Timemore Chestnut C3 ESP PRO
~£80 Budget Pick

The C3 ESP PRO is the hand grinder that changed the budget espresso conversation. The ESP variant has finer adjustment steps (0.0233mm per click) than the standard C3, making it far easier to dial in for espresso. The 38mm S2C stainless steel burrs produce a consistent grind that genuinely competes with electric grinders costing twice as much. It takes about 30 seconds to grind 18g of beans — which is either a meditative ritual or a minor annoyance depending on your personality. The all-metal body is built to last, and the foldable handle makes storage easy.

Key specifications

  • 38mm S2C stainless steel burrs
  • Espresso-specific fine adjustment
  • ~30 seconds to grind 18g
  • Near-zero retention
  • All-metal aluminium body
  • Foldable handle for storage

Pairs well with

Sage Bambino, DeLonghi Dedica Arte

Who this is for

You're on a tight budget but you refuse to compromise on grind quality. The C3 ESP PRO is the grinder that lets you pair a great machine with a great grind without breaking the bank. If 30 seconds of hand-grinding feels like a dealbreaker, look at the 1Zpresso JX-S or save for an electric grinder.

Where to buy

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