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Our Verdict
The Timemore Chestnut C2 is the undisputed budget king of hand grinders, delivering grind quality that punches well above its price point for filter and French press brewing. It is not an espresso grinder, but for pour-over and immersion methods it is the best value in the hand grinder market.
Pros
- + Best grind quality available under $80, outperforming grinders twice its price
- + Lightweight aluminum body with a comfortable anti-slip grip
- + Fast grind time of roughly 30 seconds for 20g at medium settings
Cons
- – Stepped adjustment lacks the fine-tuning precision needed for dialing in espresso
- – Plastic internal adjustment mechanism feels less durable than all-metal competitors
Our Take
The Timemore Chestnut C2 has become the default recommendation on Reddit, YouTube, and specialty coffee forums whenever someone asks for a budget hand grinder, and it has earned that reputation honestly. At around sixty dollars, it delivers grind consistency that genuinely competes with hand grinders in the one-hundred-to-one-hundred-fifty dollar range, making it the most disruptive value proposition in the hand grinder market.
The C2 features 38mm stainless steel conical burrs housed in a slim aluminum body that is comfortable to hold and fast to grind. The stepped adjustment dial clicks through 36 positions per rotation, providing enough range to cover everything from fine AeroPress grinds to coarse French press. The grind uniformity at medium settings is impressive for the price, producing noticeably better cups than blade grinders or bottom-tier burr grinders.
Where the C2 falls short is espresso. The stepped adjustment simply does not offer the micro-level precision you need to dial in a proper shot, and the 38mm burrs lack the fines consistency that espresso demands. If you brew exclusively with pour-over, AeroPress, or French press methods and want the best grinder for the least money, the Timemore Chestnut C2 is the obvious choice.
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $60 |
| Burr Type | Stainless Steel Conical |
| Burr Size Mm | 38 |
| Adjustment Type | Stepped |
| Capacity | 25g |
| Weight Grams | 430 |
| Steps Per Rotation | 36 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Timemore Chestnut C2 grind for espresso?
The C2 can technically grind fine enough for espresso, but its stepped adjustment does not provide the precision needed to dial in shots accurately. It is best suited for pour-over, French press, and AeroPress brewing methods.
How does the Timemore C2 compare to the 1Zpresso JX-Pro?
The JX-Pro offers stepless adjustment, larger 48mm burrs, and true espresso capability at roughly three times the price. The C2 is the better value for filter-only brewers, while the JX-Pro is the better choice for those who also want to grind for espresso.
How long does it take to grind with the Timemore C2?
The Timemore C2 grinds approximately 20 grams of coffee in about 25 to 35 seconds at a medium pour-over setting, which is fast for a hand grinder in this price range thanks to its efficient 38mm stainless steel burrs.
Compare Timemore Chestnut C2
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