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 considerable, yet there are some differences that we'll highlight in this blog post.
After our großen comparison test of 14 hand grinders for coffee, we added both grinders to our product range. Simply because we think they're really good. You can find them in both our deutschen, as well as in our Schweizer shop.
Which Timemore hand grinder is right for me?
You're faced with the decision to buy a hand grinder and have come across Timemore 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 just look a bit more stylish?
We've received many questions about what exactly the differences between these two grinders are. We're getting to the bottom of this question in this blog. In addition to the Slim Plus, we've also looked at the white C2 and the anthracite/black C2.
The exterior of the Timemore grinders
On the left the Timemore Slim Plus. In the middle and on the right the Timemore C2.
The Slim Plus, at 17.5cm in height, is larger than the C2, which measures only 15cm. With a diameter of only 4.4cm, the body is noticeably slimmer than the C2's 5.1cm. Another difference in external appearance is also the feel. It's interesting that the two C2 models also differ from each other. The white C2 grinder comes with a smooth, plain surface in a color that is better described as off-white than pure white.
Anthracite/dark gray Timemore C2.
The C2 in anthracite/black, which is actually more of an anthracite/dark gray color, but is simply described as 'black' by Timemore, has a distinctly 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 pleasant in the hand. The most important thing about the ridges: the Timemore C2 doesn't rotate while grinding, but instead builds up resistance through the pattern.
Another difference we notice when looking at the grip of the grinders. The grip on both C2 models is made of plastic. On the Slim Plus, the grip is made of wood and can also be removed. It's held in place by a magnet. This allows the grinder to be disassembled even better and, for example, packed away for travel.
Accessories and packaging. Are there differences here?
The C2 models come in a flip-open package. The Slim Plus packaging looks somewhat more valuable and is comparable to a box you'd see in the smartphone sector.
Unboxing the Timemore models.
In terms of equipment, there are no significant differences. All grinders come with an English-Chinese instruction manual. (Tip: if you have the impression that you have a purely Chinese manual in front of you, just check the back). Also included is a nice black fabric pouch that's great for travel. Additionally, a brush for cleaning the grinder is included.
The interior of the Timemore C2 and the Timemore Slim Plus
Now it gets exciting. On the inside, there are significant differences between the C2 and the Slim Plus.
- Construction
- The grinding mechanism and the grinding cone
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.
In each image, the C2 is on the left and the Timemore Slim Plus is on the right. When looking at the axle, several differences immediately stand out. 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 grinders (15cm versus 17.5cm). At the upper end, we find an additional lock nut on the Slim Plus, which provides increased stability. Furthermore, the spring installed in the Slim Plus is noticeably stronger, which especially supports very fine espresso grind sizes.
The grinding mechanism and the grinding cone
Both grinding mechanisms are made of stainless steel and have 5 grinding teeth at the top. A difference only becomes clear upon closer inspection.
Timemore calls the grinding mechanism installed in the Slim Plus E&B, which stands for Espresso and Brewing, but what's 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 features an additional blade grind in the upper area and has two more grinding teeth in the lower area than the grinding mechanism of the C2.
Conclusion on the Timemore C2 and Timemore Slim Plus
The C2 is a very solid grinder with a good price-to-performance ratio, which is especially suitable for filter coffee. An espresso can also be prepared, but grinding takes significantly longer.
The Slim Plus, due to the differences highlighted, is technically a step above the C2 and is, in our view, 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 grinding mechanism also explain why the Slim Plus grinds even more quickly and can also achieve even finer grind sizes than the C2.
In our view, the Slim Plus offers very good value for money and is a lot of fun in everyday use.
