Timemore has carved out a prominent position for itself in the global coffee accessories market, captivating coffee connoisseurs around the world. Fueled by a passion to elevate every coffee tasting experience, the brand distinguishes itself with its inventive collection of manual grinders, precision scales, and other indispensable tools. This range caters to the demands of both experienced baristas and coffee enthusiasts, ensuring a perfect brew every time.
The brand has truly excelled in the realm of slow extraction, a technique highly regarded for its capacity to draw out the most delicate of aromas. Today, we’re going to delve into the details of the Timemore Chestnut S3 coffee grinder, a shining example of this innovation. As the first of its kind from Timemore, it boasts an adjustable top setting, offering a grind of unparalleled precision, especially tailored for espresso. This review will serve as an opportunity to ascertain whether the Timemore S3 meets the high expectations set for it, and if it’s indeed the top pick for those on a quest for the perfect espresso grind.
Exploring the Features of the Timemore Chestnut S3 Mill
Meet the Timemore S3, a cutting-edge manual coffee grinder that promises to elevate your coffee grinding experience to new heights. Here are some of its standout features:
- All-metal body: the S3 features a metal unibody design, enhancing its durability and aesthetics.
- S2C890 steel wheels: These new wheels guarantee more uniform grinding.
- External adjustment: The S3 offers ultra-fine adjustment of 0.015 mm per notch.
- High-precision ball bearings: S3’s special bearings increase precision by 20% compared to standard bearings, with a tolerance reduced from 7 µm to 5 µm.
- Folding handle: The S3 is equipped with a patented spring-loaded handle which, when folded, prevents the mill from tipping over and facilitates storage.
What’s Inside the Box?
The Timemore S3 comes packed with these exciting items:
- Coffee grinder with retractable handle and container.
- Cleaning brush: For easy removal of coffee residues.
- Operator’s manual: Instructions for use, adjustment and maintenance of the mill.
- Protective packaging: To ensure the safety of the mill during transport.
Exploring the Design of the Timemore Chestnut S3
Exploring the Retractable Handle Feature
Timemore introduces a game-changer with its patented retractable handle. This compact yet ergonomic feature guarantees a comfortable grip. Enhanced with a metal stopper, this innovative retractable design not only maximizes storage space but also makes transporting the mill a breeze.
Let’s Talk About Adjustment Rings
The crowning glory of this mill is its unique “double adjustment system”. The primary knob, positioned on top, boasts 90 distinct notches, each offering a precise 0.015 mm adjustment. Adding to this, a secondary knob located below further expands the range of adjustments. However, Timemore has yet to disclose the exact spacing between these additional notches.
Exploring the Mill Body
The mill, crafted entirely from aluminium, offers a comfortable and secure hold. Its surface features engraved grooves, designed to enhance your grip and prevent any accidental slips while using the mill.
Discover the Excellence of the Timemore Chestnut S3 Grinding Wheel
Meet the Timemore Chestnut S3’s grinding wheel, a standout feature that’s crafted from S2C890 stainless steel. This top-tier material guarantees both durability and strength, promising you a grinding wheel that’s built to last. What sets it apart? It’s the largest conical grinding wheel in the manufacturer’s lineup, designed to grind your coffee beans faster and more efficiently.
Exploring the Container
The grinder’s body is seamlessly complemented by an aluminum container that screws on securely, ensuring no accidental spills or mishaps. Thoughtfully designed with a rubber base, it can be safely placed on your ground coffee without causing any harm to your countertop. The interior boasts a straight-edged design, simplifying the process of transferring your freshly ground coffee directly into the filter. It’s all about making your coffee brewing experience as smooth as possible.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Dismantling Your Timemore Chestnut S3
Disassembling this coffee grinder is a breeze! Just unscrew the lower knob to detach the central shaft and liberate the grinding wheel. After that, give the grinder a good clean using the brush we’ve provided. When you’re ready to put it back together, you can effortlessly revert to your original setting by simply twisting the knob to your preferred position. Enjoy your freshly ground coffee!
