There’s an odd chasm on the planet of espresso grinders. On one aspect, you have got the hefty, countertop-hogging electrical grinders, beasts of burden that may churn out shot after shot. On the opposite, you have got the admittedly wonderful however arm-tiring guide grinders, the darlings of the purist set. For years, if you happen to wished electrical comfort in a travel-friendly dimension, your choices had been, let’s simply say, quite disappointing.

Possibility-O, after simply six years within the grinder recreation, noticed that hole and drove a truck via it with the unique Lagom mini in 2022. Now they’re again with its successor, the Lagom mini 2. Externally, it’s a lifeless ringer for the unique, save for a redesigned energy button and a contemporary USB-C port changing the outdated one. However whereas the shell is equivalent, what’s beneath the hood is a considerate evolution, not a revolution.

Earlier than I dive in, a fast disclosure. My analysis grinder wasn’t bought; it was supplied by Possibility-O (not a sponsor) via their Canadian retail accomplice, Cafuné (welcome to them as a brand new web site sponsor!). I’m grateful to each for getting one to me, particularly since excessive demand has created ready lists for these distinctive grinders. This text is my detailed introduction to the mini 2 our full Snapshot Evaluate is coming within the subsequent few months.

The Authentic Lagom mini: A Fast Look Again

The primary Lagom mini was a masterclass in purpose-built design (right here’s my authentic intro article on it). Whereas its dimension made it a wonderful journey companion, its true calling was to be the last word minimalist grinder for the discerning espresso lover at dwelling. It was engineered to look lovely whereas taking on nearly no area, its low 180 RPM motor prioritizing high quality and wonderful fines administration over sheer amount.

It had its quirks, after all. The proprietary energy brick was a clumsy, outlet-hogging annoyance on the kitchen counter and a ache for travellers alike. And whereas the grinder’s design screamed minimalist stylish, its un-numbered dial was a famously polarising alternative.

Nonetheless, the outcomes had been plain. I’ve practically two years of expertise with the unique mini, and its grind high quality is nothing in need of phenomenal. Actually, it’s grow to be a benchmark for conical burr grinders right here at CoffeeGeek, due to its unimaginable output, construct high quality, and distinctive place out there. My expectations for this new model, with its refined burrs, are deservedly excessive.

Acquainted Kind, Delicate Adjustments

In the event you favored the unique mini’s appear and feel, you’ll be joyful to know the outside is basically unchanged. The mini 2 has the identical compact footprint, satisfying 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) heft, and premium, machined-from-a-single-block-of-aluminum really feel. The match and end are very good, making many bigger plastic grinders really feel clumsy by comparability, and the magnetic catch cup nonetheless snaps into place with an authoritative click on.

Whereas the physique is equivalent, I discovered a number of refined adjustments. Aesthetically, the tasteful, minimalist branding etched onto the unique mini’s base is gone, leaving the brand new model utterly unadorned. On a extra sensible be aware, the bottom now has a compliance sticker that may make the grinder slide round. My recommendation? Peel it off at your earliest comfort, and the grippy silicone base will preserve the grinder planted.

The adjustment mechanism is nearly equivalent to the unique, save for the omission of a single hollowed-out marker dot close to the zero level. The complete higher collar stays a stepless grind adjustment, threading easily into the primary physique. In the event you’ve ever dialled in an espresso shot with this fashion of infinite adjustment, you know the way exact it may be.

Internally, Possibility-O has once more strengthened the gearing system and motor housing to enhance torque. The identical P-grade angular contact bearings are used to make sure the burrs stay completely aligned with minimal wobble. The workflow continues to be strictly single-dosing solely, with a hopper capability of round 30 to 35 grams for many who meticulously weigh their beans. It additionally nonetheless comes with the detachable anti-popcorn system, which, let’s be trustworthy, most of us take away as a result of it could make pouring beans in a bit tougher.

The Burrs: An In-Home Evolution

That is the improve that may doubtless curiosity CoffeeGeek readers essentially the most. The unique Lagom mini’s burr choices advanced over its lifespan: it launched with 38mm Obsidian burrs as normal, with an non-compulsory improve to a 48mm Moonshine burr set. The Moonshines developed such a robust status for readability that Possibility-O ultimately made them the usual providing. The brand new mini 2 continues this evolution, simplifying the lineup to a single, new 48mm Mizen burr set.

Possibility-O has taken a extra hands-on function with the Mizen burrs. Whereas they use third events for manufacturing, the design is now accomplished solely in-house, with every burr set present process particular person high quality management earlier than delivery. This offers them full command over geometry and consistency. The Mizen 48MS burrs have a reduce sample that’s practically equivalent to the Moonshines, however the end seems extra matte. The excessive sheen on my well-used Moonshine burrs would possibly simply be the results of two years of sprucing, but it surely’s a noticeable distinction out of the field.

Past the burrs themselves, there’s a big change to the grind chamber. The unique mini had stepped clearing vanes and a lipped outer burr housing, which may entice a small quantity of espresso grounds over time. The mini 2 now options single-height vanes and a flat burr housing, making a wider sweep space. In my preliminary testing, this new design appears to do a significantly better job of clearing out floor espresso.

As for efficiency, Possibility-O describes the Mizen burrs as all-rounders, and my testing confirms this. They produce brews with medium-high readability and good flavour separation, performing effectively from fantastic to coarse.

One essential be aware for homeowners of the unique: these new Mizen burrs should not backwards suitable. You can’t set up them in a first-generation Lagom mini.

