Timemore offers various excellent hand grinders, including the Slim Plus from the Chestnut Slim series and the C2 from the Chestnut C/C2 series. The similarities are significant, yet there are some differences, which we will highlight in this blog post.
After the extensive comparison test of 14 coffee hand grinders, we added both grinders to our product range. Simply because we think they are really good. You can find them in both our German and our Swiss shop.
Which Timemore hand grinder is right for me?
You're about to buy a hand grinder and have come across Timemore's grinders. Why does the Slim Plus cost about €35 more than the C2? Is this price difference justified? And if so, why? Or does the Slim Plus simply look a bit nicer?
We have repeatedly received questions about the exact differences between these two grinders. We will explore this question in this blog post. In addition to the Slim Plus, we have looked at the white C2 and the anthracite/black C2 for this purpose.
The exterior of Timemore grinders
Left: Timemore Slim Plus. Middle and right: Timemore C2.
At 17.5cm, the Slim Plus is taller than the C2, which measures only 15cm. Its body, with a diameter of only 4.4cm, is significantly slimmer than the C2's at 5.1cm. 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, plain surface in a color that can be described more as off-white than pure white.
Anthracite/dark grey Timemore C2.
The C2 in anthracite/black, which is actually more anthracite/dark grey in color but simply described as 'black' by Timemore, has a distinctly tactile 'ribbed' square pattern on the outside.
The Slim Plus comes with a much finer pattern than the dark C2. This pattern is also very tactile and comfortable to hold. The most important thing about the ribbing: the Timemore C2 does not rotate while grinding, but builds up resistance due to the pattern.
Another difference in external appearance is evident when we look 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 by a magnet. This allows the grinder to be disassembled even better overall and, for example, stored for travel.
Accessories and packaging. Are there any differences here?
The C2 models are delivered in a hinged package. The Slim Plus packaging looks a bit more premium and is comparable to a box known from the smartphone sector.
Unboxing the Timemore models.
There are no significant differences in features. All grinders come with an English-Chinese user manual (tip: if you think you have a purely Chinese manual, just check the back). In addition, a nice black fabric bag is included, which is good for travel. A brush for cleaning the grinder is also included.
The interior of the Timemore C2 and the Timemore Slim Plus
Now it gets exciting. Internally, there are significant differences between the C2 and the Slim Plus.
- Construction
- The burr and conical burr
Interior of the three Timemore models.
The construction
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 the pictures is the C2, and on the right is the Timemore Slim Plus. When looking at the axle, several differences immediately stand out. The axle holder of the C2 is made of plastic, while the axle holder of the Slim Plus is made of aluminum.
The Slim Plus axle is longer, which is due to the different heights of the grinders (15cm versus 17.5cm). At the upper end of the Slim Plus, we find an additional screw nut, which provides increased stability. Furthermore, the built-in spring on the Slim Plus is significantly stronger, which particularly supports very fine espresso grind settings.
The grinding mechanism and the conical burr
Both grinding mechanisms are made of stainless steel and have 5 grinding teeth at the upper end; a difference only becomes apparent upon closer inspection.
Timemore refers to the burr used in the Slim Plus as E&B, which stands for Espresso and Brewing, but what is really the difference?
The Slim Plus conical burr is slightly larger and weighs 5 grams more (45g vs. 50g).
As this illustration shows, the E&B burr also features an additional bevel on the blades in the upper area and has two more grinding teeth in the lower area than the C2's burr.
Conclusion and Timemore C2 and Timemore Slim Plus
The C2 is a very solid grinder with a good price-performance ratio, 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, in our opinion, is a very good and more affordable alternative to the best hand grinders on the market.
The differences between the C2 and Slim Plus in terms of internal construction and the burr also explain why the Slim Plus grinds a good deal faster and can achieve even finer grind settings than the C2.
In our opinion, the Slim Plus offers excellent value for money and is a joy to use daily.
