C2 Timemore: A Hand Grinder That Punches Way Above Its Price
The Timemore C2 is one of the best entry-level hand grinders you can buy, and it costs around $60 to $70. If you're wondering whether it's worth the hype, the short answer is yes. It grinds faster than most manual grinders in its price range, produces reasonably consistent particle sizes, and feels solid in your hand. For pour-over, AeroPress, and French press brewing, it does an excellent job.
I've been using the C2 as my travel grinder for over a year now, and it's replaced grinders that cost twice as much in my go-bag. In this review, I'll break down exactly what makes it tick, where it falls short, and who should consider spending a bit more on the upgraded C2 Max or C3 instead.
Build Quality and Design
The C2 has an aluminum body with a matte finish that feels premium for the price. It weighs about 430 grams, which is light enough to toss in a backpack without a second thought. The body is slim and fits comfortably in one hand while grinding.
Timemore uses a dual-bearing stabilization system on the shaft. This matters because it keeps the burrs aligned during grinding, which directly affects consistency. Cheaper grinders with single bearings tend to wobble, and you can feel the difference immediately.
What's in the Box
You get the grinder body, a stainless steel burr set, a silicone lid, a carrying pouch, and a cleaning brush. The pouch is decent but nothing special. I ended up using a small padded case instead for better protection during travel.
The silicone lid fits snugly over the top opening and keeps beans from bouncing out while grinding. It's a small detail, but anyone who's had beans fly out of a Hario Skerton knows how much this matters.
Grind Quality and Consistency
The C2 uses stainless steel conical burrs with a pentagonal design. Timemore claims this shape reduces fines compared to traditional burr geometry, and from what I've seen, that checks out. For medium and coarse grinds, the consistency is impressive at this price point.
I've compared it side by side with the Hario Skerton Pro and the JavaPresse manual grinder. The C2 produces noticeably fewer fines and boulders at every setting. The difference in the cup is clear: cleaner pour-overs with better clarity.
Where It Struggles
Fine grinding for espresso is not the C2's strength. You can get it into the espresso range, but the step adjustments are too coarse for proper dialing in. If you need espresso capability, look at the C2 Max, which has finer click adjustments, or consider stepping up to a 1Zpresso JX-Pro.
For anything coarser than espresso, though, the C2 handles it well. I use it mostly at 18 to 22 clicks for V60 pour-over and around 26 to 28 clicks for French press.
Grinding Speed
This is where the C2 really shines compared to budget competitors. I can grind 20 grams of medium-roast beans in about 45 to 50 seconds for a pour-over setting. That's roughly twice as fast as a Hario Skerton and about 30% faster than a Porlex Mini.
The reason is the burr size. The C2 uses 38mm burrs, while most competitors in this range use 30mm to 35mm. Larger burrs move more coffee per rotation, so you spend less time cranking.
Light roasts take longer, obviously. Expect closer to 60 to 70 seconds for 20 grams of a dense Ethiopian single origin. But that's still fast for a hand grinder under $70.
Grind Adjustment System
The C2 uses a stepped adjustment dial at the bottom of the burr assembly. You remove the catch cup, turn the inner dial, and each click changes the grind size by one step. There are roughly 36 clicks from finest to coarsest.
The system works well for filter coffee. Each click makes a noticeable difference in your brew. But as I mentioned, the steps are too large for espresso fine-tuning. If you're purely a filter brewer, this won't be an issue.
Setting Reference Points
Here are the settings I use most often:
- AeroPress: 12 to 14 clicks
- V60 pour-over: 18 to 22 clicks
- Chemex: 20 to 24 clicks
- French press: 26 to 30 clicks
Your ideal setting will depend on your beans, dose, and personal taste. I'd recommend starting in the middle of each range and adjusting from there.
Who Should Buy the C2 (And Who Shouldn't)
The C2 is perfect if you brew filter coffee at home and want a significant upgrade from a blade grinder or a cheap ceramic burr grinder. It's also a great travel companion. If you're just getting into specialty coffee and don't want to spend $150 or more on a grinder, this is where I'd start.
You can find it alongside other strong options in our best coffee grinder roundup.
Skip the C2 if you need espresso grinding. You'll be frustrated by the stepped adjustments. Also skip it if you brew for more than two people regularly, because hand-grinding 40+ grams gets tiring fast. In that case, an electric burr grinder is the better move. Check our top coffee grinder picks for electric options.
C2 vs. C2 Max vs. C3
Timemore has expanded the lineup, which can be confusing. The C2 Max adds finer click adjustments (making it better for espresso) and a slightly larger capacity. The C3 adds an external adjustment dial, so you don't need to remove the catch cup. For pure filter brewing, the original C2 is still the best value.
FAQ
Is the Timemore C2 good for espresso?
Not really. It can grind fine enough, but the step adjustments are too large to dial in espresso properly. Small changes in grind size make a big difference for espresso, and the C2's clicks are too far apart. The C2 Max or a 1Zpresso JX-Pro are better choices for espresso.
How long do the burrs last on a Timemore C2?
With normal home use of 20 to 30 grams per day, the stainless steel burrs should last several years before you notice any degradation. Some users report 3 to 5 years of daily use with no issues. You'll know it's time when grinding takes significantly longer or the grind consistency drops.
Can I wash the Timemore C2 with water?
Timemore recommends dry cleaning only. Use the included brush to remove grounds from the burrs and chamber. Water can cause the bearings to rust over time. If you need a deeper clean, disassemble the burr set and brush each piece individually. Some people use a quick blast of compressed air for stuck fines.
How does the C2 compare to the 1Zpresso Q2?
The 1Zpresso Q2 is more compact and slightly better for espresso grinding, but the C2 grinds faster for filter settings and has a larger capacity (about 25 grams vs. 20 grams). For travel pour-over, I prefer the C2. For a versatile travel grinder that also does espresso, the Q2 edges ahead.
The Bottom Line
The Timemore C2 delivers grind quality that used to cost $120 or more in a hand grinder, and it does it for about $65. It's fast, consistent for filter brewing, and built well enough to last years. If you brew pour-over, AeroPress, or French press, it's one of the smartest purchases you can make in coffee gear. Just don't buy it expecting great espresso results.