Timemore Chestnut X

What it does well

The dial is the headline. Eight Ounce Coffee explains that it runs from 1 to 24, so you set a number rather than counting clicks from closed. A separate micro dial splits each step into 5, for 120 settings.

That range covers espresso and filter. Brew Coffee Home says the X "makes grinding for pour-over or espresso simple." It reports hitting 18 to 19 percent extraction for both without much hassle.

Cup quality drew praise. Brew Coffee Home describes the coffee as "flavorsome, crisp, and clear." It also likens the micro dial to the Comandante C40 with a Red Clix axle, which likewise "allows for finer steps for espresso."

The build is all metal. Eight Ounce Coffee notes a CNC aluminum unibody and an aluminum grounds bin that locks with a half turn. The folding handle tucks against the body and doubles as a knock tool.

Where it falls short

It is slow. Coffee Chronicler, reviewing the newer S3, says the X and X Lite "were both notorious for being very slow grinders."

It is heavy. Brew Coffee Home puts it at about 760 grams and calls it one of the heavier hand grinders. Eight Ounce Coffee lists 765 g.

Capacity is modest. Brew Coffee Home lists 30 to 35 g and names small capacity as a drawback. Brewing for three or more means grinding twice.

As a discontinued model, a used unit has no maker's warranty. Check that the dial turns smoothly and the burrs show no chips before paying.

Who should buy it, and who shouldn't

Consider one used if you brew espresso and pour-over and value returning to a known number. The absolute dial makes switching methods simple.

Skip it if you grind for a household every morning, or want speed. Skip it too if you want a new grinder with a warranty, since Timemore no longer sells it.

How it compares

The Comandante C40 MK4 is the reference premium hand grinder. Brew Coffee Home rates the two as similar in performance, and prefers the X for its marked dial. See the dials in C40 MK4 vs Chestnut X.

The Timemore Chestnut S3 is Timemore's current flagship. Coffee Chronicler calls it a clear speed improvement over the X, but finds it cannot reach true espresso out of the box.

The 1Zpresso X-Ultra also adjusts from outside the body, at 12.5 microns per click per 1Zpresso. It is still sold new. BrewMark's grinder finder scores it for espresso.

Owning it

Brush out the burrs and chamber after use, and use the handle's rubber knob to tap out loose grounds. Our guide to cleaning a hand grinder covers a deeper clean.

Spare burrs for a discontinued model may be scarce, so confirm parts before relying on one. See how to replace grinder burrs when the time comes.

The settings chart on this page gives a starting point for each method. From there, dial in the grinder on your own coffee, or use the grind converter to translate a recipe.