Timemore S3 ESP Coffee Grinder Review: The Espresso Evolution of the S3
The Timemore S3 ESP represents a major evolution of the original Timemore S3. While the latter excelled for pour-over but failed for espresso, Timemore listened to feedback and created a version specifically optimized for espresso.
Important note: this grinder was graciously sent to me by Timemore for testing. However, my commitment remains the same: to provide you with a rigorous and impartial evaluation, highlighting both the qualities and any potential flaws.
The evolution from S3 to S3 ESP
The S3: a grinder dedicated to pour-over
During my Timemore S3 review, I discovered a grinder that was exceptional for pour-over but totally unsuited to espresso. In reality, the S3 was entirely designed for filter methods (V60, Chemex, French Press) and not intended for espresso. Its calibration and burr geometry were optimized for medium to coarse grinds, which explained the impossibility of obtaining a fine enough grind for espresso.
Timemore's response: the S3 ESP
Listening to its users, Timemore developed the S3 ESP to specifically address this issue. This espresso-dedicated version features a visual design 100% identical to the S3, but stands out with its burrs and adjustment optimized for espresso.
Timemore S3 ESP Specifications
The Timemore S3 ESP shares many characteristics with its predecessor, but with targeted improvements for espresso:
- All-aluminum body
- Espresso-optimized burrs
- Precise external adjustment
- Ball bearings with a tolerance of 5 µm
- Retractable handle
Box Contents
The Timemore S3 ESP comes with the following items:
- Coffee grinder
- Cleaning brush
- User manual
- Protective pouch
Design and Build Quality
Feel and Finishes
The S3 ESP inherits the excellent design of the S3. The all-aluminum body offers a truly pleasant feel thanks to the engraved grooves that ensure excellent grip. This feature is particularly valuable for espresso: the fine grind generates significant torque when turning the crank, and the grooves allow you to firmly hold the grinder without it slipping from your hands.
The metal insert of the Timemore logo adds a touch of quality to the whole, confirming the premium positioning of this grinder.
The Retractable Handle
The retractable handle found on the S3 ESP is one of the assets of Timemore grinders. Unlike competitors such as the 1Zpresso J-Ultra, Timemore's handle sits flush against the grinder body when folded.
The handle is fully metal with ball bearings. Conveniently, the integrated aluminum cap displays the grinder's adjustment ranges inscribed inside. A rubber stop prevents metal-to-metal contact with the grinder body.
The opening at the top of the grinder makes pouring beans easier.
Adjustment System and Burrs
The S3 ESP features an external adjustment with 90 clicks and an adjustment of 0.015 mm between each click, allowing for fine adjustments perfect for espresso. This adjustment system is paired with completely different burrs from the S3, optimized for fine grinds (espresso), unlike the S3 whose burrs are designed for coarse grinds (pour-over).
Recommended settings by extraction type:
Recommended settings:
- Espresso1 to 25 clicks
- Moka10 to 35 clicks
- Pour Over50 to 80 clicks
- French Press80 to 90 clicks
These settings are indicative and may vary depending on your coffee and preferences.
Find the Timemore S3 ESP on the official Timemore website.
The grounds container and opening
Well-designed container
The aluminum container screws securely onto the grinder body. Its rimless internal design minimizes coffee retention. Note that on its latest model, the Timemore Millab M01, Timemore opted for a bayonet clip-on attachment system (a simple 1/8th turn), but the S3 ESP retains the classic screw system, which is robust and reliable.
The rubber base protects the countertop.
Maintenance and disassembly
Disassembling the S3 ESP is extremely simple and requires no tools:
- Unscrew the lower dial to release the central shaft
- Remove the shaft and the moving burr
- Clean with the supplied brush to remove coffee residue
- Reassemble in reverse order
The operation takes less than 5 minutes. I recommend a complete cleaning about once a month d
for daily espresso use.
In-Cup Performance
Espresso: finally a suitable S3!
This is where the S3 ESP radically distinguishes itself from its predecessor. Where the S3 completely failed, the S3 ESP excels.
For 18g of coffee, the grinding time is approximately 45-50 seconds, which is excellent for a manual grinder dedicated to espresso.
The grind quality is exceptional: regular and homogeneous. The adjustment allows for easy extraction between 25-30 seconds with stable pressure around 9 bars.
In cup, the S3 ESP reveals its full potential. Espressos present a rich and dense body, an abundant and persistent crema, and a complex aromatic profile. The balanced extraction allows for well-defined fruity and chocolate notes, with beautiful length on the palate.
I use as always the RDT technique to reduce static electricity and retention during grinding.
Pour-over and filter coffee
Although specially designed for espresso, the S3 ESP maintains excellent performance for gentle brewing methods. To make an objective comparison between the S3 and the S3 ESP, I used my Xbloom, an automatic pour-over coffee machine that eliminates all bias during extraction by guaranteeing an identical recipe (same temperature, same flow rate, same pouring technique).
For this comparison, I used the Standout Double Bloom recipe which I find particularly well-suited to my coffee. This Xbloom recipe produces clear extractions with great aromatic clarity, perfectly highlighting the subtle differences between the two grinders.
Comparison results: the S3 remains slightly superior to the S3 ESP for pour-over, offering slightly more pronounced aromatic clarity. Nevertheless, the S3 ESP holds its own very well and produces excellent filter coffees, with subtle differences that only the most discerning palates will distinguish.
The S3 ESP therefore offers true versatility: exceptional performance for espresso while maintaining very good qualities for pour-over. A grinder that truly adapts to all your daily needs, even though pour-over purists will favor the classic S3.
Conclusion
The Timemore S3 ESP represents the evolution we were all waiting for. Where the S3 excelled for pour-over but failed for espresso, the S3 ESP brilliantly succeeds for espresso while remaining capable of producing excellent filter coffees, even if it is not its preferred extraction method.
It is a grinder that I particularly appreciate for its elegant design reminiscent of a camera lens, its pleasant daily use, and its excellent cup results. For me, it is one of the best hand grinders dedicated to espresso currently available on the market.
- Premium all-metal design
- Excellent grip
- Retractable crank
- Burrs optimized for espresso
- Extraction quality
- Versatility
- Minimal retention
- Tool-free disassembly
- Easy maintenance
- Value for money
- Price slightly higher than the S3
Important note: this grinder was graciously sent to me by Timemore for testing. Nevertheless, my evaluation remains completely objective and independent
before. I highlight both the qualities and potential flaws, and my opinion is based solely on my real user experience, without any commercial bias.