Option-O Lagom Mini First Impressions + Unboxing (48mm Burrs)

Unboxing and first impressions of the Option-O Lagom Mini. I think we have a real winner here. I'll be putting together a full review after the next few weeks. As always, let me know if you have any questions!
Lagom Mini:
www.option-o.com/shop/lagom-mini
Instagram:
@thgbrian
/ thgbrian
Email:
[e-mail]
Slight editing error on the title card about the Niche + Mini. It is a good thing the Niche and Mini are similar!
Timestamps/Chapters
0:00 Overview / Price
2:15 Unboxing + Overview of the Mini
4:25 Talking about handgrinder performance
5:24 Lagom Mini Noise
6:03 Grinding filter size coffee (noise)
6:45 Grind Size Adjustment + Notes on Warranty
7:41 Grinding espresso (noise + time)
8:40 Grinding workflow + retention
9:33 First Taste Impressions
11:20 Notes on value/conical burrs
12:24 Comparison to the Niche + additional impressions
14:42 Initial Conclusions
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Machines: Decent Espresso DE1 1.3 Pro, La Pavoni Europiccola, Gaggia Classic Pro, Rancilio Silvia, Uniterra Nomad, Xbar, Flair 58/58x.
Grinders: Niche Zero, Kafatek Monolith Flat Max (LM), Kafatek Monolith MC4, Fellow Ode(s) (1.1 + SSP MP) & more...
Fellow Ode fellowproducts.com/products/o...

[@magus424]

Tiny correction: the black is only available in 48mm, but you can do 38mm or 48mm in silver. I have a silver 48mm ordered and waiting to be shipped 🙂

[@alexwyler4570]

i love it when you film the grinders' noise unedited. really helpful in making a decision. Thanks!

[@jaeeeson]

Great review, they've really improved the sound / whine noise, going off of the other videos I've seen. Can't wait to get mine!

[@itsxris]

Love the look of Lagom's grinders, and nice to hear your thoughts on this!

[@onacoffeeride]

Would love to see you review one of these on your channel. I am in the market for a grinder and I am really digging the aesthetics of this one. Especially since the P64 is way outside my budget. :(

[@danmatthews4803]

LOVE your videos and your super relaxed conversational style. Keep it up!

[@IncertusetNescio]

So glad I ran into this grinder because it seems to be a legit "It does it all, folks!" grinder. The ROK GrinderGC is the other in mind, but this (despite the higher price) seems the better option. Thanks for giving it a look and try!

[@edipisreks5535]

Wonderful, Brian. I have been bothering Sam since I got my Remi, with criticism and suggestions (he’s very polite), and this is the first review of the Mini I have seen. He makes great products and you make great videos, even if I think you need a new cart. Happy holidays! (My Niche arrives tomorrow! I’ve tried and had the wrong timing for, like, two years: happy holidays to me too).

[@sebaba001]

Mini looks fantastic but they themselves don't recommend more than 2 shots a day of espresso for long term use (5+ years), Niche has bigger motor and bigger burrs so it will be faster. It's not as price efficient but it *should* be better for espresso, no need to regret it x).

[@simkool77]

Nice review at the right time for me, I just ordered the mini, plan to use mini for pour over / filter brews and my Niche for espresso.

[@erikfasnacht]

notified black 48mm is back in stock. Got my order in today!

[@sivadatokad8168]

The look you gave the camera when fringing for espresso 😂

[@KingMinosxxvi]

You find the best stuff man! I want one!

[@buildupCOFFEE]

I wanna try this grinder!!

[@HappyAccidentVideos]

Great review! I saw that you also had an Apex in another video. Have you ever thought about doing an in depth review on it? There’s a tragic lack of content on KZbin about that grinder. From what I can see, your content seems espresso focused, and I know the Apex is a dedicated filter grinder. So I understand if it’s not in your wheelhouse. Personally, I’m primarily a filter coffee drinker, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on the Apex, if you’re ever up for it.

