Vitamix Dry Grains Container Review: Do you need it ?
I assume you found this post because you aren’t sure if you really need a Vitamix dry grains container. I know the Vitamix demo’s at your local Costco can be pretty convincing.
Rest assured, in this review I answer all of you questions and help you decide if a Vitamix dry grains container is a “must have” for you or not…
Table of Contents
Vitamix Dry Container Uses
The unique blade of the dry container is specifically designed to excel at milling grains, grinding coffee beans, grind spices, nuts, seeds, legumes, cereals, chopping dry veggies, knead dough for bread, mix batters.
You can easily make healthy homemade breads, pizza dough, nut flours, blend spices, and more.
What is the difference between Vitamix Wet vs Dry blades ?
You can process most ingredients in either container type but the wet and dry blades perform differently and excel at specific tasks.
Dry Containers:
The dry blade containers are specifically for tasks like milling grains and seeds into flour, chopping dry ingredients, and kneading bread dough. The dry blade create a reverse vortex pushing ingredients away from the blade to prevent them from getting stuck in the bottom and heating up. It “blows” the ingredients up for a smooth, fluffy consistency.
Wet Containers:
All Vitamix blenders come with a wet blade container (either the 64oz, 48oz, or 32oz). The wet containers are the standard containers used for blending, chopping, soups, etcetera. The wet blades pull the ingredients down into a vortex for pureeing ingredients together into creamy consistency.
Basically, wet blades blend together and dry blades push ingredients apart.
For example, if you were to blend nuts in a wet container you would get nut butter because the wet jar blades pull the ingredients down. In a dry container, the blades push the ingredients up and would turn the nuts into nut flour.
Do you need a dry container ?
Do you need a dry container ?Well the short answer is maybe. The dry container is nice to have and it does perform differently than the standard wet blade container for grinding and milling tasks.
As discussed earlier, the blades in a dry container push the ingredients up which is ideal for milling versus the wet jar blades pull ingredients down. By pushing the ingredients up, it keeps the ingredients cooler as they move away from the blade.
You can use the wet containers for dry ingredients but the wet container blade can make it harder as the blade pulls the ingredients down which increases heat and friction. Dry ingredients can get stuck under the blade.
Side note: The low-profile wet containers with the wider base make it a little easier to mill dry ingredients than the original narrow tall wet containers but still won’t work as well for milling as the dry container.
Another point worth mentioning is if you grind dry ingredients in your wet jar you will scratch up the inside which can eventually make it difficult to remove certain ingredients smells like coffee.
It will process dry ingredients faster and produce a more even grind consistency than the wet container.
Dry Grains Container Demonstration :
Who should get a dry grains container ?
Most people start out with just their wet container and if they find that they are milling and grinding a lot of ingredients then they pick up the dry grains container.
The dry container will outperform the wet container at turning cereal into baking flour, milling grains, grinding coffee beans, grind spices, nuts, seeds, beans, and chopping dry veggies.
While you can make dough with wet and dry containers, the dry container blade simulates the kneading process so it is great for preparing dough.
Which dry grains container to buy ?
48 oz dry container with self detect : This container is only compatible with the Ascent series blenders. *
32oz Dry Container “Classic” : Fits all Classic full-size blender models (C series and G series)
* SMART JARS: Regarding the smart jars, the above links are for USA containers so if you are in Europe be sure to order a Dry Grains Smart Jar designed for Europe. Europe Vitamix blenders won’t recognize USA Smart Jars as Europe Vitamix Jars have different safety requirements designed into the smart detection.
Common Questions:
Do Vitamix blades get dull ?
Vitamix blades are hardened stainless steel that don’t cut” but pulverize and blend so it takes a lot to dull the blades. Over time though if you are grinding a lot then yes the blades can get a little dull.
Also you should occasionally check the blade assembly to make sure it properly spinning freely without resistance.
Can I grind rice ?
Yes, people make hard grain or rice flour all the time in their Vitamix. The dry blade container works better at milling but the standard 32oz wet container will work too.
Place the Whole Grain Rice into a completely dry Vitamix container. Starting at Variable Speed 1, Working your way quickly to Variable Speed 10, and then onto High. Blend until you get the desired consistency that you need. Let the rice flour cool before storing.
Can I use a Vitamix as a coffee grinder ?
Yes you can easily grind coffee with the dry container. Just add beans and choose variable speed and slowly increase to variable 8. Grind for 10 seconds.
What about using the dry container for making Nut Butter ?
Don’t do it. As mentioned above, the dry container blade pushes ingredients up so it is better for making nut flour. The standard wet container is the best for nut butters as it pulls the ingredients down.
Any issues using a dry grain container ?
Grinding herbs, spices, coffee, and beans can cause discoloration and odors so make sure to clean the blending jar immediately after use.
If you still have odors or discoloration then you can mix 4 cups of cold water with 4 cups of white vinegar and soak for 4 hours. After 4 hours rinse our the container and follow the standard cleaning instructions below.
Regarding usage, the only warning is Vitamix instructions says not to blend dry ingredients for longer than 2 minutes as heat can damage the container. Typically you only need 60 seconds to mill or grind everything.
Vitamix Dry Container vs Grain Mill ?
If you process up to 1-2 cups at a time (Vitamix does allow up to 2 cups at a time) the Vitamix dry container performs very well without having to run it long which can heat up ingredients. It will mill to a similar consistency of a grain mill.
Vitamix dry blade does very well with under 2 cups. If you are going to mill a lot of flour then it might make more sense to get a specialized grain mill (Wondermill is popular) which can grind over 100 pounds of flour in 1 hour.
How do I clean a Vitamix dry container?
Wash after each use following these simple steps:
- Rinse container with warm(not hot water) and fill it part way.
- Add a couple drops of dish soap to the warm water.
- Secure lid and make sure lid plug is locked.
- Start at variable speed 1 and slowly increase to variable speed 10 and then switch to high. (If you have a Vitamix machine with a “Clean” program then just select “Clean” and start.)
- Run on high for 30-60 seconds.
- Turn upside down and air dry container.
Note: Don’t use a dishwasher for the containers.
Final Thoughts
I would definitely get the dry grains container if you know that you will be frequently making your own flours and grinding.
It will outperform the wet container at those tasks and will extend the life of your wet container over time.
Also, you will save money with this jar if you are gluten free or have other dietary restrictions where you are currently buying gluten-free flour alternatives.
