TIMEMORE Chestnut S3 Hand Grinder Review

A Premium Hand Grinder Without the Premium Price

The TIMEMORE Chestnut S3 is a hand grinder that punches well above its weight class. Designed for precision and consistency, it features an innovative burr system, a sleek yet functional build, and an overall experience that feels premium without breaking the bank. But how does it hold up in real-world use? Let’s break it down.

Features of the Chestnut S3 Hand Grinder

The Chestnut S3 is a step up from TIMEMORE’s previous models, introducing new design elements and improvements aimed at making hand grinding more efficient and enjoyable. Here’s what sets it apart:

What’s in the Box

TIMEMORE keeps things simple yet premium with its packaging. Inside the box, you’ll find:

• TIMEMORE Chestnut S3 grinder
• Cleaning brush
• Storage pouch
• User manual

The Burrs and Grind Range on the Chestnut S3 Hand Grinder

One of the standout features of the Chestnut S3 is its S2C (Spike-to-Cut) 860 burrs, which are a high-performance version of TIMEMORE’s signature burr design. These 42mm stainless steel burrs are engineered to first “spike” the beans before cutting them, leading to more uniform grinds and improved extraction.

Grind Range and Performance:

• Espresso: Technically possible, but dialing it in can be a bit tricky and tedious.
• Pour-over: Excellent consistency for all pour over grind sizes.
• French Press & Cold Brew: Produces uniform, chunky grinds with minimal fines.

The external adjustment dial allows for 10 micro-adjustments per larger number, giving precise control over the grind size. 

What I Love About the Chestnut S3 Grinder

• High-End Experience at a Mid-Tier Price – The Chestnut S3 delivers grind consistency and build quality that rivals more expensive hand grinders. It feels premium in your hand and performs at a level that makes it a worthwhile investment for coffee enthusiasts who want great results without costing the amount of many more expensive hand grinders.
• Good Grip & Ergonomics – The textured aluminum body provides a secure grip, ensuring a comfortable and controlled grinding experience. Even during longer grinding sessions for larger brews, the design makes it easy to maintain a steady motion without slipping.
• Well-Designed Burr System – The S2C 860 burrs not only enhance grind uniformity but also contribute to a cleaner, more balanced cup profile. The spike-to-cut design reduces fines and improves extraction, making a noticeable difference in flavor clarity.
• Premium Build Materials – Constructed with a durable aluminum alloy body and high-quality stainless steel burrs, the Chestnut S3 feels solid and well-engineered. Given the feel of the product and the materials used, it appears it should have some good longevity even with regular use.
• External Adjustment – Unlike some manual grinders that require disassembly to change grind settings, the external adjustment dial on the Chestnut S3 makes it effortless to fine-tune the grind size. The mechanism is smooth and precise, making it a standout feature for those who frequently switch between brew methods.
• Foldable Handle – The foldable handle is more than just a space-saving feature—it also improves portability, making the grinder an excellent travel companion. Whether packing it in a suitcase or storing it in a compact kitchen setup, the folding mechanism adds a layer of convenience without compromising stability.
• Small Thoughtful Design Decisions – In addition to the more obvious design choices like the foldable handle and product ergonomics, I have noticed and appreciated a variety of smaller thoughtful design decisions. A few of these include:
  • Grind adjustment sizing and grind recommendations under the handle lid.
  • The catch container at the bottom of the grinder has a rubber base to keep it from slipping and to protect any work surfaces.
  • Audible click noise as you move the adjustment ring to make it clear as you make adjustments.

What Is Lacking in the Chestnut S3 Grinder

While the Chestnut S3 is an impressive grinder, it does have some limitations:

• Not Ideal for Espresso – While it can grind fine enough, I found it harder to dial in espresso shots even with the micro-adjustments it allows for. Grinding for espresso with a hand grinder is also a bit rough given the time it takes to grind at the finer grind sizes.
• UX limitations – There are a few things about the design and user experience of the grinder that I don’t love including:
  • The handle is a bit sticky on the central shaft. While this likely helps prevent it from coming off while grinding, it does make it a bit difficult to get on and off the grinder when adding beans to the hopper.
  • The bean chamber is tall, but fairly narrow, so you have to be intentional about pouring your beans into the hopper to avoid spills.

Overall Thoughts

The TIMEMORE Chestnut S3 is a fantastic choice for coffee lovers who prioritize pour-over, French press, or drip brewing. Its build quality, burr performance, and thoughtful design make it a compelling option in the mid-tier hand grinder market. However, espresso enthusiasts may find themselves a bit disappointed.

Who Should Buy the TIMEMORE Chestnut S3?

• Pour-over and French press aficionados looking for a high-quality hand grinder.
• Coffee drinkers who value precision but don’t want to spend a fortune.
• Travelers or minimalists who appreciate the foldable handle and compact design.

Conclusion

The TIMEMORE Chestnut S3 proves you don’t need to spend top dollar to get a premium hand-grinding experience. While it isn’t perfect for espresso, its strengths in build quality, grind consistency, and thoughtful features make it an easy recommendation for most manual brewing methods. If you’re in the market for a stylish, high-performing grinder at a reasonable price, the Chestnut S3 is hard to beat.