📝 Timemore Chestnut C3 Pro Manual Coffee Grinder Review
Timemore’s Chestnut C3 Pro promises to bring pro-level grind consistency into a compact, travel-friendly form. It’s an evolution of the brand’s popular C2 grinder — now featuring upgraded burrs, improved bearings, and a foldable handle for convenience.
We tested it both at home and on the road to see if this compact grinder can truly deliver precision performance anywhere you brew.
⚙️ Design & Build
The C3 Pro keeps Timemore’s signature minimalist style but introduces practical upgrades for travelers.
Dimensions: 14.7 cm (H) × 5.2 cm (W)
Weight: ~430 g
Materials: Aluminum alloy body, stainless-steel conical burrs, foldable steel crank handle.
Its S2C stainless burrs (same core design as the C2, with better cutting precision) offer excellent grind uniformity. The aluminum body feels solid yet light, and the foldable handle clicks neatly into place for storage — a thoughtful design for mobile brewers.
⚙️ Brewing Experience / Performance
Grind performance is where the C3 Pro shines for its class.
Across pour-over, AeroPress, and even fine espresso ranges, grind size adjustments are smooth and consistent.
Espresso (16–18 clicks): Balanced extraction, good crema.
Pour-over (22–28 clicks): Excellent clarity and sweetness.
French Press (30+ clicks): Coarse and even with minimal fines.
The dual-bearing design ensures stable rotation, reducing wobble and effort. Grinding 18 g of beans takes about 45 seconds — impressive for a compact manual grinder.
🎒 Portability & Ease of Use
At just over 400 g, the C3 Pro feels perfectly balanced between portability and performance.
It fits comfortably into most travel kits or AeroPress Go cases.
The folding handle is a standout — secure in use and compact in storage.
Cleaning is easy: the burr set can be removed without tools, and Timemore provides a cleaning brush.
For those who travel often but still want fine control over grind, the C3 Pro is an ideal middle ground.
☕Taste & Comparison Note
Compared to the 1Zpresso J-Ultra, the C3 Pro is lighter and more compact, though slightly less refined in micro-adjustment for espresso.
Versus budget grinders like the Wancle Flat Burr, the Timemore delivers far superior grind uniformity and tactile feel.
In short — it’s the sweet spot between affordability, precision, and portability.
✅ Pros
✅Excellent grind consistency for the price
✅Lightweight and compact — ideal for travel
✅Smooth, stable grind motion with dual bearings
✅Foldable handle saves space
✅Durable all-metal construction
❌ Cons
❌Slightly slower grinding speed vs. J-Ultra
❌Limited micro-adjustments for espresso perfectionists
❌No carry case included
👌 Ideal For
Travelers and digital nomads brewing pour-over or AeroPress
Coffee lovers upgrading from entry-level grinders
Those who want premium grind results without heavy weight
⭐ Social Proof
⭐ 4.7 / 5 (5,000+ verified reviews)
“Perfect travel grinder — compact, smooth, and consistent.” — Verified Buyer
“Quality build, great results for AeroPress and pour-over.” — Amazon Review
“I replaced my C2 with this — major upgrade in grind feel.” — Coffee Forum User
❓ FAQ
Q: Can the C3 Pro grind fine enough for espresso?
Yes — though it’s best suited for medium-fine settings. It can pull solid shots with devices like the Flair Neo or OutIn Nano.
Q: How does it differ from the C2?
The C3 Pro includes upgraded burrs (S2C), smoother bearings, and a foldable handle — making it a better all-round travel grinder.
Q: Is it worth upgrading from C2?
If you brew daily and travel often, definitely. The smoother grind feel and burr performance make it worth the extra cost.
🎯 Verdict
The Timemore Chestnut C3 Pro delivers professional-level grind quality in a compact, beautifully machined package.
It’s not as micro-precise as high-end grinders like the J-Ultra, but it hits the perfect middle ground between portability, performance, and price.
If you want a reliable travel grinder that feels premium and performs consistently, the C3 Pro deserves a permanent spot in your brew kit.