn't have a specific grind setting. Instead, use the pulse feature to control the grind size. Start with short pulses and check the consistency of the grind frequently.

2. Use small batches.

Grinding too many beans at once can cause uneven grinding and overheating. Start with small batches of around ¼ to ½ cup of beans.

3. Use a dry container.

Make sure the container you use for grinding coffee is completely dry. Any moisture can cause the coffee grounds to clump together and affect the consistency of the grind.

4. Clean the blender thoroughly.

After grinding coffee, make sure to clean the container thoroughly to prevent any coffee oils from lingering and affecting the taste of future blends.

Don't:

1. Grind for too long.

Over-grinding can cause the coffee to become bitter and lose its flavor. Keep an eye on the grind size and stop blending as soon as you reach your desired consistency.

2. Use the same container for other foods.

Coffee oils can cling to the container and affect the flavor of other foods. Use a separate container specifically for grinding coffee.

3. Grind flavored coffee.

Flavored coffee beans often have added oils or syrups that can clog up your blender and affect the consistency of the grind. Stick to plain, unflavored coffee beans.

4. Grind fine espresso beans.

While a blender can certainly grind espresso beans, it's not the ideal tool for achieving a super-fine grind. Stick to a dedicated espresso grinder for best results.

Overall, using a Ninja blender to grind coffee can be a convenient and effective option for home baristas. Just keep these dos and don'ts in mind to ensure a delicious and consistent grind.