Head-to-head · Best Coffee Grinders Under $200

Hario Skerton Pro vs Timemore Chestnut C2

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 C2 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.1 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about budget-conscious portable users — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #8 in Best Coffee Grinders Under $200

Hario Skerton Pro

4.1

$60

The Hario Skerton Pro represents a refined iteration of the iconic hand grinder, addressing many usability issues of its predecessors. Reviewers noted significant improvements in grind adjustment ease and build quality, particularly with the new clickable dial system and upgraded metal crank. However, the grinder still lacks consistency on coarse settings and remains relatively slow. While it's a solid entry-level option for those seeking a reliable manual grinder, it's outperformed by more modern alternatives like the Timemore C2 in the same price range. This product is best suited for casual coffee enthusiasts who value portability and simplicity over precision grinding.

Strengths

— Improved grind adjustment system with clickable dial underneath burrs for easier coarse-fine setting changes
— Premium feel with solid construction, including upgraded metal crank handle that locks securely with hex key
— Snug-fitting clear plastic lid replaces the previous silicone lid that was hard to secure

Watch-outs

— Still suffers from inconsistency when grinding on coarse settings, a problem present in previous versions
— Grinding speed is relatively slow, taking about 1 minute 22 seconds for 26.5g of coffee at medium-fine setting
— No tactile feedback during grind adjustment makes it difficult to dial in precise settings without trial and error

$60 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Coffee Grinders Under $200

Timemore Chestnut C2

4.4

$79

The Timemore Chestnut C2 Manual Coffee Grinder is praised by Wirecutter as an excellent budget-friendly option under $100, offering portable, consistent grinding with a sleek metal build. Tom's Guide also recommends it as one of the cheapest ways to grind on the go, noting its compact size and smooth operation. However, reviewers note its small capacity limits full pot brewing, and it's not ideal for espresso. The grinder's plastic components may concern some users regarding long-term durability, though it's described as reliable for daily use. It's best suited for those who enjoy the meditative process of hand-grinding and value portability over convenience.

Strengths

— Sleek, well-made metal construction with precise machining and smooth grinding mechanism
— Portable and compact design, just 6 inches tall, fits in travel bag
— Stainless steel adjustable burrs allow for consistent grind size adjustments

Watch-outs

— Small capacity requires multiple grinding cycles for full pot of coffee
— Not suitable for espresso due to inability to achieve fine enough grind
— Some internal plastic parts may raise durability concerns for some users

$79 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Hario Skerton Pro

The Hario Skerton Pro offers improved usability over previous models with a clickable dial and metal handle, but it's slower and less consistent than the Timemore Chestnut C2 and lacks the precision of the 1Zpresso J-Max. It's more affordable than the Fellow Opus but not as versatile for espresso, making it best for those who value simplicity over performance.

Timemore Chestnut C2

The Timemore Chestnut C2 offers excellent value and portability, outperforming the Cuisinart Supreme Grind in consistency and build quality, but it's less precise than the 1Zpresso J-Max and lacks the fine-tune settings of the Baratza Virtuoso Plus. It's more affordable than the Fellow Opus but not as versatile for espresso.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Hario Skerton Pro	Timemore Chestnut C2
Burr Type	Conical ceramic	—
Grind Settings	Click dial underneath burrs	Adjustable stainless steel burrs
Material	Plastic, glass, metal	Metal body with plastic parts
Capacity	—	20 grams

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