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 specially optimized for espresso.

Important note: this grinder was kindly sent to me by Timemore for testing. Nevertheless, 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 test of the Timemore S3, I discovered a grinder that was exceptional for pour-over but totally unsuitable for espresso. In reality, the S3 was entirely designed for gentle methods (V60, Chemex, French Press) and not intended for espresso. Its calibration and burr geometry were optimized for medium to coarse grinds, hence the impossibility of obtaining a sufficiently fine 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 is distinguished by its burrs and adjustment optimized for espresso.

Features of the Timemore S3 ESP

The Timemore S3 ESP shares many features with its predecessor, but with targeted improvements for espresso:

• Fully aluminum body
• Burrs optimized for espresso
• 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 case

Design and Build Quality

Handling and Finishes

The S3 ESP adopts the excellent design of the S3. The fully aluminum body offers a truly pleasant grip thanks to the engraved ridges that ensure excellent adhesion. This feature is particularly appreciated for espresso: the fine grind generates significant torque when rotating the crank, and the ridges allow you to hold the grinder firmly 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 Foldable Crank

The foldable crank found on the S3 ESP is an asset of Timemore grinders. Unlike competitors such as the 1Zpresso J-Ultra, Timemore’s fits perfectly flush with the grinder body once folded.

The crank is entirely metallic with ball bearings. Conveniently, the integrated aluminum cap displays the adjustment ranges of the grinder inscribed inside. A rubber stopper prevents metal-on-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 a 0.015 mm adjustment between each click, allowing for fine adjustments perfect for espresso. This adjustment system is coupled 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 according to extraction type:

Find the Timemore S3 ESP on Amazon

Find the Timemore S3 ESP on the official Timemore website.

The Container and Opening

Well-Designed Container

The aluminum container screws securely onto the grinder body. Its design without internal rim minimizes coffee retention. Note that on its latest model, the Timemore Millab M01, Timemore opted for a bayonet click-lock 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 worktop.

Maintenance and Disassembly

Disassembling the S3 ESP is extremely simple and requires no tools:

1. Unscrew the lower dial to release the central shaft
2. Remove the shaft and the moving burr
3. Clean with the supplied brush the coffee residue
4. Reassemble in reverse order

The operation takes less than 5 minutes. I recommend a complete cleaning about once a month for daily espresso use.

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 easily achieving an extraction between 25-30 seconds with stable pressure around 9 bars.

In the cup, the S3 ESP reveals its full potential. The espressos present a rich and dense body, an abundant and persistent crema, and a complex aromatic profile. The balanced extraction brings out well-defined fruity and chocolate notes, with beautiful length on the palate.

Pour-over and Filter Coffee

Although specifically designed for espresso, the S3 ESP maintains excellent performance for gentle methods. To perform an objective comparison between the S3 and the S3 ESP, I used my Xbloom, an automatic pour-over coffee machine that eliminates all biases during extraction by ensuring 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 suited to my coffee. This Xbloom recipe allows for 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 be able to 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 if 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 succeeds brilliantly for espresso while remaining capable of producing excellent filter coffees, even if it’s not its preferred extraction method.

It’s a grinder I particularly appreciate for its elegant design reminiscent of a camera lens, its pleasant daily use, and its excellent results in the cup. For me, it’s one of the best hand grinders dedicated to espresso available on the market today.

My rating: ★★★★★

Find the Timemore S3 ESP on Amazon

Find the Timemore S3 ESP on the official Timemore website.