Hario Skerton vs Timemore C3 PRO vs Timemore C2 Fold: which manual coffee grinder to buy (2026)
We compare three manual coffee grinders on Amazon: Hario Skerton, Timemore C3 PRO and Timemore C2 Fold, with pros, cons and which to pick for your brew method.
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Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication and are subject to change.
If you brew at home with a French press, V60, AeroPress or moka pot, a good manual grinder makes a real difference. On Amazon, three models keep coming up in coffee forums and groups: the classic Hario Skerton, and the two Timemore options that have refreshed the mid range. Here we compare their burrs, grind quality and who each one suits.
| Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hario MSCS-2TB Skerton Plus | Beginners and tight budgets | View |
| Timemore Chestnut C3 PRO | Daily home use, better uniformity | View |
| Timemore C2 Fold Grey | Travel and use away from home | View |
Hario Skerton Plus: the entry-level reference
The Hario Skerton is probably the best-known manual grinder in Spain. Its glass body is easy to clean (removable and water-safe), the ceramic conical burrs last well and grind adjustment is straightforward.
According to user reviews on Amazon, the Skerton works well for slow extraction methods (French press, Chemex, V60 at medium-coarse). Uniformity is weaker for fine espresso grinds, but for a first manual grinder it is a solid choice.
Hario MSCS-2TB Skerton Plus
Grinder with glass body and ceramic burrs. Easy to take apart and rinse under the tap. The Plus version includes a shaft stabilizer that improves consistency over the original. Made in Japan.
Pros
- Very affordable entry price
- Glass body easy to clean, no odor retention
- Durable ceramic burrs
- Shaft stabilizer included on the Plus version
Cons
- Less uniform than Timemore models for fine grinds
- Ergonomics can feel awkward for large batches
- Not foldable, takes more space when traveling
Timemore Chestnut C3 PRO: a clear step up in quality
The Timemore C3 PRO has redefined the sub-60 euro mid range. Its aluminum and stainless build is sturdier than the Hario's glass, and its S2C steel burrs deliver noticeably more uniform particles, especially at medium and moka settings. External adjustment (without removing the hopper) is a convenience users mention again and again.
According to Amazon reviews, people coming from the Hario notice better uniformity and less fatigue while grinding. The C3 PRO targets filter brewers and immersion methods: for very fine espresso there is the C3 ESP PRO variant.
Timemore Chestnut C3 PRO
Aluminum body with 38 mm S2C steel burrs. External adjustment with 30 clicks per turn. 25 g bean capacity. Includes cleaning brush. The most popular Timemore model for daily home use.
Pros
- Clearly better grind uniformity than the Hario
- External adjustment without removing the hopper
- Metal construction, more robust
- Less fatigue thanks to sharper burr cutting
Cons
- No folding handle, less practical for travel
- For very fine espresso the C3 ESP PRO is a better fit
- Somewhat pricier than the Hario
Timemore C2 Fold Grey: compact and foldable for the bag
The Timemore C2 Fold solves the problem of carrying a good travel grinder without giving up too much quality. The handle folds over the body, shrinking to a size that fits any case. Steel burrs deliver consistent results for filter methods.
Users praise the clean design and folding practicality. For home-only use it can feel a bit small, but as a travel or office grinder it is hard to beat at this price.
Timemore C2 Fold Grey
Stainless steel body with folding handle. Adjustable conical steel burrs. Matte grey finish. Built for backpacks, offices or anywhere away from home. Also available in black.
Pros
- Folding handle: fits any bag or case
- Good uniformity for filter methods
- Solid metal build
- Easy to clean with the brush
Cons
- Lower capacity than the other two models
- Not the first choice if home use is the main goal
- Adjustment slightly less precise than the C3 PRO
Which to choose
If you want your first grinder and budget comes first, the Hario Skerton Plus does the job. For better extraction with filter, V60 or moka at home, the Timemore C3 PRO is the best price-to-performance balance. If you need a grinder for travel or the office, the Timemore C2 Fold is the most practical.
For home V60 or French press, the Timemore C3 PRO is the most recommended pick. If your method is espresso, look at the Timemore C3 ESP PRO, which has burrs tuned for fine grinding.
Frequently asked questions
How long does each one take to grind? For about 18-20 g of coffee, the Hario Skerton takes 60 to 90 seconds. The Timemore models, with sharper steel burrs, often cut that to 45-70 seconds according to user reviews.
Are they suitable for espresso? The Hario Skerton is not aimed at very fine espresso. The Timemore C3 PRO works for moka and light espresso, but for pure espresso the C3 ESP PRO is better oriented.
How much coffee do they hold? The Hario Skerton and Timemore C3 PRO hold around 25 g of beans. The C2 Fold has slightly less capacity, ideal for 1-2 cups.
Can they go in the dishwasher? None are dishwasher-safe. The Skerton's glass rinses under the tap; the Timemore models clean best with the included brush and a dry cloth.