The Millab M01 coffee grinder is the most ambitious collaboration yet between Millab and Timemore—a feature-rich, design-forward hand grinder with a high-quality build and some exciting features. Melding precision engineering, premium materials, and a fresh take on burr design, the M01 promises to delight coffee lovers who are looking for both form and function.
What is the connection between Timemore and Millab
To start, let’s discuss the relationship between Timemore and Millab. Millab is a premium brand under the Timemore company, similar to the relationship between Lexus and Toyota. While Timemore is known for its thoughtful engineering and award-winning coffee gear, Millab brings a fresh, design-forward approach to brewing tools. The M01 coffee grinder is the first product born from this partnership, merging Timemore’s manufacturing precision and burr technology with Millab’s aesthetic sensibility and product vision. While the relationship between the two companies isn’t flaunted on the product, it isn’t hidden with “Timemore Professional” etched at the top of the grinder.
Features of the Millab M01 Coffee Grinder
44mm Pineapple-Style Conical Burrs
At the heart of the M01 is its 44mm “pineapple-style” conical burr set—named for the distinctive fluted cutting surface that increases grind efficiency and consistency. These burrs combine the clarity of flat burrs with the punchy flavor of conicals, producing a grind profile with low fines and clean, expressive extractions. Made from high-strength SUS420 stainless steel, they’re engineered for longevity and precision.
Precise Grind Adjustment
The M01 uses a dual-bearing, dial-style adjustment system that allows for ultra-fine tuning across 100 micro-clicks. Each click shifts the burrs by just 12.5 microns, making it easy to dial in everything from Turkish coffee to French press with a high degree of repeatability.
Snap-In Catch Cup
The thoughtfully designed catch cup attaches with a smooth snap-in mechanism. It is the most user-friendly catch cup I’ve found to date on a manual grinder. It holds up to 50 grams of coffee and features a chamfered lip for easy pouring. A silicone pad on the base adds grip and stability, whether you’re grinding on a countertop or a scale.
Premium Build & Materials
The M01 is crafted with a combination of aerospace-grade aluminum and high-durability ABS plastic (only used for the lid ring), giving it both substance and sleekness. The grinder feels substantial in the hand (it weighs 2.4lbs!) and has a visual presence that elevates it above other grinders in its class. From the anodized finish to the lens-inspired adjustment dial, every detail reflects premium craftsmanship.
What’s in the Box
Here’s what comes in the M01 box:
- Millab M01 grinder
- Commemorative coin
- Cleaning brush
- User manual
The overall package is quite premium and aligns with the quality of the grinder
What are Pineapple Burrs?
A clever hybrid: conical form for manual torque comfort, with a taller, fluted cutting surface inspired by flat burr designs. Timemore’s goal: more contact area, cleaner slices, less fines, and greater grind consistency—all with manageable hand effort. The end flavor profile looks to bridge the sharp conical and neutral flat burr grinders, with the best of both worlds.
What I Love About the Millab M01
- Design-Centric Aesthetic. The Millab M01 is a standout in both form and function. Its clean, architectural lines and matte anodized finish give it a distinctly modern presence that feels intentional and refined.
- Grind Quality. Ultimately, a grinder is only as good as the grounds it produces, and grind consistency is where the M01 truly excels. The 44mm pineapple-style burrs produce uniform particles with minimal fines, supporting balanced, high-clarity extractions. This level of precision allows subtle flavor notes to come through more clearly, whether you’re pulling a shot of espresso or brewing a pour over.
- Catch Cup Design. The snap-in catch cup is one of the most thoughtfully engineered features of the M01. It offers a secure, threadless attachment with a satisfying click, eliminating cross-threading and reducing mess. The chamfered lip simplifies pouring, while the silicone base ensures added stability on any surface.
- Build Quality and Feel. From the moment you pick it up, the M01 communicates quality. Its solid 2.4lb (1.1 kg) weight gives it a stable, grounded feel during grinding, and the fit and finish are among the best in its class. The all-metal construction, custom bearings, and low-tolerance machining reflect an attention to detail typically reserved for much more expensive grinders.
What Is Lacking in the Millab M01
- Weight & ergonomics. While the heavier weight gives the grinder a feel of quality, it is quite heavy. The circumference of the body, paired with the heavier weight, could make it more difficult for some users to use.
- Handle design. The straight shaft grip is a bit more awkward and less ergonomic to use than some alternatives.
- Price. Retailing at $350 (though pre‑order around $262) is on the pricier side for hand grinders (though the feature set and grind quality do justify this higher price).
Recommended Grind Sizes for Different Brew Methods on the Millab M01
Using the M01’s micro‑click dial, here’s a practical grinder-wheel range:
| Brew Method | Dial Range Estimate |
|---|---|
| Espresso | 0.0 – 1.5 |
| Moka Pot | 1.0 – 3.0 |
| Pour-Over | 5.0 – 9.0 |
| French Press | 8.0 – 10.0 |
Overall Thoughts
After spending time with the Millab M01, it’s clear this grinder was built with intention. Everything, from the precise adjustment dial to the smooth resistance of the burrs, feels well thought out. It’s not just about looking good on your counter, though it does, it’s about how that design translates into a better brewing experience. The grind consistency and quality are top notch, and the process of using the grinder—from the tactile feel of the adjustment ring to the functional design choices of the catch cup—is excellent. It’s not the lightest or cheapest option out there, but for those who value precision, craftsmanship, and a bit of daily joy in their workflow, the M01 delivers.
