Timemore S3 Grinder Review

The Timemore S3 is Timemore's latest hand grinder to be released, positioned as an upgrade from the well loved Chestnut C3 grinder and a coffee grinder specifically for pour over, The Timemore S3 offers a premium experience for coffee enthusiasts looking for their next filter coffee hand grinder. With an enhanced burr design and external grind adjustment, it promises improved performance over its predecessor. But how does it actually hold up in daily use? Let’s break it down.

Timemore S3 Features

From the first impression, the Timemore S3 feels premium. Its compact, modern design is both stylish and functional, with a matte black finish that gives it a sophisticated presence. The handle folds neatly against the body, making it easy to store or travel with.

Unlike many grinders in its class, the S3 features an external grind adjustment dial, which is inspired by the precision of a camera lens. This makes dialing in different grind settings a seamless experience, eliminating the need to disassemble the grinder just to make minor adjustments. The overall build is robust, with a full-metal body that enhances stability while grinding.

Timemore S3 Original S2C 890 Steel Burrs

The highlight of the S3 is its S2C (Spike to Cut) 890 burr set, crafted from high-carbon SUS420 stainless steel. These burrs are engineered to first “spike” the beans before cutting them, resulting in a more uniform particle distribution and fewer fines compared to traditional flat burrs.

In real use, this translates to clarity in brewed coffee. Whether you're making a V60 or a French press, you’ll notice cleaner flavours and a well defined extraction. This burr design is ideal for manual brewing, though espresso enthusiasts may find that the grinder doesn’t go quite fine enough for some machines.

Timemore S3 Grind Size Range

One of the standout features of the S3 is its wide range of grind settings. The external dial makes it effortless to switch between settings, and the tactile clicks provide satisfying feedback as you adjust. For pour over lovers, this grinder is a dream. The S3 offers precise control over medium-coarse settings, ensuring consistency for methods like the V60, Chemex, and AeroPress.

However, if you're aiming for fine grind sizes such as espresso brew methods or Turkish coffee brew method, you may find the S3 reaching its limits. While it does go finer than some entry level hand grinders, the Timemore S3 will struggle to grind coffee fine enough for espresso.

Who Is This Grinder For?

The Timemore S3 is best suited for coffee drinkers who prioritise manual brewing methods. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy pour over, French press, and AeroPress coffee, as it delivers consistent and precise grind sizes in those ranges. It’s also a great option for traveler's or minimalists who need a grinder that’s compact and easy to carry.

If you primarily brew espresso, however, you might find better alternatives, as the S3 isn’t capable to grind fine enough for making espresso.

Timemore S3 Pros and Cons

Timemore S3 Pros:

• High Quality Build: The full-metal construction gives a solid, durable feel.
• External Grind Adjustment: Convenient dial for quick and easy grind size changes.
• S2C Burrs: Produces more uniform grounds, leading to better extraction.
• Compact & Travel Friendly: Foldable handle and portable design make it a great travel companion.

Timemore S3 Cons:

• Not Ideal for Espresso: May struggle with fine espresso grind sizes.
• Adjustment Visibility: The numbering on the dial could be more prominent.
• Grip Comfort: The body is slightly wider than other Timemore models, which may not be as ergonomic for some users.

Timemore S3 vs Timemore C3:

The Timemore Chestnut C3 is a well established budget grinder that offers solid performance for its price point. However, the S3 brings several significant upgrades:

• Burr Set: The C3 uses Timemore’s standard 38mm stainless steel burrs, while the S3 features the more advanced S2C 890 burrs, designed for better grind consistency and clarity in the cup.
• Grind Adjustment: The C3 requires internal adjustments, which can be more cumbersome, whereas the S3 has an external dial for quick changes.
• Handle Design: The S3’s foldable handle is a major convenience factor, making it better suited for travel.
• Overall Feel & Precision: While both grinders perform well, the S3 feels more refined, both in terms of tactile feedback and grind quality.

If you’re upgrading from the C3, you’ll immediately notice the benefits of the S3 in grind consistency, ease of use, and premium feel. However, if you’re primarily looking for a budget friendly option, the C3 still delivers solid performance for the price.

Timemore S3 Grind Size Chart:

The Timemore S3 is a well-designed, high-performance hand grinder that bridges the gap between entry level models and premium-tier grinders. It’s built for coffee lovers who want precision, portability, and ease of use without stepping into the ultra expensive category.

While it may not be the go to choice for espresso, it excels in every other manual brewing method, making it a fantastic choice for pour over enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a grinder that feels premium and performs exceptionally well for daily use, the Timemore S3 is a solid investment.