Lagom Mini vs. Varia VS3 vs. Comandante C40 Coffee Grinder Comparison

Рет қаралды 19,990

Күн бұрын

Thrilled to bring you an epic showdown in the Option-O Lagom Mini versus Varia VS3 vs Comandante as we compare these three incredible grinders side by side. Shop Grinders: alternativebrewing.com.au/col...
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction
00:32 Context of Comparisons
01:47 Espresso Tasting Intro
06:53 Espresso Tasting Results
07:46 Filter Tasting Intro
11:48 Filter Tasting Results
13:00 Firsthand Comparison Observations
We're going to put them to the ultimate test with a blind tasting session, evaluating their performance for both espresso and filter brewing methods. It's going to be a caffeine-fueled adventure!
In a recent review video, I had the opportunity to explore the Lagom Mini in-depth (you can find the link here). And as I delved into its features and capabilities, I couldn't resist bringing these two grinders into the mix as well.
First up, we have the Varia VS3, a compact single-dose conical burr grinder that comes in under $650 AUD. With its 30g capacity and impressive low-retention design, it's a contender worth considering. I've equipped the Varia VS3 with the 38mm Hypernova burrs for reference.
And let's not forget about the iconic Comandante Hand Grinder, which has earned a stellar reputation in the coffee world. With its red-clix upgrade, offering enhanced dialling accuracy, it's a force to be reckoned with.
Before we kick off the brewing battle, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude. Your support means everything to us. If you're enjoying this video, please show some love by hitting that like button and subscribing to our channel. By doing so, you're helping us grow and bring you even more exciting content.
Thanks in advance for your support. Now, let's dive headfirst into this epic grinder comparison and find out which one reigns supreme!
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Пікірлер: 71

@ianburton9030 Жыл бұрын

Great review. Appreciate your honest (and earnest!) struggles in trying to separate the brews. Love your channel, keep it up. As an aside. Have spent a couple of $k with AB over the last 18 months in large part because of your honest reviews.

@AlternativeBrewing Жыл бұрын

wow! thanks so much appreciated! 🫶 glad i can help

@bowieknife Жыл бұрын

Thanks for doing this review! I have the C40 for the longest time... Enjoy it for filter and although capable for espresso, it was too much work for me. So glad I got the VS3 for espresso workflow only!

@user-vd2wv1rz4l 6 ай бұрын

Great review as always. I'm thinking about getting de Varia and I always resort to your channel when I need an in depth review. Thanks a lot for your work! :)

@AlternativeBrewing 6 ай бұрын

Thanks so much ! 🫶

@jslanfranchi Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your review, and vids. Love the vibe you put into them. Although I have plenty options, I do have to admit that the c40 is one I always go back to for filter (and espresso on the go).

@AlternativeBrewing Жыл бұрын

🫶 Totally agree

@Matanzm Жыл бұрын

Beautiful comparison, thank you so much for it

@AlternativeBrewing Жыл бұрын

My pleasure! 😀

@pdinio Жыл бұрын

Ah yeah. You made it happen! ❤️ nice work.

@AlternativeBrewing Жыл бұрын

Thank you! 😁

@TC_Prof Жыл бұрын

Love it Josh can’t go wrong Dante and VS3 🎉🎉🎉

@benho5736 Жыл бұрын

I have the lagom mini (Obsidian burrs) and my work flow involves using the palm of my hand as a makeshift bellow.

@AlternativeBrewing Жыл бұрын

oh nice! Ill have to try that 👌

@amitmargalit4551 11 ай бұрын

Same here

@coreycannon4511 Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Josh! I guess I was premature with my ask for a comparison on yesterday’s video. It looks like, to me, the VS3 v2 is going to be my next grinder.

@AlternativeBrewing Жыл бұрын

haha! all good. Made me work extra hard to get it out sooner 🫶 You won't regret it !

@amitmargalit4551 11 ай бұрын

Nice review! We have to address the build quilts of the Lagom vs Varia… And I personally appreciate the mini’s 0 mess on my bench

@AlternativeBrewing 10 ай бұрын

Totally agree! There is a different feel to the Grinders. The Lagom is much smoother - and is more obviously more compact, and minimalist. The build quality from a UE would be the Lagom having a better build - however the latest varia VS3 gen 2 grinders are very good! I still prefer the Varia VS3, however - my biggest gripe would be the mess :(

@SMspazzle Жыл бұрын

Really awesome review.