[@KingMinosxxvi]

So I have a Ezpresso Kplus. I am very happy with it and it s by far the best grinder Ive ever had. So am I going to notice a difference in my cup with this? Or will it bit pretty much the same without the handwork?

[@ibate9833]

The review we have all wanted for so long! Thanks man

[@iconindexsymbol]

What kind of espresso would you say generally works best in milk drinks? The chocolaty kind you get from conical burrs? Does milk really overwhelm and/or not harmonize with espresso that has more clarity and acidity? How much milk is too much for that kind of espresso?

[@Mangocoffee32]

Do you reckon this can do French Press grind well? I tend to switch between the techniques quite often. Great review btw!

[@FabulousResults]

really hoping to get one of these soon, sadly the 48mm versions are out of stock at the moment 🙃

[@user-ey9bt7fs6n]

I received my mini a few weeks ago and have been experimenting with pour overs. Not a home espresso yet, I look forward to your review of the mini doing pour overs.

[@clubmate12]

I really appreciate that you recorded a clip with the grinder sound. After using a Baratza Sette, I am very concious about noisy grinders.

[@BrianQuan]

Yes the blender 270 is what I started off with and now I'm loving quiet grinders :)

[@clubmate12]

@@BrianQuan I am still trying to gauge if the Mini is quiet enough that I can use it early in the morning without waking up people around me, or if for that I should just go with a manual one, say the Remi.

[@mike216514]

Also, when grinding really light roast coffee at espresso range, the grinder may cease to stop, and start itself again, trying to grind through the beans without killing the motor. Just give the little fella some time, it will make it.

[@mikflores]

It’s smart! And I like that it does that to protect the motor.

[@KristianMortensen]

Thank you for this

[@ToddParker]

interesting to me is how far this has come...I have a Baratza Preciso which in its day was known as a great all around grinder. I believe the burr is 40mm. Now we have a 48mm which is "very small" and home units are hitting 64 with many options; yet a grinder like this most every tester says delivers as good a cup as any. Very much punching above it's weight class right?

[@mike216514]

Further info for ppl who are interested: the grinder use the standard power brick plug and draws around 100W of power to operate. So if you are able to find a power supply that you trust more from your local stores, or even POWER BANK that provides 100W power, you can use the Lagom Mini with that!

[@r_bear]

So this thing could technically be powered by USB PD? Nice

[@mike216514]

@@r_bear yes indeed. Just to make sure you turn on the grinder BEFORE put in your beans, especially light roast.

[@Soras_]

You can even use variable ac adapter to control the grinding speed of the motor by changing the voltage.

[@mike216514]

@@Soras_ Not knowledge in engineering at all, but sadly dropping the rpm doesn’t give it more torque. Hopefully Option O will release an update of this grinder with a more power motor, or step down gear to improve the torque, although it’ll grinder slower.

[@Soras_]

@@mike216514 or you can increase the voltage to speed up the motor）

[@cameronbatko]

Dang that is a cool grinder. They are sold out in both colors of the bigger burrs. If I have a Niche, Df64 with SSP unimodal and a baratza encore, would it make sense to have this too? For Aeropress, v60, and Hario switch?

[@superlloito]

Interesting to see a match-up vs Comandante on Pourover

[@officialMainspring]

ordered one. got in on the Christmas special. $374 shipped, free case... couldn't pass that up. should be here by tomorrow. Can't wait to try it out. My main grinder is a Comadante so I'm hoping this turns out to be a motorized version of that that could also do expresso competently.

[@TheBswan]

Insane value

[@karlkeil07]

would love to see a comparison of the obsidian burr lagom mini to the df64 (stock burrs) because of the similar price tag

[@krazyolie]

tempted

[@sebaba001]

Thanks I REALLY wanted a review of this! Very interesting. I wonder how this would compare to a Urbanic 080 which is the same price, decent motor and 60mm flat burrs.

