Timemore Nano S: The Tiny Grinder That Travels Everywhere
The Timemore Nano S is one of the smallest capable coffee grinders you can buy. It weighs about 350 grams, fits in the palm of your hand, and grinds well enough for pour over, AeroPress, and even passable espresso. I bought mine specifically for travel and ended up using it at home almost as often because it takes up nearly zero counter space.
If you are looking for a hand grinder that fits in a jacket pocket or a small travel pouch, the Nano S is hard to beat. It holds about 12 to 15 grams of beans (enough for a single cup), uses Timemore's S2C stainless steel burrs, and produces a grind quality that would surprise anyone judging it by size alone. The trade-off is capacity. This is a one-cup-at-a-time grinder, and grinding more than 15 grams requires reloading.
Design and Build Quality
The Nano S is built from aluminum alloy with a matte finish. It feels surprisingly solid for something this small. The body is about 13 centimeters tall and 4.5 centimeters in diameter. For reference, it is roughly the same size as a Red Bull can, just heavier and more compact.
What Sets It Apart From the C2
The biggest difference between the Nano S and the more popular C2 is size and capacity. The C2 holds 20 grams and has a larger body that is easier to grip. The Nano S holds 12 to 15 grams and requires a tighter grip that some people with larger hands find uncomfortable during long grinding sessions.
The burrs are the same S2C stainless steel design found in the C2, but the Nano S uses a smaller 38mm burr set. Grind quality is essentially the same as the C2 at comparable settings, which is impressive given the size reduction.
The Foldable Handle
The Nano S comes with a foldable crank handle that collapses flush against the body for storage. When folded, the grinder becomes a smooth cylinder with no protruding parts. This is the feature that makes it work so well for travel. I toss it in my backpack without worrying about the handle catching on anything or snapping off.
The handle locks into the grinding position with a satisfying click. There is no play or wobble when cranking. The handle length is shorter than the C2's, which means you need to make more rotations per gram of coffee, but the trade-off for portability is worth it.
Grind Settings and Performance
The Nano S uses the same stepped click adjustment as other Timemore grinders. Tighten the dial until the burrs touch to find zero, then count clicks counterclockwise.
My Settings for Each Brew Method
- AeroPress: 14 to 18 clicks (this is where the Nano S shines for travel)
- Pour over (V60): 18 to 22 clicks
- Moka pot: 14 to 18 clicks
- Espresso: 10 to 14 clicks (functional but the small capacity limits you to single shots)
- French press: 22 to 26 clicks
- Cold brew: Not practical due to the small capacity. You would need to reload 10+ times.
Grinding Speed
At pour over settings (20 clicks), grinding 15 grams takes about 35 to 40 seconds. This is slightly slower than the C2 because the shorter handle gives you less mechanical advantage. You make more rotations to achieve the same result.
At espresso settings (12 clicks), 15 grams takes about 45 to 50 seconds. The grinding effort is moderate. Not effortless, but not a workout either. I would not want to grind more than 18 grams at espresso settings in one session.
Grind Consistency
The Nano S produces the same grind quality as the C2 since they share the same burr design. For pour over and AeroPress, the particles are uniform enough to produce a clean, sweet cup. For espresso, it works with pressurized portafilters and manual espresso makers like the AeroPress or Flair. The stepped adjustment limits precision at espresso-fine settings, same as the C2.
Travel Performance
This is where the Nano S justifies its existence. I have taken it on business trips, camping weekends, and road trips. Here is how it performs in each scenario.
Hotel Room Setup
Pack the Nano S with an AeroPress, a small bag of beans, and a compact kettle or use the in-room coffee maker's hot water. The whole setup fits in a small packing cube. I grind 15 grams, press an AeroPress, and have a cup of proper coffee in under 5 minutes. It beats hotel room coffee by a mile and saves me from hunting down a coffee shop at 6 AM in an unfamiliar city.
Camping and Backpacking
The Nano S's weight (350 grams) is reasonable for car camping but borderline for ultralight backpacking. For weight-conscious hikers, the Porlex Mini (about 250 grams) is lighter, but the Nano S grinds better. I took it on a three-day backpacking trip and did not regret the extra 100 grams. Fresh coffee at a mountain campsite is worth the weight.
The aluminum body holds up well in rough conditions. I have dropped mine on a rock surface without damage. The carrying pouch offers basic protection against scratches.
