Why the Lido 3 is My Favorite Hand Grinder

I’ve tried my fair share of coffee grinders over the years. From cheap electric blade grinders to high-end burr grinders, I’ve experimented with a wide range of options in my quest for the perfect cup. But of all the grinders I’ve used, the Lido 3 manual grinder from Orphan Espresso stands out as my all-time favorite.

Hand grinders offer several advantages over electric grinders. They’re generally more affordable, more portable, and less noisy. But what sets the Lido 3 apart is its exceptional build quality, consistent grind size, and versatile range of grind settings. In this article, I’ll dive deep into the features that make the Lido 3 such an outstanding grinder and explain why it’s become an indispensable part of my coffee routine.

At a Glance

The Lido 3 is a premium manual grinder designed for serious coffee enthusiasts. Its key features include:

• 48mm conical burrs made from hardened steel
• Stepless grind adjustment for infinite grind size adjustment
• Folding handle for compact storage
• Capacity to hold up to 70g of coffee beans
• Durable construction with BPA-free plastic and stainless steel components

Key Features

The Lido 3 is packed with features that make it my go-to grinder. The following sections cover the most important aspects of the Lido 3.

48mm Conical Burrs

The heart of any grinder is its burrs, and the Lido 3 features top-of-the-line 48mm conical burrs made from hardened steel. Conical burrs are known for producing a consistent grind with minimal fines (tiny particles) compared to flat burrs. The large 48mm size allows the Lido 3 to grind coffee beans quickly and efficiently.

The sharp burrs are made from high-carbon steel that has been heat-treated for added durability. Over time, burrs will naturally dull with use, but the hardened steel construction ensures the Lido 3’s burrs will stay sharp for many years before needing to be replaced. The Lido 3’s burrs are also mounted vertically to ensure an even feed of beans and minimize retention of ground coffee in the burrs.

Stepless Grind Adjustment

One of the Lido 3’s standout features is its stepless grind adjustment system. Many grinders use a stepped adjustment, which means you’re limited to a fixed number of pre-defined grind sizes. With the Lido 3’s stepless system, you can make minute adjustments to dial in the perfect grind size for your brewing method.

The external adjustment ring is conveniently located on top of the grinder, with clear markings for reference. You can easily make small tweaks on the fly without needing to disassemble the grinder. The adjustment mechanism feels smooth and precise, allowing you to confidently reproduce your preferred grind settings time after time.

The stepless adjustment, combined with the Lido 3’s excellent grind consistency, gives you unparalleled control over your grind. Whether you’re grinding coarse for French press, medium for pour over, or fine for espresso, the Lido 3 can handle it all with ease.

Folding Handle

Hand grinders are prized for their portability, but some models can be bulky and awkward to pack. The Lido 3 solves this problem with its clever folding handle design. When not in use, the handle folds neatly against the body of the grinder, making it easier to store in a kitchen cabinet or travel bag.

The handle itself is made from a durable BPA-free plastic with a comfortable rubber grip. It provides plenty of leverage to crank through a hopper full of beans without straining your hands or wrists. When extended, the handle locks securely in place so you don’t have to worry about it collapsing mid-grind.

Large Capacity

With a hopper capacity of around 70 grams, the Lido 3 can easily grind enough coffee for 1-2 large servings or several smaller servings. This is especially handy if you’re making a French press or cold brew batch. The included grounds cup is similarly spacious, minimizing spillage when transferring your freshly ground coffee.

Despite its sizable capacity, the Lido 3 is still a relatively compact grinder thanks to its slender cylindrical shape. It has a smaller footprint than most electric grinders and can be easily stored in a kitchen drawer when not in use.

Durable Construction

The Lido 3 is built like a tank, with a body made from BPA-free plastic and stainless steel components. The plastic has a matte texture that resists scratches and fingerprints, while the stainless steel parts add heft and durability. I haven’t tried it, but I feel like there’s a 50-50 chance it would survive if I backed over it with my car.

