Eureka Mignon Notte Review Spotlight (2024)
Introduction
The Eureka Mignon Notte is the most affordable product in the espresso-oriented espresso mignon line. A no-frills grinder, the Eureka Mignon Notte packs a lot of value in an affordable package. With 50mm steel flat burrs, a large integrated bean hopper, and press-and-hold dosing, the Notte is everything you need in an espresso grinder and nothing you don't.
In this grinder spotlight, we'll review the key features of the Eureka Mignon Notte, identify why it is such a high-value espresso grinder, and compare the Eureka Mingon Notte to the similarly priced Baratza Sette 270.
Let's get brewing!
Table of Contents
Grinder Overview
Classic Eureka Mignon Design
The Mignon Notte is immediately identifiable as an Eureka grinder by its classic box-style design. Eureka, whose grinders are all hand-assembled in Florence, is known for their large and in-charge hopper-style grinders with an espresso-specific dial in the front right corner.
The Notte adopts this classic design with a matte black finish, a transparent plastic hopper, and a plastic portafilter fork for direct grinding.
Press & Hold Dosing
Unlike the majority of Eureka hopper-style grinders that grind by time or weight, the Eureka Mignon Notte uses a simple and effective press-and-hold dosing mechanism. This design brings down the overall cost of the Notte by forgoing the internal electronics required to manage grind by time.
While the press-and-hold style dosing may seem like a more obtuse option, it actually comes with serious benefits. Many grind-by-time options experience a swing in overall ground distribution. For example, if you grind for a preset 10 seconds, you may get anywhere between 16 and 18 grams, requiring you to weigh after the grind is complete.
Although you will have to do the same post-grind-weigh with the Notte, you won't be paying for a grind-by-time feature that is often less useful than advertised.
Stepless Espresso Specific Grind
Like all Eureka Mignon grinders, the Notte is designed to grind for espresso only. While the Notte can technically adjust the grind size for other brew methods like French Press, the grind adjustment dial is not suited for significant daily adjustments.
While the range of the Notte is limited, that also means that it excels in dialing in for espresso. The adjustment dial moves the burrs on a stepless continuum, meaning the Notte has infinite grind size options for easy dialing in.
What Makes the Eureka Mignon Notte Special?
50mm Flat Burrs
One of the biggest draws to the Eureka Mignon Notte is the inclusion of the go-to Eureka 50mm Hardened Steel burrs. This burrset, found on the more expensive Eureka Mignon Silenzio, is spun at approximately 1350 RPM and can grind through a dose of espresso in 12-15 seconds.
High Quality, Affordable Price
The most unique aspect of the Eureka Mignon Notte is really the price. A full $150 less than the Eureka Mignon Silenzio, the Notte offers functionally the same grind with just a few fewer quality-of-life upgrades.
The vast majority of espresso grinders priced similarly to the Notte use smaller, ceramic, conical burrs that give lower flavor clarity, offer a slower grind, and have a shorter lifespan. The value that Eureka has been able to pack into the Notte is nothing short of amazing.
What is Missing on the Eureka Mignon Notte?
Sound Insulation
The incredible value of the Notte does mean that it sacrifices some quality-of-life improvements found on higher-spec grinders. Perhaps the most noticeable is the lack of grind-chamber insulation. The higher-end Eureka Mignon grinders, starting with the Silenzio, come with internal sound insulation to ensure a quiet grind every time.
Unfortunately, the Notte does not include these nice-to-have features. If you live alone or have a separate kitchen space, the sound won't be deafening, but be aware if you live in a small space or with sound-sensitive family members.
Higher Trim Finishes
The other place where the Mignon Notte is able to cut costs is with the trim and finish. Most of the Eureka Mignon grinders are offered in matte black, along with colorful options such as red and white, as well as a famed chrome finish. The Notte is only available in the classic black and has no room for customization.
Similarly, the Notte uses a cost-effective plastic portafilter fork to hold the portafilter during grinding. The other Mignon grinders, starting with the Silenzio, come with a polished metal fork for a more premium feel.
Comparison: Eureka Mignon Notte vs. Baratza Sette 270
When looking for an espresso grinder from an established brand in the $300 price range, the Eureka Mignon Notte and Baratza Sette 270 are frequently the go-to options. In this comparison, we'll take a look at the similarities and differences between these two offerings and recommend the best choice for each type of home barista.
Burrset
The most significant difference between these two grinders is the burrset inside the grinder. The Eureka Mignon Notte is equipped with 50mm flat burrs, while the Baratza Sette 270 uses 40mm conical burrs.
There are two primary differences between the burrsets. Larger 50mm burrs will grind faster than the smaller 40mm burrs, an essential factor if you're grinding for back-to-back shots. In addition, flat burrs are known for producing clearer, floral, and acidic flavors, while conical burrs produce a more traditional bold, complex flavor.
Adjustment Mechanism
The next separating factor is the adjustment mechanism. Grinders have either pre-determined steps of grind size or can adjust on a stepless continuum.
The Eureka Mignon Notte has a stepless adjustment continuum, the go-to for most espresso grinders. The Sette 270 has a stepped adjustment mechanism with 270 grind options. While the Sette is more than capable of dialing in espresso, some baristas may prefer proper stepless adjustment.
Interface & Workflow
These grinders continue to diverge when looking at the overall design and workflow. While the Mignon Notte may win on pure grind capabilities, the Baratza strikes back in terms of user functionality.
With a small integrated display and seven-button interface, the Sette grinds by time with programmable pre-set grind times. This display-based functionality is not found on the Notte, nor any Mignon grinder until the much more premium Mignon Specialita.
Which To Buy
If you are looking for a grinder that is all grind, the Eureka Mignon Notte is hard to beat. With stepless adjustment, 50mm flat burrs, and the known Eureka build quality; the Notte is one of the best value grinders on the market.
However, if you prefer a more user-friendly interface, more traditional flavors, and programmable grind times, look toward the Baratza Sette.
Where To Buy
In 2024, the Eureka Mignon Notte has a manufacturer-suggested retail price of $329. The Notte, the U.S. adaptation of the popular EU Eureka Mignon Manuale, is a Seattle Coffee Gear exclusive and can only be found through the SCG site or on Amazon when shopping in the United States.
The Final Sip
The Eureka Mignon Notte has proven its fame under its European pseudonym and continues to deliver in the U.S. as an affordable and value-oriented espresso flat burr grinder. If you are looking for a hopper-style, espresso-specific grinder for an affordable price, the Eureka Mignon Notte is the perfect pick for you.
