Frequently Asked Questions About Gigawatt Coffee
📖 About Gigawatt Coffee
Who are the founders of Gigawatt Coffee?
We’re a husband-and-wife team passionate about crafting the best coffee possible. Founded in February 2020, Gigawatt Coffee Roasters was born from our desire to bring freshly roasted, affordable coffee to everyone.
Check out Our Story for more details.
Why the name Gigawatt Coffee?
Our unique air roasting process runs entirely on electricity, which inspired the name Gigawatt. It’s a nod to innovation and quality—a lightbulb moment that symbolizes the energy and care we put into every roast.
Do you have a coffee shop?
Our roasting facility is a warehouse space, which helps us minimize overhead costs and pass the savings directly to you. By focusing on roasting rather than operating a retail storefront, we prioritize quality and affordability.
Can I buy Gigawatt coffee in stores?
No, we do not sell our coffee in stores. Store-bought coffee often sits on shelves for weeks or months, losing its freshness and quality. Additionally, retail markups can significantly increase the price. At Gigawatt Coffee, we sell directly to you to ensure you receive the freshest coffee possible at an affordable price.
Do you add flavorings or syrups to your coffee?
No! At Gigawatt Coffee, we believe coffee should taste like coffee. We don’t add syrups, sweeteners, or artificial flavorings. Any flavor notes—like "walnut" or "toffee"—come naturally from the beans and our air roasting process.
What is air roasting, and why do you use this method?
Air roasting uses a stream of hot air to roast coffee evenly, eliminating burnt chaff and ensuring a smooth, clean cup. This method preserves the beans’ natural flavors and reduces bitterness, setting Gigawatt Coffee apart from traditionally roasted coffees.
Do you test for mold in your coffee?
While we don’t independently test for mold, we work only with trusted suppliers and follow strict quality controls. All beans are inspected, stored in climate-controlled conditions, and carefully roasted to ensure safety and quality.
🚚 Shipping & Delivery
How much does shipping cost?
We offer a $5 flat-rate shipping fee on all domestic orders, whether you purchase one bag or a dozen.
How long does shipping take?
Orders are typically roasted and shipped within 1-3 business days. Delivery takes 2-7 days depending on your location. You’ll receive a tracking number via email once your order ships.
Do you ship internationally?
Currently, we only ship within the continental United States and do not accept international orders through our website.
However, we have shipped internationally and love sending Gigawatt all over the globe. Contact us if you are interested!
Do you have a return policy?
We're committed to offering the freshest coffee possible, so we don’t accept returns on coffee, even if unopened. However, if there’s an issue with your order—such as receiving the wrong item or damage during shipping—please contact us at info@gigawattcoffeeroasters.com. We’ll make it right!
You can also read our Return Policy here.
📦 Local Delivery
Do you offer free local delivery?
Yes, free local delivery is available once per week (typically Wednesday-Friday) for orders of $18 or more in qualifying zip codes in the Chicago area.
Currently we are delivering to:
- Addison
- Bensenville
- Elmhurst
- Hinsdale
- Itasca
- LaGrange
- LaGrange Park
- Roselle
- Schaumburg
- Villa Park
- Westchester
- Western Springs
- Wood Dale
*Subscription Orders do not qualify for free local delivery.
Do subscriptions qualify for free local delivery?
No, subscriptions do not currently qualify for free local delivery.
Can I pick up my order from your roastery?
Unfortunately, our roastery is not open to the public. However, you can find us at local events—check the Events Page for upcoming appearances.
☕ Brewing Tips
What grind size should I choose for my brewing method?
We offer several grind options tailored to popular brewing methods:
- Whole Bean: Best for freshness—grind at home to suit your brewing method.
- Drip: Perfect for standard coffee makers like Mr. Coffee.
- Pour Over: Designed for manual methods like Chemex or Hario V60.
- French Press: Coarser grind for optimal extraction.
Do you sell pre-ground espresso coffee?