Orphan Espresso is known for its meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality control. Each Lido 3 is individually inspected before shipping to ensure it meets their high standards. The result is a grinder that feels solid and substantial in the hand, inspiring confidence that it will provide years of reliable service.

Lido 3 vs Lido OG

In addition to the Lido 3, Orphan Espresso offers a newer hand grinder called the Lido OG. While the two grinders share many similarities, there are some key differences to consider.

Both grinders feature the same 48mm hardened steel conical burrs and stepless grind adjustment. They also have similarly spacious hoppers and grounds cups. The main difference lies in the shape and construction of the grinder body.

The Lido 3 has a cylindrical body made entirely from BPA-free plastic, with a stainless steel band around the middle for added reinforcement. The Lido OG, on the other hand, is entirely made of metal except for the burr carrier and the knob on the handle.

The Lido OG’s stainless steel construction gives it a more premium look and feel, but it also makes it slightly heavier than the Lido 3. The OG weighs in at around 2.4 lbs, while the Lido 3 is about 2 lbs.

Another difference is the handle design. The Lido 3 has a folding handle that tucks away when not in use, while the Lido OG has a fixed handle made from stainless steel and wood. The OG’s handle is beautiful and comfortable to hold, but it doesn’t have the same portability as the Lido 3’s folding handle.

In terms of grind quality and consistency, the Lido 3 and Lido OG are virtually identical. Both grinders are capable of producing excellent results for any brewing method. The biggest difference is that the OG has stepped adjustments. In theory, that gives you less fine-grained control over your grind size, but the steps are so close together that it doesn’t matter in practice. And the stepped design of the OG makes it easier to reproduce grinds since you can precisely dial in a setting without having to eyeball it like you do with the Lido 3. The choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference for aesthetics and materials.

If you prioritize portability and lightweight design, the Lido 3 is the way to go. If you don’t mind a bit of extra weight and prefer the look and feel of stainless steel, the Lido OG is a stunning choice. Either way, you’ll be getting a top-performing hand grinder that will serve you well for years to come.

A Grinder for Life

One of the things I love most about the Lido 3 is its tank-like construction. With proper care and maintenance, this grinder is built to last a lifetime. The BPA-free plastic body is thick and durable, resistant to cracks and chips. The stainless steel components are corrosion-resistant and designed to withstand daily use.

Even if you eventually upgrade to a high-end electric grinder, the Lido 3 will still have a place in your coffee toolkit. Its exceptional grind quality and versatile range of grind sizes make it a great choice for brewing methods like pour over, French press, and cold brew.

It’s also worth noting that different grinders can produce noticeably different flavors in the cup, even when using the same coffee beans and brewing method. This is due to variations in burr design, grind consistency, and other factors. So even if you invest in a more expensive grinder down the line, you may find that you still prefer the flavor profile of coffee ground with the Lido 3 for certain applications.

The Lido 3’s portability also makes it a great option for travel, camping trips, or office use. With its folding handle and compact size, it’s easy to toss in a suitcase or backpack so you can enjoy freshly ground coffee wherever you go.

Is the Lido 3 Expensive?

There’s no denying that the Lido 3 is one of the pricier hand grinders on the market, with a retail price of around $200. For many coffee drinkers, that’s a significant investment, especially for a manual grinder.

However, it’s important to consider the value you’re getting for your money. The Lido 3 is a top-of-the-line grinder with premium components and uncompromising build quality. Its grind consistency and range of grind sizes rival that of electric grinders costing several times more.

If you’re on a tight budget, one option is to look for a used Lido 3. These grinders are built to last, so a well-cared-for secondhand model can be a great way to save some cash. I was able to score my Lido 3 for a significant discount by keeping an eye on coffee forums and buy/sell groups.

It’s also worth comparing the Lido 3 to similarly priced electric grinders. In general, you’ll get better grind quality and more features for your money with a hand grinder than with an electric grinder at the same price point. While electric grinders offer convenience, they often cut corners on burr quality and construction to keep costs down.

