Timemore Slim Plus: The Travel Hand Grinder That Actually Fits in Your Bag
The Timemore Slim Plus is a compact hand grinder designed for travel, and it's one of the thinnest manual grinders you can buy. At just 45mm in diameter, it slides into a backpack side pocket or a toiletry bag without taking up much space. I've traveled with mine for about ten months across camping trips, hotel stays, and long road trips, and it's become the one coffee tool I never leave behind.
I'll break down the grind quality, the travel-specific design choices Timemore made, and how the Slim Plus compares to the larger C3 Pro and the competition in its price range. If you're choosing between this and another travel grinder, the details matter more than you might think.
Design and Portability
The Slim Plus weighs 380 grams and measures about 155mm tall by 45mm wide. For reference, it's roughly the size of a tall, slim water bottle. The aluminum body has a smooth matte finish with a subtle knurled grip section near the bottom. It feels premium without being flashy.
What Makes It Travel-Friendly
Three design decisions set the Slim Plus apart from grinders like the C3 Pro:
- Narrow diameter: At 45mm versus the C3 Pro's 53mm, the Slim Plus fits in spaces the C3 simply won't. I keep mine in the mesh side pocket of my daypack.
- Integrated catch cup: The bottom unscrews to become the ground coffee catch, so there's no separate container to lose while traveling.
- Magnetic cap: The top cap snaps on magnetically, preventing beans from spilling in your bag if the grinder gets jostled.
The included carrying case is a basic nylon pouch. It works fine for throwing in a suitcase but doesn't add much protection. I replaced mine with a small hard-shell glasses case that fits perfectly and protects against crushing.
Grind Quality: S2C Burrs in a Slim Body
The Slim Plus uses the same S2C (Spike to Cut) stainless steel burrs found in the more expensive Timemore models. This is the big selling point. You're getting premium burr quality in a travel-sized package, not a downgraded version with cheaper internals.
I've tested the grind consistency against my Timemore C3 Pro at home, and the results are nearly identical across pour-over and AeroPress settings. The particle distribution at medium grind (20-22 clicks) shows minimal fines and very few boulders. For a $70 travel grinder, that's impressive.
Grind Settings I Use
- AeroPress: 14-16 clicks (my most common travel brew method)
- Pour-over (V60): 18-20 clicks
- French press: 26-28 clicks
- Moka pot: 10-12 clicks
The adjustment mechanism is the same external dial system used on the C3 Pro. Each click is distinct, and returning to a saved setting is easy and repeatable. I keep a note in my phone with my preferred click counts for each brew method.
Capacity Limitations
The Slim Plus holds about 20 grams of beans, which is enough for a single cup of most brew methods. If you need to grind more, you'll do two batches. For a full French press (30-35 grams), that means grinding twice, which adds about 90 seconds to the process.
This is the one area where the wider C3 Pro wins. Its larger capacity handles 25+ grams in a single batch. If you consistently brew larger amounts, the C3 Pro might be the better pick even for travel.
Grinding Speed and Effort
Grinding 15 grams of medium-roast beans at a pour-over setting takes me about 50-55 seconds. Light roasts are harder and slower, closer to 70 seconds for the same amount. Dark roasts are softer and faster, about 40 seconds.
The slim body actually helps with grip and torque. I can wrap my hand fully around the body and use my wrist to turn the crank, rather than fighting a wide grinder that's harder to hold steady. After 10 months of daily use, I've never had hand fatigue from grinding a single dose.
The crank handle folds flat against the body for storage, and it extends to a comfortable length for grinding. The bearing at the top is smooth with minimal wobble, even after heavy use. This is one area where Timemore's quality control shines compared to cheaper brands where the handle develops play within weeks.
Who the Slim Plus Is Perfect For
This grinder fits a specific use case better than anything else I've tried:
- Travelers who brew daily: If you can't go a trip without good coffee, this is the most practical way to carry a quality grinder. It takes up less space than a pair of socks.
