Timemore Whirly 01s VS Millab E01: Battle of Electric Travel Grinders
The world of portable electric coffee grinders is expanding with two interesting offerings from Timemore: the Whirly 01s and the Millab E01. These two grinders, while sharing the brand's DNA, offer different approaches for coffee on the go.
Important note: both of these grinders were graciously sent to me by Timemore for testing. However, my commitment remains the same: to provide you with a rigorous and impartial evaluation, highlighting both the qualities and any potential shortcomings.
Two philosophies for nomadic coffee
Timemore offers two distinct lines: the Timemore brand itself for accessible products, and Millab for premium products. This strategy can be compared to that of Toyota and Lexus in the automotive world. The Whirly 01s represents the practical and affordable entry-level option, while the Millab E01 positions itself in the premium segment with high-end finishes. But make no mistake: both grinders are excellent, as we will see in this comparison.
The box contents reflect this positioning difference. The Whirly 01s comes with the essentials: a USB-C cable and a cleaning brush. The Millab E01, on the other hand, offers a much more complete package: storage stand, USB-C cable, brush, blower, carrying case, and especially a very high-quality RDT spray to slightly moisten the beans before grinding and prevent retention from static electricity.
Design and Build Quality
Timemore Whirly 01s
The Whirly 01s adopts a compact and functional design. The main body is made of aluminum, but the hopper and container are plastic, which partly explains its reduced weight of only 760 grams.
An interesting innovation: the rotating hopper that opens with a simple twist rather than a removable lid. This system avoids having a piece that risks getting lost while traveling. Coffee beans pour into it fairly easily, although the opening is somewhat smaller compared to the Millab. The hopper locks with an audible click, securing the beans during grinding.
Fun little detail: when you open the hopper, it immediately reminds me of the air intake of a military jet engine. As an aviation enthusiast, I find this aesthetic nod quite amusing!
The hopper's rotating closure system can be easily removed.
Millab E01
The Millab E01 clearly displays its premium ambitions with a body made entirely of machined aluminum. At 990 grams, it's slightly heavier than the Whirly, but the build quality is superior. Every detail exudes quality, from the finishes to the adjustments.
The design is minimalist and elegant, with a modern and sleek aesthetic that fits perfectly into any coffee corner. The included storage base allows you to position the grinder vertically, adding a practical and aesthetic touch. This is actually the configuration I primarily use the grinder in at home.
The Millab E01's container is entirely made of aluminum, with a perfectly smooth interior without ridges that facilitates the transfer of ground coffee. When the base is not in use, the container can be magnetically attached directly to the grinder body for compact transport.
| Criterion | Whirly 01s | Millab E01 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 760g | 990g (+310g with stand) |
| Dimensions | 72 × 190 mm (Ø × H) | 72 × 197 mm (Ø × H) |
| Body | Aluminum | Premium machined aluminum |
| Hopper/Container | ABS plastic | Aluminum |
| Hopper capacity | 30g | 30g |
| Container capacity | 45g | 50g |
| Hopper system | Rotating (twist) | Removable lid |
| Storage stand | Not included | Included (Ø82 × 102 mm) |
| Finish | Standard | Premium |
The burrs: two S2C philosophies
Both grinders use S2C (Spike to Cut) burrs patented by Timemore, but with different characteristics.
| Feature | Whirly 01s (S2C-042-EI) | Millab E01 (S2C890) |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 42mm | 40mm |
| Machining | 5-axis CNC | 6-axis CNC |
| Recommended roast | Medium to Dark | Light to Medium |
| Flavor profile | Full body, chocolate, hazelnut, caramel. Persistent sweet notes | Light acidity, floral and fruity notes. Cup clarity |
| Optimal use | Espresso & filter | Pour-over & gentle methods |
The S2C-042-EI burrs in the Whirly are hybrid burrs, designed to offer consistent grinding across the entire range of grind settings. These are not burrs specialized for a particular domain: burrs dedicated to pour-over will offer better consistency for pour-over, and vice versa for espresso. The goal here is to achieve very good results in all extraction methods, without aiming for absolute excellence in a specific area. A pragmatic choice for a versatile grinder.
The S2C890 burrs of the Millab were developed exclusively for this range. They are optimized to deliver better consistency on coarser grinds, ideal for pour-over and gentle brewing methods.
