Quick verdict
The C3 ESP Pro is a small, lower-cost hand grinder tuned for espresso. A retailer lists 38 mm S2C burrs, 30 clicks per rotation of an internal dial, and a 20–25 g capacity. CoffeeGeek's 2025 guide describes it as espresso-focused, with extra clicks and a folding handle it called one of the best in the industry. The limits are the small capacity and internal adjustment, which is slower to change between methods.
Buy it if
- You want a compact, cheaper espresso-capable hand grinder, including for travel.
- Your doses are 18 g or less.
Skip it if
- You switch between espresso and pour-over often; external dials are faster.
- You grind more than 25 g at a time.
- Best for
- Travel or small-kitchen espresso on a budget, with smaller doses.
- Main compromise
- Internal adjustment and a 20–25 g capacity; figures come from a retailer.
- Burrs
- 38 mm S2C660, SUS420 stainless
- Adjustment
- Internal; 30 clicks per rotation, about 23.3 µm per click (retailer figure)
- Capacity
- 20–25 g
Specifications
| Spec | Detail and source |
|---|---|
| Burrs | 38 mm S2C660, SUS420 stainlessRetailer listing: 4barista |
| Adjustment | Internal; 30 clicks per rotation, about 23.3 µm per click (retailer figure)Retailer listing: 4barista |
| Capacity | 20–25 gRetailer listing: 4barista |
| Weight | 530 gRetailer listing: 4barista |
| Dimensions | 170 × 52 × 160 mm (handle folded out)Retailer listing: 4barista |
| Handle | Folding crankRetailer listing: 4barista |
These figures come from an EU retailer (4barista). Timemore's own specification page was not available to us.
Strengths and limitations
What stands out
- Folding handle, praised in CoffeeGeek's guide (CoffeeGeek).
- Compact, at 530 g, per the retailer.
- Espresso-oriented click spacing.
Limitations
- Internal adjustment: you take it apart to change settings.
- 20–25 g capacity.
- Retailer-sourced specs.
Alternatives
- 1Zpresso X-Ultra: external dial, similar weight, higher cost.
- KINGrinder K6: larger 48 mm burrs and an external dial.
Our recommendation
I'd suggest the C3 ESP Pro for budget or travel espresso with modest doses. For regular switching between brew methods, an external-dial grinder is easier to live with.
Amazon listing: Chestnut C3 ESP Pro, black
Sources
- Timemore Chestnut C3 ESP Pro coffee grinder — 4barista. Retailer listing. Accessed September 26, 2026.
- Best Manual Coffee Grinders for 2025 — CoffeeGeek. Independent review. Mark Prince, Natia Simmons, Zuzanna Kaminski, 2025-09-17. Accessed September 26, 2026.