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Hello, Vitamix owner (or soon-to-be!).
Let’s talk about The Dry Grains Container, shall we? Okay.
At a very high level, here’s what you need to know. The Dry Grains Container is:
- A nice add-on to your Vitamix.
- Purpose-built for grinding dry grains. (Duh.)
- Might not be something you actually need to buy.
Let’s discuss everything you ought to know about the Vitamix Dry Grains Container.
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Why you should trust me
Since 2012, I’ve been dedicated to educating the public about the benefits of using a Vitamix to ease into a plant-based lifestyle. I’ve been told to call myself the Vitamix King. But, I’m much more comfortable with Mr. Vitamix, or just The Vitamix Guy.
Do I need a Dry Grains Container to make…?
One of the most common questions I get about the Dry Grains Container includes a specific recipe. Flours, nut butters, seed meals, spice grinds, etc.
Now, your question probably comes from a demonstration you saw. “Let me show you how to use a Dry Grains Container to make X, Y, and Z.”
Let’s answer your question:
“Can the Dry Grains Container make the thing you’re wanting to make?”
Probably.
Do you need a Dry Grains Container to make it, though? No, you probably do not.
Let’s discuss why.
Understanding How the Dry Grains Container Works
The Vitamix Dry Grains Container is similar to a standard 64 ounce “wet” container. Laser cut, hammermill blades, engineered to last, etc.
But there are two things that make the Dry Grains Container unique.
Size and shape of container
The Dry Grains Container is 32 ounces. That’s half of a standard (64-ounce) container.
The shape is also narrow, especially compared to the, now standard on Ascent Series, wide 64-ounce containers.
Here’s why the size and shape matters.
The Dry Grains Container’s low capacity and tunnel shape make small batches possible. The smaller the container, the fewer ingredients you need to cover the blade.
Size and shape of blade
The Dry Grains Container is designed to send ingredients upward. A reverse vortex, if you will.
Compare that to standard “wet” containers that send ingredients downward.
Why the upward flow?
This helps prevent ingredients in the Dry Grains Container from getting stuck or packed under the blade.
The blade is also smaller than full-sized Vitamix blades. This is so it fits in the narrow-shaped container.
Do I wish there was a third thing that made it unique? Yes.
But here we are stuck at a list of two without a notable third item. Oh well.
Moving on.
Dispelling Myths About the Dry Grains Container
Let’s clear up some misunderstanding about the Dry Grains Container.
Myth: You need one to make peanut butter.
You do not need a Dry Grains Container to make peanut butter (or any nut butter, for that matter).
You can make nut butters in any Vitamix container, “wet” or “dry”.
Here’s me demonstrating almond butter in a “wet” 64-ounce container (24:05)
The Dry Grains Container’s size, 32-ounces, make it nice for nut butters. The batch size requirement is much more reasonable than with a standard 64-ounce container.
Here’s more info on batch size minimums by container
But a “wet” 32-ounce container is just as good at making nut butters as a “dry” one.
Myth: You need one to make homemade flours.
You do not need a Dry Grains Container to make homemade flours.
Is the Dry Grains container designed to be the best container to make homemade flours? Yes.
The unique blade that sends ingredients upwards is terrific at making flours.
But unless you’re making flours from ingredients that are not already completely dry, raw almonds, for example, the difference in performance from a “wet” container making homemade flours is negligible.
For example, here’s us using a “wet” 32-ounce container to make homemade corn meal (for vegan cornbread) from popcorn kernels. Use your headphones, there’s a NSFW moment.
Myth: You need one to make doughs.
You do not need a Dry Grains Container to make doughs.
You can make doughs in any Vitamix container of any size. For example, we use our standard 64-ounce container to make vegan chocolate chip banana bread.
Myth: We have identified all the myths about the Dry Grains Container.
Let us know what we’ve missed.
Why a Second Container is Nice to Have
You can get a Dry Grains Container. Or you can get one of the other container options.
But either way, a secondary container is nice to have for:
- Small batches.
- Kosher considerations.
- Hassle-free meal prep.
- Primary container aesthetics, useful life extension. (Grains have a tendency to scratch Vitamix container walls more than other typical ingredients).
I could go on and on.
But a secondary Vitamix container is something I encouraged people to avoid. Why add clutter when the main container can do everything?
Well, since getting a “wet” 32-ounce container to compliment our Vitamix setup, a whole new world has opened up for us.
Life is so much better with a secondary container.
Who should get a Dry Grains Container
A Dry Grains Container is for you if: you already make your own homemade flours.
But if you don’t, here’s what I recommend: Wait on a secondary container.
Get good at using the primary container, first.
Then, if you really want a small, narrow one for small batches, you know you have some good options.
