Timemore offers various high-quality hand grinders, including the Slim Plus from the Chestnut Slim series and the C2 from the Chestnut C/C2 series. They look very similar, yet there are some differences that we will highlight in this blog post.
After our large comparison test of 14 coffee hand grinders, we added both grinders to our range. Simply because we think they are really great. You can find them in both our German and our Swiss shop.
Which Timemore hand grinder is right for me?
You are looking to buy a hand grinder and have come across Timemore. Why does the Slim Plus cost about €35 more than the C2? Is this price difference justified? And if so, why? Or is the Slim Plus just a bit fancier looking?
We have frequently received questions about what exactly the differences are between these two grinders. In this blog, we get to the bottom of this. In addition to the Slim Plus, we took a look at the white C2 and the anthracite/black C2 for this purpose.
The exterior of the Timemore grinders
On the left, the Timemore Slim Plus. In the middle and on the right, the Timemore C2.
With a height of 17.5 cm, the Slim Plus is taller than the C2, which only measures 15 cm. With a diameter of just 4.4 cm, the body is significantly slimmer than the C2's 5.1 cm. Another difference in external appearance is the feel. Interestingly, the two C2 models also differ from each other. The white C2 grinder comes with a smooth, simple surface in a color that can be described as off-white rather than pure white.
Anthracite/dark gray Timemore C2.
The C2 in anthracite/black, which is actually more of an anthracite/dark gray color but simply described as 'black' by Timemore, has a clearly noticeable 'ribbed' square pattern on the outside.
The Slim Plus comes with a much finer pattern than the dark C2. This pattern is also clearly noticeable and feels comfortable in the hand. The most important thing about the ribbing: the Timemore C2 does not rotate while grinding, but rather creates resistance through the pattern.
Another difference in the external view is noticeable when looking at the handle of the grinders. The handle of both C2 models is made of plastic. With the Slim Plus, the handle is made of wood and can also be removed. It is held in place by a magnet. This makes it possible to disassemble the grinder even better and pack it away for travel, for example.
Accessories and packaging. Are there any differences here?
The C2 models are delivered in a flip-top box. The Slim Plus packaging feels a bit more premium and is comparable to a box you might know from the smartphone sector.
Unboxing the Timemore models.
There are no relevant differences in terms of equipment. All grinders come with an English-Chinese manual. (Tip: if you have the impression that you are looking at a purely Chinese manual, just check the back). There is also a nice black fabric bag included, which is great for traveling. Furthermore, a brush for cleaning the grinder is included.
The interior of the Timemore C2 and the Timemore Slim Plus
Now it gets exciting. Inside, there are clear differences between the C2 and the Slim Plus.
- Design
- The burr set and the grinding cone
Inner workings of the three Timemore models.
The design
The body of the Slim Plus is made from a single piece of aluminum, whereas the body of the C2 has a plastic insert that holds the axle.
On the left in each of the pictures is the C2, and on the right is the Timemore Slim Plus. Looking at the axle, several differences immediately catch the eye. The C2's axle mount is made of plastic, while the Slim Plus's axle mount is made of aluminum.
The axle of the Slim Plus is longer, which is due to the different height of the grinders (15 cm versus 17.5 cm). At the top end of the Slim Plus, we find an additional nut, which ensures increased stability. In addition, the installed spring is significantly stronger in the Slim Plus, which especially supports very fine espresso grind settings.
The burr set and the grinding cone
Both burr sets are made of stainless steel and have 5 grinding teeth at the top; a difference only becomes clear upon closer inspection.
Timemore calls the burr set installed in the Slim Plus E&B, which stands for Espresso and Brewing, but what is the real difference?
The Slim Plus grinding cone is slightly larger and weighs 5 grams more (45g vs. 50g).
As this illustration shows, the E&B burr set also features an additional cut on the blades in the upper area and has two more grinding teeth in the lower area than the burr set of the C2.
Conclusion: Timemore C2 and Timemore Slim Plus
The C2 is a very solid grinder with a good price-performance ratio, which is particularly suitable for filter coffee. Espresso can also be prepared, but grinding takes significantly longer.
Due to the differences shown, the Slim Plus is also technically a step above the C2 and, from our point of view, is a very good and cheaper alternative to the best hand grinders on the market.
The differences between the C2 and Slim Plus in the area of the internal design and the burr set also explain why the Slim Plus grinds a good deal faster and can also achieve even finer grind settings than the C2.
From our point of view, the Slim Plus offers a very good price-performance ratio and is great fun in everyday use.
