Eureka Mignon Specialità espresso grinder in the test

While the grinder achieved good results across the various extractions and showed very good reproducible results even without adjusting the grind size (see table above: Test 2: X50=307 microns, fine peak=18.8%, coarse peak=233 and Test 3: X5=309, fine peak=19.5%, coarse peak=234), the results were less convincing when adjusting and readjusting to the same grind size.

The basic setting of the Eureka Mignon Specialità is simple and quick to perform. Unfortunately, the reproducibility when adjusting and returning to the same grind setting is not as good. The small grind adjustment wheel is primarily responsible for this.

Grind Size Adjustment with the Eureka Mignon Specialità

The grind size of the Eureka Specialità is adjusted via the small dial located on top of the grinder. This is basically simple! However, even the smallest adjustments lead to a significant change in the grind size. Since the grind size is responsible for the speed of the espresso flow, this grind size determines the quality.

Nevertheless, with careful turns, the grind size can be well adjusted and the results are, as explained above, generally good. However, it is more difficult to repeat defined recipes and change the grind size in between. Most espresso grinders in the Specialità's price range are not well suited for this. Since many households have different beverage preferences, we still examine this criterion.

In our test, we perfectly adjusted the espresso and tried to mark and note the grind setting position. Then, a Ristretto and Café Crème were prepared (T5 and T6). Afterwards, the grind setting was to be reset to the same position based on the previous visual marking. This is visible in the particle size distribution curve T7, which deviates more strongly from T4 than desired. Although this grind and subsequent extraction are also in the espresso range, they are no longer at the same grind setting as for T4.

Comparing the data from espresso measurements 2, 3, 4, and 5, the following conclusion can be drawn. The Eureka Mignon Specialità is excellent at reproducing its own results from shot to shot. It sets very good standards here. So, once an espresso has been set, only minor corrections are needed, for example, if the coffee ages. The grinder is less suitable for quickly switching from one coffee to another and back to a previously saved recipe.

Not a strength of the grinder: the portafilter holder.

Retention, Speed and Performance

With only 2.7 grams of coffee, the Eureka Specialità has a small retention and is among the best espresso grinders in the test in this category. This is a crucial factor, because old coffee that gets stuck somewhere in the grinder and comes out with a later grind has a significant taste influence, depending on the amount. At 2.7 grams, this empty space in the Specialità is commendably small.

In terms of speed, the Specialità sits in the lower-middle field. It's not as slow as a Niche Zero or Mazzer Electronic, but slower than, for example, the ECM S64. In 10 seconds, the Specialità grinds 21.3 grams.

The low noise level is truly positive. We measured 78.9 decibels. Grinders that stayed below the 80 dB threshold were rated as "quiet" by us. For comparison: a Lelit PL72 reaches a proud 86.4 dB with our measurement method.

To assess grinder performance under load, we performed 6 extractions at 30-second intervals and measured the ground coffee temperature at the exit each time. The Eureka Specialità averaged 37.2° Celsius and an increase of 1.1 degrees over the extractions. This puts it in the higher range, like many grinders with flat and smaller burrs. We did not observe any sensory changes due to the heat, but we do not recommend using the grinder in the frequency range.

Eureka Mignon Specialità

Single Dosing, Grind Consistency and Usability

The dosage adjustment of the Eureka Specialità is intuitive and very easy to perform. Via the touch display, the grinding time is set for 1-shot or 2-shot dosage using the plus and minus buttons. This makes it easy to adjust the dosage amount. We really liked this part of the grinder's usability.

Points are deducted for the overly sensitive grind adjustment. The grind adjustment wheel is simply too small, the jumps in adjustment are too large, and so getting to the right grind is not as easy as it could be.

The consistency of the grinder is also good. Once the target quantity is set, the grinder grinds the desired quantity with good reliability. In our case, we calculated a standard deviation of 0.11 grams over 10 extractions. Very good!

The grinder also repeats this good performance in the "Single Dosing" test. For this, we dose 18 grams into the bean hopper, which was previously emptied. At the same time, we vacuum out the grinder and then begin the test. The 18 grams are added, ground, and the output is measured. Many grinders "eat" beans during this process. This is actually surprisingly the rule. The Eureka Mignon Specialità has repeatedly dispensed the entered quantity with a maximum deviation of 0.1 grams. This means that the grinder is in principle very suitable for "single dosing".

However, it should not be overlooked that using it as a single dosing grinder only makes sense if different recipes can be set quickly and precisely. Since this is not one of the grinder's top capabilities, the most popular application of single dosing is only possible to a limited extent. However, if you like to add and grind fresh coffee and don't want to store it in the bean hopper (which you really shouldn't), the grinder can still be used well this way.

Conclusion on the Eureka Mignon Specialità