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TIMEMORE Bricks 01S Electric Coffee Grinder: A Deep Dive

As a professional barista and avid coffee blogger with a decade of hands-on experience, I’ve had the privilege – and sometimes the pain – of evaluating countless coffee grinders. From the humble hand grinder that kickstarted my journey to the sophisticated, prosumer behemoths that grace café counters, each piece of equipment tells a story about its role in crafting the perfect cup. Today, I’m thrilled to pull back the curtain on a recent entrant that has genuinely impressed me: the TIMEMORE Bricks 01S Electric Coffee Grinder.

Priced in the accessible $150-$200 range, the Bricks 01S has swiftly positioned itself as a serious contender for home baristas seeking a versatile, single-dose electric grinder that punches well above its weight. TIMEMORE, a brand synonymous with quality and innovation in the coffee accessories world, has aimed to deliver commercial-grade performance in a compact, aesthetically pleasing package.

In this extensive review, I’ll dissect its design, scrutinize its performance, assess its usability, and ultimately determine its value proposition, placing it in direct comparison with its illustrious siblings, the TIMEMORE Sculptor 064S and 078S, and other notable competitors like the Baratza Encore ESP, Fellow Opus, and Eureka Mignon Filtro.

Design and Build Quality: A Masterclass in Compact Elegance

The first impression of the TIMEMORE Bricks 01S is undeniable: it’s a stunner. Its compact dimensions (102mm x 150mm x 286mm) make it remarkably space-efficient, a true blessing for urban dwellers or anyone with limited kitchen real estate. Unlike many entry-level grinders that can feel a bit like glorified plastic toys, the Bricks 01S boasts an aluminum body, available in sleek black or crisp white, which immediately conveys a sense of premium craftsmanship. The angular, vertical design is a clear nod to its more expensive Sculptor lineage, yet it carves out its own minimalist identity. This isn’t just a grinder; it’s a countertop statement piece.

Functionality in design is paramount, and the Bricks 01S delivers. The 40g single-dose hopper, crafted from robust ABS plastic, ingeniously doubles as the grind size adjustment dial. While the plastic does feel less luxurious than metal, its practicality is undeniable. The magnetic lid on the hopper is a thoughtful touch, preventing beans from “popcorning” and ensuring a tidy grinding experience. Equally commendable is the magnetic catch cup, which slots into place with a satisfying click, minimizing static and mess – a common bane for home baristas.

But what truly elevates the Bricks 01S’s design is the inclusion of the rotary knocker, a feature famously lauded in the Sculptor series. This ingenious mechanism effectively clears residual grounds from the chute, reducing retention to an impressive 0.1-0.2 grams. For single-dosing enthusiasts, this is a game-changer, ensuring that every gram of coffee contributes to your brew and preventing stale grounds from contaminating your next cup.

However, no design is without its minor imperfections. The power cord exits straight from the body, which can indeed limit placement options on a crowded counter. A more flexible, kettle-style cord, as seen on the Fellow Opus, would have offered greater versatility. Furthermore, I’ve observed that grounds can occasionally accumulate in the crevices where the grinder’s neck meets its body, necessitating a slightly more involved cleaning process. The burr lock mark, crucial for reassembly after cleaning, is also surprisingly subtle and can be tricky to spot for new users. These are minor quibbles, however, and do little to diminish the overall impression of a well-engineered and robust machine for its price point.

In stark contrast, the TIMEMORE Sculptor 064S ($519) and 078S ($749) command a significantly higher price, justified by their heavier, all-metal constructions, larger 64mm and 78mm flat burrs, and detachable power cords. Their adjustment dials are more refined, and the magnetic pull on their catch cups feels even more substantial. Among its direct competitors, the Baratza Encore ESP ($199) and Fellow Opus ($195) offer solid, functional designs but lean more heavily on plastic components, lacking the premium tactile feel of the Bricks. The Eureka Mignon Filtro ($229) boasts a sturdier metal body, but its traditional, boxier form factor lacks the Bricks’ modern, compact allure.

Burrs and Grind Quality: Pentagonal Precision with a Caveat

The heart of any grinder lies in its burrs, and the Bricks 01S is equipped with 40mm conical stainless steel burrs – a departure from the flat burrs of the Sculptor series. These proprietary S2C040 burrs, reminiscent of TIMEMORE’s well-regarded E&B burrs, are engineered to produce a sweet, full-bodied flavor profile, aiming for versatility across espresso and filter coffee. The horizontal mounting of these burrs is a key design choice that contributes to the grinder’s notably compact footprint, setting it apart from the larger, vertically mounted flat burrs found in the Sculptor models.

