Timemore Chestnut C5 – Hand Coffee Grinder with 42mm S2C Grinding Mechanism
A few quiet turns of the crank, a consistent grind in the catch cup – and more clarity and sweetness in your cup. The C5 is made for those who seek reproducibility, cup after cup.
Timemore has been working on precise grinding mechanisms since 2012. The patented S2C (Spike to Cut) technology first scores the bean and then cuts it, instead of crushing it – this results in less breakage, fewer fines, and a narrower particle distribution. Coffee Coaching Club distributes Timemore in Switzerland.
What the C5 offers technically
At its heart are the 42mm S2C-042-III stainless steel burrs – 19 percent larger than the 38mm burrs of the previous C3 generation. The larger diameter creates an approximately 16 percent longer grinding path and, according to Timemore, an approximately 5 percent narrower particle distribution. In practice, this means clearer, sweeter cups with less unwanted bitterness.
The adjustment offers 48 numbered steps with a click pitch of 0.031 millimeters (C5 Pro); the ESP-Pro version works with 0.015 millimeters per step. The numbered steps make it easy to return to a working recipe. The all-metal aluminum body (⌀ 53 mm) with a textured surface is comfortable to grip, while dual-axis bearings on the central shaft ensure smooth, low-vibration operation.
At a glance
| Burrs |
42 mm S2C-042-III, conical, stainless steel (patented) |
| Adjustment steps |
48 (numbered, with click feedback) |
| Click pitch C5 Pro |
0.031 mm per step |
| Click pitch C5 ESP Pro |
0.015 mm per step |
| Capacity |
approx. 30 g |
| Housing |
All-metal unibody, aluminum, ⌀ 53 mm |
| Bearings |
Dual-Axis High Precision Bearings |
| Weight |
approx. 640 g |
| Dimensions |
159 × 53 × 163.5 mm |
| Suitable for |
Espresso, Pour-Over, French Press, Moka, Cold Brew |
Why larger burrs taste different
The jump from 38 to 42 millimeters may sound small, but it directly affects the cup. Larger burrs, at the same rotational speed, produce a more homogeneous particle distribution with fewer fines below 100 micrometers. This is taste-relevant because fines extract disproportionately quickly: In the first few seconds, bitter phenolic compounds are already dissolved, before the desirable sugars and aromas are fully extracted from the larger particles. Fewer fines mean less bitterness as background noise, more clarity, and a natural sweetness – particularly noticeable in light roasts.
Who it's for
For anyone who grinds by hand and wants a consistent, reproducible grind for espresso and filter coffee. In the showrooms, you can compare the C5 directly with other grinders – for example, from our Timemore grinders, hand grinders, or Varia coffee grinders.
Order directly online
Delivery throughout Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2 to 4 working days. Click and Collect in Bern, Gerberngasse 44 or Zurich, Hagenholzstrasse 50b – there you can experience the grinder live. Questions about the grinder or setup: office@coffeecoachingclub.ch or by phone during business hours.
What goes with it
For manual espresso, a lever machine from the Flair Espresso collection is suitable; for filter coffee, a hand filter from the Hario collection or the Aeropress. A scale completes the workflow – affordable from the Normcore range or with an app from the Acaia collection. Plus fresh beans like Cozy Chocolate or Nutty Delight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the S2C grinding mechanism?
S2C stands for Spike to Cut: The bean is first scored and then cut, instead of crushed. This results in less breakage, fewer fines, and a narrower particle distribution than with conventional conical burr grinders.
What is the difference between C5 Pro and C5 ESP Pro?
In the click pitch: The C5 Pro adjusts in steps of 0.031 millimeters and is well suited for pour-over and all-round use. The C5 ESP Pro works more finely with 0.015 millimeters per step and is designed for espresso.
Is it suitable for espresso?
Yes. The C5 covers espresso to French Press; for particularly fine espresso settings, the ESP-Pro adjustment with 0.015 millimeters per step is advantageous.
Can I see it before buying?
Certainly. In Bern and Zurich Oerlikon, you can experience the grinder live. Bringing your own beans is welcome.
Roaster's Tip
The clean grind of the C5 beautifully brings out dense, chocolatey-nutty profiles – try Cozy Chocolate or Nutty Delight, 1:2 as a starting point for espresso. For a fruity pour-over, Wild Peach is a good match. This is our recommendation, one of many.