Exploring Cup Results with the Chestnut S3
All About Espresso
The outcomes I experienced with my espressos made using the S3 were truly remarkable. It appears that Timemore may have slightly miscalibrated the grinder spacing on the “zero” setting, which unfortunately makes it challenging to achieve a fine enough grind for espresso. Even when adjusted to the finest setting, my coffee, which was roasted just 12 days ago, tends to flow a bit too rapidly under a pressure that doesn’t exceed 4 bar, as demonstrated in the video below. This could be due to one of two potential reasons:
- Either the Timemore S3 is designed so that the grinding wheels, even at the zero setting, are spaced apart to prevent damage, but in this case, the spacing is excessive. I usually use 16 g of coffee for my espressos, and with other grinders such as the Timemore Chestnut X, Kingrinder K6, 1Zpresso J Ultra, C40 and others, I haven’t encountered any problems. For example, with the Kingrinder K6, I set the position to 35 for 16g of coffee. On the other hand, with the S3, even at the finest setting, the grind remains too coarse, leaving the only solution to increase the quantity of coffee to obtain an espresso. Even so, the adjustment margin remains too small. The S3 doesn’t seem ideal for espresso.
- Either the mill is defective. But from the exchanges I’ve had with Timemore on this subject, it doesn’t seem to be the case.
At first, I toyed with the idea of swapping my trusty Kingrinder K6 for the sleek Timemore Chestnut S3. However, after much thought, I’ve decided to stick with my current grinder.
This was a result I had not expected. I contacted Timemore for clarification and to determine whether or not there was a defect in my mill. Here’s a summary of our exchange:(click here to scroll down).
Mail text 1 :
Hello Timemore,
Hope you’re doing great! I’m reaching out to you after my latest acquisition – the Timemore S3 coffee grinder. I bought this with the aim of replacing my Kingrinder K6 and sharing my thoughts about it on my coffee-centric website.
I’m just putting the finishing touches on the article that’s due to be published soon, and I thought I’d share some preliminary insights with you. The Timemore S3, boasting a larger burr size and an innovative top adjustment feature, initially appeared to be quite promising. However, I’m sorry to report that it falls short when it comes to preparing espresso. The grinder’s zero setting results in an overly large gap between the burrs, which unfortunately compromises the quality of the grind.
At first, I had a hunch that the grinder I got could be faulty. But after running a series of tests, it seems the problem is actually rooted in the product’s design. This revelation is quite surprising and letdown, especially when I reflect on the high expectations I had initially.
Here’s some good news! The grinder works wonderfully with other brewing methods. I gave it a whirl with the V60 this morning and it didn’t disappoint. Plus, its user-friendly design and effortless operation deserve a round of applause.
However, I’ve noticed a slight hiccup with the grinder’s handle. It seems to have a bit of trouble retracting as it should, which makes me wonder about the thoroughness of the quality control process. Could you kindly shed some light on whether this is a one-off defect or a feature that’s common to this model?
Moreover, I’m eager to find out whether the grinder was intentionally crafted with these unique features, or if it diverges from the standard specifications we usually anticipate.
Should you wish to delve deeper into this topic, I’m more than happy to continue our discussion. I truly appreciate your time and consideration regarding this matter. Thank you!
I eagerly await your response. In the meantime, please accept my warmest regards from Timemore.
Warm Regards,
Mail text 2
Hello Thomas,
We truly appreciate your detailed feedback and your unwavering support for Timemore. Rest assured, we have taken note of all the pertinent information you’ve shared.
We understand the importance of your concerns and assure you that they will be addressed promptly after the sale. We’re also pleased to inform you that we’ve made significant enhancements based on the issue you highlighted.
We truly appreciate your cooperation and understanding. It means a lot to us!
Should you have any additional queries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help!
Wishing you a delightful day filled with joy and happiness!
Warmest regards,
Mail text 3
Hello Lucia,
At the moment, I’m putting the finishing touches on an in-depth piece about the Timemore Chestnut S3.
However, I’ve run into a bit of a snag. Despite adjusting the grinder to the finest setting, I’m finding it challenging to achieve a grind that’s just right for espresso preparation. This has got me wondering: is this a unique issue with the unit I have, or is it a trait shared by all grinders of this model?
