As an Amazon Associate CoffeeXplore.com earns from qualifying purchases.
Honest Timemore S3 Review: The Espresso & Filter Verdict
Finding a manual coffee grinder that offers a premium experience without the premium price tag can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You want the build quality, grind consistency, and user experience of a top-tier model, but you’re also wondering: Is the Timemore Chestnut S3 the real deal, or does it have a hidden flaw? The biggest question on everyone’s mind is whether it can truly handle everything from pour-over to espresso.
The Timemore S3 is a fantastic choice for coffee lovers who prioritize pour-over, French press, or drip brewing. Its flagship-level build quality, innovative S2C burrs, and fast, consistent grinding make the Timemore Manual Coffee Grinder Chestnut S3 an exceptional value for manual brewing enthusiasts.
In this honest Timemore S3 review, we go beyond the marketing claims. Based on two weeks of hands-on testing, we’ll break down the grind performance for different brew methods, dive deep into its standout features, and directly address the controversial topic of its espresso capabilities. We’ll show you exactly who this grinder is perfect for—and who should look elsewhere.
Contents
show
Timemore Chestnut S3 Review 2025: Our Honest Verdict
The Timemore Chestnut S3 is an excellent choice for coffee enthusiasts who prioritize manual brewing methods like pour-over and AeroPress due to its exceptional grind consistency and premium build quality. While it struggles with traditional espresso, its overall performance and value make it a top contender in 2025.
After extensive testing, our verdict is clear: the Timemore Chestnut S3 delivers a flagship experience at a mid-range price point, but only for a specific type of coffee drinker. If your daily routine involves a V60, AeroPress, or French press, you will be absolutely delighted. The grinder feels substantial and luxurious in the hand, the grinding action is remarkably fast and smooth, and the resulting coffee is clean, sweet, and balanced.
It’s a well-designed, high-performance hand grinder that successfully bridges the gap between entry-level models like the Timemore C3 and the ultra-premium tier occupied by brands like Comandante and 1Zpresso. However, this praise comes with one major caveat that we’ll explore in detail: its performance with espresso. For now, know that its strengths in build quality, grind consistency, and thoughtful features make it an easy recommendation for the vast majority of manual brewers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Flagship all-metal unibody construction | Does not grind fine enough for 9-bar espresso out of the box |
| Fast, smooth, and consistent grinding experience | External adjustment dial can be moved accidentally |
| Precise external point-to-point adjustment | Heavier than some other manual grinders |
| Patented spring-assisted foldable handle for portability | Screw-on catch cup instead of magnetic |
Why Trust Our Review? Our Testing Process
We tested the Timemore Chestnut S3 for two weeks, grinding for pour-over, AeroPress, and espresso with multiple roasts. We measured grind speed, consistency, and flavor impact to provide a comprehensive, unbiased evaluation.
To give you a truly honest Timemore S3 review, we believe in full transparency. We didn’t just read the spec sheet; we put this grinder through a rigorous, real-world testing gauntlet to see how it performs day-to-day. Our goal was to replicate the experience of a passionate home brewer to understand its strengths and, more importantly, its weaknesses.
Here is the exact testing protocol we followed:
- Unboxing & First Impressions: The moment the grinder arrived, we evaluated its packaging, materials, and overall build quality. We assessed the feel of the aluminum unibody, the action of the foldable handle, and the ergonomics of its grip and weight right out of the box.
- Grind Consistency Analysis: We ground 20g of medium roast Colombian beans at distinct settings for pour-over, French press, and its finest possible setting. We then laid the grounds out on a white surface to visually inspect for grind uniformity and the presence of excessive fines, which can lead to bitter, over-extracted coffee.
- Brew Method Testing: This was the core of our evaluation. We brewed multiple cups using a Hario V60 (pour-over), an AeroPress, and a French press. We used a light roast Ethiopian bean to test for flavor clarity and a medium roast Colombian to test for body and balance, taking detailed notes on sweetness, acidity, and overall cup quality.
- Espresso Gauntlet: We took the brand’s claims head-on. We attempted to dial in multiple shots on a standard 9-bar home espresso machine using the S3’s finest stock settings. To verify widespread community reports, we also tested a simple shim modification to see if it could achieve a true espresso-fine grind.
- Speed & Ergonomics Test: We timed how long it took to grind 20g of beans for a pour-over setting and 15g for the finest setting. During these tests, we paid close attention to the comfort of the handle, the stability of the grinder, and the overall physical effort required.
A Deep Dive into Timemore Chestnut S3’s Features & Performance
The Timemore S3 isn’t just an iterative update; it’s a significant leap forward in the brand’s lineup, incorporating features previously found only on much more expensive grinders. The combination of its new burr set, external adjustment mechanism, and premium construction creates a user experience that genuinely impresses. Let’s break down the key components that define its performance.