My testing revealed consistent grind quality across a range of filter brewing methods. For pour-over, at settings typically between 20-27 clicks, the Bricks 01S delivered a commendably uniform medium-coarse grind, resulting in clean, balanced cups with respectable clarity. The flavor profile, as advertised, was indeed sweet and robust, providing a pleasant depth to the coffee.

However, for the discerning espresso enthusiast, the Bricks 01S does encounter some limitations. Even at its finest setting (0), I found that the grind, particularly for lighter roasted coffees or high-end unpressurized espresso machines, wasn’t quite fine enough to achieve optimal extraction pressures and shot times. This observation aligns with discussions I’ve seen in online coffee communities, with some users exploring calibration tweaks to push for finer grinds, though TIMEMORE doesn’t officially support adjustments beyond the default 0 mark. While it can certainly produce a serviceable shot for Moka pots or entry-level pressurized portafilters, those chasing the nuanced flavors and perfect flow of a finely tuned espresso might find themselves longing for more.

Comparing it to the Sculptor 064S and 078S, which feature larger 64mm and 78mm flat burrs, the Bricks 01S undeniably produces a slightly less uniform grind, especially at the finer end of the spectrum. The Sculptor 064S, with its flat burrs, shines in espresso, offering enhanced sweetness and clarity. The 078S, with its even larger burrs and variable RPM control (800-1400 RPM), elevates both espresso and filter performance to a professional standard. The Bricks 01S, operating at a fixed speed, lacks this crucial RPM adjustment, which limits its ability to fine-tune grind distribution and, consequently, extraction.

Against its direct competitors, the Bricks 01S holds its ground admirably. The Baratza Encore ESP, also featuring 40mm conical burrs, offers similar versatility but can produce slightly more fines, potentially affecting clarity in pour-over. The Fellow Opus, with its 40mm conical burrs, provides comparable grind quality but boasts a more granular 150-step adjustment system (0.01mm per step) which offers a discernible advantage in precision over the Bricks’ less granular dial. The Eureka Mignon Filtro, while a solid grinder for filter coffee, truly struggles with the fine grinds required for espresso, making TIMEMORE Bricks 01S a more versatile all-around option despite its espresso limitations.

Performance and Workflow: Streamlined and User-Friendly

Under the hood, the Bricks 01S is powered by a 150W brushed motor that operates with commendable quietness. It effortlessly handles medium to dark roasts, though it does show signs of strain with extremely light, dense beans when pushed to its finest settings. The 150-step micro-adjustment dial, while not stepless, provides a good range for various brewing methods, allowing for precise control, though perhaps not the surgical precision of its higher-end counterparts.

The single-dose hopper and the ever-so-satisfying rotary knocker are the unsung heroes of the Bricks’ workflow. They make single-dosing a joy, allowing you to grind only what you need, minimizing waste and ensuring maximum freshness. The inclusion of an RDT (Ross Droplet Technique) spray bottle and an air blower in the box further enhances the user experience, effectively combating static and aiding in quick cleanups.

In terms of speed, the Timemore Bricks 01S is impressively nimble for its size, grinding a 35g dose in under 30 seconds. While it won’t outpace the commercial-grade speed of the Sculptor 078S, which benefits from larger burrs and a more powerful motor, it’s more than sufficient for home use. Where it truly shines is in its low retention. Thanks to that brilliant rotary knocker, retention is consistently minimal, significantly outperforming the Fellow Opus, which can retain more grounds without careful tapping. Hopper-based grinders like the Baratza Encore ESP and Eureka Mignon Filtro, by their very design, tend to have higher retention, leading to a mixing of old and fresh grounds – a major detractor for those seeking consistency.

As mentioned, the Bricks’ espresso performance, while adequate for some, isn’t its strongest suit. It manages fine enough grinds for Moka pots or entry-level machines, but for aficionados seeking to explore the full potential of lighter roasts or high-end setups, the grind range at the finer end can be restrictive. The Sculptor 064S and 078S, with their flat burrs and variable RPM, are undeniably superior for espresso, capable of producing shots with enhanced sweetness, clarity, and more consistent extraction. The Fellow Opus and Baratza Encore ESP offer better dedicated espresso performance at comparable price points, though they sacrifice the Bricks’ unique compact footprint and impressive low retention.