Your feedback is incredibly important to me. It’s not just going to shape the content of my article, but it will also guide the advice I give to my readers. My goal is to deliver precise and trustworthy information, and gaining a deeper understanding of this topic will empower me to do just that.
I’d truly appreciate it if you could shed some light on this issue for me. If it’s required, I’m more than willing to try out a different model or welcome any further guidance on how to make the most of your product.
I appreciate your swift attention to this request. Please feel free to reach out if you need any additional information. I’m here to help!
Warm Regards,
Mail text 4
Hello Thomas,
I appreciate your response. I’ll be sure to get back to you by next Monday. Your patience is greatly valued. Thank you!
Warmest regards,
Lucia
Mail text 5
Hello Lucia, I’ve put together a video to give you a more comprehensive understanding of the issue at hand. The key segment to focus on starts between the 8th and 9th minute, specifically during the coffee extraction process. Feel free to watch the video at your convenience by clicking on the following link: Timemore Chestnut S3 espresso test (youtube.com). I hope this helps!
There seems to be a bit of a hiccup with the coffee grinder. When it’s set to 0, the lowest setting on both the top and bottom dials, it’s unable to make coffee. This issue appears to impact the quality and consistency of the coffee it produces. As a frequent user of your product, this is a bit worrisome for me.
I’m excited to share with you that I’m currently crafting an article on this very topic. The plan is to have it ready for publication by the middle of the week. However, before I put the finishing touches on my piece, I’d love to incorporate your insights or comments. This will help me ensure that the information I present is both accurate and balanced. Specifically, I’m curious to know if this issue is a common occurrence across all your grinders, or if it’s just an isolated incident.
I would truly appreciate your swift response. This will significantly aid me in providing the most honest and precise evaluation for my readers. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
I appreciate your time and consideration in reading this message. Eagerly awaiting your response.
Warm Regards,
Mail text 6
Hello Thomas,
We truly appreciate your patience. Thank you!
I’ve just attentively viewed the video you shared, and I can confirm that adjusting the grind size to 0 is perfectly acceptable.
For an optimal coffee experience, we suggest tweaking the weight of your coffee beans to between 18-20 grams. Give it a try and see the delightful difference it makes!
Should you have any queries or require further information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch! We’re here to help.
We truly appreciate your understanding on this matter.
Wishing you a delightful day!
Mail text 7
Hello and a very good morning to you!
I experimented with both 18g and 20g settings before deciding to return the coffee grinder to the seller. Regardless of the setting, I found it impossible to brew a decent espresso.
Regrettably, the issue seems to lie in the mill gap, which is too wide. This makes it impossible to achieve the perfect espresso grind.
I’m delighted to incorporate your insightful response into my article. Thank you for your valuable contribution!
Hello there! I hope you’re having a fantastic day.
Mail text 8
Hello Thomas,
Warm greetings to you this fine morning!
We would greatly appreciate it if you could share your video with us, showcasing the entire process of grinding 18g or 20g (similar to the one you previously sent us).
Let’s ensure we’ve got this right.
We truly appreciate your understanding on this matter.
Mail text 9
Hello there,
Just to clarify, I’m not an employee but a fellow customer who purchased the same grinder. Unfortunately, I encountered an issue with the grinder as it arrived with a defective crank. Although I didn’t mention this in my initial review, I do have video evidence to support my claim.
I’ve also penned an article on my blog discussing the reasons why this grinder might not be suitable for espresso. However, I’ve noticed that my queries have yet to be addressed. I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.
I just wanted to remind you that I’ve already returned the item to the seller I originally bought it from. Despite my best efforts, I wasn’t able to capture all my coffee-making adventures with it. And believe me, I’ve tried – but neither 18g nor 20g seems to be the magic number for brewing that perfect espresso. It simply didn’t work out.
Great! I’ll be incorporating your insightful responses directly into my article, maintaining their original essence.
Next, I’ll be taking the time to translate my article into English for my other coffee-themed blogs.
