Will a Coffee Grinder Grind Wheat?

Will a Coffee Grinder Grind Wheat? Yes, a coffee grinder can grind wheat berries into flour, especially for small batches, but results vary by grinder type. Burr grinders perform better than blade models, though a dedicated grain mill is ideal for consistent, fine flour without risks.

Types of Coffee Grinders for Grinding Wheat

Coffee grinders fall into two main categories: blade and burr. Each handles wheat differently.

Blade Grinders

• Use spinning blades to chop wheat berries.
• Produce inconsistent particle sizes, with a mix of fine powder and coarse chunks.
• Generate more heat, potentially degrading nutrients.
• Suit small experimental batches but require sifting and re-grinding for usable flour.

Burr Grinders

• Crush wheat between two abrasive surfaces (conical or flat burrs).
• Deliver more uniform grinds, closer to commercial flour.
• High-end or commercial models (e.g., Mazzer) achieve very fine flour quickly.
• Home models like Baratza Encore yield coarser results, suitable for pancakes or soakers rather than fine bread flour.

Key Difference: Burr grinders crush uniformly with less heat, preserving flavor and nutrients better than blade grinders’ chopping action.

For more on burr vs. blade performance, see this guide from Serious Eats.

Pros and Cons of Using a Coffee Grinder for Wheat

Pros

• Affordable and accessible — Costs under $20–$100 vs. $200+ for grain mills.
• Convenient for small batches — Grinds ½–1 cup quickly for fresh flour in recipes.
• Versatile — Handles spices, nuts, or other grains too.
• Freshly ground wheat retains more nutrients; whole wheat flour loses up to 40% of nutrients within days of milling.

Cons

• Inconsistent fineness → Often requires multiple passes and sifting.
• Overheating risk → Hard wheat berries strain motors, especially in blade models.
• Flavor contamination → Wheat residue affects coffee taste (or vice versa); thorough cleaning needed.
• Wear and tear → Not designed for hard grains; may shorten grinder lifespan.
• Limited capacity: Best for small quantities to avoid jamming.

How to Grind Wheat in a Coffee Grinder

Follow these steps for best results:

1. Clean the grinder thoroughly to remove coffee residue.
2. Add wheat berries (½–¾ cup max for most models).
3. Grind in short bursts (30–60 seconds) to prevent overheating.
4. Sift the result through a fine mesh sieve.
5. Re-grind coarser pieces for finer flour.
6. Freeze berries beforehand to minimize heat buildup.

Tip: Multiple cycles yield finer flour, though never as uniform as a dedicated mill.

Coffee Grinder vs. Dedicated Grain Mill

Dedicated mills like the Mockmill or NutriMill excel for bread baking. Coffee grinders work in a pinch but fall short for regular use.

Learn more about top grain mills from Pleasant Hill Grain.

FAQ

Can a blade coffee grinder make fine wheat flour?
No, it produces uneven results with chunks. Sifting helps, but burr is superior.

Will grinding wheat ruin my coffee grinder?
Possibly—hard berries strain motors and burrs. Use sparingly and clean well.

How fine can a coffee grinder grind wheat?
Burr models reach near-powder (espresso-fine), but home versions often stop at medium-coarse. Commercial burrs achieve bakery-quality fine.

Is fresh-ground wheat flour healthier?
Yes—retains bran, germ, and nutrients lost in store-bought flour (up to 90% of vitamin E oxidizes quickly).

Can I use the same grinder for coffee and wheat?
Not recommended; flavors cross-contaminate. Dedicate one or clean meticulously.

Final Thoughts

A coffee grinder can effectively grind wheat for occasional fresh flour, offering a budget-friendly entry into home milling. However, for consistent, fine results and longevity, invest in a dedicated grain mill. Experiment small-scale first to taste the superior flavor of freshly ground wheat in your baking.

Maksuda