Timemore C5 ESP Pro Coffee Grinder Review - The New Timemore Generation
The Timemore C5 ESP Pro joined my collection of manual grinders under the Christmas tree this year. Having enjoyed the Timemore C3 ESP Pro as a travel companion, I was eager to experience this evolution with its larger diameter burrs.
Important note: this review is completely independent. My commitment remains the same: to offer you a rigorous and impartial evaluation.
The new Timemore C5 generation
The Timemore C5 represents a completely new family of grinders, intended to progressively replace the C3 range. This new generation comes in four distinct models:
The four models in the C5 range
| Model | Microns/click | Clicks per rotation | Crank | Primary use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C5 (standard) | 31 µm | 48 clicks | Fixed | Pour-over, French Press |
| C5 Pro | 31 µm | 48 clicks | Foldable | Pour-over, French Press, Travel |
| C5 ESP | 15 µm | 50 clicks | Fixed | Espresso, Moka, Pour-over |
| C5 ESP Pro (tested here) | 15 µm | 50 clicks | Foldable | Espresso, Moka, Pour-over, Travel |
The "Pro" designation at Timemore systematically indicates the presence of a folding/retractable crank. The "ESP" designation indicates a finer adjustment suitable for espresso with 15 microns per click instead of 31.
The evolution from the C3 ESP Pro
The transition from the C3 ESP Pro to the C5 ESP Pro marks a significant improvement:
- Larger burrs: upgrade from 38mm to 42mm
- New generation burrs: S2C-042 III (7th generation) vs S2C600
- Extended grinding path: +16.23% thanks to the larger diameter
- Improved consistency: +5% regularity according to Timemore
- More precise adjustment: 15 microns per click vs 23.3 microns on the C3 ESP
The longer the coffee remains in contact with the burrs during grinding, the more uniform the grind. Timemore has pushed this concept to its extreme with the Timemore Millab M01 that I tested, equipped with special burrs designed to maximize this path and achieve exceptional consistency.
Design and build quality
Handling and finishes
The C5 ESP Pro features striped patterns engraved across the entire grinder body, providing excellent grip during grinding. This evolution compared to the C3 ESP Pro and the S3 significantly improves handling. I also appreciate the metal insert with the Timemore logo, similar to the S3 but absent on the C3, which adds a premium touch to the whole.
The opening with integrated funnel
The large opening at the top of the grinder features a slight funnel that makes pouring beans easier. Unlike other models where you need to be careful or form a funnel with your hand, this is the kind of detail that enhances the user experience.
The retractable handle
The retractable handle is one of the major advantages of this grinder. Timemore's patented system fits perfectly flush against the grinder body, unlike competing solutions like 1Zpresso which remain bulky even when folded.
The handle is entirely made of metal (stainless steel) with ball bearings for smooth rotation. A rubber stop prevents metal-to-metal contact with the grinder body.
Burrs and adjustment system
The C5 ESP Pro is equipped with S2C-042 III 42mm burrs (7th generation Timemore), a significant evolution compared to the 38mm burrs of the C3.
The adjustment system offers a 15-micron spacing per click (vs 23.3 microns on the C3 ESP Pro) with 50 clicks per rotation, allowing ultra-precise adjustments particularly useful for espresso.
Recommended settings by extraction type:
Recommended settings:
How to read positions: the X.Y.Z format indicates the number of complete turns (X), the position on the adjustment dial (Y), and the micro-adjustment in clicks (Z). For example, 1.4.2 means 1 complete turn + position 4 on the dial + 2 clicks of micro-adjustment.
- Espresso25 to 60 clicks(position 0.5.0 to 1.2.0)
- Moka25 to 60 clicks(position 0.5.0 to 1.2.0)
- Pour Over75 to 100 clicks(position 1.5.0 to 2.0.0)
- French Press100 to 120 clicks(position 2.0.0 to 2.4.0)
These settings are indicative and may vary depending on your coffee and preferences.
Find the Timemore C5 ESP Pro on the official Timemore website.
The catch cup: well designed
The catch cup follows the same philosophy as the C3 ESP Pro: no internal lip that would cause retention, robust threading (not a simple clip), and sufficient weight to stabilize the grinder.
A rubber pad placed under the catch cup protects the countertop when placing the grinder down.
Maintenance and disassembly
The disassembly and cleaning of the C5 ESP Pro are very simple:
- Fully unscrew the adjustment dial to release the upper burr
- Remove the central shaft to access the interior
- Clean with a brush the coffee residue
- Reassemble in reverse order
No special tools are required, and the operation takes less than 5 minutes. I recommend a complete cleaning once a month to maintain optimal performance.
In-cup performance
Espresso: convincing results
Although the **burr
are initially designed for pour-over**, the C5 ESP Pro allows you to obtain quality espressos thanks to its precise 15-micron adjustment and its 42mm burrs.
For 18g of coffee, the grinding time slightly exceeds one minute for an espresso, which remains reasonable for a manual grinder designed for pour over. It's faster than the C3 ESP Pro thanks to the larger burrs, but slower than a grinder with 48mm burrs like the K7.
The grind quality is excellent: consistent, homogeneous, without excessive fines.
In the cup, the aromatic profile reveals a beautiful complexity with well-defined fruity and floral notes. A slightly more pronounced acidity is noted, characteristic of conical burrs initially designed for pour over, which bring roundness and richness in flavor while preserving aromatic clarity.
I use as always the RDT technique to reduce static electricity and retention during grinding.
Pour-over and filter coffee
Like all Timemore grinders, the C5 ESP Pro excels for filter coffee. Whether with V60, Chemex or French Press, the grind is remarkably uniform.
For medium to coarse grinds, the grinder is very fast and the grinding effort is minimal. For 15g of coffee in V60, the grinding time is about 30-35 seconds, which is very comfortable for daily use. The consistency achieved allows for homogeneous extractions and cups with plenty of clarity and aromatic complexity.
The grind quality is exceptional: the particles are homogeneous and perfectly suited to pour-over extraction.
In the cup, this is where the C5 ESP Pro reveals its full potential. The aromatic profile offers exceptional clarity with subtle and delicate aromas perfectly defined. The conical burrs preserve the volatile oils and the taste complexity, revealing floral, fruity and tangy notes with great finesse. The extraction is clear and balanced, highlighting the complex terroirs of specialty coffees.
Conclusion
The Timemore C5 ESP Pro stands out as one of the best manual grinders in its category. Its 42mm S2C-042 III burrs deliver exceptional grinding quality, while the grooved grip, retractable crank, and ultra-precise adjustment clicks (15 microns) provide a truly enjoyable user experience.
Remarkably versatile, it excels for both espresso and filter coffee, with cup results that live up to expectations. Note, however, that the grinding time for espresso is a bit long (approximately 1 minute). If you're looking for a grinder dedicated exclusively to espresso, the Kingrinder K6, K7, or Timemore S3 ESP are excellent alternatives. For versatile use, the C5 ESP Pro represents a major evolution compared to the C3 ESP Pro and an excellent investment.
- Value for money
- 42mm S2C-042 III burrs (7th generation)
- Ultra-precise adjustment: 15 microns per click
- Comfortable grip
- Very compact retractable crank
- Opening with integrated funnel
- High-quality all-metal construction
- Excellent grinding consistency and quality
- Versatile: espresso and filter coffee
- Very low retention
- Simple and quick maintenance
- Small burrs for espresso
Important note: this review is completely objective and independent. I personally purchased this grinder with my own funds. It was not provided by Timemore or by any distributor. My evaluation is therefore based solely on my actual user experience, without any commercial influence.