Timemore Go Grinder: Tiny, Affordable, and Surprisingly Capable

The Timemore Go is the smallest and cheapest grinder in Timemore's lineup, designed specifically for people who want a genuine burr grinder they can throw in a bag without thinking twice about it. It weighs about 300 grams, fits in one hand, and costs roughly $45-$55. After taking mine on a two-week road trip and using it daily for three months after that, I have a clear picture of what this little grinder can do.

I'll cover the build, grind quality, capacity, and who the Go is made for. I'll also be upfront about the compromises you make at this size and price point.

Design and Build

The Timemore Go looks like a miniature version of the Timemore Chestnut series. It has a cylindrical aluminum body with Timemore's signature knurled grip pattern. The finish is a matte dark gray, and it feels solid despite its small size.

At roughly 14cm tall (without the handle) and about 5cm in diameter, this is genuinely pocket-sized for a burr grinder. I've carried it in the front pocket of a hoodie, in a small toiletry bag, and in the side pocket of a daypack. It takes up about as much space as a travel toothbrush case.

The Handle

The folding handle is functional but basic. It snaps into place for grinding and folds flat against the body for storage. The arm is shorter than Timemore's larger grinders, which means more rotations per dose. Grinding 15 grams of medium-roast beans for pour-over takes about 55-65 rotations, or roughly one minute.

The handle wobbles slightly more than what I'm used to on the Chestnut C2 or C3. It's not a dealbreaker, but you notice it compared to grinders with tighter tolerances.

Adjustment Mechanism

The Go uses an internal click adjustment system at the base of the burr shaft. You adjust by removing the handle, turning the adjustment nut, and counting clicks. Each click is well-defined and easy to feel.

There are about 24 click settings across the full range. For pour-over, I've been using 14-16 clicks from fully closed. For AeroPress, 11-13 clicks works well. The coarsest settings produce an acceptable French press grind, though it's on the finer side of what most French press recipes call for.

Grind Quality

The Go uses Timemore's E&B burr set (the same steel burrs found in their Chestnut C2). At 38mm, these burrs punch above their weight for the price. The grind consistency is noticeably better than budget grinders from Hario or JavaPresse, and it's close to what the Chestnut C2 produces.

For pour-over, the results are genuinely good. My V60 cups brewed with Go-ground coffee are clean and sweet, with decent clarity in the flavor notes. The particle distribution has some fines, but not enough to create bitterness or muddiness in the cup.

AeroPress Performance

AeroPress is where the Go really shines. The medium-fine range produces smooth, concentrated brews that rival what I get from grinders costing twice as much. If you travel with an AeroPress (which is already a popular combination), the Go is a natural companion.

Where It Falls Short

Espresso is off the table. The click intervals are too wide for the precision espresso demands, and the burr set isn't designed for that level of fineness.

French press works, but the coarsest setting still has more fines than I'd like. If French press is your primary method, a grinder with a wider coarse range would serve you better.

The capacity is also limiting. The bean hopper holds about 15-18 grams, which is enough for one cup. If you need to grind for two people, you're doing it in two batches.

Who the Timemore Go Is Made For

This grinder fills a very specific niche, and it fills it well:

Travelers who won't compromise on grind quality. If you bring coffee gear on trips and need a grinder that takes up minimal space, the Go is one of the smallest real burr grinders available. It weighs less than a smartphone.

Backpackers and campers. The combination of light weight, compact size, and decent grind quality makes it ideal for outdoor trips where every gram of pack weight matters.

Office coffee drinkers. Keep it in your desk drawer and grind fresh at work instead of relying on the communal stale pot. The Go is quiet enough that it won't disturb nearby coworkers.

Budget-conscious beginners. At $45-$55, the Go is one of the cheapest ways to start grinding fresh with actual burrs. It's a better first grinder than most blade grinders twice its price.

If you want to see how it compares to other travel and budget grinders, our best coffee grinder roundup covers several options across different price tiers.

Timemore Go vs. Other Travel Grinders

Go vs. Timemore C2

The C2 is the more popular choice, and for home use, it's the better grinder. Larger 38mm burrs (same set, but the body is bigger), more capacity, and a more comfortable grinding experience. But the C2 is also 50% larger and heavier. If portability is your priority, the Go wins. If you're mostly grinding at home, get the C2.

Go vs. 1Zpresso Q2

The 1Zpresso Q2 is the Go's direct competitor. It costs about $30-$40 more, but the build quality and grind consistency are a step above the Go. The Q2 has better bearings, a more refined adjustment mechanism, and produces a slightly more uniform grind. If your budget can stretch to $80-$90, the Q2 is the better travel grinder.

Go vs. Knock Aergrind

The Aergrind uses Italmill burrs and has a loyal following, but availability is a constant problem. When you can find one, the grind quality slightly edges out the Go. The Go is easier to buy, cheaper, and nearly as compact. For most people, the Go is the more practical choice.

For the full range of options, our top coffee grinder guide compares grinders at every size and budget.

Cleaning and Care

The Go is simple to maintain:

Brush out the burr chamber every week or so with a small stiff brush. Timemore includes one in the box. This removes oil buildup and stale grounds.

Disassemble the burr set every month for a deeper clean. The outer burr ring twists off easily. Brush both burr surfaces and the chamber walls.

Don't use water on the burrs. Steel burrs can rust if exposed to moisture. A dry brush is all you need.

The exterior can be wiped with a damp cloth if it gets dirty from travel.

Common Complaints

A few issues come up frequently in user reviews:

The catch cup at the bottom sometimes loosens during grinding if you don't seat it firmly. Give it a solid twist before you start, and it stays put.

The click adjustment can be hard to count in low light because you're feeling rather than seeing the clicks. After a few uses, you'll memorize your preferred setting by muscle memory.

Ground coffee retention is about 0.2-0.3 grams, which is normal for a grinder this size. If you switch grind settings between brew methods, purge a few grams first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cups can the Timemore Go grind at once?

One cup. The hopper holds 15-18 grams of beans, which is enough for a single serving of pour-over or AeroPress. For multiple cups, grind in batches.

Is the Timemore Go good enough for daily home use?

It can work as a daily driver if you brew one cup at a time and don't mind hand grinding. For a household that drinks multiple cups daily, a larger hand grinder or an electric grinder would be more practical.

Does the Timemore Go come with a carrying case?

Some retailers include a small fabric pouch. Others do not. Check the specific listing before purchasing. A small drawstring bag from any outdoor store works just as well.

How does the Timemore Go compare to the Timemore Nano?

The Nano is Timemore's other ultra-compact grinder, positioned slightly above the Go in price and build quality. The Nano has tighter tolerances and a more refined feel, but the grind quality is very similar. The Go is the better value pick.

My Verdict

The Timemore Go delivers surprising grind quality for its size and price. It's not going to replace a full-size hand grinder at home, but that's not what it's designed for. As a travel grinder, office grinder, or budget entry into fresh grinding, it's one of the smartest purchases you can make under $60. Pack it alongside an AeroPress and a bag of good beans, and you'll have better coffee on the road than most people make at home.