@AlternativeBrewing Жыл бұрын

Glad you think so!

@TheJolam80 Жыл бұрын

Nice work as always Josh 👍 It's obvious you put a lot of time in your videos, especially when you compare burrs or grinders. It's super informative! Well done!✌️ After watching this video, I was curious to know why is the VS3/Hypernova your main grinder for espresso? You have a bunch of other grinders, notably the DF83 and DF64V. Is there something that the Hypernova burrs bring to your cup that the others don't or is it related to workflow or ease of dialing in? Cheers!

@AlternativeBrewing Жыл бұрын

thanks for the kind words! 😀 & Great question! You're right - I do have pretty much any grinder at my disposable to use daily, including 2 x Eureka Mignons (Manual & SDG) a Niche Zero & Niche Duo, DF64, DF83, and currently playing with the P64 ... and a pick of any hand grinder - but the Varia is that perfect balance of value for me. It is reliable when it comes to brewing - the grind adjustment is super easy to use and dial in an espresso. The workflow is comfortable, albeit occasionally a little messy around the catch cup - no more than a Niche 😂 -- it's very quiet, nicely compact - and the flavour profile just blows my mind away - for how juicy, bright and clean the coffees are - and I could be chasing these exact qualities in a DF64 or DF83 or P64, but I find there's more of a knife edge to the consistency of these grinders - and whilst they may provide the better ultimate shot - the Varia brews a consistently great coffee without too much fuss, and going back to my original point - it's a relatively affordable Grinder - and that value is hard to beat.

@jcsibal 6 ай бұрын

Great review, like your no-nonsense style a lot. Hoping for a comparison with the Timemore 064s vs Varia 3.

@AlternativeBrewing 6 ай бұрын

Noted!

@decky1990 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review! Have loved my Comandante for the longest time, but recently upgraded to a Niche Duo - looking forward to tasting the differences.

@SarntAKluss Жыл бұрын

Keep us posted please

@decky1990 Жыл бұрын

@@SarntAKluss no problem! Will do 👍🏻

@AlternativeBrewing Жыл бұрын

Good choice!

@coreycannon4511 Жыл бұрын

@@SarntAKlussditto

@bluemystic7501 Жыл бұрын

I used the Comandante for about 10 months before switching to a flat burr electric grinder for espresso. The only difference I really noticed was that I could perfectly dial-in on the stepless electric grinder and that's where the principal difference was between the two grinders. I'd be surprised if you could tell them apart in a blind test.

@perdiddlepanskew8018 8 ай бұрын

Got the D3 coming as a Chrissy prez… very excited!

@jackgtravis Жыл бұрын

It’s RDT man, every time haha 😂 Another great review 👍🏻

@AlternativeBrewing Жыл бұрын

Indeed it is! 😂 I think I need to make t-shirts up !

@helenburns2186 11 ай бұрын

👍🏾😄 I'm pretty sure it's, Ross The Droplet.

@AlternativeBrewing 11 ай бұрын

lol 😂 @@helenburns2186

@chriswyatt5303 Жыл бұрын

Does your Varia VS3 shifter the grind setting while grinding? That was a common problem with the first model which I’ve found with mine. There is a new version that just came out and have you heard from Varia if they’ve fixed the shifting and the problem with stalling while grinding for espresso. Great revue as always.

@AlternativeBrewing Жыл бұрын

Mine does not no, never had an issue either - but can confirm it was a thing. Yes, the newer version is a better design - improved materials in the motor as well. Thanks so much 😀

@Buddhanatur3 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for nice a review! When you say your go to grinder is the Vario vs3, is that with the stock burrs or did you upgrade these? I'm thinking purchasing the grinder with the new Hypernova Ultra Plasma Coated burrs, but not sure if it's worth it. Hope you can answer this. Thanks.

@AlternativeBrewing 8 ай бұрын

Both! Yes. I had all the additional burrs - and after tasting the difference with the Hypernova Ultra Burrs - it's a no brainer. Not a huge difference between Supernova coated and default burrs - but the Hypernova are much much better 👌

@SeanGordon-ym4yf Жыл бұрын

Nice comparison! 3 great grinders for sure. My biggest gripe with the VS3 is the tiny catch cup. If you grind more than maybe 18g at filter settings, you can expect a lot of mess. With an advertised 'hopper capacity' of 30g, you should really get a catch cup to match.

@AlternativeBrewing Жыл бұрын

Great point!

