If you’re like me, you want a home espresso grinder that’s easy to live with, doesn’t make a mess, and helps you pull great shots without fuss. I recently spent a couple of weeks using the Gemilai Molight 9010B, and here’s everything I learned, good and bad.
This is my review video of the Gemilai Molight Espresso Grinder. Please subscribe to my channel for more coffee machine reviews!
First Impressions: Simple Unboxing, Compact Build
Unboxing the Molight is straightforward: you get the grinder, a bean hopper, and a dosing cup. No unnecessary extras.
Here is my Gemilai Molight Unboxing Short video.
Right away, I noticed how compact and rounded the design is, no sharp edges, and it fits easily on my countertop. I went with the dark grey version, which looks sleek and modern, but there’s a white option too. If you own the Gemilai G3006, the white Molight grinder matches it perfectly in color.
The aluminum alloy body feels solid for the price, and the matte finish hides fingerprints well.
However, the hopper, lid, and grind chute are plastic, which is typical at this price point. It’s an entry-level grinder, but it doesn’t feel cheap either.
The Burr Design
The Molight uses a 38mm five-pointed star conical burr, which is a common choice for home grinders and easily meets most espresso needs.
This burr geometry leans towards finer grinding, making it suitable for those who enjoy a classic espresso mouthfeel and flavor profile.
Cleaning is also straightforward-just unscrew the hopper and you’ll have direct access to the burr for maintenance.
Everyday Use: What Works, What Doesn’t
Touch Controls and Modes
The control panel is on the right, with touch buttons for setting grind time or switching modes. At first, I was skeptical-touch panels can be finicky-but these actually work well. I like that you can quickly swap between timed and manual grinding by holding the power button.
However, if your grinder is placed right up against a wall on the right side, it can be hard to see the screen. For manual grinding though, once you know the button positions, it’s easy to operate even without looking.
If you’re in a morning rush, timed mode lets you hit the same dose every day. But for single dosing (weighing beans for each shot), manual mode gives you full control. I found myself using manual mode most often, since I like to experiment with different beans and doses.
Portafilter Holder
There’s a portafilter holder with a button underneath. When you place your portafilter, it starts grinding automatically, that’s super convenient!
My Gemilai portafilter worked perfectly, but my three-tab portafilter from another machine couldn’t reach the button. If you don’t use a Gemilai machine, double-check compatibility.
If your portafilter doesn’t fit, you’ll have to use the dosing cup instead. Honestly, the dosing cup workflow is tidy and easy.
Dosing Cup: Clean Transfers, Less Mess
The included dosing cup has a 58mm opening, which matches most standard baskets. I loved how clean it made transferring grounds! If you’re particular about keeping your workspace tidy, this is a big plus.
Grinding Experience: Consistency and Control
Grind Settings and Range
With 60 grind settings, the Molight gives you plenty of control. The dial is clearly marked, so you’re not guessing.
In my testing, settings 4–6 were spot on for espresso. I rarely needed to go finer, except for very light roasts. While I don’t know exactly how many microns each click changes, I can usually find 2–3 clicks of adjustment to fine-tune my shot time.
What this means for you:
If you mainly make espresso or Moka pot coffee, you’ll have all the range you need. But if you want to make pour-over or French press, this grinder isn’t for you because the coarsest setting is still too fine.
Speed and Retention
The Gemilai Molight grinds about 1 gram per second. For my usual 18g dose, it took 18–20 seconds. That’s fast enough for home use, and the grounds came out fluffy and clump-free. Static is not an issue. I didn’t have to spray the beans with water (RDT), which is rare for a grinder at this price.
Retention was low, about 0.3g per dose. I just gave it a little tap after grinding to clear out any stray grounds.
Workflow: Pulling Shots
Here’s how my typical workflow looked:
- Weigh 18g of beans and pour them into the hopper.
- Use manual mode (my preference for accuracy).
- Place the portafilter (or dosing cup) to start grinding.
- Pause halfway to tidy the grounds if needed. The timer pauses automatically, which I loved.
- Finish grinding, prep the puck (WDT tool helps here), and pull the shot.
With the Gemilai G3007L and G3005E machines, I got consistent, tasty shots very easily.
The espresso leans toward a traditional flavor profile and mouthfeel, with a thick body and rich chocolate and caramel notes. The fluffy grounds made puck prep easier, and I didn’t have to deal with clumps or static mess.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Molight 9010B?
Buy this grinder if:
- You mostly drink espresso or Moka pot coffee at home.
- You want a compact, tidy grinder that’s easy to use.
- You use a Gemilai espresso machine (perfect compatibility).
- You value low retention and minimal mess.
Skip it if:
- You want to brew pour-over, French press, or need coarse grinds.
Final Thoughts
The Gemilai Molight 9010B isn’t trying to be everything for everyone. It’s a focused, affordable espresso grinder that nails the basics: consistent grind, low mess, and easy daily use. If you’re building a home espresso setup and don’t need coarser grind options, this is a fantastic value.
