Lagom Casa | Option-O Has Set The New Conical Standard

Summary

In this review of the Option-O Lagom Casa, the latest entry-level conical grinder from Option-O, the presenter breaks down its performance, build quality, and ease of use. Designed for modern espresso enthusiasts, the Casa excels in providing consistent, high-quality grinds, especially for light roasts. While its simple workflow and durable design are praised, minor downsides such as a cumbersome grind adjustment dial and a specific duty cycle recommendation are noted. Overall, the Casa stands out in its price range, offering excellent value for both new home brewers and experienced baristas seeking a reliable, affordable grinder.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Lagom Casa is Option-O's new conical grinder, designed for the entry-level market while offering premium build quality.
• 😀 The Casa features a modern and functional design, made from anodized space-grade aluminum and CNC-machined to high standards.
• 😀 The grinder has a 48mm Mizen Moonshine conical burr set designed specifically for brewing modern light roasts and espresso.
• 😀 The grind chamber holds up to 30 grams of coffee and features a smooth dome entrance that prevents beans from popping out.
• 😀 The grinder offers a stepless grind adjustment dial, capable of switching from espresso to coarse French press settings.
• 😀 Powered by a 200w brushless DC motor, the Casa spins at 140 RPM to provide consistent grind size distribution.
• 😀 The Casa includes a dosing chute with a built-in knocker and a magnetized dosing cup that holds 40-45 grams of grinds.
• 😀 The build quality is durable, with all components fitting together smoothly and no rattling or flexing during use.
• 😀 The Casa has a simplified workflow with minimal retention and noise levels around 70-75 dB during operation.
• 😀 The grinder excels in usability with easy cleaning and no need for tools to disassemble the burrs and grind chamber.
• 😀 In taste tests, the Casa outperforms the Lagom Mini with better consistency and a superior flavor profile, especially for espresso and filter brews.
• 😀 The Casa is a solid option for both entry-level home brewers and experienced baristas seeking a secondary grinder to pair with a flat burr grinder.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the Lagom Casa grinder?

The Lagom Casa is designed to target the entry-level market, offering a precise, durable build, simplicity of use, and a focus on high-quality grinds, especially for modern light roasts and espresso.

How does the Casa differ from Option-O's previous grinders?

The Casa incorporates some smart upgrades from Option-O's previous compact conical, the Lagom Mini. Notably, the burr geometry and the design of the upper grind chamber have been refined to highlight the flavor profiles of lighter roasts, making it stand out from its predecessors.

What materials are used in the construction of the Lagom Casa?

The Casa is made from anodized and coated space-grade aluminum, CNC machined to precise standards, ensuring a modern and functional design with a durable build quality.

What are the key features of the Casa's grind chamber?

The Casa features a smooth-dome design at the top of the grind chamber to prevent beans from popping out. It holds up to 30 grams of coffee and has a stepless grind adjustment dial, capable of adjusting from espresso to coarse French press settings.

How does the Casa perform in terms of grind consistency and motor operation?

The Casa features a 200w brushless DC motor that operates at 140 RPM, which helps produce a consistent grind size distribution. It excels at handling light roasts, offering a precise grind with minimal stalling or jamming.

What is the advantage of the Casa's zero retention design?

The Casa's zero retention design ensures that nearly all coffee grounds are dispensed directly into the dosing cup without lingering in the grinder, which improves efficiency and minimizes waste. This is achieved even without the use of a retention dose technique (RDT).

How is the noise level of the Lagom Casa during operation?

The Casa operates at a noise level around 70 dB when idle and 75 dB during grinding, which is considered average or slightly lower compared to other grinders. However, it does produce a slight squeal during operation.

What makes the Casa easy to clean and maintain?

The Casa is designed for easy cleaning, requiring no tools. The adjustment dial unscrews to reveal the burr carrier, allowing for simple access to the cone burr and grind chamber, which has minimal dead space.

How does the Casa compare to the Lagom Mini in terms of grind quality?

The Casa outperforms the Lagom Mini in terms of standard variation, likely due to its refined burr geometry and lower RPM motor. It produces more consistent and flavorful grinds, particularly for light roast espresso.

What are the potential downsides or quirks of the Casa?

One downside of the Casa is its design, which may be polarizing for some users—people will either love or dislike its appearance. Additionally, the small adjustment dial can make switching between espresso and filter settings slightly less convenient. The Casa also comes with duty cycle recommendations, which suggest a maximum of 90 seconds of operation followed by a 90-second rest period.

Is the Lagom Casa a good option for both entry-level and experienced baristas?

Yes, the Casa is an excellent choice for new home brewers due to its user-friendly design, but it also serves as a solid secondary grinder for more experienced baristas, particularly those seeking a conical burr grinder to pair with a flat burr grinder.

How does the Casa compare to other grinders in the $400 price range?

The Casa stands out in the $400 price range as one of the best entry-level conical grinders, offering premium features, build quality, and performance. Its simplicity and durability make it a top contender, even when compared to other high-end grinders like the Niche Zero.