Hey everyone!
I’d love to start a discussion about hand grinders in the industry. I travel a lot, so I’m looking to get a high-quality one. Right now I’ve been told to look at the Orphan Espresso Lido 3. I’ve also been looking out at HandGround’s Kickstarter project, but it’s release date is a little too far off for me.
Regardless, it’d be cool for everyone to share what they know about different hand grinders. Price, versatility, quality, portability, etc.
Thanks!
I have the Lido 3. I can only say good things about the grinder. The grind distribution is very even compared to other cheaper options, the build quality is fantastic, and it is light enough to travel with. I also have a Porlex hand grinder and to me, there is no comparison. While the porlex is easier to travel with, the Lido grinds way faster and better.
Hi, Feldgrind is Top, But buy it where you want except directly on his web site madebyknock, he’s Top to build but can take monthS to send you the items without Any reply to you mail or whatever… Sad to say…
I’ve heard many a good thing about the commandante hand grinder. Looks rock solid.
I actually tried the commandante at the weekend and it was really really good, the price tag was a bit steep though.
It ground super fine and was really easy to grind and keep a consistent speed. It looks pretty slick as well with a beautiful wood finish.
Also the guy who owns the company was a gentlemen. Really nice, knowledgeable, honest and gave me lots of free coffee bags to take home, absolute topper would definitely choose to pay the high price to help him … Definitely worth a check, I believe it’s a German company but they are apparently stocked in 3fe
I’ve used a few… I like the Feldgrind a lot, but the Commandante is hard to beat… If you can get your hands on one!
So, from this thread thus far, the comparison I’d be interested in seeing is between the Lido 3 and the Commandante. From what I’ve been able to find elsewhere online the Lido 3 has a leg up in it’s ease of grind size adjustment. To me, the Lido 3 also just seems more durable and sharp (while the Commandante does have the nice wood and glass pieces, I would think those components wouldn’t be as travel-friendly as the Lido 3’s plastic, cast aluminum, and silicone).
Here’s the video I’m using for reference on the Lido 3.
Here’s the video I’m using for reference on the Commandante.
Another Lido 3 fan here, when I travel for an extended time. It travels with me. Grind is amazing consistent in a way that hario slim ill and porlex plus clones are not.
Though there are some hacks out there to improve the grind.
I do not know what feldgrind or commandante are like, but I do own a Lido 2 and it’s fantastic.
Lido 2 uses conical burrs which produce relatively even grinds, but unfortunately it will also consistently produce ~10% fines across the grind size spectrum. This is rather acceptable and significantly better than any grinders (handheld or electric) at its price range that I know of. The last thing I want to add is that its performance varies depending on the density of the bean. Darker, fully developed beans grind smoothly and evenly. Lighter beans with greater density seem to crack more so than grind and therefore tend to create more uneven grind distribution and fines.
So the verdict? Not perfect but well worth every penny.
If we’re talking grind quality & consistency, it has to be Comandante. Yeah, the Lido 3 is great compared to anything else, but the Comandante has the most consistent grind & feel that I’ve used.
I do however, wonder if the build quality of the Comandante would stand up to continued use and travel (definitely not as svelte or robust as the Lido 3).
I have owned the Lido2 since it came out but I still drool over the Portapresso Rosco and Rosco Mini. A local friend of mine swears by his Feldgrind, but he also liked my Lido quite a bit. Ultimately your location & currency exchange rate will determine which are most in reach, but you can’t go wrong with OE, Knock (save shipping/communicating) or Portapresso.
+1 for Made by Knock, I saw Peter at World of Coffee and he assures me they have new stock. We did a group test on hand grinders in the past and the Knock ones always come out very well.
Would love to get my hands on a Comandante. Currently trialing the
Camano Coffee Mill at home for something a bit different. Completely
hand-made, so the price tag is also a bit hefty.
I’ve a Lido E which I find to produce a very consistent grind for espresso and it is also considerably better for pour over than either the Porlex tall or Hario Skerton that I used previously. It’s not the ideal for travelling but it’s very sturdy.
I had planned to purchase a Made by Knock feldgrind originally but after a terrible experience purchasing a tamper from them I decided on the Lido. If you do go for anything from them I would suggest you get it from a retailer who stocks their stuff rather than direct. The only way I received any communication from them regarding my unfulfilled order was by calling them out on social media. I wouldn’t like to try to get support from them in the event that anything went wrong with your grinder.
Yea, since this discussion has progressed, I’ve decided to go for the Lido. I contacted Prima Coffee, who sell the Lido 3, and asked when it would be back in stock. They said they haven’t heard anything from Orphan Espresso for 7 months. That’s a shame. It seems to be an excellent grinder, I hope they continue to produce it soon for the entire community’s sake!
In the meantime, I’ll look elsewhere/ wait for handground.com to finish.
what about Zassenhaus grinder?
I have owned all the Lido models, the first Pharos off the production line, a Comandante, Hausgrind by Knock and an HG-One.
The only ones I still own are the HG-One for home use with my commercial lever machine, its an extraordinary grinder and replaced a Compack K10.
For travel I kept the Hausgrind, its got the best build quality of all the smaller hand grinders, beautifully finished with english timber and the easiest adjustment.
For mine there was no material difference between the portable hand grinders I have owned in terms of grind quality or results in the cup, but ease of adjustment becomes the point of difference for me.
I own a Lido 3 and would have to agree on all the positive feedback. I love it!
However, shortly after getting it I managed to get the adjustment ring locked. It has taken me a while to find someone capable of getting it unlocked (perhaps I’m lacking in strength or loosened it enough for someone else to accomplish what I couldn’t).
Besides that, I’m an advocate for the Lido 3. The grind is incredibly consistent compared to other grinders I have seen.
Hi Koney, in UK they have it on stock… https://www.coffeehit.co.uk/lido-3-hand-coffee-grinder.html
I did buy mine, and I love it…
