I have now backed three Kickstarter campaigns in total and all of them are coffee related. The first one was Simplify the brewer, followed by Patrik Rolf’s book called From Nerd to Pro. The third backing was not planned, as is life, but if you are a coffee enthusiast like me, which I am sure you are, you already know that there’s been several grinders that have launched this year and honestly, I can’t keep up anymore.

Every week, a new grinder was announced, some that would outlive you, some I’ve never heard of and some are much awaited upgrades from well-known brands. After having an all-love-no-hate relationship with the Baratza Encore for more than two years, it was time I picked up a new grinder. It’s time to upgrade to the Timemore Sculptor.

There are three reasons why I’m upgrading:

• Noise — it can wake my babies up.

• Inconsistent grind size — in all fairness, it is a budget grinder.

• Retention — no wonder those Brazilian coffees end up tasting funky.

Decisions decisions decisions

I am a huge believer of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Which is why I don’t understand why I get the stares when I am asked what grinder I currently use. It gets the job done and I really enjoy what I brew at home. Let’s face it. Home brewing is not the same as professional baristas preparing coffee in a cafe. Bottom line: if the coffee is great, then the resulting cup is going to be phenomenal, no matter what brewing tools and techniques you are going to use.

Back to the grinder. Having launched several hand grinders, this is Timemore’s first take at an electric grinder. I’m not sure if the name is befitting but the design definitely is. The grinder is available in two sizes, you can either opt for the 64mm or 78mm burr set, and within those two sizes you have the option of choosing a flat or a turbo burr set.

I initially opted for the smaller flat burr version grinder which can grind for both pour over and espresso. But, since majority of the reviews favor the turbo burr set and after some point of time I would want the capability of brewing espressos at home, I have now changed my backing to the bigger flat burr version grinder. Changed my decision thrice already, if only you understood how convoluted this situation was for me.

Apart from the burr set conundrum, here are three reasons why I am upgrading to the Timemore Sculptor:

Design

There is a reminiscence of Fellow Ode here fused with elements of the legendary Mahlkonig EK43 coming together in a modern and minimal footprint. It is also the winner of iF DESIGN AWARD 2023. Need I say more that the grinder has been recognized for its outstanding design.

Rotary Knocker

What sometimes seems like an afterthought with some grinders, the rotary knocker in this case was designed to prevent low retention of coffee grind. From the looks of it, the tool performs even better without the use of bellows. Add to it, a pleasant tactile feedback every time you rotate the knob that gives the grinder a premium touch.

Magnets

You will notice the first magnetic pull when you handle the catch cup. The base is embedded with a magnet to pull the cup in the correct position. The lid to feed the coffee also has two magnets to keep it in place. There’s a closed and half-closed position that helps to slide it in and out. There’s another magnet present within the dial indicator to make it easy to remove and recalibrate the grinder and its zero point.

Bonus: Price

Let’s be honest, the price point is too good to pass which is what makes the Kickstarter campaign attractive.

Other worthwhile features include:

• Available in two burr sets: flat and turbo

• Stepless dial indicator

• Detachable power cord

• Brushless motor

• Adjustable RPM

Conclusion

I haven’t personally played around with the grinder but watching many videos on the internet, especially Lance Hedrick and The Coffee Chronicler, I have come to the conclusion that the workflow for this grinder might be some of the best out there.

It is also one of the quietest grinders I have heard, at least from the videos. The brushless motors within the grinder sound like a jet, and while grinding coffee it sounds almost surgical. Take a look at this video by Aramse highlighting the sound of this grinder. It’s a treat for the ears!

What I learnt from the whole experience? You’ll never have a grinder that can do it all. It’s ultimately about the coffee, not the gear. There will always be something better in the near future that can dethrone the Timemore grinders and I am okay with that.

Lance and other reviewers have actually gone out of their way to review these grinders and respond to hundreds of queries. We all have that fear of missing out but I think most of us including myself will ever taste the nuances like the skilled baristas.

With the Kickstarter campaign about to end today in a few hours, and the delivery happening a month later, worst cast scenario — end of the year, I can’t wait to rediscover my love for home brewing again!

What are your thoughts on the Timemore Sculptor? Are you hyped about other releases from this year? Comment below and let me know.