Timemore Chestnut C5 – hand coffee grinder with 42 mm S2C burr set
A few calm turns of the crank, an even grind in the catch cup – and more clarity and sweetness in the cup. The C5 is made for anyone chasing reproducibility, cup after cup.
Timemore has been working on precision burr sets since 2012. The patented S2C technology (Spike to Cut) first scores the bean and then cuts it, instead of crushing it – that results in less breakage, fewer fines, and a tighter particle distribution. Coffee Coaching Club carries Timemore in Switzerland.
What the C5 delivers technically
At the heart of it are the 42 mm S2C-042-III stainless steel burrs – 19 percent larger than the 38 mm burrs of the previous C3 generation. The larger diameter creates a roughly 16 percent longer grind path and, according to Timemore, about 5 percent tighter particle distribution. In practice, that 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 variant works with 0.015 millimeters per step. The numbered steps make it easy to return to a recipe that works. The all-metal aluminum housing (⌀ 53 mm) with a textured surface sits securely in the hand, and dual-axis bearings on the central axle keep the grind low in vibration and smooth-running.
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 |
| Catch cup capacity |
ca. 30 g |
| Housing |
All-metal unibody, aluminum, ⌀ 53 mm |
| Bearings |
Dual-Axis High Precision Bearings |
| Weight |
ca. 640 g |
| Dimensions |
159 × 53 × 163,5 mm |
| Suited for |
Espresso, pour over, French press, moka, cold brew |
Why larger burrs taste different
The jump from 38 to 42 millimeters sounds small, but it has a direct effect on the cup. At the same RPM, larger burrs produce a more homogeneous particle distribution with fewer fines under 100 microns. That matters for taste, because fines extract disproportionately fast: in the first few seconds, bitter phenolic compounds already dissolve, before the desirable sugars and aromas are fully released from the larger particles. Fewer fines mean less bitterness as background noise, more clarity, and a natural sweetness – noticeable especially with light roasts.
Who it's for
For anyone who grinds by hand and wants an even, reproducible grind for espresso as well as filter. In the showrooms, you can experience the C5 live and see other grinders alongside it – for example from our Timemore grinders, the hand grinders or the Varia coffee grinders.
Order directly online
Delivery across Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2 to 4 business days. Click and collect in Bern, Gerberngasse 44 or Zurich, Hagenholzstrasse 50b – there you can experience the grinder live. Questions about the grinder or your setup: [email protected] or by phone during business hours.
What goes with it
For hand-pulled espresso, a lever machine from our Flair-Espresso Collection, and for filter, a hand dripper from our Hario Collection or the Aeropress. A scale rounds out the workflow – affordable, from the Normcore range or with an app, from the Acaia Collection. To go with it, fresh beans like Cozy Chocolate or Nutty Delight.
Frequently asked questions
What is the S2C burr system?
S2C stands for Spike to Cut: the bean is first scored and then cut, instead of crushed. That results in less breakage, fewer fines, and a tighter particle distribution than with conventional conical burrs.
What's the difference between the C5 Pro and the C5 ESP Pro?
In the click pitch: the C5 Pro adjusts in steps of 0.031 millimeters and works well for pour over and all-round use. The C5 ESP Pro works finer, with 0.015 millimeters per step, and is designed for espresso.
Is it suited for espresso?
Yes. The C5 covers everything from espresso to French press; for especially fine espresso settings, the ESP Pro adjustment with 0.015 millimeters per step has the edge.
Can I see it before buying?
Of course. In Bern and Zurich Oerlikon, you can experience the grinder live.
Roastery tip
The C5's clean grind really brings out dense, chocolatey-nutty profiles – reach for Cozy Chocolate or Nutty Delight, with 1:2 as a starting point for espresso. For a fruity pour over, Wild Peach is a great fit. That's our recommendation, one of many.
