Timemore C2

What it does well

It is quick. Home Coffee Expert measured about 1 g of beans per second at a coarse French press setting. The Coffee Chronicler says the C2 came close to the 1Zpresso JX for speed.

It makes good filter coffee. Home Coffee Expert says it "outperforms its price point" for drip and French press, with strong consistency at coarser settings.

It travels well. Home Coffee Expert describes it as lightweight and portable, with a comfortable grip and a smooth mechanism. It holds about 30 g of beans, enough for a large single brew.

Where it falls short

Espresso is out. Home Coffee Expert says it "lacks the accuracy needed for espresso." The Coffee Chronicler estimates a double shot would take about five minutes to grind.

The dial is unmarked. Home Coffee Expert notes it has dots and clicks but no numbers, so you count from the finest position. That makes switching between brew methods slower.

The build is budget-grade in places. Home Coffee Expert says it "sounds a bit cheap and clunky," and its thin aluminium body offers less protection on rough trips. Plastic parts inside stabilise the burrs.

Who should buy it, and who shouldn't

Buy a used C2 if you brew pour-over, AeroPress or French press and want something fast and light. It suits a first hand grinder for someone leaving pre-ground coffee behind.

Skip it if you want espresso or a Moka pot, which Home Coffee Expert says need a different grinder. Skip it too if you want warranty support from new. A grinder still in Timemore's range is the safer choice there.

How it compares

The Timemore C3 swaps in Timemore's S2C burrs. Brew Coffee Home lists the same 38 mm burr size and 52 mm body width. Home Coffee Expert says the C3 is more versatile, with "slightly better flavor," but "a good bit slower." Brew Coffee Home was "not convinced" a C2 owner should upgrade.

See Timemore C2 vs Timemore C3 for both dials.

The KINGrinder K6 steps up to 48 mm burrs and an external, numbered dial. It is heavier, but reviewers say it can reach espresso. Compare dials in KINGrinder K6 vs Timemore C2.

The 1Zpresso Q2 is the slimmer travel choice and fits inside an AeroPress, per Home Coffee Expert. If you are choosing between two used grinders, the 1Zpresso JX-Pro is also discontinued; see 1Zpresso JX-Pro vs Timemore C2.

Owning it

Home Coffee Expert suggests cleaning it about once a week with the included brush and a puff of air. Do not use water, which it says can damage the burrs and cause rust. The hand grinder cleaning guide covers the steps.

Home Coffee Expert notes that earlier units had a static problem, which a change of hopper material reportedly solved. If static still bothers you, see how to reduce grinder static.

Because it is discontinued, check a used unit for burr wear and a smooth dial before buying. Brew Coffee Home lists a plastic internal support and a plastic crank knob, so check those parts for cracks too. The settings chart on this page counts clicks from the zero point, the finest position. To bring a recipe over from another grinder, use the grind converter.