@ToddParker Жыл бұрын

Have a lagom mini and love it. Seems to me with the moonshine burrs this grinder is in a sweet spot dealing up a balance in espresso and filter having given comandante a run in filter and Varia a run in espresso for both of your taste tests. For what it is worth, the only thing with workflow I wish was better with lagom mini is the bean chamber holding more than 35g. Some times I want to filter for the family and do a batch of 55g and in that I do two bean pours. How much does the Varia hold?

@argomedoreds Жыл бұрын

30 gr hopper. Maximum recommended continuous grind time: 60 seconds grind time, +90 seconds rest. According to their website.

@AlternativeBrewing Жыл бұрын

Totally agree. Varia isn't much better - and actually has a smaller catch cup than full capacity - so as @SeanGordon-ym4yf mentioned - at filter grind settings - taking up more space in the cup - it can be a mess over 18-20g doses.

@alarcilam Жыл бұрын

Josh.. my Mignon Manualle broke down and I am thinking on replacing it with a df64, Varias3 or another eureka. It is purely for milk best espresso nothing else and I only like medium, medium to light roast. Any recommendations there? Also.. do you have them in stock at the shop?

@AlternativeBrewing Жыл бұрын

het! I'm sorry to hear about the Eureka! 😥 IMHO, the Varia VS3 or the DF64... these would be my top 2 grinder under $1000 right now. They're spaced apart enough in price I'd say if you're happy to spend the cash - and have the space - the DF64 is the way to go - and it's likely to last a lot longer than the Eureka Mignon Manuale. The Varia VS3, is great - this is what I use at home for Espresso - but hold off on this purchase until we start shipping the Gen2 of the Varia VS3. (which won't be long) and it's every bit bang for you buck ... and in either case you wouldn't be disappointed.

@alarcilam Жыл бұрын

@@AlternativeBrewing thanks mate.. already picked up the Df64 from your warehouse.. grinder looks better in person than in the videos :-)

@AlternativeBrewing Жыл бұрын

@@alarcilam haha! Unreal, enjoy! and happy brewing 👌

@alarcilam Жыл бұрын

@@AlternativeBrewing thanks Josh.. the grinder is well built and I just checked and happy that burrs are aligned ootb. The only question I have is wether burrs need any seasoning. My first shot ran very well though

@tuandatn Жыл бұрын

Great video! I've noticed in a few videos now that you tend to say "RTD"--I think you might mean RDT for the Ross Droplet Technique :)

@AlternativeBrewing Жыл бұрын

You are correct 😳 hahaha gonna just say the whole thing out next time 😀

@felixhoklay2377 Жыл бұрын

how about SD40 ?

@eatsmokedrink 8 ай бұрын

I make one or two coffees a day. i eventually want to get a flair 58 I am gravitating towards the VS3 due to its low RPM, time is not an issue fo rme, i don't care bout an extra min to grind shit. good to hear a coffee obsessed with a vs3 go to. i will do both pourover, ap and espresso so want somethign that deals with all that

@AlternativeBrewing 8 ай бұрын

Varia will do that No worries 👌

@eatsmokedrink 8 ай бұрын

Do you think the vs3 can grind turksih grind on the finest setting?@@AlternativeBrewing

@simoncook1778 Жыл бұрын

Hand grinder for camping like v60 is perfect electric grinder for espresso is the only way in my experience unless you wanted a quick turbo shot while camping then a hand grinder will do it BUT it’ll be hard work cause the burs are so close together it would be like trying to loosen a rusty bolt using a hand grinder to grind the espresso .so don’t drink espresso drink filtered & enjoy a long shot👍great vids man…

@AlternativeBrewing Жыл бұрын

thanks so much! 😀

@robs1714 11 ай бұрын

1zpresso k-plus vs. VS3, what do you think? Currently using the varia hand grinder but I suspect there are better grinders that produce better tasting coffee

@AlternativeBrewing 11 ай бұрын

If you've already got a hand grinder and chasing that clarity and sweetness you won't be disappointed in the Varia VS3 🔥

@Mandragara Жыл бұрын

What grinder produces the most espresso 'texture' I wonder

@AlternativeBrewing Жыл бұрын

That's a great question! Niche does alright - but there's gotta be a real standout. Would be looking for Good texture, but not unbalanced body -assuming bitterness. I'm on the look out now 👌

@9abe9 Жыл бұрын

Maybe kinu?