Can I grind cacao beans with this grinder?
1757717
Maybe, the mechanism in spice grinders is very much the same though they usually use steel burrs (more forgiving to hard things that shouldn't be ground). Try it, though it might leave a residue or taste in the burrs and muck up future espressos. Regardless, the vario is really simple to take apart and replace te burrs if something goes wrong. The company service folks were very accommodating when I pulled my whole mechanism out, removed burrs, replaced even the display module and changed the drive belt and spindle. They sent great instructions too. I always recommend breaking things, then taking them apart, and putting back together. Maybe, the mechanism in spice grinders is very much the same though they usually use steel burrs (more forgiving to hard things that shouldn't be ground). Try it, though it might leave a residue or taste in the burrs and muck up future espressos. Regardless, the vario is really simple to take apart and replace te burrs if something goes wrong. The company service folks were very accommodating when I pulled my whole mechanism out, removed burrs, replaced even the display module and changed the drive belt and spindle. They sent great instructions too. I always recommend breaking things, then... » Read More Maybe, the mechanism in spice grinders is very much the same though they usually use steel burrs (more forgiving to hard things that shouldn't be ground). Try it, though it might leave a residue or taste in the burrs and muck up future espressos. Regardless, the vario is really simple to take apart and replace te burrs if something goes wrong. The company service folks were very accommodating when I pulled my whole mechanism out, removed burrs, replaced even the display module and changed the drive belt and spindle. They sent great instructions too. I always recommend breaking things, then taking them apart, and putting back together. « Show Less
1757718
Although I have ground only coffee beans in mine, it seems that any bean that is dry could be ground in this. Due to the price of this grinder however, I would check with the manufacturer first just to be on the safe side.
1757719
Yes. But you should put them in a food processor to make them nib size first if you're looking for a powder end result. After they are smaller in size, you should grind them for 15 seconds, wait 10 seconds, then grind for another 15 seconds and you should have your powder. Hope this helps.
516601
yes you can. You will love this grinder and if you're not completely satisfied we offer a 100% money back guarentee.
450050
No grinding spices unless they were small and hard (like pepper). Nothing 1 or 2 inches would make it inside the grinding opening. The beans have to make several turns before they drop into the grinding area. Great for coffee beans and it would work for peppercorns but I don't see how it could work for something like cinnamon or nutmeg.
467715
It says in the instructions that you should only grind coffee with it, but I haven't tried anything else. Honestly, I can't think of a good reason why that wouldn't work. It is very small, though, so if capacity is what you're looking for it may not help anyway. It holds around 4 scoops- maybe a little more- of whole coffee beans in the hopper. Sorry, I couldn't be more help!
2210988
I'm sure it could, but I agree with the others... unless you're grinding a whole bunch of it, it'd just make a mess, and even with a large batch, I don't think you'd get a consistent grind. Better to use a small coffee grinder.
1508455
Yes, it can. But I used to grind soaked rice and dal. So I guess it can grind coco also. It works good bought a year back.
1876438
yes it will grind nuts, be sure to have the plastic lid on since it will grind it as fine as you wish.
1208786
I have used it with a French press. You can adjust the size of the grind by unscrewing the knob on the top of the handle. Then rotate the grinding wheel up or down for coarser or finer grounds.
1019042
I have not used the grinder for spices, just coffee. I wouldn't want to mix any coffee flavor with my spices.
956997
Yes otherwise you won't get the benefits because they will pass through you undiigeated. I use a coffee bean grinder and it works just fine.
1887996
Unfortunately, I've only ground coffee in my grinder. The coffee grinds that result are close to the size of sugar particulates, so I would venture to say no. Your best bet is to contact the manufacture for a definitive answer.
880633
Hello, I used this grinder for coffee beans, Green Cardamom, and other stuff, it works fine, i am happy with this product, i went through 2 different brands but since I found this one I am pleased with it, I recommend this grinder. I hope i was able to help you.
272672
I would advise against it. I never tried it but it I think that is stretching its capability. I think a grinder would do a better job.
1208785
Absolutely... You can set the grind fairly coarse and works great when grinding for a French press. Also makes te grinding process much quicker.
1585692
No. That grinder is a piece of junk. Don't buy it. I purchased two different grinders under $20.00 and they both burned up within 10 grinds. I finally spent 30-35 dollars for one at Bed bath & beyond, and it works better. It was a cuisine art, I believe...
334255
We have not tried that yet. This was for my husband, and so far he has only done a medium/fine grind.
1262866
Yes. It has a good range of grind. I use mine with aeropress, which is similar to French press, and electric pump espresso machine.