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Our Verdict
The Timemore Chestnut S3 is the sweet spot in Timemore's lineup, pairing the excellent S2C890 burrs with an external adjustment system that makes dialing in effortless. It grinds beautifully for both espresso and filter, and the build quality justifies the price step up from the C3.
Pros
- + External adjustment dial with point-to-point precision eliminates guesswork when switching brew methods
- + S2C890 burrs deliver excellent clarity and uniformity across the full grind range
- + Full metal unibody construction feels premium and eliminates flex under load
Cons
- – At 798 grams it is noticeably heavy for travel compared to the C3 or Porlex Mini
- – 30-gram capacity limits batch grinding for larger pour-over brews
Our Take
The Timemore Chestnut S3 occupies the increasingly competitive mid-range of the hand grinder market, and it does so with a compelling combination of grind quality, build, and usability. The headline feature is the S2C890 burr set, a 42mm stainless steel conical design that Timemore developed specifically for this tier. These burrs produce noticeably better particle uniformity than the standard S2C burrs found in the C2 and C3, with improved clarity in filter brews and more consistent shots when grinding for espresso. The external point-to-point adjustment dial is the other major upgrade: each click shifts the burr gap by just 0.015mm, giving you fine enough resolution to dial in espresso without the frustration of overshooting, and you can see your setting at a glance rather than counting internal clicks blind.
The build quality matches the grind performance. The S3 is a full metal unibody design at 798 grams, which gives it a reassuring heft and eliminates the flex or wobble that plagues lighter grinders under load. The foldable handle locks securely and the bearings provide smooth, consistent rotation. Grinding 20 grams for pour-over takes roughly 25 to 27 seconds, which is fast for a 42mm burr set and competitive with grinders costing twice as much. The magnetic catch cup seals cleanly and the overall workflow from loading beans to emptying grounds feels well considered. Timemore has clearly iterated on user feedback from the C2 and C3 generations.
The trade-offs are weight and capacity. At nearly 800 grams, the S3 is not the grinder you throw in a backpack for camping. The 30-gram hopper is fine for single servings but means reloading if you brew a full Chemex or batch for guests. For dedicated travel use, the 1Zpresso Q2 or Porlex Mini II are more practical. And for anyone who only brews filter coffee and wants to save money, the Timemore C3 still delivers excellent value with the same S2C burr family. But if you want a single hand grinder that handles both espresso and filter with genuine precision and satisfying build quality, the S3 is the strongest option under $150.
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $110 |
| Burr Type | S2C890 Stainless Steel Conical |
| Burr Size Mm | 42 |
| Adjustment Type | Stepped (External) |
| Capacity | 30g |
| Weight Grams | 798 |
| Click Resolution | 0.015mm per click |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Timemore Chestnut S3 grind for espresso?
Yes, the S3 handles espresso well with its fine-stepping external adjustment. Settings between 1 and 15 clicks cover the espresso range with enough resolution to dial in light roasts.
What is the difference between the Timemore S3 and C3?
The S3 upgrades to larger S2C890 burrs, an external adjustment dial, a full metal body, and finer click resolution. The C3 uses smaller S2C burrs with internal adjustment and a lighter plastic-and-metal body at a lower price.
Is the Timemore S3 good for travel?
The S3 has a foldable handle and compact dimensions, but at nearly 800 grams it is heavier than dedicated travel grinders like the 1Zpresso Q2 or Porlex Mini II. It works for travel but is better suited as a daily home grinder.
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