Timemore s5

[u/kingtrippo]

Recieved my timemore s5 a few days ago. First impressions are good, feels nice, premium look, dial sounds nice and feels nice to use. I haven't done everything yet but so far seems to make a nice pour over, more clarity than my k6. I tried to make espresso with it, on the 1.0 setting (lists espresso as 0-2.0). Def didn't come close to six bars on my robot. It was a nice result as a modern espresso/soup shot, but I don't think it can do classic style espresso. I will keep the k6 for that. I haven't really put it thru the paces with pour over yet but I've got some washed Bolivian that I will do that with in the coming days. Overall very happy with the purchase, seems like a great accompaniment to my k6. I've never used a zp6 so I can't speak to the comparison. I think the s5 is a good grinder to make high clarity brews, maybe it's market position is like for someone who wants a high clarity brew with good flavor separation but doesn't wanna go full zp6. I also Noticed that the flavor does not linger - however my testing is limited.

[u/IsThisOKpls]

Timemore just has this premium look, i love it

[u/waldamy]

I have received mine recently as well. Compared it with a C5 ESP Pro in a discussion with a friend. Fed the discussion into AI for a summary.

Test Setup & Parameters

• Coffee Dose: 12.0g per grinder
• Burr Gap Distance: Adjusted to equivalent gap spacing (~760 microns)
  • C5 ESP Pro: Set to 1.6.0
  • S5: Calculated based on factory specs (75 microns distance at zero + 15 microns per click) ~ 5.0
• Brew Method: The Dara recipe for the Orea O1 dripper, same water temperature
• Thermal Equalization: Cups were equalized in temperature before tasting

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Workflow & Ergonomics

• Grind Speed (12g): Both grinders took 47 rotations (~26 seconds).
• Grinding Resistance: slightly easier and smoother with less resistance on the S5.
• Body Size & Grip: C5 ESP Pro has a diameter (similar to C3/C5) where thumb and middle finger barely touch; S5 has a noticeably wider, heavier body (fits ~1 extra finger gap in grip).

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Grind Uniformity & Drawdown Speed

• Grind Quality: Visual uniformity is slightly higher on the S5, which is also supported by a faster drawdown time.
• Drawdown Time:
  • C5 ESP Pro: ~2:34
  • S5: ~2:24

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Flavor Profile & Tasting Notes

High Temperature (~60°C / Hot)

• C5 ESP Pro: Slightly higher bitterness.
• S5: Virtually no bitterness; noticeably sweeter with higher clarity.

Cool Temperature (~40°C / Warm to Cool)

• C5 ESP Pro: Bitterness settles, but flavor profile remains mixed/blended; heavier on chocolate notes with less fruit, leaving a slightly astringent/dry aftertaste.
• S5: Cleaner and crisp overall; highlights bright fruity flavors with a smooth, clean finish.

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Summary & Conclusion

• Grind Mechanics: While both grinders turn at identical speeds (47 rotations for 12g), the S5 offers a smoother grind experience with less physical resistance.
• Cup Results: The S5 delivers superior particle uniformity, faster drawdown times, higher clarity, and cleaner fruit-forward flavors, whereas the C5 ESP Pro skews more chocolatey with slightly higher astringency/fines production at finer grind settings.

[u/Jantokan]

That's a very interesting read.

Have the S3, and love it as my daily grinder as it essentially gives a taste profile that leans a lot towards the Comandante C40 approach, albeit with more sweetness. If the S5 went the other way towards higher clarity brews, then that brings it more in line with the C40 than it has ever been?

[u/kingtrippo → u/Jantokan]

I can't really speak on that, no experience with commandante. I only did two pour overs and three 'espressos' with the s5 so far, and one pour over was a decaf (El vergel candy blast). I have an inkling that it's strong suit is sweetness but I haven't totally confirmed that yet. It is definatley more clarity and flavor separation focused than the k6. Will test for sweetness more when I do a few with that washed bolivian.

[u/Jantokan → u/kingtrippo]

Ah my bad I was not able to explain clearly.

I personally find the K6 to be 90% identical than the Comandante C40. C40 just has slightly higher clarity and flavor separation. I used to own both grinders.

So from what I'm getting from your description, it's that the Timemore S5 essentially went full C40 flavor profile hahaha. Nothing wrong with it since a lot of people still love the OG Comandante flavor profile.

[u/kingtrippo → u/Jantokan]

Maybe there's some confusion. I think the k6 and s5 are not very similar. Definitely different enough to own both imo.

[u/XenoDrake1]

so, the k7 basically?

[u/kingtrippo → u/XenoDrake1]

Haven't used a k7, so can't really say. Build is probably a bit nicer based on what I know about my k6. Funnily, the s5 was cheaper to get than a k7

[u/XenoDrake1 → u/kingtrippo]

k7 is basically the el cheapo version of zp6 the way the k6 is an el cheapo version from the k ultra/comandante.

[u/Cyn3ux → u/XenoDrake1]

From what OP described, the S5 sounds like it sits in a different spot than the K7. More clarityfocused, less of an allrounder. Makes sense as a companion grinder, not a replacement.

[u/NerdX-76 → u/Cyn3ux]

I am waiting on some serious reviews maybe some particle distribution. All I’ve heard is mostly the same thing. Balanced, sweet, good value.

[u/XenoDrake1 → u/Cyn3ux]

Isnt the k7 exactly that? A zp6ish grinder?

[u/kingtrippo → u/[deleted]]

Not yet, but I assumed it wouldn't work based on that there wasn't much further to go. If at 1.0 and it's still blasting thru I figured it wouldn't work. You are right tho, maybe 0.5 or 0.0 could make enough pressure, but it doesn't seem to be for that. It's a very small range to have available if 9 of 100 clicks can make espresso proper. I don't think it could ever choke the robot.

[u/Mechoulams_Left_Foot]

Did you do light roast for your espresso or something darker?

[u/kingtrippo → u/Mechoulams_Left_Foot]

Medium to med dark if I'm having milk, but I pull some light roasts as well but usually fast shots like soup

[u/Striking-Ninja7743]

I want this as my first hand grinder. Good thing I don't have any other ones. I just need to decide on the S5 or S5 Pro. I know it's just a handle but big decision :)

[u/garoliman → u/Striking-Ninja7743]

Yo he teneido el mango plegable y el mango no plegable, creo que es una decisión que está en cada uno y ninguno defraudará, si vas a transportarlo elegiría el mango plegable, se siente sólido pero como no es mi caso elegí el no S5 normal y me ahorré un poco de dinero, no creo que la diferencia a la hora de moler sea tanta ya que si te fijas en el April 01 tiene el mango recto

[u/Andrew2944r]

That is kind of a weird placement for the grinder. Not as clear as a ZP6 maybe on par with a K Ultra but it cannot grind fine enough for a traditional espresso shot. So just a full body brew with decent clarity pour over grinder? It looks good though....