[@onacoffeeride]

Wondering the exact same thing,

[@Gabriel.Q]

Hey Brian, still waiting for the full review for this!

[@thePowerPlant]

I really enjoyed the review. Especially, the grinding noise samples in their entirety. In the notes on value chapter, I think making an argument to buy two when the supposition is the the motor may burn out, if kind of wasteful and not good. Great notes on the Mazzer burrs being espresso-specific burrs was informative.

[@cussyrichards6121]

How does the filter performance of the Lagom Mini compare with the Niche Zero? Do they have the same heavy texture when doing pour over coffee?

[@beaniemac83]

Hey Brian just wondering if you'd recommend this grinder after your period of use? As Option-O have released a new moonshine burr set available to pre-order. Also wondered if yourself or anyone can recommend a smaller power brick/supply ? Since the one which comes with it looks quite large. Cheers!

[@ness81092]

Great review! I own a Eureka mignon Notte and my idea was to wait until niche was more readily available to upgrade but it sounds like this is just as good and I think it looks way better than the niche. I’m a little obsessed with Lagom industrial designs. Would you consider this an upgrade compared to the notte which is an espresso specific grinder and also has flat burrs?( a lot of people claim are better for espresso? )

[@BrianQuan]

I haven't tried the Eureka Notte at all but I'd say the Mini most likely pairs decently with the Notte but I'm not sure how clarity optimized the Mignon burrs are. Would always recc you get a contrasting pair of grinders if possible!

[@phillydelphia83]

How do you find the clarity of the lagom mini vs the ode+Ssp or even the c40?

[@reefqandi1736]

How about the cleaning?

[@joshpoe9339]

Just bought mine yesterday. April Drop!

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

Why does it struggle for lighter roasts? The beans are more dense and requires stronger motors or more time?

[@NoZenith]

The darker roast beans are basically lighter bodies and more crispy so they grind up more quickly/ less effort... Probably you have the exact idea our words are just different. I tend to go for medium roast and definitely not anything dark roast So This concerns me is the only reason I know about it. Scrolling down to the comments looking for any specifics and personal experience

[@gregfd]

Looks very appealing! You’re testing tons of trendy grinders but it’s very difficult to get a reference point (at least to me). Very selfish exemple: I have a 2nd hand Super Jolly with a stock Mazzer burrs changed few years ago. Am I oudated and my grinder can’t compete compared to modern devices? Or is this just hype and trends and this Option-O (or even maybe P64) will provide “similar” results (beside the conical vs flat part) ?

[@mike216514]

The Mazzer stock burrs are know to be espresso-focused, which means it’s good at making thick body espresso but also makes less clear filter brew. The trend is one thing and you can always have your own preference and your own favourite cup.

[@patompoomwichitchoti6051]

Your video made 48 mm version sold out.

[@braxtonjens7839]

YASSSSS. I’ve been looking into this grinder since they announced it, yet little has been said about it online.

[@ZubinSaxena]

Isn’t niche more espresso focused and this is more for pour over? I have a niche under order and just saw this. Confused now. I could cancel the niche and get this instead. Really love the way lagom looks and it’s cheaper!

[@michaelchoi5247]

nah niche is more like does everything but doesn't master anything either. Just get two grinders for dedicated espresso/filter. I have p64 with HU burr to make exclusively espresso and getting this for filter.

[@k2u364]

Wich dosing funnel are you using?

[@knguros9415]

I’m curious with espresso grinding specifically how much can you push it with out risking the motor on this little fellow? For example a family reunion of 6 or 7 straight shots of espresso with this? Could it handle it?

[@BrianQuan]

I've been grinding a fair bit of espresso with it and it has been completely fine. I would recommend you get a Niche if you were exclusively doing lighter coffees and preferred a conical presentation of it! The Mini can stall if you feed too many beans in it.