These characteristics are clearly reflected in the chart below showing the particle size distribution of the two grinders:
These charts were recreated from images provided by Timemore on their official website. The data is therefore approximate, but it gives a good idea of the particle size distribution of each grinder.
How to adjust the Millab E01 and Timemore Whirly 01s grinders?
The Millab E01 and Whirly 01s share a gap of 0.025 mm (25 µm) between each click. As I already highlighted during my C3 ESP Pro review which has the same spacing, espresso is entirely possible with this adjustment step, even though a truly dedicated grinder like the S3 ESP (with its 0.015 mm per click) remains preferable for espresso extractions.
A step of 25 µm offers sufficient precision for most extraction methods, including espresso. For espresso purists, the S3 ESP with 15 µm per click offers finer control.
That being said, both grinders allow for quality espresso preparation. The difference in the cup will primarily depend on the burr shape which, as we've seen, each have their own characteristics: the hybrid S2C-042-EI burrs of the Whirly and the pour-over oriented S2C890 burrs of the Millab.
- Millab E01
- Whirly 01s
Recommended settings:
- Espresso0 to 12 clicks
- Moka12 to 18 clicks
- Pour Over27 to 54 clicks
These settings are indicative and may vary depending on your coffee and preferences.
Recommended settings:
How to read positions: the X.Y.Z format indicates the number of complete turns (X), the position on the adjustment dial (Y), and the micro-adjustment in clicks (Z). For example, 1.4.2 means 1 complete turn + position 4 on the dial + 2 clicks of micro-adjustment.
- Espresso3 to 21 clicks(position 0.1.0 to 0.7.0)
- Moka18 to 24 clicks(position 0.6.0 to 0.8.0)
- Pour Over51 to 63 clicks(position 1.7.0 to 2.1.0)
- French Press69 to 81 clicks(position 2.3.0 to 2.7.0)
These settings are indicative and may vary depending on your coffee and preferences.
Noise Level
The quiet operation is a major asset of these two grinders. Having tested electric conical burr grinders that are much noisier, the difference is striking: here, no sense of auditory assault. You can grind your beans in the early morning in complete serenity.
Automatic Shut-off
A practical detail I particularly appreciate: both grinders are equipped with an automatic shut-off system. As soon as all the coffee beans are ground, the grinder turns itself off. No need to monitor the grinding or manually turn off the grinder, it handles everything on its own! Combined with the low retention of these grinders, it's a real user-friendly feature.
Disassembly and Cleaning
The disassembly procedure is identical for both grinders and requires no tools. You simply need to completely unscrew the adjustment dial to remove the upper burr. This provides easy access to the inside of the grinder for thorough cleaning with the included brush. This simplicity of maintenance is appreciated for keeping your grinders in perfect condition.
My daily use
After several weeks of using both grinders, here's how I've integrated them into my coffee routine.
The Whirly 01s: my travel companion for espresso
The Whirly 01s has become my travel grinder par excellence. Its light weight (760g) and compactness make it the ideal companion for my Wacaco Pixapresso. Together, they form a complete nomadic espresso kit that fits easily in a backpack.
The weight-to-performance ratio is excellent, and the hybrid burrs are well-suited for travel espresso. In the cup, the S2C-042-EI burrs deliver a balanced espresso with good body and dense crema. The aromas are well-present without being overwhelming: you'll find notes of chocolate and hazelnut on medium roasts, with controlled acidity that remains pleasant. For a travel grinder, the result is truly convincing.
However, the hybrid aspect of these burrs involves a compromise: a grinder equipped with dedicated espresso burrs will bring out the aromas more and offer a more precise extraction. If you are looking for maximum performance in espresso, grinders like the Timemore S3 ESP or the 1Zpresso J-Ultra will be more suitable. But for versatile portable use, the Whirly 01s remains an excellent choice.
Find the Timemore Whirly 01s on the official Timemore website.
The Whirly 01s: what about pour-over on the go?
For mobile pour-over, I use the Whirly 01s with my Wacaco Pipamoka. The S2C-042-EI hybrid burrs offer a really good result in the cup, with a balanced extraction and well-present aromas.
