Mulli KF-YM-01 Portable Burr Coffee Grinder: Your Daily Dose of Coffee Heaven

Published on Jan. 21, 2024, 9:05 a.m.

Coffee, one of the world’s most beloved beverages, has a history that spans centuries. Throughout this rich history, people have devised various methods to grind coffee beans, from the earliest mortars and pestles to hand-cranked grinders and modern electric ones. Regardless of the tools, freshly ground coffee beans have always been the key to brewing a delicious cup. Today, we will focus on a modern portable burr coffee grinder - the Mulli KF-YM-01, which will bring you a whole new coffee experience.

Coffee culture has a profound impact worldwide, with each region and country boasting its own unique coffee traditions and rituals. From Italian espresso to Turkish coffee, Vietnamese drip coffee to American iced coffee, coffee has transcended being a mere beverage and has become a lifestyle and cultural symbol. Coffee grinding, as a crucial step in the coffee brewing process, also plays different roles in different cultures.

In some cultures, coffee grinding is considered a ritual that requires patience and skill. For example, in Turkey, the coffee grinder (kahveci) uses a special hand grinder to grind the coffee beans into a very fine powder, which is then slowly cooked in a copper pot called a cezve. In other cultures, coffee grinding focuses more on efficiency and convenience, leading to the advent of electric grinders.

Overview

The Mulli KF-YM-01 Portable Burr Coffee Grinder is a sleek and compact coffee grinder designed to provide users with delicious, customized grinds in a portable package. Its adjustable ceramic burrs allow you to fine-tune your grind size, while its lightweight design (just 1.52 pounds!), USB-C charging, and built-in battery make it easy to take your gourmet coffee on the go.

Compared to other portable grinders on the market, the Mulli KF-YM-01 stands out for its versatility. It not only offers electric grinding but also manual grinding in case of low battery. Additionally, its transparent design and visual operation make it more user-friendly than other similar products.

 Mulli KF-YM-01 Portable Burr Coffee Grinder

Key Features

The Mulli KF-YM-01 Portable Burr Coffee Grinder boasts the following key features:

  • Burr grinding mechanism for consistent grinds
  • 5 grind size settings from fine to coarse
  • 150W motor with 78 RPM speed
  • Hopper capacity: 150 ml
  • Portable and lightweight at just 1.52 lbs
  • Battery capacity: 800mAh with approximately 2-3 hours of charging time

The Art of Burr Grinding

Burr grinders work by crushing coffee beans between two abrasive surfaces (burrs). Unlike blade grinders, burr grinders do not generate excessive heat, thus preserving the flavor of the coffee beans. Moreover, burr grinders offer more precise control over the grind size to suit different brewing methods.

The Mulli KF-YM-01 uses ceramic burrs, which are known for their durability, sharpness, and resistance to rust. With a hardness second only to diamonds, ceramic burrs maintain their sharpness for a long time, ensuring consistent grinds every time. This is crucial for coffee extraction and flavor.

 Mulli KF-YM-01 Portable Burr Coffee Grinder

Design & Build

The Mulli KF-YM-01 Portable Burr Coffee Grinder has a stylish transparent plastic body that shows off the burr mechanism inside. The simplicity of the one-button design makes it easy to use. It feels sturdy and well-constructed. The grinder is made of food-grade ABS plastic and is available in three colors: gray, gold, and white. It measures 5.51 x 3.54 x 9.84 inches, making it ideal for travel or small kitchen spaces.

 Mulli KF-YM-01 Portable Burr Coffee Grinder

Ease of Use

With just a single power button and clearly marked grind settings, this grinder is very intuitive to operate right out of the box. Simply add beans, select grind size, press the button, and you’re ready to brew.

 Mulli KF-YM-01 Portable Burr Coffee Grinder

Grinding Experience

In testing, the Mulli KF-YM-01 Portable Burr Coffee Grinder produced uniform, consistent grinds at all settings. The grounds had minimal fines and maintained an even particle size. It took 2-3 minutes to grind enough for one cup, a reasonable speed for a portable burr grinder. Additionally, the transparent hopper allows you to see the grinding process, ensuring you are satisfied with the grind size. The burrs didn’t overheat during grinding, which is important because excessive heat can degrade the flavor of your coffee.

Besides being battery-powered, the Mulli KF-YM-01 also comes with a manual hand crank in case of low battery. This adds to its versatility, allowing you to enjoy freshly ground coffee even when you don’t have access to a power source.

Burr Grinding Mechanism

The Mulli KF-YM-01 utilizes a burr grinding mechanism instead of traditional blades. This mechanism ensures that the coffee beans are crushed evenly between two burrs rather than being haphazardly chopped by blades. This results in uniform coffee grounds that are essential for optimal flavor extraction. The ceramic burrs are known for their durability and ability to stay sharp, ensuring consistent results with every grind.

Adjustable Grind Settings

The Mulli KF-YM-01 offers 5 grind size settings, ranging from fine for espresso to coarse for French press. This versatility allows users to customize their coffee grind according to their preferences and chosen brewing method. Whether you prefer a strong espresso or a full-bodied French press coffee, this grinder has got you covered.

150W Motor with 78 RPM Speed

The Mulli KF-YM-01 is equipped with a 150W motor that operates at a speed of 78 RPM. This slow grinding speed helps to preserve the flavor of the coffee beans, preventing them from overheating and becoming bitter. Additionally, the lower speed also helps to reduce noise, making the grinding process quieter.