So while the Lido 3 may seem expensive at first glance, it’s actually a great value when you consider its exceptional performance and longevity. It’s an investment that will pay dividends in the form of consistently delicious coffee for years to come.

Comparisons to Other Hand Grinders

Lido 3 vs Comandante C40

The Comandante C40 is another popular high-end hand grinder that often gets compared to the Lido 3. Both grinders offer excellent grind quality and build, but there are some key differences.

In terms of grind consistency, the Lido 3 and C40 are very closely matched. Both grinders produce uniform particles with minimal fines across a wide range of grind sizes. The C40 has a slightly more aggressive burr design that lends itself well to faster grinding, while the Lido 3’s burrs are a bit more mellow and produce a slightly more uniform grind.

The C40 has a stepped grind adjustment system with 40 clicks per revolution, while the Lido 3 has a stepless system. The C40’s stepped system is still very versatile and allows for precise adjustments, but some users prefer the infinite adjustability of the Lido 3’s stepless system.

In terms of build quality, both grinders are extremely solid and durable. The C40 has a beautiful wood veneer on the body that gives it a classic, vintage look. The Lido 3 has a more modern, industrial aesthetic with its BPA-free plastic and stainless steel construction.

The C40 is a bit more compact and lightweight than the Lido 3, making it slightly more portable. However, the Lido 3’s folding handle design is very convenient for travel and storage.

Ultimately, both the Lido 3 and C40 are exceptional hand grinders that will serve you well for any brewing method. The choice between them comes down to personal preference for aesthetic, adjustment style, and price. The C40 is more expensive than the Lido 3, retailing at around $300 these days.

Lido 3 vs Kinu M47

The Kinu M47 is another high-end manual grinder that has gained popularity in recent years. Like the Lido 3, it offers excellent grind quality and build, with some unique features of its own.

One standout feature of the M47 is its 47mm conical burrs, which are coated with a special “diamond-like carbon” (DLC) finish. This coating is extremely hard and wear-resistant, which helps to extend the life of the burrs and maintain sharp cutting edges over time. The M47’s burrs are also optimized for faster grinding speed compared to the Lido 3.

The M47 has a stepless grind adjustment system similar to the Lido 3, but with a different mechanism. Rather than an external adjustment ring, the M47 has a collar that twists to adjust the grind size. Some users find this system slightly easier to dial in, but both grinders offer very precise adjustment.

In terms of build quality, the M47 has a very premium look and feel, with a solid aluminum body and wood accents. It’s a bit heavier than the Lido 3 due to its all-metal construction, but still relatively portable.

The M47 is significantly more expensive than the Lido 3, with a retail price of around $350. For that extra investment, you get a grinder with slightly faster grind speed, premium materials, and a unique DLC burr coating. However, in terms of pure grind quality, the Lido 3 can hold its own against the M47 at a much lower price point.

Lido 3 vs Timemore Chestnut C2

For coffee drinkers on a tighter budget, the Timemore Chestnut C2 is a popular entry-level hand grinder that offers good value for the price. While it doesn’t quite match the Lido 3 in terms of grind quality or build, it’s a solid choice for those just starting out with home brewing.

The C2 has 38mm stainless steel conical burrs, which are smaller than the Lido 3’s 48mm burrs. This means the C2 will grind a bit slower and may not be as consistent at coarser grind sizes. However, for medium to fine grinds, the C2 can produce good results.

The C2 has a stepped grind adjustment system with 36 clicks, which is less precise than the Lido 3’s stepless system but still offers a good range of grind sizes for various brewing methods. The adjustment mechanism is located on the bottom of the grinder, which some users find less convenient than the Lido 3’s external adjustment ring.

In terms of build quality, the C2 has a plastic body with stainless steel accents. It feels solid and well-made for the price, but not quite as premium as the Lido 3. The C2 is also more compact and lightweight, making it a good option for travel.