However, the hybrid aspect of these burrs implies a compromise: for high pour-over requirements, the Millab E01 with its optimized burrs remains slightly superior in this area. Alternatively, a dedicated hand grinder like the Timemore S3 or the C3 ESP Pro will offer optimal consistency for this method.
The Millab E01: the king of pour-over at home
The Millab E01 has perfectly found its place in my home, right next to my Xbloom. Its battery life allows me to set it up without a power outlet, an extremely practical freedom for organizing my pour-over corner.
I personally opted for the gray model rather than the black one, as it blends ideally with the aesthetic of my coffee space. Finally, I find it very appreciable to have the option of placing the Millab on a stand, which perfectly complements its ergonomics.
I particularly appreciate:
- The freedom of placement without cable constraints
- The quiet operation that doesn't disturb in the morning
- The grind quality optimized for pour-over
- The record battery life that makes me forget the charger exists
With 130+ pour-over doses on a single charge, the Millab E01 can run more than a month without recharging for daily use. A considerable advantage for cable-free placement!
The Millab E01: What About Espresso?
With its S2C890 burrs optimized for pour-over, the Millab E01 delivers espresso aromas that lean slightly towards acidity. Personally, I appreciate this profile, and just like with the Millab M01, I find myself occasionally using this grinder for espresso.
However, to maximize espresso flavors, there are grinders truly dedicated to this like the 1Zpresso J-Ultra or the Timemore S3 ESP that will offer more precise extraction and more developed aromas.
For daily espresso use, the Millab E01 remains functional, but the battery drains faster than in pour-over. Expect approximately 30 espresso doses versus 130+ in pour-over.
Find the Millab E01 on the official Timemore website.
Conclusion
The Timemore Whirly 01s truly excels as a lightweight and affordable travel companion. In my daily use, it has naturally found its ideal application: it perfectly accompanies my Pixapresso on the go.
I really appreciated this grinder for its quiet operation and the excellent aromas obtained in the cup. It also stands out for its practicality, offering low retention, the ability to clean it easily by disassembling the burrs, and the capacity to automatically shut off when all the coffee beans are ground.
Given its fine build quality, it's a device that offers excellent value for money for nomadic enthusiasts.
- Lightweight (760g)
- Quiet operation
- Auto-stop
- Accessible price (~180€)
- Innovative rotating hopper
- Compact for travel
- Minimal retention (~0.1g)
- Lower battery life than the Millab E01
- Long espresso grinding time
The Millab E01 is, in my opinion, primarily intended for occasional travel or to be placed at home in your coffee corner, elegantly positioned on its base. In my daily use, it has naturally found its place and now sits proudly next to my Xbloom at home.
I really appreciated this grinder for its remarkably quiet operation and the superb aromas obtained in the cup. In use, it's flawless: I greatly appreciate its low retention, the ability to clean it easily by disassembling the burrs, as well as the fact that it can automatically shut off when all the coffee beans are ground. Its build quality fully justifies its excellent value for money.
Personally, I secretly hope that the Millab E01 will evolve one day by adopting the pineapple burr from the Millab M01 released more recently. That would be a perfect combination!
- Exceptional battery life (130+ doses)
- Auto-stop
- All-aluminum construction
- Silent operation
- S2C890 burrs dedicated to pour over
- Premium design
- Storage base included
- Higher price (~€270)
- Heavier
- Not optimal for espresso
Technical Specifications Whirly 01s VS Millab E01
| Feature | Whirly 01s | Millab E01 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 760g | 990g (+310g with stand) |
| Burrs | S2C-042-EI | S2C890 |
| Settings | 30 clicks (25 µm/click) | 60 clicks (25 µm/click) |
| Battery | 2000mAh | 5000mAh |
| Pour-over autonomy (15g) | ~35 doses | ~130 doses |
| Espresso autonomy (18g) | ~20 doses | ~30 doses |
| Grinding time (15g pour-over) | ~30 seconds | ~35 seconds |
| Grinding time (18g espresso) | ~90 seconds | ~70 seconds |
| Charging frequency | ~1× per week | ~1× per month |
| Charging time | 3 hours | ~3 hours |
| Box contents | Grinder, USB-C cable, brush | Grinder, stand, USB-C cable, brush, blower, RDT spray, carrying case |