Timemore Chestnut Slim Plus: A Thorough Look at This Popular Hand Grinder

The Timemore Chestnut Slim Plus is the version of Timemore's Slim hand grinder that most people end up choosing once they've compared the full lineup. It improves on the original Slim with upgraded S2C burrs, better grind consistency, and the same slim profile that makes the Slim series so appealing for daily use and travel. If you've been weighing whether the "Plus" upgrade is worth it over the base Slim, the answer is yes for most people.

I'll cover the specifics of what sets the Slim Plus apart, how the grind quality compares to competitors, which brew methods it handles best, and who should consider it versus other options in the Timemore lineup.

What Makes It the "Plus"?

The Timemore Chestnut Slim and Slim Plus share the same body design, dimensions, and overall engineering approach. Both use the classic Slim profile: tall, narrow, with an ergonomic grip that fits in one hand.

The difference is the burr set. The Slim Plus uses Timemore's S2C stainless steel burrs with an improved cutting geometry. The S2C burrs were developed after extensive feedback from the coffee community about what the original Slim's burrs left on the table for grind uniformity and fines production.

In measurable terms, the S2C burrs in the Slim Plus produce fewer fines at filter coffee settings and a more uniform particle size distribution compared to the original Slim's burr design. This translates to cleaner cups with better flavor clarity, particularly for light roast coffees and pour-over methods where particle consistency matters most.

The Slim Plus also typically includes an updated inner burr carrier that improves alignment stability, reducing burr wobble during grinding for more consistent results shot to shot.

Build Quality and Design

The Slim Plus uses an aluminum alloy body (some versions come in titanium-coated aluminum) with a matte finish available in black, silver, and occasionally limited colorways. The build is premium for the price range of $85-110.

At roughly 26cm tall and a weight of around 280-300g without beans, it's portable without being as pocketable as the smaller Nano. It fits well in most travel bags, backpacks, and toiletry kits with room to spare.

The dual ball bearing shaft is one of the Slim Plus's defining engineering features. Cheap hand grinders use a single bearing or even just a rubber bushing, which allows the central shaft to wobble during grinding. Wobble means the burrs don't stay perfectly aligned, which creates uneven grinding and more fines. Dual bearings substantially eliminate this.

The grounds cup at the bottom screws on and off, holds 20-25g comfortably, and is sized appropriately for the typical single-serve doses people grind at home.

The adjustment dial at the bottom of the grinder uses a numbered scale with clicks at each increment. Adjustments are smooth and hold position reliably without drifting, which is more than you can say for some cheaper grinders where the adjustment loosens over time.

Grind Quality Across Brew Methods

Pour-Over and Filter

This is where the Slim Plus genuinely earns its reputation. For V60, Chemex, Kalita Wave, or any other filter method, the S2C burrs produce a grind that competes well above its price point.

In pour-over tests, you get a particle distribution with low fines and good uniformity from the medium-coarse settings. The cup is noticeably cleaner compared to what you'd get from a Hario Mini or budget conical hand grinder. For light to medium roast pour-overs, the cup clarity is impressive for a sub-$100 manual grinder.

Aeropress

Excellent. The wide range of usable settings covers everything from medium-fine for espresso-style Aeropress recipes to medium-coarse for bypass recipes. The Aeropress is forgiving of slight inconsistencies, which means the Slim Plus performs at the upper end of Aeropress grinders.

French Press and Immersion

Works well. Coarser settings (above 20 clicks for most beans) produce adequate particle size for French press and cold brew without excessive fines.

Espresso

This is where I need to be honest. The Slim Plus can grind fine enough to produce output that works in some portable espresso makers (Flair, Cafelat Robot) for travel purposes. It's not an espresso-first grinder, and it won't produce the level of grind consistency you need for optimal performance on a pressurized pump machine.

For travel espresso as an occasional thing, the Slim Plus does fine. For daily home espresso, invest in a dedicated electric espresso grinder.

Grinding Speed and Effort

Hand grinding with the Slim Plus is pleasant but requires time and some effort. The S2C burrs are efficient for their size, and the dual bearing design means grinding is smooth rather than feeling labored.

For a 15g dose at pour-over settings, expect 60-80 seconds of comfortable grinding. For a 20g dose, add about 20 seconds. The tall narrow body gives you a good grip with both hands, with one hand on the handle and the other steadying the body. Some people prefer to brace it against their hip or a table for stability.