- AeroPress brewers: The AeroPress and Slim Plus are a natural pairing. Both are compact, travel-friendly, and designed for single servings. I pack them together in the same compartment.
- Backpackers and campers: Light weight, no electricity needed, and small enough to fit in a bear canister with your food.
- Office brewers: Keep it in a desk drawer with a bag of beans and an AeroPress. Fresh coffee at work without the bulk of an electric grinder.
Who Should Consider Something Else
If you make multiple cups each morning at home, the 20-gram capacity and manual cranking will slow you down. Get an electric grinder or at least a larger hand grinder like the C3 Pro.
If espresso is your focus, the Slim Plus can grind fine enough, but the effort at espresso settings is real. You'll spend 2+ minutes cranking for 18 grams of espresso-fine grounds. A dedicated espresso hand grinder with a larger burr set handles this better.
For a full rundown of options at every size and price, our best coffee grinder guide covers both manual and electric picks.
Maintenance on the Road
Travel grinders need to be easy to clean, and the Slim Plus delivers here. I disassemble it, blow out the loose grounds, and reassemble in about 30 seconds. No tools needed. The inner burr lifts straight out, and the adjustment mechanism stays intact during cleaning.
Every two weeks, I wipe down the burrs with a dry brush to remove oil buildup. That's it. No tablets, no vinegar, no special maintenance. On a two-week camping trip, I cleaned it twice and it performed identically from day one to day fourteen.
The burrs should last 3-5 years with daily single-dose use. Timemore sells replacements, though finding them in stock can sometimes take patience since they ship from China.
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
At the $60-80 price point for travel grinders, the Slim Plus competes with the 1Zpresso Q2 S and the Hario Skerton Pro.
The 1Zpresso Q2 S is slightly wider but has a similar burr quality. It edges ahead in espresso-range grinding due to a more precise adjustment mechanism. The Slim Plus wins on portability since it's noticeably thinner.
The Hario Skerton Pro is cheaper but uses ceramic burrs that produce significantly more fines. The grind consistency isn't in the same league as the Slim Plus's S2C steel burrs. I wouldn't recommend the Skerton Pro to anyone willing to spend a bit more.
For a wider comparison across both travel and home grinders, our top coffee grinder roundup has detailed comparisons.
FAQ
How does the Timemore Slim Plus compare to the C3 Pro?
Same S2C burrs and identical grind quality. The C3 Pro is wider (53mm vs 45mm), holds more beans (25g vs 20g), and grinds slightly faster due to the larger burr diameter. The Slim Plus is more portable and easier to grip. Choose the Slim Plus for travel and the C3 Pro for home use.
Can the Timemore Slim Plus grind for espresso?
Yes, at around 8-10 clicks. The grind consistency at espresso settings is acceptable for pressurized portafilters but not ideal for unpressurized baskets. Grinding 18 grams at espresso fineness takes over two minutes, so it's a workout. It works in a pinch but isn't the best choice for daily espresso.
How many grams does the Timemore Slim Plus hold?
About 20 grams of whole beans, though this varies slightly depending on bean size and roast level. Light roasts are denser and more beans fit. Dark roasts are larger and bulkier, so you might max out around 18 grams.
Is the Timemore Slim Plus worth it for home use?
If you only brew one cup at a time and enjoy the manual grinding ritual, sure. But for home use, the C3 Pro offers more capacity and faster grinding at a similar price. The Slim Plus's main advantage is portability, which doesn't matter if the grinder never leaves your kitchen counter.
Final Take
The Timemore Slim Plus is the best travel hand grinder I've used. The S2C burrs produce the same quality grind as grinders twice its size, and the slim 45mm body fits anywhere. If you travel regularly and refuse to drink bad hotel coffee, this grinder paired with an AeroPress will change your trips. Buy the Slim Plus for your bag and a C3 Pro (or an electric grinder) for your counter. That's the setup I've landed on, and I have no plans to change it.