Markarian Senior Member Joined: 27 Jun 2012 Posts: 474 Location: Seattle Area Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Modded Nuova Simonelli Oscar Grinder: Vario-W, Mazzer Super Jolly Drip: Moka, Aeropress, Melitta 102 Roaster: Wear-Ever Popcorn Pumper
Posted Sun Oct 14, 2012, 12:04pm Subject: Hario Skerton vs. OE Lido
A lot of people who come here on a budget that's arguably too tight for espresso (want to pull shots with a non-pressurized PF and spend no more than $300 total) get a recommendation to purchase an entry-level pump machine, such as a Saeco or Gaggia, and a hand grinder until they an afford something better than a Capresso or Encore. Now I'm just a novice and I've never used the Lido, but when the Hario Skerton costs a mere $39 and features ceramic burrs that I know to be perfectly capable of wonderful, fluffy espresso, why would some on here recommend a $170 grinder from a boutique espresso supply company to a beginner who's not used to the high cost of espresso equipment in the first place? Now granted, the Lido looks sexy, it may grind faster, and it may be easier to adjust (I wouldn't know). But can someone explain to me what the $125 difference buys you with the Lido? If it's that awesome of a grinder, please do let me know :)
Posted Sun Oct 14, 2012, 12:22pm Subject: Re: Hario Skerton vs. OE Lido
Haven't used either (all of my hand grinders are vintage German and Dutch), but based on doing a little research:
Stepped (Hario) vs. stepless (Lido) adjustment for one thing. Lido has a definite edge there, like the difference between stepped and unstepped motorized grinders, for espresso you frequently find the need to be between steps.
With the Skerton's open top it's also a bit more of a pain to use, as vigorous grinding can cause some beans to slop over the side, so you have to collect them and put them back in. Little inconveniences like that can make the process of making coffee overly frustrating.
Sturdier construction on the Lido. You'll be able to pass it along to your grandkids, should they be coffee drinkers.
Plus, of course, the sheer geek factor, but for a beginner, that's negligible.
If you're only making yourself a few shots a week, the Skerton is probably okay (heck, I pull 4-5 doubles a day during the week with the PeDe or KyM hand grinders), but the little frustrations might add up if you were doing much more than that.
Posted Sun Oct 14, 2012, 2:19pm Subject: Re: Hario Skerton vs. OE Lido
Markarian Said:
Now I'm just a novice and I've never used the Lido, but when the Hario Skerton costs a mere $39 and features ceramic burrs that I know to be perfectly capable of wonderful, fluffy espresso, why would some on here recommend a $170 grinder...
The Hario Skerton build quality is all over the place so getting one that grinds for espresso is a crap shoot - the Mini Mill is a better bet. If I want a crap shoot and have $40 - $50 to spend I would scour eBay for a Vintage hand mill.
The Skerton is a pain to use for me without serious modification, and even then the espresso is not what I consider wonderful using this grinder. Forget about using it for drip or press too. After a year of regular use it will need replacing since the plastic wear points will be worn.
The Lido investment is $170, and several years from now if you felt the urge to sell, the grinder would likely bring $125 or more pretty quick. During that time you would have very decent espresso along with a nice grinder for non espresso needs.
I chew coffee beans with my teeth while gargling with 195 F water to enjoy coffee. What is this "coffee brewing" device you speak of?
Markarian Senior Member Joined: 27 Jun 2012 Posts: 474 Location: Seattle Area Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Modded Nuova Simonelli Oscar Grinder: Vario-W, Mazzer Super Jolly Drip: Moka, Aeropress, Melitta 102 Roaster: Wear-Ever Popcorn Pumper
Posted Sun Oct 14, 2012, 2:56pm Subject: Re: Hario Skerton vs. OE Lido
These are some really good points. I only use the Hario when traveling and only used it at home for a month or two before going to a Baratza. I'm really curious how the speed is, compared to the Hario with the Lido. Does the Lido grind faster as well?
emradguy Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2011 Posts: 1,722 Location: Houston Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto II Grinder: MacapM4T, Macap M4, OE Lido,... Drip: Espro press; Aeropress Roaster: internet
Posted Sun Oct 14, 2012, 5:32pm Subject: Re: Hario Skerton vs. OE Lido
I posted my answer to this question in that other thread yesterday. If you want, I'd still be happy to send you the excerpts from the Lido development thread over on HB.
Posted Sun Oct 14, 2012, 6:55pm Subject: Re: Hario Skerton vs. OE Lido
The LIDO isn't a fast grinder--Doug at OE once called it a "nibbler" IIRC--but what it lacks in speed it makes up for in sheer awesomeness. That said, I'm not sure I'd buy one for espresso only. Re: espresso grinding, there have been a range of opinions expressed on how well-suited the LIDO is; my take on the issue overall is "pretty good." Again, that's with respect to espresso, specifically. For everything else I'd call it "excellent," very much the equal of the Preciso in every relevant way. Here's some light reading for you:
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