Timemore · Flat burrSculptor 064S

A compact, single-dose 64mm flat-burr grinder with a brushless variable-RPM motor and a patented rotary knocker that genuinely gets retention to near-zero. Built for espresso but capable across all brew methods.

The short version

The 064S is one of the more honest all-purpose single-dosers at its price: real flat-burr clarity, near-zero retention with the knocker, and a brushless motor that runs quietly without shaking the bench.

What you accept is the full single-dose workflow every time and a stock burr set that leans toward the balanced-to-sweet side of the flavor spectrum.

Why people buy it

  • Near-zero retention (~0–0.1 g) with the patented rotary knocker, no bellows required
  • Brushless PID motor with adjustable 800–1200 RPM adds a genuine extraction variable without adding noise or vibration

Why they don’t

  • Pure single-dose workflow: no hopper, so every session starts with weighing and loading beans — inconvenient for multi-person households who want push-and-walk-away convenience
The full tally
  • Near-zero retention (~0–0.1 g) with the patented rotary knocker, no bellows required
  • Brushless PID motor with adjustable 800–1200 RPM adds a genuine extraction variable without adding noise or vibration
  • Stepless adjustment covers espresso to French press in a compact, solidly built aluminum-and-stainless chassis
  • SSP 64mm aftermarket burr compatibility opens the door to significant flavor-profile changes without replacing the whole grinder
  • Pure single-dose workflow: no hopper, so every session starts with weighing and loading beans — inconvenient for multi-person households who want push-and-walk-away convenience
  • Stock 064S burr geometry skews toward balanced/sweet; those chasing high-acid clarity may want to upgrade to SSP burrs immediately, adding cost
  • No built-in anti-static ionizer; RDT (Ross Droplet Technique) is still the recommended workaround on dry days to keep fines in the cup

What the community knows

Years of owner threads, distilled — strongly recommended.

Flat burr grinder that delivers espresso-caliber retention control (sub-0.2g) and build quality at a mid-tier price; the tradeoff is burr-swap friction and static management overhead, but owners report zero regret once workflow clicks — sits between stepping-stone and endgame…

4.5

Value

price-to-performance the community respects

4.5

Ceiling per dollar

how far the cup can go, per dollar

4.0

Reliability

shows up every morning, year after year

All 9 community measures
Value4.5

price-to-performance the community respects

Reliability4.0

shows up every morning, year after year

Parts & serviceability3.5

parts and repairs — you are never stranded

Ecosystem3.5

mods, guides, and community know-how around it

Beginner fit3.5

kind to first-timers

Built to last4.0

years before you outgrow or replace it

Ceiling per dollar4.5

how far the cup can go, per dollar

Convenience2.5

speed and simplicity, day to day

Design pull3.0

Worth knowing before you buy — Most owners wish they had known upfront that burr swaps are laborious — budget extra patience, not dollars, into the workflow.

I get very low retention with the rotary knocker, usually within +/- 0.1-0.2 grams. Occasionally, retention was slightly higher, but this was typically due to beans being stuck in the grinding chamber.
Nucleus Coffeeon Nucleus CoffeeRead the source →
I've had my Timemore Sculptor 064S for about two months now. Overall I'm very satisfied with this grinder. The 064S is intended as a versatile grinder that can grind for both espresso and drip coffee.
Home Barista forum memberon Home BaristaRead the source →
The Timemore 064s has very low retention, and when you use the knocker it gets even closer to zero. Usually, the retention has been within +/- 0.1-0.2 grams, which is very solid – especially without the use of bellows.
Coffee Chronicleron The Coffee ChroniclerRead the source →

The measurements

Scored 0–5 on the same rubric as everything on file — the words matter more than the numbers.

The measurements

0–5, one rubric
Espresso
dialed4
Versatility
flexible4
Built to last
durable4
Cup characterleans bright
syrupy & traditionalbright & separated

Position in the market

Every dot is a rival, measured the same way. The gold one is this.

