Timemore offers various good hand mills, including the Slim Plus from the Chestnut Slim series and the C2 from the Chestnut C/C2 series. The similarities are great, yet there are some differences, which we'll highlight in this blog post.
Following our large comparison test of 14 hand mills for coffee, we've added both mills to our assortment. Simply because we really like them. You can find them in both our German and our Swiss shop.
Which Timemore hand mill is right for me?
You're facing the decision of buying a hand mill and have come across Timemore's mills. Why does the Slim Plus cost approximately €35 more than the C2? Is this price difference justified? And if so, why? Or does the Slim Plus just look a bit more stylish?
We've repeatedly received questions about what exactly the differences are between these two mills. We investigate this question in this blog. In addition to the Slim Plus, we've examined the white C2 and the anthracite/black C2.
The exterior of the Timemore mills
On the left the Timemore Slim Plus. In the middle and on the right the Timemore C2.
The Slim Plus, at a height of 17.5cm, is larger than the C2, which measures only 15cm. With a diameter of just 4.4cm, the body is significantly slimmer than the C2 with 5.1cm. Another difference in external appearance is also the tactile feel. Interestingly, the two C2 models also differ from each other. The white C2 mill comes with a smooth, plain surface in a color that is better described as off-white rather than pure white.
Anthracite/dark gray Timemore C2.
The C2 in anthracite/black, which is actually more anthracite/dark gray 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 noticeable and feels pleasant in the hand. The important thing about the ribbing: the Timemore C2 doesn't rotate while grinding; instead, the pattern creates resistance.
Another difference is noticeable when looking at the handle of the mills. The handle of both C2 models is made of plastic. The Slim Plus handle is made of wood and can also be removed. It's held in place by a magnet. This allows the mill to be disassembled even better and stored for travel, for example.
Accessories and packaging. Are there differences here?
The C2 models are supplied in a flip-open package. The Slim Plus packaging looks somewhat more premium and is comparable to a box you know from the smartphone sector.
Unboxing the Timemore models.
In terms of features, there are no significant differences. All mills come with an English-Chinese instruction manual. (Tip: if you get the impression you have a purely Chinese manual, just check the back). Additionally, a nice black fabric bag is included, which is great for travel. A brush for cleaning the mill is also included.
The interior of the Timemore C2 and the Timemore Slim Plus
Now it gets interesting. Inside, there are significant differences between the C2 and the Slim Plus.
- Structure
- The grinding mechanism and grinding cone
Interior of the three Timemore models.
The structure
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 images the C2 and on the right the Timemore Slim Plus. When looking at the axle, several differences are immediately apparent. The axle holder of the C2 is made of plastic, the axle holder of the Slim Plus is made of aluminum.
The axle of the Slim Plus is longer, which is due to the different heights of the mills (15cm versus 17.5cm). At the top end of the Slim Plus, we find an additional lock nut, which provides increased stability. Additionally, the spring installed in the Slim Plus is significantly more powerful, which particularly supports very fine espresso grinding levels.
The grinding mechanism and grinding cone
Both grinding mechanisms are made of stainless steel and have 5 grinding teeth at the top. The difference only becomes apparent upon closer inspection.
Timemore calls the grinding mechanism installed in the Slim Plus E&B, which stands for Espresso and Brewing, but what is really the difference?
The Slim Plus grinding cone is slightly larger and weighs 5 grams more (45g vs. 50g).
As this illustration shows, the E&B grinding mechanism also has an additional grinding of the blades in the upper area and has two more grinding teeth in the lower area than the grinding mechanism of the C2.
Conclusion and Timemore C2 and Timemore Slim Plus
The C2 is a very solid mill with good value for money, which is especially suitable for filter coffee. Espresso can also be prepared, but grinding takes considerably longer.
Due to the differences shown, the Slim Plus is also technically a step above the C2 and is, in our opinion, a very good and more affordable alternative to the best hand mills on the market.
The differences between the C2 and Slim Plus in terms of internal structure and grinding mechanism also explain why the Slim Plus grinds quite a bit faster and can also achieve even finer grinding levels than the C2.
In our view, the Slim Plus offers very good value for money and is a lot of fun in everyday use.
