FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is air roasted coffee?

Air roasted coffee (also called fluid-bed or engineered air roasting) is made by suspending green beans in a high-velocity stream of hot air instead of tumbling them in a traditional metal drum. At 248 Roasters, this process instantly separates smoke and chaff from the roasting chamber, delivering a cleaner, bolder cup with zero burnt aftertaste.

How is air roasting different from traditional drum roasting?

Traditional drum roasters tumble beans against hot metal, which can scorch the surface and bake in bitter smoke from burning chaff. Our engineered air roasting suspends the beans in forced hot air so every bean roasts evenly with no metal contact and no smoke contamination. The result is a smoother, more precise flavor that highlights the true character of each single-origin bean.

Why does 248 Roasters coffee taste so smooth with no bitterness?

Because we air roast. By removing the chaff before it can burn and never letting the beans touch hot metal, we eliminate the scorched, ashy notes common in many dark and medium roasts. Customers consistently tell us our coffee is bold yet clean—smooth enough to drink black with zero harsh aftertaste.

Does air roasted coffee have less acidity?

Many people experience lower perceived acidity with our air-roasted coffees. Even heat distribution and the complete removal of burnt chaff reduce the harsh compounds that can make coffee feel sharp or hard on the stomach. The result is a smoother finish that still delivers rich, full flavor.

Is air roasted coffee healthier?

Air roasting produces a cleaner cup by removing chaff and smoke before they can burn into the beans. This reduces certain bitter and potentially harsh compounds that form in traditional drum roasting. While all coffee has health benefits, many customers with sensitive stomachs find our air-roasted coffee gentler and easier to enjoy.

Does air roasting change the caffeine content?

No. Caffeine levels are primarily determined by the coffee bean variety and roast level, not the roasting method. Our air-roasted coffees contain the same natural caffeine as any other specialty coffee of the same origin and roast.

When is my coffee roasted and how fresh is it when it arrives?

We roast in small batches right here in Michigan and ship fast so your coffee arrives at peak freshness. Every bag is printed with the roast date so you know exactly when it was made. Most orders leave our facility within a day or two of roasting.

How long does the coffee stay fresh after roasting?

Whole bean coffee is at its peak within the first 2–4 weeks after roasting. Every bag is printed with the roast date and sealed with a one-way valve so the coffee stays fresh longer. We recommend storing it in a cool, dark place and grinding only what you need.

Do you roast to order?

We roast in small batches frequently and ship quickly so your coffee arrives as fresh as possible. Most orders leave our Michigan facility within 1–2 days of roasting.

Do you offer free shipping?

Yes. We offer free shipping on all orders over $35 nationwide. We will send you the tracking number as soon as the coffee is shipped, so you know when to expect your fresh roast.

Can I get whole bean or ground coffee?

Absolutely. We recommend whole bean for maximum freshness, but we’re happy to grind your order to your preferred size if you prefer. We offer fine espresso ground, drip ground perfect for V60, Chemex, coarse ground - perfect for French Roast. There is no charge for custom grounds, just select the option when you add to cart.

Do you offer K-Cups, and how do they compare to whole bean?

Yes—our K-Cups deliver the same bold, carefully air-roasted flavor of 248 Roasters with zero compromise. They’re made for convenience without sacrificing the clean, smooth profile our whole-bean customers love.

Do your K-Cups work in all Keurig machines?

Yes. Our K-Cups are fully compatible with standard Keurig and other single-serve machines that accept K-Cup pods.

Which roast should I start with?

If you like bold and rich, start with Heavy Torque (our dark roast). Prefer balanced and everyday smooth? Go with Corktown Caffeine (medium). Looking for something brighter? Try Belle Isle Edition. All are single-origin and air-roasted for clarity and zero bitterness.

What’s the difference between your medium and dark roasts?

Our medium roasts (like Corktown Caffeine) are balanced, smooth, and approachable with notes of chocolate and nuts. Our dark roast (Heavy Torque) is bolder and richer while still staying clean and free of burnt bitterness thanks to air roasting. Both highlight the single-origin character of the beans.

Do you offer decaf?

Yes. Our Traverse City Vibes is a Swiss Water Process Costa Rica decaf—100% chemical-free—so you get a clean, flavorful cup without the caffeine.

Are any of your coffees flavored?

Yes — we offer limited edition and specialty flavored roasts alongside our pure single-origin coffees. Current options include:

• Irish Velvet Roast (Irish Cream)
• Cass Corridor Crème (Creme Brule)
• Motor City Mocha Nut (Chocolate Pecan)
• Sweet Michigan Kiss (Traverse City Cherry)
• 248 Reserve (Bourbon Pecan Torte)
• Main Street Roast (Hazelnut)

All are air-roasted for the same clean, smooth profile our customers love. All flavors are plant based and natually flavored - no chemicals or harmful dyes are used.  

Why is it called 248 Roasters?

“248” is our home—the area code that covers the heart of Metro Detroit and surrounding communities. Every bag is a tribute to Michigan’s grit, soul, and everyday ritual of a great cup of coffee.

Where is the coffee roasted?

All of our coffee is small-batch air-roasted right here in Michigan. We control every step from sourcing to final roast so you get consistent quality and true freshness.

How should I brew 248 Roasters coffee?

For pour-over: Use 14 grams (about 2–3 tablespoons) of medium-coarse ground coffee. Bloom with a little hot water (around 180°F) for 30 seconds, then pour slowly in a circular motion. Full step-by-step instructions are on our Brewing Guide page. The clean profile of our air-roasted beans shines with almost any method.