Standout Feature 1: External Point-to-Point Digital Adjustment
One of the most significant upgrades on the S3 is the move to an external adjustment dial. Inspired by the tactile feel of a vintage camera lens, this feature is a game-changer for usability. Gone are the days of unscrewing the catch cup and counting tiny clicks from a zero point. With the S3, switching between brew methods is effortless.
During our testing, moving from a V60 setting (around 5.0) to a French press setting (around 8.0) took mere seconds. This makes it incredibly practical for coffee lovers who enjoy experimenting with different brewing styles. The dial offers 90 distinct settings, with each click representing an ultra-fine adjustment of just 0.015mm. This level of precision gives you granular control over your grind size. While the mechanism is brilliant, as we’ll note in the cons, it could benefit from a slightly firmer, more definitive “click” to prevent it from being moved by accident during handling.
Standout Feature 2: The S2C 890 “Spike-to-Cut” Burrs
The engine of the Timemore S3 is its patented 42mm S2C 890 conical burr set. Forged from high-carbon SUS420 stainless steel, these burrs are engineered for exceptional grind uniformity. The “Spike-to-Cut” (S2C) philosophy is a two-stage process: sharp teeth first “spike” or crack the coffee beans into larger pieces before they are fed into the main cutting teeth for the final grind.
So, what does this mean for your coffee? In our tests, the result was a grind distribution with noticeably fewer fines (the powdery dust that causes bitterness) compared to more basic grinders. When brewing our light roast Ethiopian beans in a V60, this translated into an exceptionally clean, sweet, and vibrant cup. The balanced acidity and clear tasting notes shone through without any of the muddy or astringent flavors that can plague brews made with inconsistent grinds. These burrs are a major reason the S3 excels at producing high-clarity filter coffee.
The Great Debate: Espresso Performance
Let’s address the elephant in the room and a topic of hot debate on platforms like Reddit: Is the Timemore S3 good for espresso? Based on our extensive testing, the direct answer is no, it is not a dedicated espresso grinder out of the box.
At its very finest stock setting (0.5 on the dial), we were unable to produce a grind fine enough to choke our 9-bar espresso machine or pull a traditional shot. The result was consistently fast “turbo shots”—extractions that run in about 15-20 seconds at a lower pressure. While these shots can be sweet and enjoyable in their own right, they are not true espresso. We did confirm that adding a simple, thin plastic shim can get the burrs closer together, allowing for a finer grind. However, this is a DIY workaround, not an intended feature. For anyone serious about pulling 9-bar espresso, the S3’s single biggest limitation is its inability to perform this function as advertised without modification.
What I Liked (The Pros)
Key advantages of the Timemore Chestnut S3 include its premium all-metal build quality, fast grinding speed for manual brew, a clever foldable handle for portability, and its ability to produce exceptionally clean-tasting filter coffee.
- ✅ Incredible Build Quality: The first thing you notice is the heft and quality. The aluminum alloy unibody feels dense, solid, and precisely machined. It’s a product that feels like it should cost significantly more and is clearly built to last for years.
- ✅ Lightning-Fast for a Hand Grinder: Grinding for our morning pour-over was a breeze. We consistently timed grinding 20g of medium roast beans in about 25-27 seconds. This impressive speed makes the daily ritual quick and genuinely effortless, a huge plus over slower manual grinders.
- ✅ Genius Foldable Handle: The patented spring-assisted handle is more than a gimmick. It clicks into its grinding position with a satisfying snap and folds down securely for compact storage and travel. The addition of a small rubber dot on the handle to prevent it from scratching the body is a thoughtful touch that showcases Timemore’s attention to detail.
- ✅ Exceptional Filter Coffee: This is where the S3 truly shines. It consistently produced clean, sweet, and beautifully balanced cups with both our V60 and AeroPress tests. The S2C burrs do a fantastic job of minimizing fines, resulting in a flavor clarity that surpasses many other grinders in its price category.
What Could Be Better (The Cons)
The main drawbacks are its inability to grind fine enough for traditional espresso and an adjustment dial that can be accidentally moved. While not deal-breakers for pour-over users, potential buyers must be aware of these limitations.
- ❌ Not Suitable for True Espresso: This is the most significant downside and a potential deal-breaker. If you primarily drink espresso made on a 9-bar machine, you will be disappointed with the out-of-the-box performance. You should look for an alternative.
- ❌ Adjustment Ring Can Slip: While the external dial is a fantastic concept, its execution could be improved. The clicks between settings are a bit too soft, and we found that it could be accidentally nudged to a different setting during handling or when placing it on a countertop if we weren’t careful. A firmer, locking click would make it perfect.
