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

OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder 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 narrow margin (4.2 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about entry-level manual grinder users — read the strengths below before deciding.

OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Ranked #6 in Best Coffee Grinders Under $200
OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
$110

The OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder delivers reliable performance for home users seeking consistent coffee grounds without complexity. Reviewers praised its stainless steel conical burrs, 15 grind settings with micro-adjustments, and one-touch memory function that simplifies daily use. The grinder is noted for its quiet operation and ability to maintain bean freshness. However, some users found coarse grind consistency lacking for French Press and noted the plastic construction feels less sturdy. While it's ideal for everyday drip, pour-over, and French press brewing, those seeking espresso precision or portability may want to consider alternatives.

Strengths
  • Stainless steel conical burrs provide consistent, uniform grind quality
  • One-touch automatic smart grind with memory function remembers last setting
  • 15 adjustable grind settings with micro-adjustments offer versatility for different brewing methods
Watch-outs
  • Coarse grind settings may be uneven, especially for French Press
  • Plastic build feels lightweight and could be more durable
  • No full bin alert or integrated scale to prevent overfilling
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

How they stack up

OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

The OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder provides a good balance of consistency and simplicity with its 15 settings and smart memory function, but it's less precise than the 1Zpresso J-Max's 350+ settings and lacks the fine-tune control of the Baratza Virtuoso Plus. It's more affordable than the Fellow Opus but not as versatile for espresso.

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

SpecOXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee GrinderTimemore Chestnut C3
Burr TypeStainless Steel Conical Burrs
Grind Settings15 settings with micro-adjustments12 clicks (C3S), 30 clicks (C3 ESP)
Capacity12 oz hopper
Burr Size38mm
MaterialAluminum body with stainless steel burrs
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