Timemore Nano Plus

The Timemore Nano Plus is a tiny hand grinder built for people who want serious grind quality in a package small enough to fit in a jacket pocket. At around $90-$110, it sits in the mid-range for hand grinders, competing with the 1Zpresso Q2 and the Hario Switch's target audience of travel-obsessed coffee drinkers. I've been carrying one in my bag for the last few months, and I have strong opinions about where it shines and where it falls short.

If you're looking for the most portable hand grinder that doesn't sacrifice grind quality, the Nano Plus should be near the top of your list. But "most portable" comes with trade-offs, and I want to be transparent about those before you buy.

Size and Portability

This is the Nano Plus's main selling point, and Timemore nailed it. The grinder measures about 5.1 inches tall and weighs just 12.7 ounces (360 grams). That's smaller and lighter than a can of soda. The aluminum body is CNC-machined with a matte finish that feels good in hand and resists scratches.

The carrying case that comes with it (a padded fabric pouch) adds almost no bulk. I toss the whole package into my laptop bag, backpack, or even a large coat pocket. When I'm traveling for work, it takes up less space than my toiletry kit.

Capacity Trade-off

The downside of being this small is capacity. The Nano Plus holds a maximum of about 15-18 grams of beans in the hopper. That's enough for a single cup of pour-over or a single espresso dose. If you need to grind 30+ grams for a large French press or two cups of coffee, you'll need to do multiple loads.

For travel, this capacity is usually fine. Most people are making one cup at a time in a hotel room or campsite. But if you're grinding for two people every morning, the small hopper becomes annoying fast.

Burr Set and Grind Quality

The Nano Plus uses Timemore's S2C (Spike to Cut) 38mm stainless steel burrs. These are the same burr geometry used in Timemore's more expensive Chestnut X series, just in a smaller diameter.

The grind quality from these burrs is genuinely impressive for the size. I've compared the Nano Plus output side-by-side with my Timemore C2 (which uses the older E&B burrs) and the Nano Plus produces noticeably more uniform particles. There are fewer fines (the tiny dust-like particles that over-extract and create bitterness) and a tighter overall distribution.

Pour-Over Performance

For V60 and Kalita Wave, the Nano Plus performs at a level I'd call "home grinder quality in your pocket." Shots are clean, extraction is even, and I can reliably hit my target brew times. The grind consistency is close enough to my electric grinder at home that I don't feel like I'm making a sacrifice when I travel.

Espresso Performance

Timemore markets the Nano Plus as espresso-capable, and it can get fine enough. But 38mm burrs grinding espresso-fine means more cranking effort and more time. Grinding 18 grams for espresso takes about 90-120 seconds with noticeable wrist fatigue. Doable, not enjoyable.

The click adjustment system has enough resolution for basic espresso dialing, but serious espresso work benefits from more adjustment steps. If travel espresso is your primary goal, the 1Zpresso J-Max or K-Max series are better suited, though larger.

Adjustment System

The Nano Plus uses a numbered click system with about 36 clicks per rotation. The adjustment nut is on the bottom, under the grounds catch container. You remove the container, click the nut to your desired setting, and reattach.

Each click represents a small, consistent change. For pour-over, most people land somewhere between 15-22 clicks. For espresso, you're in the 8-12 range. For French press, 25-30+.

The clicks are tactile and easy to count. I keep a note on my phone with my preferred settings for different beans and brew methods, which makes switching fast. Unlike grinders with unmarked stepless adjustment, the click system means you can always return to an exact previous setting.

One complaint: because the adjustment is on the bottom, you have to remove the grounds container every time you change settings. It's a minor inconvenience, but it adds steps compared to top-adjust grinders.

Grinding Speed and Effort

For pour-over (about 15-18 grams on a medium setting), the Nano Plus takes roughly 45-60 seconds of continuous cranking. That's faster than the Hario Mini Mill and similar to other Timemore grinders.

The handle is short due to the compact design, which means less leverage. Your wrist does more work per rotation compared to a full-size hand grinder. After grinding 18 grams, I notice mild fatigue but nothing painful. Grinding 30+ grams (say, for two servings) pushes into uncomfortable territory.

Light roasts require noticeably more effort than dark roasts. If you drink light, dense single-origin beans, budget extra time and arm strength.

The magnetic handle cap is a nice detail. It snaps securely into place during grinding and stores flush against the body when not in use, preventing it from snagging on bag contents.

Build Quality and Durability

The CNC-machined aluminum body is solid. No flex, no creaking, no rattling. The fit and finish remind me of Apple products. Tolerances are tight and everything clicks together with precision.

I've carried the Nano Plus in my bag for months of weekly travel without babying it. A few minor scratches on the matte coating, but zero functional issues. The burr assembly is still tight, the clicks are still consistent, and the handle mechanism shows no wear.

The grounds catch container is aluminum with a silicone seal. It holds about one dose worth of grounds and stays sealed well enough that you won't find coffee dust in your bag if it gets jostled.

For a look at how the Nano Plus fits among other top grinders, our best coffee grinder roundup compares it to both hand and electric options. And for a curated list of the strongest contenders, our top coffee grinder guide covers all price tiers.

Who Should (and Shouldn't) Buy the Nano Plus

It's great for: Frequent travelers who want real coffee on the go. People who make one cup at a time. V60, AeroPress, and Kalita Wave brewers. Anyone who values pocket-sized portability above all else.

Look elsewhere if: You need to grind for two or more people. Espresso is your primary brew method. You want the most comfortable grinding experience (the short handle and small body limit leverage). You rarely travel and brew mostly at home.

The Nano Plus is a specialist tool. It does one thing extremely well: deliver quality grinds in the smallest possible package. If portability is your top priority and you brew single cups, it's one of the best options available. If you need versatility, capacity, or raw comfort during grinding, a full-size hand grinder or a small electric grinder will serve you better.

FAQ

How does the Timemore Nano Plus compare to the 1Zpresso Q2?

Both are travel-focused hand grinders. The 1Zpresso Q2 is slightly larger and heavier but has a more comfortable handle length and grinds a bit faster due to its larger burrs. The Nano Plus is more compact and has the newer S2C burr geometry, which I think produces slightly more uniform grinds. Both are excellent. Choose the Q2 for comfort, the Nano Plus for portability.

Can the Nano Plus handle 20+ grams comfortably?

The hopper maxes out at about 18 grams, so grinding 20+ grams means refilling. It's doable but adds time and steps. For doses above 18 grams, a larger grinder is more practical.

Does the Nano Plus come with a carrying case?

Yes, Timemore includes a padded fabric pouch. It fits the grinder snugly and provides decent protection against bumps. Some users swap in a hard case for extra protection, but the included pouch works fine for bag carry.

How long do the S2C burrs last?

Under normal use (grinding 15-20 grams daily), the stainless steel S2C burrs should last 5+ years before noticeable dulling. Replacement burr sets are available from Timemore, though finding them in stock can sometimes be tricky outside of Asia.

My Verdict

The Timemore Nano Plus is the best grinder I've used for solo travel coffee. The S2C burrs punch above their size class, the build quality is excellent, and it genuinely fits in a pocket. Just know its limits: small capacity, short handle, and espresso grinding is a workout. If those trade-offs align with your use case, the Nano Plus is money well spent.