Mail text 10
Hello Thomas,
I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience that may have been caused.
We truly value your feedback. In fact, just this afternoon, we carried out a series of tests inspired by the scenarios you brought to our attention.
The S3 is primarily engineered for pour-over coffee, yet it also boasts compatibility with espresso preparation. It’s a versatile choice for your brewing needs.
I understand that you’re experiencing an issue with your grinder’s handle, specifically, it’s not retracting as it should. Let’s work together to resolve this problem.
It’s a bit tricky to fully grasp the situation from your video. If you have any additional videos that could shed more light on the matter, we’d be more than happy to take a look at them.
We genuinely look forward to addressing each and every concern you’ve brought to our attention.
We truly appreciate your support!
Mail text 11
Hello there,
If you’re curious about the issue I encountered with the crank, you can get a glimpse of it in this private, unlisted video (https://youtu.be/fCcNRx0b5iY?si=JraLJZeJL0s3NZv1). However, I didn’t mention this problem in the written review of the Timemore Chestnut S3 (Test du Timemore Chestnut S3, un résultat surprenant – CoffeeGeek) because I managed to resolve it independently.
Indeed, your coffee grinder is primarily designed for coffee beans. I’ll make sure to adjust my article to emphasize this point more clearly.
I wholeheartedly recommend that you consider developing a version of the S3 specifically designed for espresso. With all the fantastic elements you already have, you’re perfectly positioned to become the market leader.
Wishing you a wonderful day!
In summarizing my email conversations with Timemore, they’ve clarified that the S3 was primarily designed with pour-over coffee in mind. However, they also mentioned that it’s entirely feasible to use it for making espresso, provided you use a sufficient amount of coffee. From my personal experience and trials with espresso, it appears that around 10g of coffee is needed for the grinder to function optimally. To wrap up, it’s my belief that the S3’s grinder excels at coarser grinds, perfect for pour-over, but may fall a bit short when it comes to finer grinds needed for espresso. Additionally, I’ve noticed that the grinders are quite spaced out even at position 0, which could potentially result in under-extraction when brewing espresso.
Embracing Gentle Techniques
When it comes to milder brewing methods like the V60 or Chemex, the perfect grind size is somewhere between medium and medium-fine. This ensures a balanced extraction, preventing both under-extraction (which happens when the infusion process is too quick) and over-extraction (when the infusion takes too long). It’s also vital to have a uniform grind size to prevent the filter from getting clogged with ultra-fine particles, ensuring a consistent extraction of all those delicious aromas and flavors. For a deeper dive into this topic, feel free to check out my article on troubleshooting filtered coffee infusions.
Experience the perfect blend with the Timemore S3. Its precision and uniform grind make it the ideal choice for brewing mild coffee. Get ready to elevate your coffee preparation to new heights with this exceptional tool.
Wrapping Things Up
When I decided to swap my KINGrinder K6 for this new espresso grinder, I quickly discovered that it wasn’t quite up to the task. It’s possible that my S3 model was defective (I’ll update this review if that turns out to be the case), but as it stands, I can’t recommend this grinder for espresso brewing. Instead, I’d suggest considering models like the KINGrinder or 1Zpresso. However, for slower extraction methods such as the V60, AeroPress or French press, this grinder performs admirably, particularly due to its
Timemore presents the Chestnut S3, a grinder that beautifully marries aesthetics and ergonomics. Its excellent grip, tool-free disassembly, and stunning design make it a joy to use. However, it’s worth noting that it may not be the best choice for espresso lovers, as the gap between the grinding wheels is a bit too wide in the zero position. But fear not, if you’re a fan of gentler extraction methods like the V60, this grinder is perfectly suited for you and promises to deliver a superb cup of coffee.
The Bright Side
- Overall mill design
- Very good grip
- Cleverly designed retractable crank
- Pleasant to use
- Easily dismantled
- Grinding wheel for overlay
- Suitable for gentle methods
- Price
Areas for Improvement
- Not suitable for espresso
- The mill’s “zero” means the grinding wheels are too far apart
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