Timemore Chestnut S3 Review: Precision Grinding for Filter Coffee Enthusiasts

Timemore Chestnut S3 Review: Precision Grinding for Filter Coffee Enthusiasts

The Timemore Chestnut S3 is a premium manual coffee grinder designed for those who appreciate precision and consistency in their brewing process. With its sleek design, advanced burr set, and user-friendly features, the S3 aims to elevate your coffee experience, particularly for pour-over and other filter methods.


Unboxing the Timemore Chestnut S3

Upon opening the box, you’re greeted with a well-thought-out package that includes:

  • A fabric carrying bag, ideal for travel.
  • A cleaning brush to maintain the grinder’s performance.
  • A foldable handle with grind setting tips printed on the inside—a thoughtful touch.
  • The grinder itself, showcasing a robust and elegant design.

The initial impression is one of quality and attention to detail, setting the stage for a promising grinding experience.


Design & Build Quality

Crafted entirely from aluminum, the S3 boasts a full-metal unibody construction that exudes durability and sophistication. The fluted texture on the sides enhances grip, ensuring stability during grinding. The foldable handle, which locks into place magnetically, adds to the grinder’s portability and convenience.

The external adjustment ring, inspired by vintage camera lenses, allows for precise grind size adjustments without the need to disassemble the grinder. With 90 distinct clicks, each representing a 15-micron change, you have granular control over your grind settings.


Grinding Performance

Pour-Over and Filter Brewing

The S3 truly shines when it comes to pour-over and other filter brewing methods. The S2C890 burr set, made from high-carbon SUS420 stainless steel, delivers consistent grind sizes with minimal fines. This results in clean, well-balanced cups with excellent flavor clarity. Whether you’re using a V60, Chemex, or AeroPress, the S3 provides the precision needed for optimal extraction.

Espresso Brewing

While the S3 can technically grind fine enough for espresso, it’s not its forte. Users (me included) have reported challenges in dialing in espresso shots, often requiring adjustments at the extreme end of the grind range. If espresso is your primary brewing method, you might want to consider grinders specifically designed for that purpose.


User Experience

Grinding with the S3 is a smooth and efficient process. The catch cup ensures a secure fit, eliminating wobble and making the workflow seamless. The grinder’s design allows for easy disassembly without tools, simplifying cleaning and maintenance.

The foldable handle not only enhances portability but also contributes to the grinder’s stability during use. However, some users have noted that the grinder’s circumference might be a bit large for those with smaller hands.


Price & Value

Priced between €130–€150, the Timemore Chestnut S3 offers excellent value for its build quality and performance. It sits comfortably between entry-level grinders and high-end models, providing a premium experience without the hefty price tag.


Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Exceptional build quality with a full-metal body.
  • Precise external grind adjustment with 90 clicks.
  • Advanced S2C890 burrs for consistent grind sizes.
  • Foldable handle for enhanced portability.
  • Easy disassembly for cleaning.

Cons:

  • Not ideal for regular espresso brewing.
  • Slightly larger circumference may not suit all users.

Final Thoughts

The Timemore Chestnut S3 stands out as a top-tier manual grinder for pour-over and filter coffee enthusiasts. Its combination of precision, build quality, and thoughtful design makes it a worthy investment for those seeking to enhance their brewing experience. While it may not be the best fit for espresso aficionados, it excels in delivering consistent and flavorful cups for other brewing methods.


Where to Buy

Ready to elevate your coffee game with the Timemore Chestnut S3? Use this link to get 10% off Timemore products: https://timemoreeu.com/Luke_Makes_Coffee10 – treat yourself to better brewing!