For those who bought the bambino on this deal (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/879629) and are now in the market for a grinder.
This grinder has been on my radar for a while due to generally positive reviews and this price is pretty good compared to last year’s Black Friday offer.
However I’m still tossing up between this or df54. Help.
I have this Mignon and I've tried several different methods. I can't taste a difference between a timed and weighed dose. So timed it is for convenience with an occasional dose weigh for calibration. I do have a bottomless portafilter and watch the extraction and will make small adjustments on the grinder for the next brew if required.
Generally you’ll with the dose and use the timing to get it into the ballpark. I prefer this method over weighing my beans beforehand.
Both grinders will hold up for a long time. I believe the df54 is a conical burr which will have a slightly different taste profile.
I’d suggest watching James Hoffman’s recent video on grinders under $250 to learn more about the df54.
DF54 is a flat burr grinder
My dad has this at home and I have a Niche Zero. Besides the slightly different flavour profiles they both make great coffee, and tbh the timed dose is very nice to have and saves a bit of time with every coffee, which adds up
The Niche Zero wins in ease of dialing in, while the Mignon falls short in this aspect.
Mignon can do single dosing if you get the aftermarket hopper.
Mignon is geared towards traditional espresso, df54 more towards light medium. If you watched lance's df54 video you can swap in other burrs to make it even better. Depends on your taste preference.
Typically we use medium-dark roast for milky coffees. Sounds like the Mignon might be better for us?
Probably, especially for workflow, if a whole household is using it single dosing might be too much hassle for some.
@ozlurker: yeah that's the thing. I'm happy to get nerdy with scales, etc., but my partner uses the machine too, and she just wants to be able to quickly and easily make herself a coffee
@beltdrive: If you want to go single does for the family, i would recommend buying "single dose bean storage"
https://www.amazon.com.au/Coffee-Cellars-Storage-Display-Con…
just a rough guide on what to buy. I am sure you can buy cheaper. Depending on how much coffee you go through a week and how often you like to buy coffee, buy 24+ canisters and just weigh a batch at a time, so it is quick to go for your partner or other members who cant be bothered weighing the beans or if you are making multiple coffees if you are entertaining.
@emrifusion: If you want to do it cheap buy centrifuge tube in bulk, I use those to store single dose in freezer. Grind straight from frozen
@emrifusion: Secretly, this is what I'd like to do. However, I was thoughtfully gifted an Airscape canister, so I don't want to change bean storage solutions just yet :)
Great unit. I use it with a single dose hopper and just chuck in 20gm of beans every time. The knob is a little annoying to dial in but you get the hang of it with practice.
The knob is a little annoying
twss :(
I grabbed a larger dial 3D printed accessory (look it up) off Etsy, and it’s now much better.
The knob doesn't need to be precise, it's relative to the last brew.
I use a dice as a reminder for next time, 3, 2, 1= coarser, 4, 5, 6 = finer.
Put away the dice when just right.
Great grinder. Solid built unit as it looks/feels like it will last an age.
3Dprint a little tray to catch loose grinds and it's perfect.
Which STL did you use? Are you completely happy with it?
It was a couple years ago but fairly sure it was this one: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3053292
It's been good. I printed it in black and fits perfect. Don't usually have many grinds to catch as I use a dosing cup but works well and looks the part.
Cheers
Had mine for 5+ years but lately it is jamming a lot. Think the burrs might be damaged or motor is not as strong as it once was. Great when it works though.
Have you cleaned it? There's a great youtube video explaining how to take out the burrs, they get filthy after a while.
Long video but it's really quick once you know what to do.
I had mine for about 4 years and it also started jamming a lot. I'd take it apart and do a full clean, but it would eventually clog again. I didn't have a regular cleaning regime, but it did get to the point that it was super annoying. I think it has something to do with the 'anti static' bars that hang down over the exit chute.
I ended up going for for the DF64 Gen 2 and haven't looked back (at least yet). I was also using the mignon for single doing, but find the DF64 is designed for that and seems to give me more consistent weights than that Mignon. Having said that, your mileage may vary for individual machines.
Yes this is my problem. I clean it, then about two weeks later it’s jammed again. Absolute PITA. Think I might try replacing the burrs. The chute was completely clogged with fines and even after cleaning it’s not working, only on a super coarse setting. Go down to fine and it doesn’t spin.
What kind of plug does it come with?
A UK plug with Aus adapter (you do need to ask in the notes if I remember correctly). But it's quite bulky.
I checked the prices for all the colours, so you don't have to. Prices in Euro.
