Timemore Chestnut C3S Pro Manual Coffee Grinder vs 1Zpresso X-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder-Midnight Black
We compare the Timemore Chestnut C3S Pro Manual Coffee Grinder and the 1Zpresso X-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder-Midnight Black across every dimension that matters - our scores, the key specs, and how each performs on the things you will actually notice day to day.
At a glance
| Timemore Chestnut C3S Pro Manual Coffee Grinder | 1Zpresso X-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder-Midnight Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| Best for | Home baristas who want consistent, adjustable grinding across 36 settings | Home baristas who want consistent, adjustable grinding across 60 settings |
| Not ideal for | Anyone after the cheapest blade grinder or cafe-level throughput | Anyone after the cheapest blade grinder or cafe-level throughput |
| Brand | Timemore | 1Zpresso |
Specifications compared
| Timemore Chestnut C3S Pro Manual Coffee Grinder | 1Zpresso X-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder-Midnight Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Settings | Approx. 36 levels | 60 Per rotation |
| Capacity | 430 g | 600 g Catch cup holds 25-30 g |
Design and Build Quality
Timemore Chestnut C3S Pro Manual Coffee Grinder
This coffee grinder's C3S Pro stands out for its design and build quality because it uses a 38 mm CNC stainless steel conical burr housed in a full metal unibody with folding handles. This construction changes the feel in-hand compared with simpler plastic-bodied models. The grinder is built from aluminium, metal, and polycarbonate parts, with a compact 52 mm body size designed to improve grip, including for smaller hands. The folding handles support portability, and the metal frame is built for confident daily use. The use of mixed materials means careful cleaning and handling are still needed.
1Zpresso X-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder-Midnight Black
Designed around a compact aluminium body, this coffee grinder (model 1XULTRAS01-BK, midnight black) is built to stay portable while maintaining consistent manual grinding control. The build feels solid, with a slim form factor and an overall size of 17L x 18.5W x 5.2Hcm. The external adjustment uses 60 steps per rotation, supporting repeatable set points. A foldable crank handle reduces bulk, and the magnetic catch cup holds about 25 - 30g. Disassembly for cleaning is tool-free, though the parts need careful handling.
Burr Type and Grind Quality
Timemore Chestnut C3S Pro Manual Coffee Grinder
With the C3S Pro, grind quality begins with its 38 mm stainless steel conical burr. The burr is CNC machined and designed to cut coffee beans in a more even way than simpler burr shapes. The manufacturer states the burr is intended to reduce very coarse particles, using 5-axis CNC machining and a hardness of 55 to 58HRC, with the aim of consistent particle distribution. "The Timemore vs" comparisons typically turn on this burr geometry, as conical burrs can feel predictable, although the results still depend on bean freshness and the degree of applied force.
1Zpresso X-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder-Midnight Black
A heptagonal burr handles the grinding in the 1Zpresso (1XULTRAS01-BK). This burr design is described as creating a smooth grinding feel that suits pour-over, especially for a light and sweet flavour profile. The grinder uses an externally adjusted system, which the manufacturer says was calibrated and fixed in place to prevent wobble over time. In day-to-day use, the burr's finish is intended to reduce harshness by emphasising a clean cutting action rather than aggressive crushing. Strength: consistent burr behaviour.
Grind Settings and Consistency
Timemore Chestnut C3S Pro Manual Coffee Grinder
Grind control on the coffee grinder is set using an adjustment nut that provides about 36 coarseness levels. Rotating the nut clockwise makes the grind finer, producing a powder, while anti-clockwise rotation makes it coarser. Adjustment can be made gradually and followed by testing in the cup, because each step changes particle size. Consistency depends on how evenly beans feed through the 38 mm conical burr, and the smoother bearing-supported handle can help keep effort steady. Very fine settings may still introduce more variability.
