This is Timemore’s new entry-level manual grinder. In terms of category, they still call it a C-series grinder, but it’s a more mature product than the name would indicate. It’s pretty nice feeling in hand.

The plastic stabilizer is gone; the body is now a rigid aluminum unibody with a new heptagonal, spike-to-cut burr.

Bonus info: there’s no “C4” because 4 is unlucky in Chinese culture, so we leapfrogged straight to C5.

Quick Take

I see the C5 as the logical evolution of the C2/C3: It’s more premium-feeling, but it has to be, since the market today is just crazy competitive. However, while it’s a great allrounder, there are still many other options to consider, if you’re shopping for a grinder around this price point.

First Impressions

In hand, it feels solid without being too heavy. There’s a new criss-cross knurl that looks better than the diamond pattern on C2/C3.

The grind size guide on the bottom adjustment wheel is is a nice touch for beginners.

The bearings are very smooth. But it still grinds a bit slow. The burrs aren’t super aggressive.

How It Fits in the Market

I expect street prices just a hair above the C3 and C2 models, which it seems Timemore is still going to keep alive.

So the C5 also squares up against older Timemores that might be on sale. There are also budget beasts like Kingrinder P2 & K6, 1Zpresso Q Air, and MHW-3Bomber R3 Blade available at this price point. Some of them offer external adjustment or in some cases improved flavor clarity. While the C5 is nice it’s not a no-brainer to go for.

Both the body and the handle is slightly longer on the C5 compared to the C3

What I Liked

• Comfortable form factor with a nice grip
• Looks super clean, understated
• Can grind for both espresso and pour over
• Numbers on the adjustment dial (internal/under the burr) are legible and logical.

What I Didn’t

• Painfully slow for espresso; around ~2 min for an ~18 g dose.
• Clarity is only a small step up from C2/C3. It still lacks some of the sparkle I get from higher-tier burr sets
• The printed ranges feel off: I needed finer for espresso (setting 2) and coarser for pour over than suggested (setting 15-17)

Unresolved Questions

Where does it exactly fit in terms of flavor between C3 and S3? Need a bit more testing to figure out. I also want to pressure-test the espresso workflow: shots actually taste really good – nice balance, texture and acidity, but does the slow grind kill the joy over time? I’ll update after longer use.

Verdict

If you want a sturdier, friendlier C-series grinder for multipurpose use, this is a great option. For espresso diehards or clarity chasers, I’d increase my budget a litte bit and go for Mavo Phantox Pro or Kingrinder K6 instead. But if you love the design, and you’re not crazy about flavor clarity nor too serious about espresso, then this will do a solid job.

Alternatives & Links

See my big guide toManual Coffee Grinders for broader picks.

Compare with my Timemore C2 Review and Timemore C3 Review.

If you want more sweetness/clarity, consider Timemore Chestnut S3 as the true upgrade path.

Specs

• Burrs: Heptagonal 42 mm, spike-to-cut style

• Body: Aluminum unibody (no internal plastic stabilizer)

• Grind range:

• Espresso & Moka 5→8 (in my testing setting 2 was needed for a 58 mm portafilter)

• pour-over setting 10-14 (in my testing setting 15-17 was better)

• Grind time: ~120 s for ~18 g espresso (slow) – 48 seconds for 17 gram pour over dose (moderate/slow)

• Capacity: The hopper can fit 35 g, however, the catch cup maxes out at around 22-25 grams.

• Weight: 620 g (moderate)