Timemore C2 vs C3

We tested both. Here's the honest verdict.

By admin March 13, 2026
Disclosure: This review contains affiliate links. We only recommend products we personally tested.
FeatureTimemore C2 MaxTimemore C3 ESP
Price .00 .00
Burr Type 38mm Stainless Steel (Standard) 38mm S2C 660 (Spike to Cut)
Burr Size 38 mm 38 mm
Grind Settings 36 Clicks 30 Clicks (30 Clicks per Rotation)
Weight 505g 530g
Best For Pour Over & French Press Espresso & Pour Over
Our Score 8.5 9.2

Timemore C2 Max

Timemore C3 ESP

The Timemore C2 and C3 are the two most popular hand coffee grinders on the market right now. But which one should you buy in 2026?

The short answer is that the **Timemore C3 is the better grinder** thanks to its upgraded S2C (Spike to Cut) burrs, which produce fewer fines and allow you to grind fine enough for espresso. However, the C2 is still a fantastic entry-level option if you exclusively drink pour-over and want to save some money.

🏆 Who Should Buy Timemore C2 Max

  • You are on a tight budget
  • You only drink filter coffee
  • You want the lightest possible grinder

🏆 Who Should Buy Timemore C3 ESP

  • You want to experiment with espresso
  • You want a more uniform grind size (S2C burrs)
  • You want a future-proofed grinder

About the Reviewer

admin

Coffee enthusiast and Timemore grinder tester. I've been grinding specialty coffee for 3 years and personally own and test every grinder reviewed on this site.