Timemore C3S vs C3 Grinder

We've been stocking Timemore products since our inception back in 2020, the Timemore chestnut series has gone through many changes throughout the years upgrading componentry and listing to customers feedback. All to get us to their latest iteration of the Timemore C3 series, the Timemore Chestnut C3s Grinder.

Before we get too deep down the Timemore grinder rabbit hole, I wan't to just quickly clarify what we aim to do in this article. There are so many variations of the Timemore grinder so we chose just to focus on comparing the Timemroe C3 grinder to the Timemore C3s Grinder. 

Timemore C3s Burrs and Microns

The Timemore C3s and C3 both have the same burr set, a 38mm conical hardened Stainless Steel with S2C (spike to cut) technology. Able to grind fine enough for punchy full bodied espresso and Turkish coffee as well as get super clean, crisp cups of pour over and filter coffee.

The Timemore C3S Grinder has a range of 36 clicks with each step having 0.083 mm adjustment or 83 microns per click.

Timemore C3 & C3S Grind Size Chart

Pricepoint Comparison

The Timemore C3 was priced at around $129 AUD while the the Timemore C3S which has now replaced the Timemore C3 is priced at around $149 AUD.

For a $20 difference we don't feel this is insane, particularly for the small upgrades that are included on the C3S grinder.

Coffee Bean Capacity

The Timemore C3 Grinder has a capacity of around 20g while the Timemore C3S Grinder has a capacity of around 25g, leaving an extra 5g room for less dense coffees and for espresso brews that push over 20g doses.

When we talk about coffee bean capacity theres two nuances you have to know, capacity only has to do with the size of the bean jar / grounds catch and every coffee has a different density, leading to some variations with actual capacity.

Other Differences C3 vs C3S:

Upgraded base

The Timemore C3 had a flush metal base but the C3S features a soft silicone base which is a much welcomed upgrade for this grinder. Having a soft silicone base gives you peace of mind when placing the catch cup down and not damaging surfaces.

Larger hollowed out internals

This makes both grinders very similar in size but has more internal space for a larger dose in the Timemore C3S.

Grinding For Espresso on Timemore C3S

6-12 Clicks

Grinding for espresso on the Timemore C3S is absolutely possible, but it comes with a few realities that are worth knowing before you choose this as your primary espresso grinder.

Firstly, the C3S grinder is capable of getting fine enough for espresso. The S2C burr set does a great job at producing a consistent grind and you can dial in a shot that has good body and clarity. For a manual grinder in this price range, it performs surprisingly well.

However, espresso is where you’ll start to feel the limits of a hand grinder. Grinding at espresso settings requires more effort than grinding for filter coffee, especially with lighter roasted coffees. The finer the grind, the more resistance you’ll feel and depending on your coffee's density and roast level, this can take anywhere from 30 seconds to around a minute of steady grinding.

There’s also the adjustment system to consider. The click steps on the C3S are usable for espresso, but they’re not ultra-fine. This means you might occasionally find yourself between two settings, one slightly fast, the other slightly slow. It’s workable, but not as precise as higher-end grinders or espresso-specific coffee grinders.

That said, if you’re using a manual espresso machine ,plan on making coffee whilst travelling or just getting into espresso then the Timemore C3S is more than capable.

It won’t replace a dedicated electric espresso grinder, but it gives you a very solid entry point into espresso without a the price point of an electric coffee grinder.

Grinding For Pour Over on Timemore C3S

15-30 Clicks

This is where the Timemore C3S really shines. For pour over, filter, Aeropress and pretty much any brew method coarser than espresso, the grinder feels effortless. The grind is fast, smooth and consistent and the S2C burrs does a great job at breaking down beans  fast while still giving you a clean tasting coffee with thick body in the cup.

Dialling in is also much easier with the C3S, the click system makes more sense in the filter range, where each step gives you a noticeable but manageable change in extraction. You’re not fighting the grinder, you’re working with it.

In terms of flavour profile, you can expect clean cups with good separation and balanced sweetness. It’s not going to compete with high-end flat burr grinders, but for the price point, it delivers a level of clarity that most people will be more than happy with.

So Is Timemore C3S the Best Budget Coffee Grinder?

To summarise this entire article and to enter my own two cents, here's the takeaway. The Best budget coffee grinder when comparing the C3 and the C3s was the Timemore C3. With only slight differences such as the larger capacity and the soft silicone base this isn't a whole grinder rebuild but a grinder that's been upgraded from it's predecessor. 

However with that being said, the C3 grinder is being phased out and replaced with the Timemore C3S grinder world wide, this makes the C3s the new C3 and these small differences feel more like thoughtful upgrades rather than dealbreakers.

The C3S is still a budget friendly, durable coffee grinder offering a competitive amount of features and accessories.
That's my opinion but If you have a Timemore grinder I'd love to hear your take on this!

Drop a comment down below :)