Compared to the Nano, the Slim Plus has slightly more capacity and a marginally easier grip for larger doses. Compared to larger hand grinders like the 1Zpresso JX-Pro or Comandante C40, the Slim Plus requires more time per gram since its burr diameter is smaller.

Timemore Slim Plus vs. Other Timemore Grinders

vs. Timemore Chestnut Nano

The Nano is smaller, lighter, and more pocketable. Grind quality is close, with the Slim Plus having a slight edge for larger doses due to the bigger capacity. If maximum portability is the priority, the Nano wins. If you're splitting between travel and home use and want versatility, the Slim Plus is the better pick.

vs. Timemore C2 and C3

The C2 and C3 are Timemore's larger hand grinders with bigger burrs (40mm+) and higher capacity. They produce better grind consistency for larger doses and handle commercial-volume grinding more comfortably. The trade-off is size and weight. For home use where portability matters, the Slim Plus is the better balance. For a dedicated home grinder without portability requirements, the C3 S is worth considering.

Timemore Slim Plus vs. Competitors

vs. 1Zpresso Q2 S

The 1Zpresso Q2 S is the most direct competitor. Both are slim, portable, and use quality burrs in the same price range. 1Zpresso's burr geometry is slightly different, with some users preferring it for espresso-range grinds. For filter coffee, the two are very close. 1Zpresso tends to hold a slight premium in brand perception in the enthusiast community.

vs. Comandante C40

The Comandante C40 is in a different price tier at $200-250, but it's worth mentioning because many buyers are choosing between it and the Slim Plus as their first quality hand grinder. The Comandante is better: quieter, more consistent, better for light roast specialty coffee, and backed by a strong German manufacturer. But at 2-3x the price of the Slim Plus, the performance gap doesn't fully justify the cost difference for most people.

For a broader view of what's available in hand and electric options, the best coffee grinder roundup covers the field. If you want to see how manual grinders compare against each other specifically, the top coffee grinder guide is worth a read.

Who Should Buy the Timemore Chestnut Slim Plus?

You're a good fit for the Slim Plus if you primarily brew pour-over or Aeropress, want a portable grinder for travel or office use, and are willing to spend 60-90 seconds grinding per cup. The performance for filter coffee in the $85-110 price range is genuinely hard to beat.

You might want to look elsewhere if you need espresso capability (look at the 1Zpresso J-Ultra or JX-Pro), want faster grinding with less effort (look at an electric grinder), or are only ever brewing at home where portability doesn't matter (in which case a $150 electric grinder will serve you better for daily use).

FAQ

Is the Timemore Chestnut Slim Plus worth the upgrade over the base Slim? Yes, in most cases. The S2C burrs in the Slim Plus produce noticeably better grind consistency for filter coffee compared to the original Slim's burrs. If you're buying new, the Plus is the right choice unless the price difference is a significant concern.

How many grams can you grind in the Slim Plus? The grounds cup holds around 20-25g comfortably. You can grind up to 35g if you empty the cup halfway through, but that interrupts the workflow. Most users stick to 15-20g per session, which is ideal for a single large pour-over or two small cups.

Does the Timemore Slim Plus handle medium and dark roasts as well as light roasts? Yes. The grind quality at filter settings is good for all roast levels. Light roasts are where the improved particle consistency makes the most noticeable difference in cup flavor, but the Slim Plus performs well across the full roast spectrum.

What's the best grind setting for pour-over on the Slim Plus? This varies by bean, water temperature, and recipe, but most users start around 16-22 clicks from zero for a standard V60 pour-over and adjust from there. Finer for lighter roasts or if the cup tastes weak; coarser if the cup tastes bitter.

Final Thoughts

The Timemore Chestnut Slim Plus is one of the most compelling hand grinders you can buy for under $100. The S2C burrs, dual ball bearings, and premium aluminum build deliver cup quality that most people with cheaper grinders will find genuinely surprising.

If you brew pour-over or Aeropress and want a grinder that travels well without sacrificing too much on quality, the Slim Plus is a smart buy. Start around 18 clicks for pour-over, adjust based on taste, and give it a week to learn your ideal settings. Most people find it becomes a reliable part of their morning routine quickly.