Overview
The Melitta Molino is a compact German burr grinder from the company that invented the paper coffee filter. The 40mm flat burrs and 17 settings provide basic but functional grinding for drip coffee and pour-over — the brewing methods Melitta is most famous for. The Molino build quality reflects German manufacturing standards at a budget price, and the compact size fits anywhere. A practical, unpretentious grinder from a company with over a century of coffee expertise.
The Melitta Molino features a 40mm flat burr set, crafted from steel. The burrs spin at 1400 RPM, offering fast grinding for high-volume use. Grind retention is approximately 2.5g, typical for a hopper-fed workflow.
At $50, the Melitta Molino is aimed at budget-conscious coffee lovers just starting their espresso journey. With a 200g hopper, it's designed for a traditional hopper-fed workflow. The flat burr design produces a more uniform particle distribution, prized for clarity and sweetness in the cup.
The Melitta Molino is weighing 1.5 kg, manufactured in Germany, powered by a 100W motor. Its footprint measures 120 x 165 x 255 mm (W×D×H).
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Flat burr geometry produces highly uniform particle distribution, prized for clarity and sweetness in espresso
- Excellent value for money — capable espresso grinding at an accessible price point
- Well-regarded in the home espresso community for consistent grind quality in its price bracket
Cons
- Stepped grind adjustment may not allow fine enough tuning between settings for espresso
- Not optimized for single dosing — hopper-fed design may result in some grind exchange between doses
- Higher retention (2.5g) means some grounds are retained between uses, affecting freshness for single-dose workflows
Full Specifications
| Brand | Melitta |
|---|---|
| Model | Melitta Molino |
| Category | Flat Burr |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| Year Introduced | 2018 |
| Burr Size | 40 mm |
| Burr Material | Steel |
| Burr Type | 40mm flat |
| Grind Speed | 1400 RPM |
| Retention | 2.5 g |
| Single Dose | No |
| Stepless Adjustment | No |
| Hopper Capacity | 200 g |
| Motor Wattage | 100 W |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 120 x 165 x 255 mm |
| Weight | 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) |
| MSRP | $50 |
Our Verdict
The Melitta Molino uses flat burrs, which are the preferred geometry for espresso among competition baristas and specialty coffee professionals. Flat burrs produce a more unimodal (uniform) particle distribution, which translates to cleaner, sweeter espresso with more clarity than conical alternatives. At under $500, it's an accessible entry into flat burr grinding. Pair it with a machine that does justice to the grind quality, and you'll taste the difference in every shot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Melitta Molino grind fine enough for espresso?
Yes, the Melitta Molino is capable of grinding fine enough for espresso. You may need to experiment with the stepped settings to find the sweet spot for your beans.
Why choose flat burrs in the Melitta Molino?
Flat burrs produce a more uniform (unimodal) particle distribution compared to conical burrs. This translates to cleaner, more transparent espresso flavors with pronounced sweetness and clarity. Many competition baristas and specialty roasters prefer flat burr grinders for this reason.
How do I maintain the Melitta Molino?
Clean out retained grounds after each use with a brush or bellows. Deep clean the burrs every 2-4 weeks by removing them and brushing away oil buildup. For the motor, occasional use of grinder cleaning tablets (like Grindz) helps remove coffee oil buildup. Never wash burrs with water.