1Zpresso X-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder-Midnight Black
Typically, the coffee grinder manual coffee grinder (1XULTRAS01-BK) offers 60 grind settings. The manufacturer states the adjustment is external with 60 steps per rotation, designed to make dialing in easier than the previous external adjustment design. That stepped system supports repeatable setup, with settings able to be returned after changes. For the 1Zpresso vs. Comparison, consistency is dependent on maintaining the same grind setting and technique. Consistency improves when the burr remains correctly calibrated (fixed by The coffee grinder), although output may still vary due to grind retention and operator speed.
Hopper and Bean Capacity
Timemore Chestnut C3S Pro Manual Coffee Grinder
The Timemore uses a compact hopper setup rather than a large, high-capacity bin, and the manufacturer does not state an exact hopper volume. The only overall capacity figure provided is 430 grams for beans, which indicates a design aimed at home batch use rather than long refills. For operation, the hopper is loaded with whole beans and the grinder is turned until the desired dose is extracted. If the hopper feels small for a routine, refilling between grinds may be required.
1Zpresso X-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder-Midnight Black
For hopper and bean capacity, the X-Ultra (model 1XULTRAS01-BK) does not use a large, bean-filled hopper like many electric grinders. Instead, it relies on a magnet catch cup that the manufacturer states can hold about 25 to 30 g. The 1Zpresso X-Ultra listing describes this as a compact, space-saving approach rather than a big in-feed bin. Batches will need measured refills more often than grinders with larger hoppers, which limits high-volume grinding.
Noise Level and Speed
Timemore Chestnut C3S Pro Manual Coffee Grinder
As the coffee grinder is a manual hand grinder, it can still produce noticeable sound as the handle turns, mainly from the burr moving and the beans being crushed. No manufacturer noise rating (in dB) is provided. In day-to-day use, the grinding speed depends on the user's pace, since it is a manual grinder with no set RPM. With 36 grind settings, finer adjustments typically require slower, more careful cranking to avoid uneven results. On Timemore Amazon UK listings, shoppers should expect sound typical of hand grinding rather than quiet operation, especially at coarser-to-fine shifts.
1Zpresso X-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder-Midnight Black
Noise and speed come mainly from the manual drive, because the X-Ultra is operated using a foldable crank rather than a motor. As a result, no stated sound level (dB) or rotational speed (RPM) is given in the provided specifications. With the 1Zpresso, output is controlled by how steadily the crank is turned. The aluminium slim body remains portable, and the grind setting offers 60 steps per rotation, which can affect the time needed per batch. Faster cranking may change grind consistency if the speed varies, so steady cranking is important for repeatable results.
Static and Retention
Timemore Chestnut C3S Pro Manual Coffee Grinder
Static and retention matter because a manual grinder can leave some grounds clinging inside the body and around the burr area, affecting how much coffee ends up in the catch container. With the Timemore Chestnut C3S Pro, retained coffee is mainly a cleaning issue, since the compact body and stainless conical burr (38 mm) sit near the output path. After grinding, grounds can collect on the adjustment nut and in crevices, so the catch yield may drop. Brushing out the burr area after each session can reduce retention, but it adds time.
1Zpresso X-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder-Midnight Black
Static and retention can affect how much coffee ends up in the cup, because ground particles may cling to grinder parts instead of dropping cleanly. With the coffee grinder, retention is most noticeable around the grind chamber and the magnet catch cup. The aluminium body and tool-free dismantling can help reduce build-up. After each session, the heptagonal burr and internal surfaces can be wiped or blown out to support more consistent dosing.
Learning Curve and Daily Operation
Timemore Chestnut C3S Pro Manual Coffee Grinder
Getting a consistent grind from the Timemore takes practice because it uses an adjustable nut with about 36 coarseness levels, and grind quality changes noticeably as the nut is turned. In daily use, the process starts by setting a known nut position, then grinding a small test batch, adjusting clockwise for finer or anti-clockwise for coarser. The conical burr is 38 mm wide, and the grinder is designed for relatively smooth, continuous motion, including a built-in bearing effect when the handle keeps turning. The manual coffee grinder experience includes a quick learning curve, but small adjustments make a clear difference.