Price and Value: TIMEMORE Bricks 01s Is A Budget-Friendly Contender

Priced between $175(Special Offer – Buy Here) -$200, the TIMEMORE Bricks 01S represents exceptional value for a single-dose electric grinder capable of handling both espresso and filter coffee. It significantly undercuts the Sculptor 064S ($519) and 078S ($749), making it an incredibly attractive option for beginners, those on a budget, or even seasoned enthusiasts looking for a reliable secondary grinder. While the Sculptor series justifies its higher cost with larger burrs, variable RPM, and a more robust, premium build, the Bricks 01S astonishingly delivers a solid 80% of that performance at a mere fraction of the price.

Against its direct competitors, the Bricks 01S remains highly competitive. The Baratza Encore ESP ($199) and Fellow Opus ($195) are marginally more expensive, and while they offer slightly more precise adjustments and arguably better dedicated espresso performance, they don’t quite match the Bricks’ compact size or its impressive low retention. The Eureka Mignon Filtro ($229) is less versatile, being primarily geared towards filter coffee, which makes the Bricks a more compelling all-rounder for the price. For home baristas where counter space is at a premium and single-dosing is a priority, Timemore Bricks 01S is a standout, offering an unbeatable combination of features and affordability. However, serious espresso enthusiasts looking for ultimate dial-in precision might still find themselves drawn to the Fellow Opus or even consider saving for a Sculptor 064S.

Taste Profile: Sweet and Robust, Not for Clarity Seekers

The taste profile delivered by the Bricks 01S aligns perfectly with its burr design: a sweet, full-bodied cup with a pleasing texture. This makes it an excellent choice for espresso and Moka pot brewing, where a rich, syrupy mouthfeel is often desired. In pour-over applications, it yields a balanced flavor profile, consistently producing enjoyable results.

However, if your palate craves extreme clarity, vibrant acidity, and distinct separation of tasting notes – the hallmarks of some high-end flat burr grinders or specialized conical burrs – the Bricks 01S might leave you wanting. It doesn’t quite achieve the sparkling clarity of the Sculptor 078S with its turbo burrs designed for filter coffee, nor does it compete with elite hand grinders like the 1Zpresso K-Ultra in terms of separating delicate flavors. The Fellow Opus and Baratza Encore ESP produce similar flavor profiles, with the Opus potentially offering a touch more clarity due to its finer adjustment capabilities. The Eureka Mignon Filtro excels in filter coffee clarity but is a non-starter for espresso, making the Bricks a more well-rounded choice if you brew both.

Final Verdict: A Worthy Entry-Level Contender

After spending considerable time with the TIMEMORE Bricks 01S, I can confidently say it’s a remarkably compelling choice for home baristas on a budget who prioritize compactness, versatility, and minimal retention. Its sturdy aluminum build, user-friendly features, and impressive low retention make it a genuine standout in the crowded sub-$200 electric grinder market.

While it doesn’t quite match the ultimate precision or the dedicated high-end espresso performance of the TIMEMORE Sculptor 064S or 078S, it offers a substantial portion of their functionality and design excellence at a significantly more accessible price point. Compared to its direct rivals like the Baratza Encore ESP, Fellow Opus, and Eureka Mignon Filtro, the TIMEMORE Bricks 01S carves out its niche with its superior build feel for the price, compact footprint, and truly exceptional low retention, thanks to that ingenious rotary knocker. Its main weakness lies in its inability to consistently achieve the ultra-fine grind necessary for challenging light roast espresso on unpressurized baskets, which might be a deal-breaker for some dedicated espresso enthusiasts.

For beginners taking their first steps into the world of specialty coffee, or for experienced home baristas with limited counter space who crave a versatile single-dosing grinder for both casual espresso and excellent filter coffee, TIMEMORE Bricks 01S is an absolute winner. If your primary focus is pushing the boundaries of high-end espresso or extracting maximum clarity from your filter brews, you might consider saving up for the Sculptor 064S or a competitor like the Fellow Opus which offers more granular adjustment.

Ultimately, the TIMEMORE Bricks 01S serves as a testament to TIMEMORE’s commitment to delivering quality and innovation at an accessible price. It’s a worthy addition to any home coffee setup, proving that you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy consistently good coffee. It fills a crucial gap in the market, offering a stylish, functional, and surprisingly capable grinder that I wholeheartedly recommend.