The C2 retails for around $60, making it a much more budget-friendly option than the Lido 3. While it may not offer quite the same level of performance or durability, it’s a great entry-level grinder for those just starting to explore hand grinding.

Lido 3 vs Baratza Encore

The Baratza Encore is a popular entry-level electric grinder that’s often recommended as a great option for those looking to upgrade from a blade grinder or pre-ground coffee. While it’s not a direct competitor to the Lido 3 in terms of price or performance, it’s a common point of comparison for those considering whether to go with a manual or electric grinder.

In terms of grind quality, the Lido 3 has a clear advantage over the Encore. The Lido 3’s 48mm conical burrs and stepless adjustment system allow for a much wider range of grind sizes and more precise adjustments compared to the Encore’s 40mm conical burrs and 40-step adjustment system. The Lido 3 produces a more consistent grind with fewer fines, which leads to better flavor clarity and extraction.

However, the Encore has the obvious advantage of convenience. With the push of a button, it can grind a dose of coffee in just a few seconds, while the Lido 3 requires manual effort and typically takes 20-30 seconds to grind the same amount. The Encore is also easier to use for larger batches of coffee, as it has a larger hopper capacity and can grind continuously without needing to be refilled.

In terms of durability, the Lido 3 has the edge. Its simple, all-mechanical design and high-quality construction mean it will likely last for many years with minimal maintenance. The Encore, while well-built for an electric grinder at its price point, has more parts that can potentially wear out or fail over time, such as the motor and electronic components.

The Encore is also significantly cheaper than the Lido 3, with a retail price of around $150 compared to the Lido 3’s $200+ price tag. For many coffee drinkers, the convenience and lower upfront cost of the Encore may outweigh the benefits of the Lido 3’s superior grind quality and durability.

Ultimately, the choice between the Lido 3 and the Baratza Encore comes down to your priorities and brewing habits. If you value convenience above all else and primarily brew methods like drip or French press that are more forgiving of grind consistency, the Encore is a great choice. But if you’re willing to put in a bit of manual effort for top-notch grind quality and longevity, the Lido 3 is hard to beat.

Wrapping Up

The Lido 3 manual grinder from Orphan Espresso is a top-of-the-line option for serious coffee enthusiasts. With its premium 48mm conical burrs, stepless grind adjustment, and tank-like construction, it offers exceptional grind quality and durability.

While it’s certainly more expensive than entry-level hand grinders, the Lido 3 provides excellent value for its price point, rivaling the performance of much pricier electric grinders. Its versatile range of grind sizes and consistent grind quality make it suitable for any brewing method, from French press to espresso.

If you’re looking for a hand grinder that will deliver café-quality results at home for years to come, the Lido 3 is hard to beat. It’s become an indispensable part of my coffee routine, and I highly recommend it to anyone serious about their daily brew.

FAQs

How long does it take to grind coffee with the Lido 3?

Grind time will vary depending on the grind size and amount of coffee you’re grinding, but in general, the Lido 3 can grind about 1 gram of coffee per second. So for a typical 20-30 gram dose, expect to spend 20-30 seconds grinding.

How do you clean the Lido 3?

To clean the Lido 3, first remove the burrs and brush out any coffee residue with a soft brush or toothbrush. You can also use compressed air to blow out any stubborn particles. Wipe down the body and grounds cup with a damp cloth as needed. Reassemble the grinder and run a small amount of rice or coffee through to absorb any remaining oils.

Can the Lido 3 grind for espresso?

Yes, the Lido 3 is capable of grinding fine enough for espresso. Its stepless adjustment system allows you to dial in the perfect grind size for your espresso machine. However, grinding for espresso by hand can be quite time-consuming and labor-intensive, so it may not be practical for daily use.

How much coffee can the Lido 3 hold?

The Lido 3 has a hopper capacity of around 70 grams, which is enough to grind coffee for several servings at a time. The included grounds cup can hold up