No, we do not offer pre-ground espresso. Every espresso machine is slightly different, and we recommend grinding your beans fresh to suit your specific machine for the best flavor and crema. While we previously piloted pre-ground espresso, customer preference for freshly ground beans led us to focus on whole bean coffee.
How do I make Half Caff Coffee?
Our Half Caff is made by blending regular coffee with decaf. Start with a 50/50 mix or adjust the ratio to your taste. Use the same brewing instructions as your regular coffee method for a smooth, balanced cup.
What is the best grind for a stove top Bialetti?
For a stovetop Bialetti, choose a grind similar to pour-over. To avoid bitterness, open the lid while brewing to release excess heat.
How do I make Cold Brew?
To make cold brew:
- Add coarsely ground coffee to a French press or jar.
- Use a 1:8 ratio (1 cup of coffee to 8 cups of water).
- Let it steep in the fridge for 12-24 hours.
- Strain or press and enjoy over ice!
How many tablespoons of coffee should I use?
For drip coffee, we recommend starting with 1 tablespoon of coffee per 6 ounces of water. Adjust to taste—stronger coffee lovers can try 1.5 tablespoons per 6 ounces.
Do you have a brewing guide?
We’re working on creating a detailed coffee brewing guide to help you master your favorite methods, including French press, pour-over, cold brew, and more. Stay tuned!
🌟 Coffee Recommendations
What coffee is best for dark roast lovers?
- Live Wire Espresso: A smooth, full-bodied dark roast.
- Cameroon Mount Oku: A medium-dark roast with earthy, smoky notes.
What coffee is best for medium roast lovers?
- Luminosity Breakfast Blend: Smooth and versatile.
- Indian Malabar Coffee: A unique, rich medium roast with low acidity.
What coffee is best for light roast lovers?
- Costa Rican Tarrazu: Floral and delicate.
- Organic Honduran Coffee: Fruity and well-balanced.
Do you offer decaf coffee?
Yes! Our Static Resistor Decaf is a smooth, full-bodied option, perfect for espresso or drip brewing. Learn more about its versatility on our blog article about Decaf Espresso..
What is your most popular coffee?
Our Kite & Key Blend is a fan favorite, offering a smooth, nutty flavor profile that’s perfect for any brewing method.
Do you offer Barrel Aged Coffee?
Yes! Our Barrel Aged Coffee is aged in bourbon barrels for a rich, smoky flavor. It's a limited release coffee - be sure to sign up to our newsletter to find out when we release it because it sells out quick! Try it black or with a splash of cream to highlight its unique notes.
🎁 Gifting & Samplers
What should I get as a gift, or if I'm unsure?
Our Gifts Collection is perfect for anyone! Highlights include:
- Gigawatt Coffee Sample Packs: Five 3oz bags showcasing different roast levels.
- Single Origin Coffee Sampler Packs: A curated selection of unique coffees.
- Super Sampler Coffee Packs: Ten mini 3oz bags for maximum variety.
📦 Storage & Freshness
How long does coffee stay fresh?
Our coffee is at its best within four weeks of opening. Each bag includes a one-way degassing valve to maintain freshness.
How should I store my coffee?
Store your coffee in an airtight container in a cool, dark place—like a pantry. Avoid refrigeration or freezing, as this can introduce moisture and odors.
🔄 Subscriptions
How do I manage my coffee subscription?
Visit the bottom of our Subscription Page for detailed instructions on managing your subscription, updating preferences, or canceling.
🗣️ Customer Reviews & Stories
What do customers say about Gigawatt Coffee?
Our customers rave about the smooth, never-bitter taste of our coffee. Check out real reviews on our Coffee Store Reviews Page.
Do you participate in Local Events?
Yes! We frequently attend farmers markets and other community events. Check out our Events Page for upcoming appearances.
📞 Contact Us
How can I get in touch with your team?
We’re happy to help! Reach out via our Contact Page or email us at info@gigawattcoffeeroasters.com. We aim to respond within 1-2 business days.