2nd home grinder advice for single origin beans

[Adam76]

Hey guys,
I'm wanting to add a second (less expensive) electric conical burr grinder to sit next to my Compak 3 -- just for single origin beans for when I want to have a long black coffee.

Budget is $200 - 300 and I was wondering what peoples thoughts were on the Sunbeam and Breville options? I know the Lido 3 is a good grinder, but I don't really want to stuff around with a hand grinder.

Thanks for any advice.

[skidquinn]

Hi mate. I've just gone through this process and ended up on a Lido 3.
I've had cheaper sunbeam grinders in the past (from memory cost me ~$200 new). The result doesn't come close to how good the coffee is out of the Lido 3.
I wasn't overly keen on the manual grinder thing as well, but it isn't as bad as I expected. The Lido is quick (ie. 45 seconds for 21 grams), quiet and doesn't have to sit on your bench.
Honestly, for a very similar price point, they are worlds apart.

[deegee]

Hey guys,
I'm wanting to add a second (less expensive) electric conical burr grinder to sit next to my Compak 3 -- just for single origin beans for when I want to have a long black coffee.Budget is $200 - 300 and I was wondering what peoples thoughts were on the Sunbeam and Breville options? I know the Lido 3 is a good grinder, but I don't really want to stuff around with a hand grinder. Thanks .

If you prefer the electic option, you could have a look at the Breville BCG600SIL . It's a simpler, cheaper version of the Smart Grinder. Same mechanicals as the BCG820, but with a basic timer. I use a hand grinder for my usual "coffee for one", but I get the Breville out when I need to make several cups for family or friends.

I have no illusions about the quality or longevity, but if I only use it once or twice a month for five or six doubles, I figure it should last fairly well. Their weak point seems to be the plastic gears driving the burrs, so I won't be grinding lightly roasted hard beans in it. There are members here who have a had their 800's and 820's for a few years and most seem to be happy with them.

[Adam76]

Hi mate. I've just gone through this process and ended up on a Lido 3.
I've had cheaper sunbeam grinders in the past (from memory cost me ~$200 new). The result doesn't come close to how good the coffee is out of the Lido 3.
I wasn't overly keen on the manual grinder thing as well, but it isn't as bad as I expected. The Lido is quick (ie. 45 seconds for 21 grams), quiet and doesn't have to sit on your bench.
Honestly, for a very similar price point, they are worlds apart.

Ok thanks mate.

What's the life span of the burrs that grind the coffee on these manual grinders? Can they ever be sharpened?

Thanks.

[Dimal]

If not a Lido, then maybe a used Lelit stepless grinder would be the best bet, or perhaps an Isomac Granmacinino or similar. Far better build quality than an appliance grinder and will last for ages...

Mal.

[Adam76]

If not a Lido, then maybe a used Lelit stepless grinder would be the best bet, or perhaps an Isomac Granmacinino or similar. Far better build quality than an appliance grinder and will last for ages...

Mal.

Hey thanks Mal.

I wouldn't mind a good seeing hand grinder - problem is I don't know anything about grinders which ones are good and which ones are not and what brands and how to check their condition etc.... I'm also in perth which limits my options a bit.

Any advice when looking at second hand grinders?

Cheers

[Adam76]

Hi Adam,
Breville and Sunbeam burr grinders can do a decent job for manual brewing inc pourover, aeropress and cold brew.
For your espresso machine I would also suggest a step up - either a new Lido or a pre-loved M2M, Lelit, K3, etc.
If you're ok with a work out, Lido is definitely the way to go for great grind quality.
Cheers, Paul
See here: https://sites.google.com/site/thekbe...native-brewing

Hey Paul.
Thanks for the info mate. That's really helpful. I'll keep an eye out for a pre loved Lelit out K3 etc.

Otherwise if I have no luck then I will look at the Lido.
Cheers

[Barry O'Speedwagon]

The Lido really isn't a work out either. As well as being quick, the ergonomics are fantastic.....I'm using a Lido E-T exclusively while overseas, making 4-5 cups a day and it really is a doddle. And the grind quality is fantastic.

[Melbroaster]

If you prefer the electic option, you could have a look at the Breville BCG600SIL . It's a simpler, cheaper version of the Smart Grinder. Same mechanicals as the BCG820, but with a basic timer. I use a hand grinder for my usual "coffee for one", but I get the Breville out when I need to make several cups for family or friends.

I have no illusions about the quality or longevity, but if I only use it once or twice a month for five or six doubles, I figure it should last fairly well. Their weak point seems to be the plastic gears driving the burrs, so I won't be grinding lightly roasted hard beans in it. There are members here who have a had their 800's and 820's for a few years and most seem to be happy with them.

BCG600 has a lower power motor than the 820.

[Adam76]

The Lido really isn't a work out either. As well as being quick, the ergonomics are fantastic.....I'm using a Lido E-T exclusively while overseas, making 4-5 cups a day and it really is a doddle. And the grind quality is fantastic.

Thanks Barry.

So aside from the fact that the hands grinding with the Lido is quick and easy... you are saying that the grind quality is great? In other words better than the $300 sunbeam or breville options?

Thanks for clarifying.

Cheers.
Adam

[shortblackman]

the lido can be taken anywhere. it's very versatile.
Havent tried a breville, but it's streets ahead of the Sunbeam. and you won't replace it, cause it won't break.

The grind quality of the Lido, for it's price, is great. comparable / better than grinders of twice the price.

[DesigningByCoffee]

Second the above.
The 'locals' are probably sick of hearing it from me - Lido grind quality is on par with a Robur.
Enough said!

[Barry O'Speedwagon]

Thanks Barry.

So aside from the fact that the hands grinding with the Lido is quick and easy... you are saying that the grind quality is great? In other words better than the $300 sunbeam or breville options?

Thanks for clarifying.

Cheers.
Adam

Yes, as per the two replies above, the Lido grind quality is streets ahead of the Sunbeam/Breville options. For the first couple of days that you use the Lido it can be a little 'messy' as there is a fair bit of static attracting the grinds to the burrs, but that issue goes away after a little 'seasoning' (i.e. use).

[MrFreddofrog]

Not sure of your quality expectations but maybe borrow a hario skerton and see if it's good enough. Quarter the price of Lido but definitely not quarter the quality.

I managed to choke my 920 last night on some fresh columbian decaf so at least you know it can grind fine enough, though not necessarily as consistent as a Lido.

[AlMac]

Why don't you just empty the compak?
Serious question.
Low volume home use is perfect for only grinding what you need at a time.
That's what I'd do.