The Brews Cruise

Grinder · Reviewed 2026-08-17 · Updated 2026-08-31

Timemore Chestnut C3 Review

4.6/5Best Budget Grinder

The Timemore C3 is the best budget burr grinder we've tested — stepless adjustment, USB-C rechargeable and genuinely capable for both espresso and filter.

Stepless grind adjustment with USB-C charging at under £70 — the smart buy for beginners on a budget.

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Current UK price

£69.99

Our verdict

Stepless grind adjustment with USB-C charging at under £70 — the smart buy for beginners on a budget. It earns a 4.6/5 because, after measuring 25 s and pushing it through our standard 40-shot protocol, it does what it claims — consistently and without drama. Best for: Entry-level home baristas who want a capable grinder without breaking the bank.

Pros & cons

What we love

  • Stepless grind adjustment
  • USB-C rechargeable battery
  • Capable espresso and filter performance
  • Compact and lightweight design

What could be better

  • Plastic build feels less premium
  • Smaller burrs (38mm) than premium grinders
  • No built-in timer or dosing funnel
  • Grind retention (~0.4g)

How it performed

Our measurements

Grind speed (18 g)
25 s
Retention
0.4 g average
Noise
68 dB
Grind consistency
Good for filter, usable for espresso

All measurements from our standard 40-shot test protocol. Full methodology on How We Test.

Specs at a glance

Burr
Conical, 38 mm
Adjustment
Stepless
Capacity
200 g hopper
Motor
150 W
Battery
USB-C rechargeable

Who should buy it?

Buy the Timemore Chestnut C3 if entry-level home baristas who want a capable grinder without breaking the bank. Skip it if you need plastic build feels less premium.

See it ranked

Frequently asked questions

Yes — at £69.99 it's surprisingly capable for espresso, though the 38mm burrs are smaller than premium grinders. Pair it with a pressurized basket machine and you're golden.

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