Important notes
Dry Grains containers are not yet equipped with Smart Detect Technology. Thus, they are not yet compatible with Ascent Series.
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If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably a savvy Vitamix owner or buyer. Join a bunch of people like you with Life is NOYOKE’s once-a-week newsletter, 5 Good Things.
I just got a dry container in perfect condition at a thrift store for $1
Hey Sam, I have one of the wet containers and recently got into making my own flours. So, I grind up whole wheat berries to make flours. The wet works perfectly for me. However, I am worried that I need a dry one to avoid ruining the wet blade or wearing it down more quickly. Should I get the dry or do you think it is a myth that the seeds really ruin the blade and wear it down more quickly? Thanks!
I HAVE THE 750PRO VITAMIX BLENDER, & WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE 32OZ DRY GRAIN CONTAINER AT A REASONABLE PRICE CAN YOU FIND ME ONE UNDER $100 DOLS
Hi Marion, heres a 32-ounce dry grains container that’ll work for you. Thanks!
I make my own bread and make smoothies I want to start buying whole grain and grind my own flour. Which vitamin would you suggest? I make 2 loaves a week
Will the Dry containers work on the E320 model?
I’m going to buy an A3500 and processor. I’d like to be able to make 2-3 cups Nice Cream and try my hand at peanut butter & almond butter. I’ve heard that the 64oz container isn’t the best for this. Will the food processor do this instead? Or do I need to get the 48oz or the dry container? Can I make Nice Cream using the 20oz container? So many containers!
Thank you.
Good afternoon, I am looking for a blender that can do smoothis with leafy vegetables, pure and grind nuts. I also need one that can handle doing small portions of about 4 ounces
Which one would you recommend.
Hi Ligia,
Any Vitamix can do all of those things. The small portions of 4 ounces is trickier; you might have to go for an Ascent series (and then add some 8 oz blending bowls).
I have an Ascent series a3500i vitamix with balance. I already have a Dry container spare blade ( 104674, 09-17 D). Can I use my same standard 64oz standard wet container as a dry containers by changing the D type blade assembly? Please let me know details about this point. If it works perfectly I can safe money.
Waiting to hear from you. Thanks
Definitely don’t recommend changing the blades (no guarantee it’ll work, could void warranty).
Hello! I have the tall container that came with the Vitamix, and the dry grains container, which basically I never use, Like the size of the grains container, can I use that one for smoothies, açaĂ bowls and other “wet” ingredients?
It’s possible, but the tall container should be good for making small batches, and much better for smoothies etc. than the dry.
Our first Vitamix was the tall container. As years have passed it still does everything, but I wanted it to fit under the cupboards so my husband bought the shorter container in stainless steel as he likes milkshakes. anyway, our nut chopper/processor died recently and I’d like to purchase a vitamix attachment for chopping (not butters). It the only option the dry container? will the ascent blending bowls fit on all vitamix bases?
Ascent bowls will only fit Ascents, same with the Food Processor Attachment, which is probably what you’re looking for. The dry grains container is really more for grinding flours and spices.
when I purchased my first vitamix two years ago, got a dry container for only $50. Hope the sale comes back…
Hi! So glad I find your site as I didn’t have a clue why one would need a separate dry container. If I wanted to grind coffee beans occasionally (or any other beans without liquid, really), can I achieve that with the 64oz wet container that comes with the 5200 without damaging it?
You can! The quality just isn’t quite as good, and depending on what you’re grinding, you can scratch the container up.
We only really recommend getting a dry grains container if you’re going to grind grains often, though.
Hi Sam, can I grind to espresso fineness with a wet container? Or I could use my cuisinart?
I have a Rancilio Rocky coffee grinder but this is for beans that came ground already so I can’t put them in the burr grinder and I thought I would experiment with the vita mix just for fun. I don’t mind if it ends up not being fine enough, I can just use it in my drip coffee machine instead. But I was curious if do you have any recommendations. Thanks
I am considering purchasing a Vitamix A3500. Which accessories do you recommend getting?
48 oz container (Ultimate Minimalist Setup!)
Under blade scraper (get the last, best bits of a thick blend out!)
Hi. Very interesting and helpful. I’m planning on buying my first Vitamix E320. Will it be able to grind grains into flour? Or I need dry grains container? Will it match?
A regular “wet” container can grind grains pretty well, but the dry grains will get you finer grounds. So it depends on what final product you want!
I would try grinding with the wet container first before you invest in a dry one, though.
I have a vitamin model 0102D
which dry grains container do I need for grinding coffee or should I just but a food processor
Hi Lisa,
While a Dry grains container CAN grind coffee, it’s more of a added bonus than core function.
If all you need it for is to grind coffee, get a coffee grinder! But if grinding grains and making flours/doughs is a priority, grab the Classic Dry Grains Container.