Last Updated on June 7, 2021 by smiling-coffee-snob
The hand grinder market has exploded since I first started using them. And yet, I still consider the Lido to be one of the best options available. It produces a consistent grind size and is made to last a lifetime.
But, is it also the grinder for you?
While I can’t answer that for you, I’ve put together this Lido E-T review to offer my perspective after four years. I will get into what makes this grinder unique and give you the tools you need to decide whether it’s right for you.
Let’s get started.
(Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored, but the links are affiliate links so if you use them to buy something I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
What’s the difference between the Lido E-T and Lido 3?
Lido 3
Lido E-T
The Lido E-T is just one variation of the Lido grinders by Orphan Espresso. It is made for espresso, while the Lido 3 is meant for drip coffee. The Lido E-T has finer adjustment threading, which allows micro-adjustments of the grind size, which is very important for espresso.
In daily life, this translates to a much wider grind range on the Lido E-T. Both can grind to any size you like, but the E-T will require more rotations to change the grind size compared to the Lido 3.
So, if you don’t grind for espresso or need really fine grinds then the Lido 3 is probably best. But, if you want finer adjustment, the Lido E-T is the way to go. Personally, I don’t mind the E-T’s extra rotations, but you might want to go with the 3 if you exclusively make drip coffee.
How does the Lido E-T work?
The Lido grinders are made to be highly adjustable, repairable, and can last a lifetime. The handle can be folded for travel and the entire grinder can be disassembled to be cleaned. It has a 48 mm steel burr set with two bearings that prevent wobble during grinding.
Material wise, the Lido is mostly metal, but it has ABS plastic for the knob on the handle and a BPA free plastic hopper for beans before grinding. The grinds catcher used to be plastic, too, but they have recently updated it to double-walled stainless steel.
These high-quality materials make the grinder long lasting, but also heavy. This is probably why they use the plastic hopper. Any more metal and who knows how much more it would weigh, since it already weighs 2lbs 5oz (1054 grams).
Lido E-T Review: What are the advantages over other hand grinders?
The biggest advantage—or disadvantage, depending on your perspective—of both the Lido 3 and E-T is the size.
Most manual coffee grinders hold 25-35 grams of coffee, with the exception of the Hario Skerton (but, that’s not in the same league as the Lido). The Lido grinders hold more like 70-80 grams, which is huge for a hand grinder!
Combine that with the large, high-quality burr set and you get one of the best large capacity manual coffee grinders on the market!
It’s also one of the few grinders that can easily be repaired. They sell every different part so if something wears out, it can be easily replaced. This can be the last grinder you ever buy if you want it to be.
What about performance?
When it comes to performance, pretty much all the grinders at this level are fantastic. Some people insist that their preferred grinder is much better, but most objective comparisons have found the performance to be very similar. So, it mostly comes down to personal preference.
If you want to see a thorough comparison of high-quality hand grinders, both James Hoffmann and Prima Coffee have great videos.
With the Lido grinders, the main question you need to ask yourself is whether or not you can deal with the large size and weight.
What are the Lido 3 and E-T’s downsides?
Size and appearance are the Lido’s biggest flaws. This is a practical grinder that devours large batches of coffee beans quickly and effectively.
Along with the large size, comes heavy weight. The Lido weights nearly a kilogram and may be a challenge for some people to use. You have the option of sitting down to use it, but no matter what you do it’s still going to be a challenge.
Also, keep in mind that grinding large batches of coffee beans can be quite a workout—especially at finer grind settings. If you grind the maximum capacity you may feel like you just got back from the gym… ok, that’s a slight exaggeration, but you get the point.
The other thing is the grind adjustment. It’s one of those things that is really annoying at first, but once you get used to it it works really well. When I first started using it, I had issues with it being either too loose or too tight and it was hard to keep track of the grind size. But, now that I’m used to it, I find it really easy to use.
One other complaint you’ll come across is about the plastic grinds catcher. Some people have had issues with the threading wearing out on them. Personally, I haven’t had this issue, but I have accidentally dropped it before. However, there’s a new stainless steel grinds catcher now this isn’t an issue anymore.
Should you get the Lido E-T or Lido 3?
As I reach that four year mark with the Lido E-T, the performance is still as good as it’s ever been. I’m still getting precise grinds with ease and I’ve gotten the hang of all the little quirks.
As I mentioned, everything is replaceable, but I haven’t had to replace anything. I also haven’t had any serious issues beyond getting used to the adjustment ring in the beginning.
So, if you’re looking for a large capacity hand grinder to keep for many years to come, I still recommend the Lido, despite all the other great options that are now available.