Road Trips
For road trips, the Nano S pairs perfectly with a small pour over dripper or AeroPress. I keep mine in the center console. When we stop for gas, I grind while the kettle heats on a portable burner in the tailgate. It sounds excessive, and it is, but gas station coffee is terrible and this takes 5 minutes.
Nano S vs. Other Travel Grinders
The travel grinder market has several good options. Here is where the Nano S stands.
Timemore Nano S vs. 1Zpresso Q2
The Q2 is the Nano S's closest competitor. It costs about $20 more, has a larger capacity (around 20 grams), and offers slightly better grind consistency thanks to its external adjustment dial. The Nano S is smaller and lighter, which matters if space is your primary concern. If you want the best grind quality in a travel-sized package and do not mind the slightly larger footprint, the Q2 wins.
Timemore Nano S vs. Porlex Mini
The Porlex Mini is the old guard of travel grinders. It is lighter (250 grams) and fits inside an AeroPress barrel, which is a clever packing trick. But the ceramic burrs produce more fines and less consistency than the Nano S's stainless steel burrs. The Nano S makes better coffee. The Porlex packs smaller.
Timemore Nano S vs. Timemore C2
The C2 is a better home grinder thanks to its larger capacity and more comfortable grip. But it does not travel as well. The straight handle sticks out, the body is wider, and it weighs about 80 grams more. If you want one grinder for home and travel, the C2 is more versatile. If you want a dedicated travel grinder and have a separate grinder at home, the Nano S is purpose-built for the job.
For a full comparison of grinders across all use cases, check our best coffee grinder and top coffee grinder roundups.
Maintenance on the Road
Keeping the Nano S clean while traveling is simpler than you might think. I carry the included brush in my pouch and give the burr chamber a quick sweep after each use. That is usually enough for a weeklong trip.
For longer trips, disassemble the grinder once a week and brush all surfaces thoroughly. A single grain of old coffee stuck in the burrs can taint your next cup with stale flavor. The disassembly process is the same as other Timemore grinders: unscrew the catch cup, remove the outer burr ring, lift out the burr, brush, and reassemble.
Do not wash it in a hotel sink. Water and the adjustment mechanism do not mix well. A dry brush and a microfiber cloth handle everything you need.
Capacity Limitations and Workarounds
The 12 to 15 gram capacity is the Nano S's biggest limitation. For a single pour over or AeroPress, it is fine. For two cups, you are grinding twice. For French press (which typically uses 25 to 30 grams), you are grinding three times.
I made peace with this for travel. When I am at home and want to make French press for two people, I use my C2 instead. The Nano S is a single-serving tool, and trying to force it into a multi-cup role leads to frustration.
One Workaround
If you need to grind more than 15 grams, grind in batches and collect in a small cup or container. The total grinding time for 30 grams is about 70 to 80 seconds in two loads, which is not terrible. It is just less elegant than loading once and grinding.
FAQ
Is the Timemore Nano S good for home use?
It works fine for home use if you only make one cup at a time. The grind quality matches the C2. But the small capacity and shorter handle make it less ergonomic for daily home grinding. I use mine at home on lazy weekends when I want a quick single cup, but my C3 handles the daily routine.
Can the Nano S grind for espresso?
It can reach espresso-fine settings (10 to 14 clicks), but the small capacity limits you to about 15 grams per load. That is enough for a single shot. The stepped adjustment also makes precise dialing more difficult. It works with pressurized portafilters and manual espresso makers, but dedicated espresso grinders offer better control.
How long does the Nano S last?
The stainless steel burrs should last several years with normal use. The aluminum body is durable and corrosion-resistant. The most likely failure point is the handle hinge after years of folding and unfolding, but Timemore sells replacement parts.
Does the Nano S fit inside an AeroPress?
Unlike the Porlex Mini, the Nano S does not fit inside the AeroPress barrel. It is slightly too wide. You will need to pack them separately. The Nano S fits easily in a side pocket of most backpacks.
Who the Nano S Is Built For
If you travel regularly and refuse to drink bad coffee, the Nano S solves a real problem. It grinds well, packs small, and costs about $60 to $70. Pair it with an AeroPress and a bag of fresh beans, and you have a complete coffee setup that weighs under 500 grams. For home-only use, the larger C2 or C3 is a better choice. But as a travel companion, the Nano S earns its spot in the bag every time.