A Clearer Cup: A Review of the Airmill Coffee Grinder
When it comes to brewing a great cup of coffee, grind consistency is everything. If your coffee grounds are uneven, they will extract at different rates, leading to muddled flavors. Many grinders claim to offer the most consistent grind size, but the reality is that grinding coffee is an imperfect process resulting in particles of various sizes.
This has led to the rise of sifting tools that separate the ideal grind size from unwanted fines, but these tools can be tedious to use daily.
Having explored the world of coffee grinders extensively, especially during COVID, I was recently given the chance to review a unique grinder called the Airmill. Unlike traditional grinders, the unique selling proposition of this grinder is automatically removing fine particles from coffee grounds to enhance clarity in the final cup.
Meet the Airmill
The Airmill is designed by Coffee Chaps, a Hong Kong-based company known for coffee innovations like the Brewvie II automatic pour-over system. The Airmill first launched on Kickstarter about three years ago, introducing an "air-sifting system" to the grinder market.
This system works by passing ground coffee through a stream of air, separating lighter fine particles and chaff from heavier grounds. This not only helps achieve a more uniform grind size but also cools both the coffee and the grinder, preserving flavor integrity. Users can turn off the air-sifting system if desired, but its presence is what makes this grinder stand out.
The single-dose grinder holds about 30 grams of coffee and offers 23 grind settings, making it versatile for different brewing methods — from Mokapot to cold brew. Inside its polycarbonate casing are 48mm steel conical burrs, perfect for home brewers. Unlike many bulky grinders with sharp edges, the Airmill has smooth, rounded aesthetics that give it a more modern look.
Coffee Tasting: A Focus on Clarity
A grinder review isn’t complete without a taste test. I brewed ground coffee from two grinders: Airmill and another grinder without the air-sift technology. I used a flat-bottom dripper for a balanced cup, and tested three different coffees from Beachville Coffee Roasters — Attikan, Hippla and Gungegiri. More about the coffee here.
The difference was noticeable. The Airmill produced a cleaner, more defined cup. The flavors were more distinct, allowing individual tasting notes to shine through. While the overall difference wasn’t dramatic, the added clarity made a meaningful impact, especially with more delicate and washed processed coffees.
Key Features of the Airmill
Fine Particle Removal – The air-sifting system automatically removes fines that can negatively impact coffee flavor and aroma.
Overheating Prevention – The built-in fan prevents heat buildup.
Precision Grinding Control – 23 adjustable grind levels, the Airmill is suitable for French press, filter coffee, siphon, and more.
Final Thoughts
The Airmill is a grinder for those who appreciate clarity in their coffee. While it doesn’t drastically change the experience, it enhances the ability to taste individual flavor notes — a valuable trait especially for me.
This review wouldn’t have been possible without Wertvoll Group, the official distributor of Coffee Chaps GCC. If you're looking for a grinder that prioritizes precision and flavor clarity, the Airmill is worth considering.
