Timemore Coffee, a brand revered by coffee aficionados worldwide, represents a harmonious blend of design, technology, and the intricate art of coffee brewing. Originating from China, Timemore has carved out a niche for itself not merely as a producer of coffee grinders, but as an emblem of quality, precision, and craftsmanship. Their grinders, celebrated for their meticulous design and consistent performance, have earned their rightful place in the arsenals of discerning coffee lovers and expert baristas around the globe.

Recently, I took the plunge and acquired the TIMEMORE Chestnut C3. This decision, inspired by my relentless pursuit of the quintessential coffee brew, wasn’t made on a whim. The C3 is more than just a grinder; it encapsulates Timemore’s dedication to enhancing the coffee-grinding ritual. Drawn to this model by its stellar reviews, its promise of unparalleled precision, and the brand’s renowned legacy, I was compelled to delve deeper.

In this article, my goal is two-fold: to familiarize readers with the expansive model range that Timemore offers and to comprehensively understand the differences between their grinders. By the end of this exploration, I hope to offer clear recommendations, pinpointing which grinder might just be the best fit for different coffee enthusiasts looking to elevate their brewing journey.

About Timemore

Timemore grinders are known for their quality, value for money, and consistent grind performance. When compared to other coffee grinder brands, Timemore stands out in several ways:

• Affordability: Timemore offers a range of manual coffee grinders that are budget-friendly, making them accessible to a wide range of coffee enthusiast.
• Consistent Grind Quality: The stainless steel burrs used in Timemore grinders are known to produce clean and articulate V60 and Chemex brews. The new Timemore C3 features an updated 38 mm conical steel burr set with “spike to cut” technology, which contributes to its excellent grind consistency.
• Build Quality: Timemore grinders are praised for their solid construction and durability. The C3, for example, has a standout build quality, making it a reliable choice for coffee grinding.
• Portability: Timemore offers various travel-friendly options, such as the Slim and Nano models, which are compact and lightweight, making them ideal for coffee enthusiasts on the go.
• Innovative Features: The Timemore C3 Pro and C3 Pro Max models are equipped with features like a magnetic catch cup and a folding handle, which add convenience and functionality to the grinding process.

However, there are some areas where Timemore grinders may not be the best fit for everyone:

• Espresso Grinding: Some users have found that the stepped adjustment on Timemore grinders can be challenging to optimize for espresso, making them better suited for drip brewing and other non-espresso methods.
• Speed: The Timemore C3 is slower than its predecessor, the C2, which may be a consideration for those who prioritize speed in their coffee grinding process.

Timemore Series Explained

1. Chestnut C2 Series: This is Timemore’s budget grinder that has won over many coffee enthusiasts due to its excellent value for money. It has a decent capacity of around 20-30 grams and follows the general design template for manual grinders. The C2 series is known for its affordability, consistent grind quality, and solid construction.
2. Chestnut C3 Series: This is the successor to the C2 and claims to be better in every way. It features an updated 38 mm conical steel burr set with “spike to cut” technology, which contributes to its excellent grind consistency. It also has a magnetic catch cup and a folding handle, which add convenience and functionality to the grinding process. The C3 series is known for its improved burr set, convenience features, and consistent grind quality.
3. Slim Plus Series: This is a compact and portable grinder that is designed for travel. It has a slim design and a capacity of around 15-20 grams. The Slim Plus series is known for its portability, ease of use, and consistent grind quality.
4. Chestnut Nano Series: This is a professional portable grinder that is also designed for travel. It has a capacity of around 15-20 grams and features a titanium-coated burr set for improved durability. The Nano series is known for its professional-grade performance, portability, and consistent grind quality.
5. TIMEMORE XLITE Series: This is their new flagship coffee grinder that is built with high precision and ultimate aesthetics. It features a 42 mm burr set that is designed for high performance and consistency. The XLITE series is known for its high precision, aesthetics, and consistent grind quality

Best Timemore Grinders

Among the entire lineup, I have chosen 3 models that I think are the best according to the following criteria: budget model, portable and performance model

Best Budget: Timemore Chestnut C2

• This grinder offers excellent value for money, with a price range that is comparable to other budget models such as the Hario Skerton Pro and the Porlex Mini1.
• It features a 38 mm conical stainless steel burr set, adjustable grind settings, and a capacity of 20-30 grams13.
• The C2 is praised for its consistent grind quality, solid construction, and ease of use.

Best Portable: Timemore Slim Plus

• This compact and portable grinder is designed for travel, with a slim design and a capacity of around 15-20 grams.
• It features a high-hardness stainless steel blade, excellent particle size uniformity, and dual bearings for stability.
• The Slim Plus is known for its portability, ease of use, and consistent grind quality.

Best Performance: Timemore Chestnut C3 Pro

• This grinder is the successor to the C2 and offers improved performance in various aspects.
• It features an updated 38 mm conical steel burr set with “spike to cut” technology, which contributes to its excellent grind consistency.
• The C3 also has a magnetic catch cup and a folding handle, adding convenience and functionality to the grinding process.
• The C3 series is known for its improved burr set, convenience features, and consistent grind quality.

С3, C3 Pro and C3 Max: What’s the difference?

These three models of coffee grinders are similar in name but have some differences in features.

• C3: The base model in the series, the C3, features an aluminum dial, a 38mm S2C conical burr, and a capacity of 20-25 grams. It offers stepless grinding adjustment and a distinctive look and feel with its 52mm-diameter body and unique anti-slip textured surface.
•  C3 Pro: The C3 Pro is an upgraded version of the C3, featuring an aluminum alloy support instead of a PP one, a portable-friendly foldable handle, and a silicone rubber non-slip base1. It is equipped with a 38mm S2C 660 stainless steel burr, which is adopted from the Chestnut X and ensures uniform powder for optimal coffee flavor. The C3 Pro has a larger capacity of 25 grams and offers stepless grinding adjustment for a wide range of brewing methods.
•  C3 Pro Max: The C3 Pro Max is the flagship model in the series, sharing many attributes with the C3 Pro but with some additional upgrades2. It features the same 55mm S2C 660 stainless steel burr as the C3 Pro, providing consistent and swift grinding2. The C3 Pro Max has a larger capacity of 30-35 grams, making it suitable for preparing more cups in daily use. It also offers 30-click high-resolution grind adjustment dials, allowing for precise control over the grind size.