The Eureka Mignon Filtro grinder has garnered attention for its build quality and remarkable consistency. As one of the few affordable flat burr grinders available today, it is an intriguing choice for serious coffee enthusiasts, especially those who value consistency in their brew. Eureka, a brand based in Florence, Italy, is renowned for its espresso grinders, but with the introduction of the Filtro, it has stepped into the realm of manual brewing. This review explores the features, strengths, and drawbacks of the Eureka Mignon Filtro, offering a detailed look at what makes this grinder stand out, and where it falls short.
Design and Build Quality
One of the first aspects that catch the eye with the Eureka Mignon Filtro is its sleek and robust design. Weighing 5.6 kg, it gives an impression of sturdiness without being excessively bulky. The metal body is both aesthetically pleasing and durable, ensuring that this grinder will last for years. It is available in a matte black finish, which complements modern kitchen settings and fits well on any countertop due to its small footprint.
The Filtro is notably heavier and more solid than many other grinders in its price range, such as the popular Baratza Encore. While the Encore has a largely plastic construction, the Filtro boasts a steel chassis and grinding chamber, akin to more expensive domestic espresso grinders from Eureka. This gives it a more substantial and professional feel, which many home baristas will appreciate.
Despite its impressive build quality, the Filtro does have some quirks in its design. One notable issue is its hopper, which holds up to 300 grams of coffee. While this may be ideal for those who brew large batches or for office use, it is not suited for single-dosing, which has become increasingly popular among home brewers. Single-dosing allows for fresher coffee and more precise control over the amount of beans being used, something that is hindered by the large hopper and subsequent retention of stale grounds.
Burr Set and Grind Consistency
At the heart of any grinder is its burr set, and this is where the Eureka Mignon Filtro shines. Equipped with 50 mm flat burrs, the Filtro is optimized for manual brewing, such as drip coffee or pour-overs. Its consistency is exceptional, outperforming even some high-end grinders with larger burrs. This consistency ensures that the coffee grounds are uniform in size, which is crucial for achieving balanced and nuanced flavors in the cup.
The Filtro’s burr set produces very few fines—tiny particles of coffee that can over-extract and contribute to bitterness. As a result, the grinder offers a clean and balanced cup profile that emphasizes middle notes, without overwhelming acidity or bitterness. While this neutral profile may not appeal to those who prefer brighter, more acidic brews, it is ideal for those who enjoy clarity and precision in their coffee.
However, the high level of consistency in grind size can also present a challenge. With fewer fines in the mix, users may need to adjust their brewing techniques. For example, the Filtro requires a finer grind and a higher extraction yield to produce a full-bodied cup. This means that it can take some trial and error to dial in the perfect grind size and ratio, especially for those who are used to grinders that produce more fines and are easier to extract from.
Workflow and Retention
One of the most significant drawbacks of the Filtro is its retention. The large hopper and flat burr design mean that it retains between 1 and 1.5 grams of coffee between brews. This may not seem like much, but it can affect the flavor of smaller batches, where even a small amount of stale coffee can make a noticeable difference. For larger batches, such as those brewed for multiple people or in a commercial setting, this retention is less of an issue.
Several modifications can be made to reduce retention. For instance, adding bellows—rubber attachments that force air through the grinder—can help expel leftover coffee grounds. Additionally, removing the clump crusher (a small mechanism designed to break up coffee clumps) can help the grounds exit the grinding chamber more smoothly. However, these are modifications that the average user may not be inclined to make, and they point to a design flaw that could have been addressed by the manufacturer.
Another minor issue with the Filtro’s workflow is the switch mechanism. To grind coffee, users must hold down the power switch, which can be inconvenient during longer grinding sessions. While some of Eureka’s more expensive models feature a timer-based switch, this feature is not included in the Filtro. This is a small but frustrating design flaw, especially considering that competitors offer more user-friendly solutions at similar price points.
Suitability for Different Brewing Methods
The Eureka Mignon Filtro is primarily designed for manual brewing methods, such as pour-over, drip coffee, French press, and Moka pot. While it can technically grind fine enough for espresso, it is not ideal for this purpose. Espresso requires extremely fine grinds and precise dosing, and the Filtro’s retention and lack of an espresso-focused adjustment dial make it a poor choice for serious espresso enthusiasts. That said, it can produce decent results for coarser espresso preparations like lungos or Aeropress recipes that require a finer grind than drip coffee but not as fine as traditional espresso.
For those looking for an all-around grinder that can handle both manual brewing and occasional espresso, the Filtro may still be a viable option. However, its true strength lies in its ability to grind for manual brewing methods with exceptional consistency.
Who Should Buy the Eureka Mignon Filtro?
The Eureka Mignon Filtro is not for everyone, and it occupies a unique space in the market. It offers exceptional grind consistency at an affordable price, but its quirks make it better suited for specific use cases. If you’re a dedicated coffee enthusiast who appreciates uniform grind size and is willing to work around some retention and workflow issues, the Filtro is an excellent choice. It is especially well-suited for those who brew large batches of coffee, whether at home, in an office, or in a community setting.
For single-dosers or those who brew smaller batches, the Filtro may not be the best option. Premium hand grinders or more modern electric grinders like the Fellow Ode or Wilfa Uniform may offer a better user experience for this type of brewing. However, these models are generally more expensive than the Filtro, so it ultimately depends on the buyer’s budget and priorities.
If you’re deciding between the Filtro and similarly priced models like the Baratza Encore or Virtuoso, the Filtro offers better build quality and consistency. However, the Baratza models have a more refined user experience, so the decision comes down to what you value more: consistency and build quality, or ease of use and versatility.
Conclusion
The Eureka Mignon Filtro is an impressive grinder for the price, offering remarkable consistency and build quality. Its flat burr set produces a clean and balanced cup, making it ideal for manual brewing methods. However, it does have some frustrating issues, such as retention and a clunky workflow. For those willing to work around these quirks, the Filtro provides excellent value and outperforms many grinders in its price range, particularly in terms of consistency.
Overall, the Eureka Mignon Filtro is a great option for home brewers who value precision and are looking for a well-built grinder that excels in manual brewing. It may not be the best choice for espresso or single-dosing, but for drip coffee and other manual methods, it offers a level of performance that is hard to beat at this price point.