US$599espresso suitabilityprice ↑
Lower half for espresso suitability
a higher ceiling than 58 of the 154 grinders we’ve measured
A value pick at this level
79% of grinders this capable cost more
Lower half for build
sturdier than 37% of the field, by the community’s own record

Every dot is a grinder measured on the same rubric. See the whole market

Living with it

The part spec sheets skip: counter space, upkeep, and what owners learn later.

drag to look around
Sculptor 064S claims 10.2 × 22.6 cm of a standard 60 cm counter and stands 25.6 cm tall 19.4 cm to spare under standard 45 cm uppers. The small block is a mug; the counter grid is 10 cm.
Stepless adjustmentFlat burrsNear-zero retentionSingle dosingCompact footprintAftermarket burr carrier compatibilityUser-calibratable burr zero-pointPatented rotary knocker (anti-retention)Variable RPM brushless motor (800–1200 RPM)

The honest note — Owners typically upgrade to the Timemore Sculptor 078S when they want more burr size, motor torque, and an easier path to dialing in light-roast espresso daily. Those who prioritize flavor-profile tuning often install SSP 64mm burrs before considering a new grinder.

The full spec sheet
Class
Midrange
Burrs
flat
Drive
Electric
Clarity lean
Clarity & sparkle
Espresso suitability
4/5
Brew versatility
4/5
Retention
~0.1 g
Single dosing
Yes
Hopper
0 g
Workflow demand
3/5
Noise
2/5
Build longevity
4/5
Dimensions
10.2 × 22.6 × 25.6 cm

Before it arrives

What completes this grinder — the faded pieces can wait.

Coffee scale with timer Espresso is a ratio. A 0.1g scale with a built-in timer is the single biggest consistency upgrade for any manual machine.

  • Coffee scale with timer — Espresso is a ratio. A 0.1g scale with a built-in timer is the single biggest consistency upgrade for any manual machine.
  • Dosing cup — Pairs with single-dose grinding — grind into the cup, swirl, and transfer to the portafilter cleanly.
  • Grinder cleaning kit — Brushes and grinder tablets keep retention and stale grounds in check.

Feed it right

Week one is dial-in — and stale beans will lose it.

Coffee more than a few weeks past roast won’t extract predictably, and a new grinder gets blamed for it. These burrs lean bright — washed single-origins with real acidity are where they earn their price.

Whole bean, dated, ready for your burrs the week it lands.

Roasted to order, daily, in Ajax, Ontario · ships Canada-wide. We’re the roastery behind this database — measuring the machines is how we make sure the coffee gets a fair shot.

On film

How it runs on camera, from around the community.

Lance HedrickTIMEMORE SCULPTOR REVIEW: 064, 064s, 078, 078s
Coffee ChroniclerTimemore Sculptor 064s Review and Test
More video reviews on YouTube →

Common questions

What is the difference between the Timemore Sculptor 064 and 064S?

The 064 (non-S) is configured for pour-over and filter brewing only with a stepped adjustment dial. The 064S adds espresso capability with a stepless adjustment dial, making it a true all-purpose grinder.

Can the Timemore Sculptor 064S use SSP aftermarket burrs?

Yes. The 064S platform accepts SSP 64mm burrs (including the Multipurpose/Unimodal V2 and Red Speed sets), which allows significant flavor-profile customization beyond the stock burr geometry.

What is the rotary knocker and does it work?

The patented rotary knocker is a spring-loaded dial on the grounds chute. Turning and releasing it knocks the chamber to dislodge residual fines. Multiple reviewers confirm retention of 0–0.2 g in typical use, with no bellows needed.

What RPM setting should I use for espresso?

The motor is adjustable between 800 and 1200 RPM. Most reviewers and Coffeedant's testing suggest starting around 900–1000 RPM for espresso; lower RPM tends to reduce fines and emphasize clarity, while higher RPM can add body.

Is the 064S noisy?

Multiple reviewers note the brushless motor runs quietly and without vibration, significantly quieter than typical vibratory-pump espresso machines or brush-motor grinders at this tier.

Worth comparing

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