1Zpresso X-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder-Midnight Black
After considering the static and retention behaviour around the grind chamber and magnet catch cup, daily operation becomes the deciding factor for repeatability. In the 1Zpresso Coffee Grinder - midnight black (UK) model, the external adjustment has 60 steps per rotation. To keep settings consistent, the same start point needs to be used each time, since the external dial is set in discrete increments. For dial-in, the grinder can be set up for pour-over, then ground by turning the foldable crank until the magnet catch cup reaches the intended fill level. The magnet catch cup is used as the catch for ground coffee, including volumes in the range of about 25 - 30g, depending on the grind session. Beginners may need a few test runs to align the resulting flavour with preference, while more careful repeat handling improves consistency across sessions.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Timemore Chestnut C3S Pro Manual Coffee Grinder
After each brew session, the coffee grinder can be cleaned with minimal effort, as it is designed for easy disassembly and brushing out. The Timemore grinder review describes a straightforward routine: empty any remaining beans, then rotate the grinder to help loosened particles fall away. The next step is to remove the parts as set out in the disassembly instructions, then brush the burr area and the chute thoroughly. For best results, wipe the aluminium body with a dry cloth, since dampness can leave residue. The folding handle stays usable, but a deeper clean is still needed periodically.
1Zpresso X-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder-Midnight Black
Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward on the coffee grinder, mainly because the manufacturer states it can be dismantled without tools. After brewing, the user removes the pieces, clears loose grounds, and wipes the aluminium body with a dry cloth. The included brush supports detail cleaning around the burr area. For storage, the foldable crank handle and compact body (about 5.2H by 17L by 18.5W cm) help keep parts tidy. Buyers comparing this coffee grinder manual coffee grinder (midnight black) price should note that deeper cleaning requires patience during reassembly.
Who Is This Grinder For?
Timemore Chestnut C3S Pro Manual Coffee Grinder
This grinder suits people who want a manual, easy-to-handle workflow and who will keep up with basic upkeep, including brushing after each brew session. It suits home users and travellers because the folding handle and compact body make it easier to carry, and it disassembles for cleaning by brush. The 38 mm stainless conical burr and 36 grind settings from fine to coarse are set up for pour-over use, and it can do light grinds with little force. For anyone asking whether the coffee grinder is any good, it is a solid fit when the time and effort of manual grinding are acceptable.
1Zpresso X-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder-Midnight Black
The 1Zpresso manual grinder (1XULTRAS01-BK, midnight black) is best suited to people who want a compact, all-metal hand grinder and are prepared to grind manually for each brew. It is designed to fit small kitchens and travel setups, with dimensions of about 17 (L) x 18.5 (W) x 5.2 (H) cm and a weight of around 600 g. Pour-over drinkers who prefer a light, sweet flavour profile may find the heptagonal burr useful. Espresso users should verify whether the 1XULTRAS01-BK matches their espresso targets, as its suitability depends on their requirements. It provides 60 settings with external calibration.
Timemore Chestnut C3S Pro Manual Coffee Grinder: pros
- Stainless steel conical burrs for an even, consistent grind (38mm)
- 36 grind settings, from espresso to filter
- Aluminium, metal, polycarbonate build
Cons
- Burrs need periodic cleaning to keep the grind consistent
- Some grind retention between doses is normal
1Zpresso X-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder-Midnight Black: pros
- 60 grind settings, from espresso to filter
- Aluminium build
Cons
- Burr type not stated by the manufacturer
- Burrs need periodic cleaning to keep the grind consistent
- Some grind retention between doses is normal
Our verdict
Our pick is the Timemore Chestnut C3S Pro Manual Coffee Grinder (our score 9.4/10) - A stainless steel conical burr coffee grinder with 36 grind settings, a solid pick for dialling in espresso and filter coffee at home. The 1Zpresso X-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder-Midnight Black is still worth it if it is cheaper when you check, or if it better matches your specific needs.