Timemore Slim Grinder

The Timemore Slim is a hand grinder that punches way above its price tag. At around $60-$80, it's one of the most affordable hand grinders that uses quality steel burrs and produces a grind that's genuinely good enough for pour over, AeroPress, and even some espresso work. If you're shopping for your first serious grinder or need something portable for travel, the Slim belongs on your shortlist.

I've used the Timemore Slim as my travel grinder for over a year, and I'll walk you through how it performs, what it does well, where it falls short, and how it stacks up against other popular hand grinders in this price range.

Design and Ergonomics

The Timemore Slim lives up to its name. It's thin, about 1.8 inches in diameter, and roughly 7 inches tall. It weighs just under a pound. The body is a single piece of CNC-machined aluminum with a matte finish that comes in black, white, or sometimes limited colors.

The slim profile makes it easy to grip, especially if you have smaller hands. Some wider hand grinders (like the Comandante C40 or the 1Zpresso K-series) can be hard to hold steady during grinding. The Slim fits naturally in one hand without any strain.

The catch cup screws onto the bottom with a threaded connection that holds tight. No accidental pops or spills mid-grind. The capacity is about 20-25 grams, which is perfect for a single cup but tight if you're trying to grind for two.

The Handle

Timemore uses a folding handle on the Slim, which is brilliant for travel. It folds flat against the body, reducing the overall profile. When unfolded, it locks into position with a satisfying click. The crank arm is long enough that grinding doesn't feel like a workout, and the bearing at the top is smooth with minimal play.

One small complaint: the handle knob is a fixed ball shape that can get slippery if your fingers are wet or oily. It's not a dealbreaker, but some competitors (like 1Zpresso) use a more textured knob that grips better.

Burr Set and Grind Performance

The Slim uses Timemore's E&B burr set (some versions) or their standard S2C burrs, depending on the model year. The S2C (Spike to Cut) burrs are 38mm stainless steel with a pentagonal geometry. They're a step above the generic burrs found in budget grinders and produce noticeably fewer fines.

For pour over and AeroPress, the Slim delivers clean, even grounds. I've done side-by-side comparisons with a Baratza Encore (which costs about the same as the Slim) and the Timemore holds its own. The manual grind actually produces slightly fewer fines than the Encore at medium settings, which means a cleaner cup.

For espresso, the Slim can get fine enough, but the adjustment resolution becomes an issue. The original Slim (not the Slim Plus or Slim S) has a stepped adjustment with clicks. Each click at the finer end changes the grind enough to shift espresso shot timing by 5-7 seconds. That's a big jump. You'll find yourself stuck between two clicks where one is too fast and the next is too slow.

The Slim Plus and Slim S models address this with finer adjustment increments, so if espresso is on your list, look for those versions specifically.

Grinding Speed

Grinding 18 grams for espresso takes about 50-60 seconds of steady cranking. For pour over (25 grams at a medium grind), you're looking at 30-40 seconds. That's on par with other hand grinders in this size class. The S2C burrs cut efficiently and don't require much force, so your arm doesn't fatigue during a single dose.

If you're grinding for more than one person, though, the hand-crank workflow gets tedious fast. Two to three doses back-to-back is the practical limit before you start wishing for an electric grinder.

Travel Performance

This is where the Slim really shines. At under a pound and with its folding handle, it fits in a dopp kit, a jacket pocket, or the side pocket of a backpack. I've carried mine through airports, camping trips, and hotel rooms without it taking up meaningful space.

I pair it with an AeroPress and a small electric kettle for a complete coffee setup that fits in a carry-on. The total kit weighs about 2 pounds and takes up less space than a hardcover book.

The aluminum body is durable enough for travel abuse. I've dropped mine onto a hardwood floor twice (clumsy mornings) and it came away with a small scuff on the finish but no mechanical damage. The burrs stayed aligned and the adjustment didn't shift.

Camping and Outdoor Use

For camping, the Slim's compact size is a real advantage. Some hand grinders (the Comandante in particular) are bulky enough that packing them feels like a commitment. The Slim tucks into a cook kit and adds almost nothing to your pack weight.

The only downside for outdoor use is the small catch cup. If you're brewing for a group of four campers, you'll need to grind multiple batches. A wider grinder with a larger capacity would be faster for group brewing.

How It Compares

The hand grinder market is crowded, so here's how the Slim stacks up.

Vs. 1Zpresso Q2

The Q2 is the Slim's closest competitor. Similar size, similar price, similar burr quality. The Q2 has a slightly better adjustment mechanism for espresso and a more comfortable knob. The Slim has a folding handle and is a hair more compact. For travel, I give the edge to the Slim. For espresso at home, the Q2 is the better pick.

Vs. Comandante C40

Not a fair comparison for price (the Comandante is 3-4x more expensive), but for grind quality, the Comandante produces a noticeably cleaner grind with fewer fines. The flavor difference is real, especially for pour over. If you can afford the Comandante, it's the better grinder. If you can't, the Slim gets you surprisingly close at a fraction of the cost.

Vs. JavaPresse Manual Grinder

The JavaPresse is the go-to budget pick on Amazon at around $20-$30. The Slim is a massive upgrade. The JavaPresse uses ceramic burrs that produce inconsistent grinds and take forever to get through a dose. The Slim's steel burrs are sharper, faster, and more consistent. If you're currently using a JavaPresse and feeling frustrated, the Slim is the upgrade that will actually make a difference.

For more options across all price ranges, check out our best coffee grinder and top coffee grinder roundups.

FAQ

Is the Timemore Slim good for French press?

It works for French press, but the coarsest settings produce a grind that's a touch finer than ideal for full immersion brewing. You'll still get a good cup, but it might be slightly over-extracted compared to a grinder that goes coarser. For French press as your primary method, a grinder with a wider adjustment range (like the 1Zpresso JX or the Timemore C2) would serve you better.

How do I calibrate the grind adjustment?

Turn the adjustment dial clockwise until the burrs touch (you'll hear a light scraping). That's your zero point. From there, count clicks outward. Most people find espresso at 8-12 clicks, pour over at 18-24 clicks, and French press at 24-30 clicks. These numbers vary by bean and personal taste, so use them as starting points and adjust from there.

Does Timemore sell replacement burrs?

Yes, Timemore sells replacement S2C burrs through their official store and authorized retailers on Amazon. A replacement burr set costs about $15-$25. You can also upgrade from the original E burrs to the S2C set if your model came with the older design.

How long will the Slim last?

With normal home use (1-2 grinds per day), the Slim should last 3-5 years before the burrs need replacing. The aluminum body and bearings will likely outlast the burrs by a wide margin. The most common wear point is the adjustment mechanism, which can develop slight play after a year or two of heavy use. It's still functional, just slightly less precise.

The Bottom Line

The Timemore Slim is the best value in hand grinders if you prioritize portability. It grinds well enough for daily pour over and AeroPress, it travels better than anything else in its class, and it costs less than a bag of specialty beans at most roasters. It's not the right pick if you need espresso precision or high-volume grinding, but for a compact, affordable, everyday hand grinder, it's hard to beat.