[@konpadelic]

Would that be great for espresso, been wanting to get a grinder to replace the built in grinder in my barista express?

[@BrianQuan]

Yes it's lovely for espresso! I'd definitely use it over the built in BBE grinder.

[@joshualee8774]

How would you compare it with the DF64 since i reckon they're about the same price range?

[@bowieknife]

The df64 with ssp burrs is more expensive than this mini with 48.

[@JBPorter]

Love this review! As someone setting up their first home espresso setup with the Gaggia Classic Pro... I was going to pair a Niche Zero with it but this grinder caught my attention. If budget wasn't the main concern (but still weighted in the decision), do you think the Niche is worth the upgrade here? Speed and noise? Probably going to be doing anywhere from 4-6 shots a day in the household!

[@WaaluigiBoard]

For your quantity of shots per day, definitely the niche

[@ryanlevi6992]

for 4-6 shots? Just go for an end game 98mm burr grinder. Not worth spending the time to mess around and upgrade 3-5 times buying and selling grinders until you get there. P100 is $2600.

[@jirimondo]

Hey - I have a Pavoni Europiccola in one house and just got a lagom mini for it. Have you dialed in the mini for a Pavoni? If so, can you tell me what you set it to for espresso? We generally use a city blend so not too light or too dark. Before I start dialing it in, would like a hint of where to start. Thanks!

[@BrianQuan]

I think you'll just need to experiment. A lot of the minis are calibrated differently so 0 for you is gonna be different for me!

[@jirimondo]

@@BrianQuan Yes, but if you close it until the burrs are close (touch) one can measure relative to that. I've only had a chance to pull two shots on our lagom (it's at a second home and I haven't been there since we it came). The manual recommends .8 of a full revolution (8 dots from closed). For the Pavoni (which generally needs a finer grind than many pressurized machines), I started with .7. It made a decent espresso but it dripped a little in pre-infusion and it tasted a little hollow. I'll probably test .5 to .6 next time I can. From what I tasted, I think it will do fine. We have a Sette 270 at another house and a Lelit Fred in our place in Italy. I think the Lagom will make an espresso of comparable quality once dialed in.

[@sammyrabbat384]

Is the grinder painted black or is the metal itself black? Also is it matte black?

[@mike216514]

Semi-glossy, surface-infused black. So you’ll see the slicer metal when you turn the dial to coarser settings

[@veganpotterthevegan]

Wow, that would piss my off if it were 50% faster😂 The grind time is probably due to them wanting to preserve the undersized motor

[@NoZenith]

At least the 38 mm base model burrs are from a hand grinder. I'm assuming they aren't engineerd to turn at really high speeds. It seems relatively similar to grind speed of the Niche if you take into account the differential in burr size, and the slow speed of the Niche was done for multiple reasons including keeping the temperature extremely low on the beans and burrs themselves for a more perfect environment to get the best grind.

[@ericanderson1753]

Just ordered black with 48mm burrs!

[@jansoncheah3301]

Thanks Brian for another informative video. I received my Lagom mini with 48mm burrs about 3 weeks ago. It works well when I grind medium dark beans for espresso but when I grind medium light beans for espresso, the mini just stalled. I just wonder if it happens only to my mini or is this the norm. Can anyone throw some light on my experience?

[@mike216514]

I had mine for months and mainly do light roast for espresso at around 5.0 from “0”. The grinder may stop itself from time to time but it will restart and try again itself. The tiny stall happens as a protective mechanism for the motor. Give it some patience and time, it will grind. I can’t say anything finer than that but I think you’re seeking Turkish fine there, unnecessarily.

[@jansoncheah3301]

Hi I tried grinding with light roasted for espresso but my Lagom mini with 48mm burrs stalled and didn’t restart. I had to abort the process. 😅

[@justy234]

If they eventually get an aus plug, I'll definitely be considering getting this to go with the p100. Great company.

