Grinding your own coffee at home is the only way to get that fresh, authentic cafe flavor without dressing out of your pajamas. Of course, it takes a few pieces of equipment, not least of which is a quality coffee grinder. If you’re a blending enthusiast, this may leave you wondering, can you grind coffee in a Magic Bullet?
In fact, you can! However, a Magic Bullet blender may not be the ideal choice for everyone. Learn more about the pros and cons of grinding coffee with a Magic Bullet below.
What is a Magic Bullet?
A magic bullet is a compact blender that gets its name from its shape and the speed it blends. It has a compact, almost bullet-like shape with a motor base and a long blending jar on the top. Because of its relatively low price, compact size, and ability to blend smoothies, frozen drinks, and more in seconds, it’s one of the most efficient blenders out there.
While similar, Magic Bullet blenders shouldn’t be confused with Nutribullet blenders, which are a slightly larger and more powerful version. Though there’s no reason why you couldn’t grind coffee beans with a Nutribullet as well.
Using a Magic Bullet to Grind Coffee
One of the best things about a magic bullet blender is its versatility. In addition to beverages, you can use it to grind dry ingredients, and that includes coffee. Take a look at some of the pros and cons of using a magic bullet as a coffee grinder here:
The Pros
The main reason why a Magic Bullet blender makes a great coffee grinder is about convenience. Whether you’re working in a compact kitchen or just hate to see cluttered cabinets, it’s always better to stock your shelves with multitaskers. Rather than buying a separate coffee grinder and blender, you can get both in the same package with a Magic Bullet.
Plus, the Magic Bullet is simpler. All it takes is a simple press and twist, and your coffee beans are well on their way to the perfect consistency. That means you don’t have to worry about managing grind settings or replacing blades. While it might not give the same level of control over your grind, anyone but a barista won’t be able to tell the difference.
Finally, the best reason to use a Magic Bullet to grind coffee beans is that there’s no reason not to try. If you already own one of these compact blenders, try using it to grind a cup of coffee and see if you like the result. Chances are it will more than live up to your expectations.
The Cons
The major disadvantage of using a magic bullet to grind coffee beans ultimately comes down to its power output. The basic Magic Bullet blender has a 250-watt motor. While this falls within the same range as most home-use coffee grinders, it’s on the lower end of the spectrum.
A blender’s power makes all the difference, especially when working with dry ingredients. Here are some of the ways it will affect your grind:
- Grind time – A weaker motor will have a harder time chewing through tough ingredients, meaning it will take longer to grind the same amount of beans.
- Risking burnout – When a motor struggles too hard, you run the risk of it overheating and burning out. When this happens, the motor will stop working, and you’ll probably have to replace your grinder.
- Grind capacity – One of the best ways to avoid burnout is to limit the amount of beans you’re grinding. It’s a safe bet, but it means you’ll have to work in batches if you’re hoping to grind a lot of beans at once.
Another factor to consider when grinding coffee with a Magic Bullet is consistency. Coffee grinders tend to have a wider shape compared to the Magic Mullets’ tall design. This means you might not get the same consistency, especially if the motor is struggling. What this means for your coffee is a flavor that’s less controlled, either more acidic or more earthy.
How to Grind Coffee in a Magic Bullet
Grinding coffee in your magic bullet is a fast and easy process. Though to get consistent results, you’ll want to pay attention to the details. Follow these simple steps to ensure you get a full-flavored cup of joe.
- Choose the Right Blade
Typically, Magic Bullet blenders are used to blend liquids like shakes and smoothies. However, what many people don’t know is that there is a variety of different attachments that can drastically expand your blender’s versatility. The flat milling blade attachment is what you want when grinding coffee beans. A flat blade ensures a smoother grind and won’t dull in the same way a typical blender blade will.
- Load Your Blending Jar
Whether you’re making espresso or coffee, the next step is to load your beans into the blender jar. For best results, don’t load your jar all the way to the top, but leave a little bit of space. This will make it easier to lock into place and help prevent your blender’s motor from burning out. To lock your jar into place, press down into the blender’s motor base and twist.
- Grind!
To grind your coffee, simply press down the top of your Magic Bullet blender and hold it down. The amount of time you grind your beans affects how coarse or fine your grounds will be. For a coarse grind, hold it down for 8 to 10 seconds. For a medium grind, hold it down in short spurts that add up to 10 to 15 seconds total. This will help get a more even consistency and also prevent your motor from burning out.
Getting the Perfect Grind
There’s no denying that you can grind coffee beans in a Magic Bullet, but whether you want to depends on the results you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a convenient way to make a flavorful cup of coffee or espresso, then it can be a great option. However, if you’re looking for professional results that can rival the best barista, then you may be better off getting a dedicated coffee grinder.
If you’re looking to pick up a Magic Bullet, check out the link below!
