The most well-known option for making coffee is using pre-ground coffee beans. However, in recent times, there has been an increased preference for freshly ground coffee beans. Grinding your coffee beans yourself allows you to have complete control over the texture of your beans. It also ensures that you a cup of coffee that consists of coffee beans which have not been ruined as a result of exposure to oxygen for a long time. Following this preference, several different options to grind coffee beans have come into existence.
Can A Blender Be Used As A Grinder?
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The primary reason behind grinding coffee beans is to effectively increase the surface area of the coffee with hot water. As a result, the extraction time is significantly less when compared to unground coffee beans. Therefore, whatever device you use that helps you to increase the surface area of coffee beans should be employed.
You can use a blender as a grinder without much difficulty. When you use a coffee blender, all the coffee beans will not be identical to one another in size. There are some blenders out there that come with a pulse or grind setting which works rather effectively. Remember, the beans should not be ground for more than 30 seconds because blending leads to the generation of heat which might cook the beans.
Best Ways To Grind Coffee Beans Mechanically
Most of us have processors or blenders at our place. If you have any one of these two appliances, grinding coffee beans is an easy task for you.
Use a Blender
If you wish to grind coffee beans, you can conveniently do so with a blender. However, it’s important to note that the ground will not have the same size. Nonetheless, you will be provided with a usable consistency of the beans.
Some advanced blenders offer the grind setting. If your blender doesn’t offer any such option and can only blend smoothies, there’s no need to worry. All you need to do is simply use the pulse setting on your blender or simply blend the coffee beans manually.
Blending is a process that generates heat. Often, a blender will cook your books, and you don’t want that. Since there are chances that the beans might burn, make sure that you use the grinder for only 20 seconds or utmost 30 seconds if there’s a dire need.
Once you finish the grinding process, you can conveniently make coffee with a portable coffee maker.
How To Grind Beans With A Blender
- Adjust your blender to either medium-high or grind setting.
- Now, pour the required quantity of coffee beans into the blender and shut the lid. Mostly, one-fourth or a half cup of beans is an appropriate option.
- If you’re using the pulse setting, grind the coffee beans for 3 to 5 seconds.
- Carry out this process for the utmost 6 times, leading to a total grinding duration of 30 seconds.
- You can also tilt your grinder to the side when you’re grinding to make sure that the ground beans are approximately consistent.
Benefits Of Grinding Coffee Beans With A Blender
The primary benefit of grinding coffee beans with a blender is that you are able to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee every time you need one. You don’t have to rely on pre-ground coffee beans. Not only do freshly ground beans offer a delicious aroma but also allow the coffee to taste its best.
What To Consider When Grinding Coffee Beans In A Blender
When you grind coffee beans in a blender, you must use your blender primarily on the pulse setting. Don’t run it continuously because otherwise, the motor will wear out. In case your blender doesn’t have a pulse option, blend the coffee beans intermittently to avoid heat emitted by the blender from overheating the oils. If you continuously blend your coffee beans, the oils from the coffee beans might overheat, thereby leading to a loss of flavor.
Blending power must be taken into consideration. The blender models that operate on more than 500 watts of power are the most effective options. The blender you opt for must have sturdy blades because it depends on the time required to grind coffee beans effectively. You can also opt for a blender with removable blades because cleanup is a smooth process.
Some Common Mistakes When Grinding Coffee Beans In A Blender
One of the most common mistakes people make when grinding coffee beans with a blender is overprocessing. You must always determine the grind of the coffee that you require. In this way, there are stronger chances that you won’t overground or compromise the flavour of your coffee beans.
You must also carefully measure the number of coffee beans you need to grind. Using 2 tablespoons of ground coffee beans for every cup of coffee is often the most opted method to enjoy a perfect cup of coffee.
Tips To Get The Proper Coffee Grind Size Using A Blender
To enjoy a proper cup of coffee, make sure you carefully measure the number of coffee beans that you need to grind. Once done, specify the grind course that you may need. It can either be a medium-fine grind or a coarse grind. It’s usually recommended to grind the coffee beans in small batches so they have room to move around and, therefore, be ground properly.
The way you grind your coffee beans in a blender is dependent on the type of grind you’re going for. Start by putting the coffee beans in a blender. Then turn it on and let it work for itself. If you prefer a coarse grind, pulse the beans on a medium speed to ground them. Between each grind, you must shake the grinder. Although it might be slightly difficult to get a coarse grind using a blender, it will still be an ideal option for you to use in drip coffee makers.
Other Ways To Grind Coffee
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Grind Coffee Beans Using Mortar And Pestle
Traditionally, the mortar and pestle was used for medicines, herbs, and spices into a fine powder by pharmacists and chemists. This method combines hammering and rolling to create a consistent texture. Additionally, using a mortar and pestle allows you to have a greater control over the size of the ground coffee beans.
Steps To Grind Coffee Beans Using Mortar And Pestle
- Place coffee beans into your mortar and pestle. Make sure it’s only one-forth of the mortar to enjoy the greater control over the coffee beans. You can always opt for a second batch.
- Use your dominant hand to hold the pestle. With the other hand, tightly hold the mortar.
- Use the pestle to crush down the coffee beans with a twisting motion.
- Once you’re done crushing the coffee beans, use the pestle to roll around the ground coffee beans to check their consistency and texture.
- If you want to grind some more coffee beans, empty out the mortar and repeat the same process for another batch.
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Grind Coffee Beans Using Food Processor
Although a food processor will not offer you ground coffee beans of an identical sze, they’re relatively useful especially if you’re in a time crunch. The results provided by a food processor will be almost identical to the ones provided by a blender. The only difference is that you’ll need to put in more coffee beans since a food processor has a larger surface area than a blender. Simply double the quantity of coffee beans you’d put in a blender. If you’re preparing coffee for just two people, you can also use the coffee beans for the next day. Just make sure you store the remaining beans in an airtight plastic bag.
How to Grind Coffee Beans with a Food Processor
- Put the required quantity of coffee beans in the food processor and tightly close the lid. You can put in half a cup or one full cup of coffee beans.
- Use the pulse setting to grind the coffee beans for 3 to 5 seconds.
- Keep repeating the previous step until you achieve the desired consistency for a maximum of 30 seconds.
- You can also tilt the food processor to the side to ensure the coffee beans are ground approximately the same size.
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Rolling Pin or Hammer Method
A rolling pin has the ability to both grind and crush coffee beans simultaneously. Not only does it provide a finer texture but also offers a finer grind than some other methods of grinding coffee beans. You need both an observant eye and some elbow grease to ensure consistency throughout the coffee beans.
For this method, you need a rolling pin, counter space or a large cutting board, parchment paper or plastic ziploc bag. You can use any durable cylindrical object as a rolling pin such as a wine bottle, wooden dowel, or can of food.
Steps To Grind Coffee Beans With Rolling Pin or Hammer Method
- Start the process by placing the required amount of coffee either in a plastic bag or between two sheets of parchment papers.
- Position the bag flat on the counter.
- Use the pin like a hammer to crush your coffee beans.
- Once you’re done crushing, roll the pin over the ground coffee beans.
- Keep repeating the above mentioned process until you’ve reached your desired consistency.
- If the ground coffee beans are too large, keep rolling and crushing them.
Conclusion
Therefore, several methods for crushing coffee beans are available. The most recommended option for grinding your coffee beans is the mortar and pestle method. Regardless of the method you use, make sure you are able to achieve your desired consistency. Rest assured, if you are committed enough, you can undoubtedly enjoy a proper cup of coffee with any of the above mentioned tips.