The Ultimate Budget All-Rounder: Timemore Bricks 01S Grinder Review
The Timemore Bricks 01S is the best budget-friendly, single-dose electric coffee grinder for home coffee bars with limited counter space. Finding an affordable electric grinder that excels at both fine espresso and coarse filter brewing used to feel impossible. However, we recently put this compact powerhouse to the test here at the roastery, and it blew us away.
Whether you are looking to ditch pre-ground coffee for your entry-level espresso machine or want an all-in-one grinder for manual filter brews, the Bricks 01S delivers premium results without the premium price tag.
Big Performance, Tiny Footprint
Many electric grinders dominate your countertop. The Timemore Bricks 01S changes the game with an award-winning, vertically integrated design that measures just 10.2 x 15 cm at its base. It takes up less physical space than a standard smartphone, making it ideal for tight kitchen corners, apartments, or office coffee stations.
Despite its small stature, Timemore did not cut corners on materials. The grinder features a robust, anodised aluminium alloy body that feels heavy, solid, and built to last.
Pro-Level Bench Testing: From Espresso to Filter
To see what it could really do, we took the Bricks 01S out of its box and ran it through two rigorous testing phases on our roastery equipment:
1. Commercial Espresso Test
We paired the Bricks 01S with our commercial La Marzocco Linea espresso machine. Armed with proprietary 40mm S2C-040-EI stainless steel conical burrs, the grinder provides 150 precise grind settings adjusting in ultra-fine 10-micron steps. We were highly impressed by the grind uniformity and consistency. It managed to dial in beautifully, producing a rich, full-bodied espresso shot with zero signs of motor struggle.
2. Manual Pour-Over Test
Next, we flipped the setting to a coarser range for manual filter brewing using the Timemore B75 flat brewer. Conical burrs can sometimes produce too many powdery “fines” that muddy filter coffee, but the S2C burr geometry kept the particle distribution incredibly clean. The resulting cup was vibrant, sweet, and perfectly clear.
Who is the Bricks 01S For?
If you currently own an entry-level espresso machine—like the popular Sage Bambino—and are ready to step away from stale, pre-ground grocery bags, this grinder is your perfect match. It gives you the granular control needed to properly dial in fresh specialty espresso shots, while retaining the flexibility to switch seamlessly to a morning pour-over or a weekend French press.
At £240 it punches significantly above its weight class. You don’t need an industrial-sized machine to get café-quality coffee at home. Look no further than the Bricks 01S.
Want to pair your new grinder with the perfect beans?
Tell us what brewing method you use most often and your favorite flavour profiles (e.g., fruity, chocolatey, light or medium) so we can recommend the ideal roast to kickstart your home barista journey! Or have a look at our coffee range here