Energy: USB-C Adjustments Every thing

Let’s have a second of silence for the junk drawer stuffed with proprietary energy bricks now we have all gathered over time from all kinds of retired and deceased shopper home equipment. The only greatest and most welcome change within the mini 2 is the change to the common USB-C normal.

This isn’t simply any USB-C port, nevertheless. It requires an influence supply that helps Energy Supply 3.0 (PD3.0 or later) and may output a full 100 watts at 20V/5A. In easy phrases, it wants a robust, trendy charger, like one you’ll use for a MacBook Professional.

Possibility-O sells the grinder direct, in two configurations:

• $299 USD / $415 CAD and not using a energy adapter (you provide your individual, just like the Ugreen Nexode Professional 100W)
• $379 USD / $527 CAD with Possibility-O’s excessive finish 100W USB-C energy adapter.

That energy adapter deserves particular point out. It’s not only a easy brick; it’s a correct PD3.0 compliant multi-port GaN charger with two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and a high-quality braided cable. In Canada, Cafuné gives the grinder for $499 CAD with out the adapter and $599 CAD with it, which is a aggressive value when you account for obligation and delivery.

The transfer to USB-C additionally unlocks the grinder’s true potential for portability. It may be run from a 100W+ PD-compliant energy financial institution. This flexibility elevates the mini 2 from only a small grinder to a genuinely moveable one. I’m testing it with an INIU Cougar 100W 25,000mAh energy financial institution, and it really works fantastically effectively as a standalone grinding answer.

Workflow: Smarter, Not Tougher

The opposite main quality-of-life enchancment is the introduction of an auto-off characteristic. The grinder’s inner logic now detects when the resistance drops, that means the beans have all handed via the burrs. It continues to run for about ten seconds to clear the chamber after which shuts itself down.

In case you have ever been sidetracked by a ringing telephone or a boiling kettle, you may need returned to the sound of the unique mini’s motor spinning away uselessly, slowly consuming into its 600-hour rated lifespan. The auto-off perform means much less put on, much less warmth, and fewer stress on the motor. It additionally frees you as much as prep your filter or tamp your espresso whereas the grinder finishes its job.

Throughout that closing ten-second spin-down, the mini 2 makes a smooth “pffft, pffft” sound because it pulses to push out the previous couple of particles. Retention appears improved, and static is noticeably decrease than within the authentic. These are simply my preliminary impressions, after all; we’ll be doing extra rigorous testing on retention and static for the complete Snapshot Evaluate.

The Grind Dial: Precision with Visible Cues

And now we come to the dial. Whereas it has no numbers, it does have dots! (this can be a level of rivalry with some homeowners of the grinder who need numbers on the dial). The collar encompasses a collection of huge dots interspersed with 4 smaller dots, supplying you with a strong visible reference on your grind setting. Possibility-O’s philosophy is to encourage dialing in by style and really feel, utilizing these markers as waypoints, they usually have steadfastly resisted calls so as to add numbers to the stepless adjustment. For individuals who need to mark particular settings, they embrace a sheet of tiny black and white dot stickers for additional customization.

I’ve developed my very own system with the stickers to maintain issues straight. I take advantage of a single white sticker positioned instantly on one of many laser etched black dots, to mark the efficient zero level. My place to begin for espresso is marked with a single black sticker above the seventh massive dot. For pour over, which requires a full 360-degree rotation previous zero, I take advantage of two white stickers over the fourteenth massive dot. The 2 stickers are a fast visible reminder that I’ve to cross that time one full rotation first earlier than reaching it once more.

Actually, I’m nonetheless on the fence about the entire numbers-versus-no-numbers debate. It’s a system that works effectively when you get used to it, however I perceive the attraction of an easier numerical reference. I’ll have a extra definitive absorb our full Snapshot Evaluate.

Reliability and Ultimate Ideas

The Lagom mini 2 inherits the gearbox and motor enhancements made in later manufacturing runs of the unique, and even provides extra beefing up and refinements to the system. The auto-off characteristic provides one other layer of safety. The identical obligation cycle of 1:1 (eg 60 seconds on, 60 seconds off) applies, so this isn’t a machine for grinding massive batches. However for its supposed use of delivering a number of distinctive doses per day, it ought to show to be a dependable companion.

So, who is that this grinder for? It’s for the one who values minimalism, counter area, and distinctive grind high quality in small quantities. It’s for the filter-first espresso drinker who enjoys the occasional espresso. It competes with top-tier guide grinders, and the controversy boils right down to this: do you favor the tactile ritual of hand grinding, or would you quite simply press a button? After years of each day hand grinding, the attraction of that button will get awfully sturdy.

And right here’s the kicker, the half that seals the deal. In a world the place each new model of a gadget appears to return with an automated value hike, Possibility-O went the opposite means. In the event you convey your individual compliant USB-C charger, the mini 2 is definitely a couple of hundred bucks cheaper than its predecessor (excluding any potential Trump Taxes). Even if you happen to go for the bundle with their wonderful new energy adapter, it nonetheless rings in at about twenty {dollars} lower than the outdated mannequin with the devoted energy brick.

The Lagom mini 2 is each an incremental and unique-features improve. It takes a product we already beloved and refines it primarily based on plenty of person suggestions. The Mizen burrs, improved motor, common USB-C energy, and the good auto-off perform are all wonderful enhancements that make an awesome grinder even higher.

So, that’s my preliminary take. We’re now engaged on the complete Snapshot Evaluate for the grinder which needs to be alongside in a number of months. In the event you’ve managed to get your fingers on a Lagom mini 2, drop a remark under and tell us what you assume. In the event you’ve bought questions, hearth away. Don’t be shy.