Timemore Chestnut C3 Manual Coffee Grinder

Description

Our extensive testing of the Timemore C3 manual grinder revealed some fascinating insights about this newer model from the respected Chinese manufacturer. After weeks of daily use across various brewing methods, we’re ready to share our detailed findings about this popular budget-friendly option.

The C2 has long been our go-to recommendation for coffee enthusiasts seeking quality on a budget. While the C2 remains in production and costs roughly £30 less than the C3, this newer model brings some intriguing upgrades to the table.

Both grinders share impressive build quality, featuring lightweight aluminium bodies that surprised us given their modest price points. In our hands-on testing, we found the stainless steel handle on both models provides a wonderfully smooth grinding experience.

The most significant upgrade in the C3 is its new S2C burr set, similar to what you’ll find in Timemore’s premium Chestnut X model. This enhancement means the C3 can handle both espresso and manual brewing methods effectively – a versatility its predecessor couldn’t match.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Compact and travel-friendly: 5.8cm diameter x 13.8cm tall, weighing just 420 grams
• Smooth operation thanks to quality bearings
• Advanced 38mm conical steel burrs featuring new “spike to cut / S2C” geometry
• Versatile performance across both manual brewing and espresso
• Practical capacity of 20-25g (varies with bean type and roast level)

During our testing, we noticed the adjustment settings are somewhat limited. The steps between grind sizes are relatively large, which means precise dialling in can be challenging. You’ll need to rely more on adjusting other brewing variables like temperature and coffee-to-water ratio to fine-tune your results.

One trade-off we discovered is that the C3 grinds noticeably slower for manual brewing methods compared to the C2, which excels in this area despite its lower price point.

In our assessment, the Timemore C3 offers excellent value for money, particularly if you want a single grinder for both manual brewing and espresso – though expect some limitations in fine-tuning capabilities. However, if you’re focusing solely on manual brewing methods and want to save some money, the speedier C2 remains a compelling choice.