Discover the Timemore Chestnut X, a high-end coffee grinder that combines elegant design and durability thanks to its aluminum construction. This article explores in depth its innovative features and the experience it offers, ideal for coffee enthusiasts who care about quality. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of this accessory that perfectly blends performance and aesthetics.

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The Timemore Chestnut X is no longer produced. It has been replaced by the Timemore Chestnut S3Timemore Chestnut S3Timemore Chestnut S3 Review: Best Manual Pour-Over GrinderComplete review of the Timemore S3 manual grinder: precision, design, and pour-over excellence. Why it shines for filter coffee but cannot do espresso. which I had the pleasure of testing in this articleTimemore Chestnut S3Timemore Chestnut S3 Review: Best Manual Pour-Over GrinderComplete review of the Timemore S3 manual grinder: precision, design, and pour-over excellence. Why it shines for filter coffee but cannot do espresso..

The Timemore Chestnut X is designed by Timemore, a Chinese company renowned for its quality manual grinders. It is part of a complete range including the Chestnut G1, Chestnut Slim, Chestnut C/C2, and Chestnut NANO models. The X model is the brand's top-of-the-line product. In this article, we will examine its features and innovations.

Sober, Elegant, and Resolutely Modern​

When you purchase the Timemore Chestnut X, you receive a product carefully packaged in a box, protected by dense foam. In addition to the grinder itself, you get a small cleaning brush, a storage bag, and user manuals. Everything is designed for a complete user experience.

The overall design of the grinder is sober, elegant and resolutely modern. Its slightly square shape offers an ergonomic and comfortable grip. Every detail has been designed to provide you with a pleasant and intuitive user experience.

Timemore Chestnut X front view
Timemore Chestnut X - Front view
Timemore Chestnut X crank detail
Crank detail
Timemore Chestnut X aluminum
Solid aluminum body

What immediately distinguishes the Chestnut X is its construction from a single piece of aluminum, precision-cut by a CNC machine. Unlike other grinders like the El Comandante C40Comandante C40 MKIVEl Comandante C40 MKIV Review: Premium Manual GrinderIn-depth review of the C40 MKIV: stainless steel body, precise adjustment, exceptional grind quality. The benchmark manual grinder for espresso. or the Kinu M47Kinu M47Kinu M47: tip to preserve your grind settingsMy tip for preserving Kinu M47 grind settings after cleaning. A simple trick for any manual grinder, with a quick comparison against the Apollo. PhoenixKinu M47 PhoenixKinu M47 Phoenix Review: High-End Manual GrinderReview of the Kinu M47 Phoenix: exceptional adjustment, pleasant ergonomics, but plastic compromises. Strengths, weaknesses, and verdict., it contains no plastic parts. This robust design guarantees exceptional durability.

A limited color choice​

The grinder is available in black and dark green. The green version is a limited edition, making it a rarer choice.

The retractable crank, mounted on ball bearings, is smooth, precise and can be removed. It ends with a metal cap, a quality detail often absent from its competitors.

Timemore Chestnut X Crank
Retractable crank
Chestnut X Handle
Comfortable and precise handle

Timemore is packed with innovation​

In addition to the patented folding crank system, Timemore has taken advantage of this premium model to incorporate several remarkable innovations.

A dual adjustment dial for precision​

Grind adjustment is made via a dual internal dial.
This system allows for a total of 120 adjustment levels, offering extreme fineness.

  • Macro-adjustment: 80 microns
  • Micro-adjustment: 15 microns

Compared to other grinders, the Chestnut X offers superior precision, without the need for additional options like the "Red Clix" on the El Comandante C40.

Timemore Chestnut X grind adjustment
Internal adjustment dial
Precise adjustment system
120 adjustment levels

Patented "Spike-to-Cut" burrs​

The Chestnut X uses a patented 42mm conical burr, known as S2C (Spike-to-Cut).
It cuts the beans before grinding them, ensuring a homogeneous grind suitable for both espresso and filter methods.

Timemore Chestnut X S2C burrs
42mm Spike-to-Cut (S2C) burrs

A practical bean hopper​

The anodized aluminum hopper locks with a quarter turn, preventing any accidental unscrewing.
It is lightweight yet stable, and facilitates the transfer of ground coffee to the portafilter.

Chestnut X Hopper
Anodized aluminum hopper

Mixed user experience​

The Chestnut X is slow to grind (16g in 1 to 1min20), due to its 42 mm burr. In comparison, grinders like the Kingrinder K6KINGrinder K4 & K6KINGrinder K4 & K6, the Kings of Value for MoneyComplete review of KINGrinder K4 and K6: the best value-for-money manual grinders. 48 mm burrs, 16 µm precision, full comparison included. or the 1Zpresso J-Ultra1Zpresso J-Ultra1Zpresso J-Ultra Review: Premium Manual Espresso GrinderReview of the 1Zpresso J-Ultra: 48 mm burrs, 8 µm precision, retractable handle. The premium manual grinder for espresso — handling, grind quality, and verdict. are much faster.

However, this size reduces the force required and makes it very stable and comfortable to use.

Disassembly is simple, similar to the BPlus ApolloApolloApollo: the new manual coffee grinder from « La Pavoni »First look at the Apollo manual grinder by La Pavoni: refined aesthetics, all-metal build, and multiple color options. Photos and videos included., and its absolute adjustment makes it easy to find your grind settings again.

Conclusion​

In conclusion, the Timemore Chestnut X is a high-end manual coffee grinder that impresses with:

  • Its elegant design
  • Its solid aluminum construction
  • Its extremely precise adjustment
  • Its quality grind suitable for espresso

However, it suffers from its relative slowness. Its high price (€285) and the arrival of competing models like 1zpresso or Kingrinder question its relevance in 2023.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Strengths
  • Excellent high-end coffee grinder
  • Careful construction
  • Good value for money
Weaknesses
  • Burr slightly small for espresso (grinding time)
  • Sometimes the grinder tends to slip from hands when grinding
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If you're looking for an espresso grinder:

  • 1Zpresso J-Ultra1Zpresso J-Ultra1Zpresso J-Ultra Review: Premium Manual Espresso GrinderReview of the 1Zpresso J-Ultra: 48 mm burrs, 8 µm precision, retractable handle. The premium manual grinder for espresso — handling, grind quality, and verdict.
  • Kingrinder K6KINGrinder K4 & K6KINGrinder K4 & K6, the Kings of Value for MoneyComplete review of KINGrinder K4 and K6: the best value-for-money manual grinders. 48 mm burrs, 16 µm precision, full comparison included. for a tight budget

If you prefer filter methods:

  • The C40 remains a quality choice, but other less expensive grinders (50 to 150 €) are more than adequate, such as the Timemore C3 ESP ProTimemore C3 ESP ProTimemore C3 ESP Pro Review: Best Travel Manual GrinderReview of the Timemore C3 ESP Pro: folding handle, espresso-fine adjustment, compact design. Performance, ergonomics, and verdict.
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The Timemore Chestnut X is no longer in production. It has been replaced by the Timemore Chestnut S3 which I had the pleasure of testing in this articleTimemore Chestnut S3Timemore Chestnut S3 Review: Best Manual Pour-Over GrinderComplete review of the Timemore S3 manual grinder: precision, design, and pour-over excellence. Why it shines for filter coffee but cannot do espresso..