Timemore C3 ESP Pro manual coffee grinder

Following the commercial success of the Timemore C2 and C3 series, Timemore has continued to demonstrate its commitment to listening to customer feedback and refining its products. In the first quarter of 2023, the company introduced the Timemore C3 ESP, a significant upgrade featuring a redesigned adjustment mechanism and burr set specifically developed for espresso enthusiasts.

The Timemore C3 ESP Pro shares the same grinding performance and internal components as the C3 ESP. The only difference is the handle design: the ESP Pro features a foldable crank handle, making it easier to store after use or pack into a backpack for travel, whereas the standard C3 ESP uses a fixed straight handle.

Upgraded S2C660 Six-Blade Burr Set

The C3 ESP Pro is equipped with a 38 mm S2C660 six-blade conical burr, manufactured from SUS660 stainless steel, a high-hardness material commonly used in premium mechanical components. Precision-machined using a 5-axis CNC process, the burr delivers exceptional sharpness and accuracy, allowing coffee beans to be ground significantly faster than with ceramic burrs or conventional steel burrs.

The innovative S2C (Spike-to-Cut) burr geometry also minimizes the production of fines. Instead of crushing beans, the six upper cutting teeth first slice the coffee beans into smaller fragments, allowing them to move efficiently through the grinding chamber before the lower cutting edges complete the grinding process. This results in improved particle uniformity and cleaner extractions.

Enhanced Build Quality

Another standout feature of the C3 ESP Pro is its unibody CNC-machined metal frame, crafted from a single block of metal. This construction provides exceptional durability, rigidity, and long-term stability.

Additional design improvements include:

• A smooth-finished grounds container engraved with the grinder model name
• A silicone anti-slip pad beneath the grounds cup for improved grip and surface protection
• Premium machining and finishing throughout the grinder body

Precision Adjustment System for Espresso

The most important upgrade—and the feature that truly defines the C3 ESP series—is its redesigned adjustment mechanism.

Unlike the standard C3, which requires users to count audible clicks, the C3 ESP Pro features a precision adjustment dial with 30 settings per revolution and an adjustment increment of approximately 0.0233 mm per step. This finer adjustment range allows users to dial in espresso with much greater accuracy and consistency.

Timemore has also simplified the adjustment process. Instead of counting clicks, users can simply refer to the numbered markings engraved on the adjustment dial, making grind-size adjustments faster and more intuitive.

How to Adjust Grind Settings on the C3 ESP Pro

To adjust the grind size:

1. Remove the grounds container.
2. Turn the grinder upside down.
3. Rotate the adjustment dial until the indicator aligns with the “0” mark at the 12 o’clock position.
4. From the zero position, rotate the dial to the desired setting according to your brewing method.

This numbered adjustment system provides a much more user-friendly experience and makes it easier to reproduce precise grind settings, especially for espresso brewing where small adjustments can have a significant impact on extraction quality.