Visual Operation and Auto Stop

The Mulli KF-YM-01 features a transparent design that allows you to monitor the grinding process, giving you better control over the grind size. Additionally, it has an auto-stop feature that automatically stops the grinder once the grinding task is complete, eliminating the need for manual intervention.

Battery Level Light

The Mulli KF-YM-01 is equipped with a battery level light that indicates the remaining power percentage. This allows you to know exactly when you need to recharge, ensuring that your grinder is always ready to use when you need it.

Hopper Capacity

The Mulli KF-YM-01 has a hopper capacity of 150 ml, which can hold 22-33g of coffee beans, enough for 1-2 cups of coffee. This is sufficient for personal use or small households. The transparent hopper allows you to clearly see the remaining amount of coffee beans, making it easy to refill when needed.

 Mulli KF-YM-01 Portable Burr Coffee Grinder

Easy to Clean

The Mulli KF-YM-01 is designed for easy disassembly and cleaning. With just a few simple steps, you can take the grinder apart and clean the burrs and hopper with the included brush. This ensures the hygiene of the grinder, allowing you to enjoy fresh, clean coffee every time.

Durability

As a new model, long-term durability remains to be seen. But the 1 year warranty provides peace of mind.

BPA-Free and Safe

The Mulli KF-YM-01 is made of food-grade, non-toxic, and eco-friendly ABS material. You don’t have to worry about any harmful substances leaching into your coffee. Additionally, it operates with low noise, ensuring it won’t disrupt your daily life.

Suitable For

The Mulli KF-YM-01 burr grinder is ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy fresh, flavorful coffee at home or on the go. Its portable design makes it perfect for:

  • Travel - Grind fresh coffee in your hotel, tent, or car.
  • Office - Brew barista-quality coffee at your desk.
  • Small Spaces - Compact size ideal for RVs, boats, dorms.
  • Camping & Hiking - Manual crank powers off-grid brews.
  • Commuting - Grind before work and savor during your commute.
  • Coffee enthusiasts and professionals who value freshly ground coffee but need a portable solution.

User Feedback: A Mixed Bag of Beans

The Mulli KF-YM-01 Portable Burr Coffee Grinder has garnered a diverse range of user opinions, reflecting the varying needs and expectations of coffee enthusiasts. Many users rave about the grinder’s ability to produce consistent, uniform grinds, a crucial factor in brewing a flavorful cup of coffee. They praise the ceramic burrs for minimizing fines and maximizing flavor extraction, often comparing the grinder’s performance favorably to more expensive models.

Portability is another highlight frequently mentioned in reviews. Users appreciate the grinder’s compact size and lightweight design, making it an ideal companion for travel, camping, or simply saving counter space. The convenience of both battery power and a manual hand crank further enhances its portability, allowing users to enjoy freshly ground coffee wherever they are.

However, the grinder’s slower grind speed has been a point of contention for some users. While some find the 2-3 minutes per cup grind time acceptable, others express frustration with the pace, especially compared to electric countertop models. The battery life also receives mixed reviews, with some users finding it sufficient for their daily needs and others wishing for longer durations between charges.

Durability concerns have also surfaced in a few reviews, with some users reporting issues after several months of use. While the majority of users have not experienced problems, these reports raise questions about the grinder’s long-term reliability.

Overall, the Mulli KF-YM-01 Portable Burr Coffee Grinder seems to be a well-received product, particularly for its grind consistency and portability. However, potential buyers should be aware of its slower grind speed and limited battery life. The jury is still out on its long-term durability, but the one-year warranty offers some peace of mind.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Even, consistent grinds
  • Multiple grind settings
  • Easy to use and clean
  • Manual hand crank for off-grid use
  • Good value for money

Cons:

  • Slower grind speed
  • Small grind capacity
  • Battery life could be better
  • Durability concerns over long term use
  • Can be noisy during grinding

Value

With pro-level performance at a wallet-friendly price, the Mulli KF-YM-01 Portable Burr Coffee Grinder offers excellent value. It delivers deliciously consistent grinds that rival more expensive models. For fresh, flavorful coffee on a budget, this portable burr grinder is hard to beat.

Conclusion

The Mulli KF-YM-01 Portable Burr Coffee Grinder is a game-changer for coffee lovers who crave freshly ground beans on the go. Its compact size, consistent grinds, and dual power options make it a versatile and valuable addition to any coffee enthusiast’s toolkit. While it may not be the fastest grinder on the market, its portability and affordability make it a compelling choice for those seeking convenience and quality in one package.

Specifications

  • Brand: Mulli
  • Model: KF-YM-01
  • Grinder Type: Electric and manual burr grinder
  • Motor Power: 150 watts
  • Grind Settings: 5
  • Grind Capacity: 22-33g
  • Hopper Capacity: 150 ml
  • Grinding Speed: 78 RPM
  • Dimensions: 5.51 x 3.54 x 9.84 inches
  • Weight: 1.52 lbs
  • Material: ABS plastic
  • Burr Material: Ceramic
  • Power Source: Built-in 800mAh rechargeable battery
  • Battery Life: 5-6 grinds per charge
  • Charging Method: USB-C cable (included)
  • Special Features: LED battery indicator, travel case included
  • Warranty: 1 year

What’s Included

Inside the box, you’ll find:

  • 1 x Mulli KF-YM-01 Portable Burr Coffee Grinder
  • 1 x Manual crank handle
  • 1 x Cleaning brush
  • 1 x USB-C charging cable
  • 1 x Travel case