Timemore C3 Review – Is It Worth Upgrading From The C2?

Navigating the crowded landscape of hand coffee grinders can be a daunting task, especially with the influx of new brands and models. Amidst this saturation, Timemore stands as a beacon of quality and reliability.

In this Timemore C3 review, I aim to answer the burning questions: is the C3 the grinder a good buy in 2024, and is it a worthy upgrade from the C2? To get to the bottom of this, I bought one for an in-depth test. Read on to find out what I discovered.

Timemore C3 Design And Build Quality

The Timemore C3 exudes a sense of quality right out of the box. With dimensions of 5.8 inches in height and 2.05 inches in width, it’s a compact yet substantial piece. Weighing in at 423 grams (14.92 oz), it’s lightweight but doesn’t feel flimsy.

The body is crafted from aluminum, giving it both durability and a sleek appearance. The hand crank and 38mm steel burrs are made of stainless steel, adding to its robust build. It comes with a steel adjustment dial indicator, a brush, and a case.

As for color options, the C3 currently offers a dark gray to black hue, which adds a touch of sophistication. While it doesn’t have the multiple color choices like its predecessor, the C2, I think the dark gray is quite stylish.

The grinder’s exterior features concentric rings, providing additional grip and enhancing its ergonomic design. This attention to detail makes the C3 feel premium in hand.

The C3 can hold up to 25 grams of coffee beans. This makes it practical for brewing more than one cup, without being overly bulky unlike some hand crank coffee grinders.

Timemore C3 Burrs and Grind Performance

The Timemore C3 is equipped with 38mm conical steel burrs, featuring their own patented “Spike to Cut” (S2C) technology. This design aims to pre-cut the coffee beans, promising a more uniform grounds distribution. The burrs are inspired by Timemore’s high-end Chestnut X grinder but are not identical, differing in both size and geometry.

When it comes to grind evenness, I found the C3 performs admirably. The particle sizes are generally consistent, especially in the medium to medium-coarse range. However, when grinding very fine for espresso, the grinder’s limitations in granularity become apparent. It can grind fine enough for espresso, but achieving the perfect shot may require some tinkering with dose and tamping pressure.

For coarser grinds like those needed for French press or cold brew, the C3 does a decent job but tends to produce some fines. While not a deal-breaker, it’s something to consider if you frequently brew using these methods.

Timemore C3 Grind Adjustment and Ease of Use

The Timemore C3 features an internal grind adjustment mechanism at the bottom of the grind chamber. The steel adjustment dial indicator is a welcome upgrade from the C2’s plastic version and offers a tactile experience.

The adjustment wheel operates on a click-based system, but the exact number of clicks isn’t specified. Each click corresponds to a change of approximately 22-36 microns, allowing for a reasonable level of granularity. However, it’s worth noting that the wheel lacks the fine granularity needed for dialing in the perfect espresso shot.

In terms of speed, the C3 is slower than its predecessor, the C2. This is particularly noticeable when grinding light roasts or aiming for finer grind sizes like espresso. While it can grind fine enough for espresso, the speed and granularity limitations make it a bit challenging to achieve the ideal shot.

The grinder requires a few rotations to get the job done, but the anatomically shaped handle mounted on ball bearings ensures a smooth grinding experience.

One of the biggest criticisms of the C2 was the length of time it took to grind for espresso. This was addressed in the C3, but the UX is still lacking. It is definitely faster, but the large change in size between clicks makes it really hard to dial in a good shot. When I got to the right setting for dialing in, a click up or down had way too big an impact on the grind size.

Timemore C3 Grind Settings

The Timemore C3 manual comes with recommended settings for different brew types. However, as with most grinders, I found the settings were off. Here’s the C3 grind settings I had the most success with:

• Espresso: 7 – 9 clicks
• Moka Pot: 10 – 12 clicks
• AeroPress: 12 – 16 clicks
• V60: 12 – 18 clicks
• V60 (4:6 method): 20 – 24 clicks
• French Press: 17 – 20 clicks
• Chemex: 20 – 24 clicks
• Cold Brew: 21 – 24 clicks

For light roast coffee, I recommend using the finer end of the ranges above. Conversely, for dark roasts, use the coarser setting.

Timemore C2 Vs C3

The Timemore C3 and its predecessor, the Chestnut C2, share many similarities, but there are key differences that could influence your decision to upgrade. Aesthetically, the C3 takes the cake with its all-black design, giving it a sleeker look compared to the C2’s dark gray. Both grinders are lightweight, but the C3 has slightly thicker internal plastic support beams, potentially offering more durability. The grind adjustment dial on the C3 is now metal, a welcome change that addresses the durability issues of the older C2 models that had plastic dials.

When it comes to the burrs, the C3 introduces a new “Spike to Cut” (S2C) burr set, designed for better grind consistency. However, this comes at the cost of speed; the C3 is notably slower in grinding compared to the C2. If speed is a priority for you, this could be a deciding factor. Both grinders now feature a metal adjustment knob, making the grind adjustment more durable and reliable in the long run.

So, is it worth upgrading from the C2 to the C3? If you’re seeking a more durable grind adjustment and are intrigued by the new S2C burr technology, the C3 could be a worthwhile investment. However, if you already own a newer version of the C2 with the metal adjustment knob and speed is a priority, the upgrade might not offer a significant difference in your grinding experience.

Timemore C3 Vs C3 Pro

The Timemore C3 Pro is the brand’s new flagship model, building upon the solid foundation laid by the C3. While both share many attributes, the C3 Pro takes it up a notch with several key upgrades. The internal support is made of aluminum alloy instead of PP, enhancing its durability. The Pro version also features a portable-friendly foldable handle and a silicone rubber non-slip base.

One of the most significant changes is the increased capacity, going from 20/25g in the C3 to 30/35g in the C3 Pro, making it more suitable for larger batches. Despite the increased capacity, the C3 Pro still maintains a lightweight profile, weighing just around a pound (510g).

In terms of grind performance, the C3 Pro is equipped with Timemore’s patented S2C 660 stainless steel burrs, which are adopted from their high-end Chestnut X model but in a smaller 38mm size.

The C3 Pro also offers stepless grinding adjustment, allowing for a more nuanced grind setting in almost half the steps compared to the C2. The grinder’s 52mm-diameter body features a unique anti-slip textured surface for better grip, and its patented crank handle with a double-bearing system ensures smooth operation.

For the small difference in price, I think the C3 Pro is definitely worth the upgrade.

Is The Timemore C3 Worth It?

The Timemore C3 is still a fantastic option for those looking for a budget-friendly, entry-level grinder. When stacked against competitors with ceramic burrs, the C3’s value for the price is hard to beat. However, if you mostly drink espresso, you might find it worthwhile to explore more expensive options.

Overall, the C3 holds its ground as one of the best value coffee hand grinders available today. If you’re in the market for an affordable yet capable grinder, the Timemore C3 should be high on your list of considerations.

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