[@magus424]

They list ANZ as a plug type on their site which could indicate AU/NZ?

[@justy234]

@@magus424 oh they already got one! I didn't expect them to have the plug so soon. I'll need more time before I buy one. I don't want to get in more trouble from my better half for buying a second grinder so soon.

[@NoZenith]

@@justy234 what other grinder do you have?

[@justy234]

@@NoZenith I've got the p100

[@physh]

Does that power brick mean it’s multi-voltage?!

[@magus424]

Should be. They offer different plugs for different regions so I think the unit is the same. You might even be able to get extra bricks from them

[@physh]

@@magus424 Is said brick 100-240v then?

[@magus424]

@@physh I get the impression the different plug bricks are different voltages rather than multi-voltage on their own; might be worth a quick email to them to confirm :)

[@physh]

@@magus424 Most power bricks are 100-240v, theirs is no exception it turns out. This is a huge deal for me.

[@Timberjagi]

@@physh its multi-voltage/multihertz indeed. i've been using it during my traveling and its just great to bring my grinder and v6/earopress with me

[@msarge213]

How much can that little hopper hold?

[@NoZenith]

Very little, I think it said 20 some grams. Kyle Roswell has a good video about it and I'm completely enamored of this grinder. I've been wanting the Niche for a while for its diminutive footprint how I short overall height and versatility but this looks even better at about half the price. Only downside I would have to dump beans in the hopper a couple three times to do a big pour over or batch of drip coffee when I have guests which would take awhile

[@msarge213]

​@@NoZenith I do the multiple-fill thing with my Remy/101 now and don't mind at all. But, it's been hard enough convincing my wife we don't need a hopper much less that she'll have to stand next to the grinder and pour in beans more than once to make her morning coffee, haha

[@chopsonyou2007]

Palate fatigue ! Farout

[@cjlafleur7585]

Wish I had known about this thing back when I bought my niche. If this thing was marketed more the niche would've been dead before it got off the ground.

[@elmtube1]

Stating that you’ve been provided “a discount” does not disclose or mean anything. It could be anything from 1% to 99% and it matters when you speak so warmly about it

[@eprohoda]

‘sup?,you made unusuall catch you later.📽

[@bobsykes]

Great review. But, in a million years, I will never, ever buy any device with a wall-wart power supply. They have got to get rid of that.

[@sebaba001]

May I ask why not? Just to expand my knowledge, I know nothing of power supplies!

[@jaeeeson]

Why? Seems like whole point is to make a small grinder, getting rid of the wall wart would just mean the grinder has to be bigger.

[@bobsykes]

The “wall wart” is the big plastic block on the end of the power cord where the AC plug should be that has to hang off of your wall outlet. I don’t want a big black brick on the wall of my kitchen next to a otherwise extremely elegant product like this. Sadly, this company’s flat burr grinder looks perfect to me, but that product costs $2,200 US now, so it’s not happening. I was hoping Option-O had made a more reasonably priced flat burr grinder to compete with the Fellow Ode; oh, well.

[@erikfasnacht]

Either you put the electronics to convert AC to DC (full wave rectifier) in the grinder, or just use a simple wall wart. Since the plug is universal, you can pretty much use any wall wart that is ~100W. IMO, the standard wall wart is a big selling point rather than a negative

[@NoZenith]

@@erikfasnacht would that mean it has a standard receptacle in the back of the Mini unit itself?

[@cha1ny104]

This thing sounds like a toy. No wonder it's 'cheap' (barely any cheaper than a niche for UK customers).

[@hcseanwu]

Is this ideal for brewing pour over?

[@BrianQuan]

The 48mm Obsydian are actually great for pourover! They have the clarity the Niche Zero is missing in pourover

[@hcseanwu]

@@BrianQuan may i ask what grind setting do you use for pour-over on this machine?

[@BrianQuan]

Which burrset do you have and what dripper/roast level