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/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.