- ❌ A Bit Heavy: At nearly 800 grams (1.7 lbs), the S3 has a reassuring sturdiness. However, this weight makes it less ideal for users seeking an ultralight grinder for backpacking or hiking compared to smaller, plastic-component grinders.
- ❌ Screw-On Catch Cup: This is a minor nitpick in an otherwise premium product. In a market where many high-end grinders feature convenient magnetic catch cups, the traditional screw-on mechanism feels slightly less convenient and a bit dated.
How Timemore Chestnut S3 Compares to the Competition
Compared to the Kingrinder K6, the Timemore S3 offers a more premium feel and superior pour-over flavor but fails at espresso where the K6 excels. The 1Zpresso K-Ultra surpasses both in performance and price.
No product exists in a vacuum. To understand the S3’s place in the market, it’s crucial to see how it stacks up against its main rivals, especially for different user needs.
| Feature | Timemore Chestnut S3 | Kingrinder K6 | 1Zpresso K-Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Use Case | Pour-Over & Manual Brew | Espresso & All-Rounder | Premium Espresso & Pour-Over |
| Adjustment System | External Digital Dial | External Click Dial | External Top Dial |
| Build & Feel | Premium, elegant, solid | Utilitarian, robust | Precision-machined, heavy |
| Espresso Viability | Poor (without mods) | Very Good | Excellent |
| Value Proposition | “Flagship” pour-over experience | Best value for espresso | Top-tier performance |
The takeaway from this comparison is clear: your personal brewing preference is the most important factor. The Timemore S3 is the winner for the user who values a premium aesthetic and top-tier pour-over quality. The Kingrinder K6 is the undisputed value champion for those who need a grinder that can capably handle both espresso and filter coffee. The 1Zpresso K-Ultra is the choice for those who want the best possible performance for all methods and are willing to pay a premium for it.
Is the Timemore Chestnut S3 a Good Value for the Money?
For its intended audience, the answer is a resounding yes. The Timemore S3 provides a user experience, build quality, and pour-over performance that genuinely feels like it belongs in a higher price bracket. When you hold it, use it, and taste the coffee it produces, it punches well above its weight. You are truly getting a “flagship experience at a mid-range price.”
The all-metal unibody construction, patented S2C burrs, and convenient external adjustment are features that add up to a product that is not only a pleasure to use but is also built for longevity. For the coffee enthusiast focused on manual brewing methods, the investment is easily justified by the significant jump in cup quality and daily usability.
However, this entire value proposition collapses if you are a dedicated espresso drinker. For that use case, the value is poor, as the grinder fails to perform a core advertised function without a DIY fix. In that scenario, the money is better spent on a grinder designed with espresso as a priority.
FAQs About the Timemore Chestnut S3
H3: Is the Timemore S3 really good for espresso?
No. Out of the box, it does not grind fine enough for traditional 9-bar espresso. It is best for pour-over, AeroPress, French press, and other manual brewing methods. Dedicated espresso drinkers should look at alternatives like the Kingrinder K6 or 1Zpresso models.
H3: What are the best grind settings for the Timemore S3?
Grind settings always depend on the specific coffee bean, but here are the starting points we used in our testing and found to be effective:
– Pour-Over (V60): 4.0 – 6.0 on the dial
– AeroPress: 3.0 – 5.0 on the dial
– French Press: 7.0 – 9.0 on the dial
– “Espresso” (Turbo Shots): 0.5 – 1.5 on the dial
H3: How does the Timemore S3 compare to the Timemore C3?
The S3 is a significant upgrade over the C3 in almost every way. It features a more premium full-metal unibody (the C3 has some plastic components), the far superior S2C 890 burrs for better flavor clarity and consistency, and the incredibly convenient external adjustment dial. The C3 is an excellent entry-level grinder, while the S3 represents a clear and worthwhile step up into the mid-range enthusiast category.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy the Timemore Chestnut S3?
After weeks of grinding, brewing, and tasting, our conclusion is very specific. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all grinder, but for the right person, it’s a near-perfect machine.
You should buy the Timemore Chestnut S3 if: You almost exclusively drink filter coffee (pour-over, AeroPress, French press) and want a grinder that delivers exceptional flavor clarity, a fast and smooth grinding experience, and a premium design that feels great to use every single day. If you value aesthetics and user experience as much as in-cup performance, the S3 is a home run.
You should NOT buy the Timemore Chestnut S3 if: Your primary brewing method is traditional 9-bar espresso. The inability to grind fine enough without modification is a deal-breaker. You would be much better served by a dedicated espresso-focused manual grinder like the Kingrinder K6 or investing more in a true all-rounder like the 1Zpresso K-Ultra.
For the pour-over perfectionist who appreciates beautiful design, the Timemore Chestnut S3 is one of the best values on the market today and earns our strong recommendation.
Last update on 2025-08-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
