Verdict
All guidesMethodologyAboutContact
Head-to-head · Best Coffee Grinders Under $200

Capresso Infinity vs Timemore Chestnut C3

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Timemore Chestnut C3 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.1 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about entry-level manual grinder users — read the strengths below before deciding.

Capresso Infinity
Ranked #7 in Best Coffee Grinders Under $200
Capresso Infinity
$99

The Capresso Infinity is an entry-level conical burr grinder that offers solid value for money, according to reviewers. It features 16 grind settings covering all home brewing methods and operates at a low 450 RPM to minimize heat and noise. While it delivers good grind consistency for most uses, it's not precise enough for espresso enthusiasts seeking exact timing. The grinder is praised for its durability and ease of use, though some reviewers noted the timer dial is confusingly labeled. It's best suited for casual coffee drinkers who want quality grounds without breaking the bank. Those needing ultra-precision should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Very well priced
  • — Wide range of most popular grind settings
  • — Made of high-quality materials
Watch-outs
  • — Other burr grinders have more precise settings
  • — Not dishwasher safe
$99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Timemore Chestnut C3
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Coffee Grinders Under $200
Timemore Chestnut C3
$69

The Timemore Chestnut C3 represents an incremental update to the popular C2, featuring new S2C burr technology and a steel dial indicator. However, reviewers noted that the new burrs are slower than the previous model, reducing grinding speed from 0.8-1g/sec to around 0.5g/sec. While the design remains largely unchanged with its aluminum body and stainless steel components, the inclusion of plastic internals has raised concerns among some users. The C3S variant is recommended for filter coffee enthusiasts, while the C3 ESP offers more precise adjustments for espresso brewing. Despite these drawbacks, it remains a budget-friendly option for those seeking entry-level manual grinding capabilities.

Strengths
  • — Features new S2C burr technology that Timemore claims improves grind consistency
  • — Includes a steel dial indicator instead of plastic on the newer model
  • — Lightweight design at just 423g, making it easy to handle during use
Watch-outs
  • — New S2C burrs are slower than the previous C2 burrs, grinding at ~0.5g/sec vs 0.8-1g/sec
  • — Still uses plastic stabilizers internally which some users may find concerning
  • — Grinder speed and performance are described as a step back compared to the C2
$69 · Buy at timemore.comFull review →

How they stack up

Capresso Infinity

The Capresso Infinity provides solid value and ease of use, but it's less precise than the Baratza Encore and lacks the advanced features of the OXO Brew. It's more affordable than the Baratza Virtuoso Plus but doesn't offer the same level of grind consistency for espresso, making it ideal for casual users who don't need precision.

Timemore Chestnut C3

The Timemore Chestnut C3 improves on the C2 with a steel dial indicator and S2C burrs, but it's slower and still uses plastic components, unlike the 1Zpresso J-Max's titanium-coated burrs. It's less precise than the Baratza Virtuoso Plus and not as versatile as the Fellow Opus, but it remains a budget-friendly option for basic manual grinding.

Specs side-by-side

SpecCapresso InfinityTimemore Chestnut C3
Burr Type40mm Stainless Steel—
Burr Size40mm38mm
Grind Settings1612 clicks (C3S), 30 clicks (C3 ESP)
MaterialStainless steel, Plastic, Zinc die-castAluminum body with stainless steel burrs
MotorMultiple Gear Motor—
← See the full ranking of best coffee grinders under $200