275
Black
White
Ferrari Red
Blue
294
Tifanny Blue
Yellow
Orange
Anthracite
Pale Blue
301
Chrome
327
Dubai Gold
Pink Gold
I’ve had mine for years and I love it. Built like a tank and works really nicely.
It looks like a tank too :p
what kind of tanks have you seen???
LOL, he is probably thinking about those siege towers from medieval era.
The build is great. Except for the bean hopper. That thing is trash.
100%. Reminds me of a Ferrero Rocher box. Pretty much the only let down.
I was tossing up between this and the DF54 too. I ended up with the DF54 because local stock, dual adjuster and the plasma generator also got it around $400. If you going with imports I would get the DF64 can be had for around same price..
I am on the fence choosing between DF54 vs DF64, I am curios why you prefer the DF64 over the DF54.
The main addressable factors that cause degradation in the grinding process are heat and regrinding. Larger burrs grind cooler because of their increased surface area.
The biggest selling point for 64mm over 54 is the ever increasing number of aftermarket burr options as 64mm had been the hobbyist sweetspot for a long time, though that may be starting to change with even larger burrs starting to gain a following primarily thanks to the DF83.
Where did you get the DF54 for 400 if you dont mind me asking? im looking to buy a grinder as well thanks!
I've had it in my cart for a while, was hoping black Friday would see some specials on it but that hasn't happened
From this local supplier on eBay with a coupon code. Also Amazon doing it for 400. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/335267675369?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mk…
I have a Mignon, as others have said: either buy or 3d print the expanded dial scale and also the adjusted base that tilts it forward about 15degrees. Tilting it forward helps reduce retention a lot.
The expanded dial increments make small adjustments a lot easier.
There are heaps of free 3D print files for mods to this grinder that work really well if you have a printer.
https://www.reddit.com/r/espresso/comments/peir1j/eureka_mig…
https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/1683534651/eureka-mci-set-wi…
Still very happy with this grinder after 2 years of use. Also bought from Espresso Coffee Shop.
To keep it looking new, I completely remove and empty the clear plastic bean hopper and wash off the residue in hot soapy water with a gentle sponge twice a year. Comes back clean, clear and shiny with no yellowing so far.
I contemplated the myriad 3D printed mods but only did this simple one: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5338329
If it were me it'd be an easy DF54. Unless one happens to be a particularly particular aesthete you are better off getting one of the Chinese price performance juggernauts or looking for local secondhand options.
Haha, not sure many people who spent on Bambino coffee machine are willing to spend on a more expensive coffee grinder like this.
However having said that, I have owned the cheaper manual setting Silenzio model for a few years and it is working great.
Haha, not sure many people who spent on Bambino coffee machine are willing to spend on a more expensive coffee grinder like this.
Bambino owner here. I'm tempted to get one at this price, but I think I'll get a second hand one instead
Say $502.00 before GST if applied on entry. Even with GST applied cheaper than buying Aus.
Replacing what has been the last of a couple of Brevilles over many years (when it is good I am OK with it but the dose can be variable).
I do not want a single dose. What do the grinder experts recommend?
GST only added on entry if >$1000.
I've had the Mignon for quite some time (2+years) and sold it just recently due to it having too much retention.
I always had the trouble of getting too much coffee getting stuck in it and therefore not getting consistent amounts of ground coffee.
I swapped to a Varia vs3 which works much better for me.
This has been keeping me awake at night for the last few days, I want it and the only thing keeping me from buying it is really the dial/knob. I switch between beans, dark roasts, medium, Single origin a lot and the vary significantly in level of coarseness., With my Breville Smart grinder there is a digital display and I can easily change and set it to the correct level depending on the beans i.e. 8 for Storehouse's SO, 13 for St Ali and Campos etc. and with the Specialita I think I will struggle and potentially wasting beans each time i switch between roasts. How is everyone's experience?
I own this grinder. You can buy small mods (see comments in this thread) to make the re-adjustments easier. But in general, it is a pain in the ass. I'm not swapping beans often so it doesn't bother me but I'm not sure I can recommend it to someone who knows they are going to swap coffee beans a lot.
Thank you. That is really my concern. I still have a few days to decide and might just get it locally, cheapest is $699 versus $520 from this deal.
You can definitely make it work if you really want to but be prepared to put on some extra work after the purchase.
Smart grinder is not even a stepless grinder, of course it'd be easier to dial with a few limited steps.
I went from a Breville to the Specialita and the difference is massive.
I mentioned it in another comment, but there’s 3D printed dials you can get that make adjustments way easier.
This one? https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/1538894239/eureka-mignon-gri…
I think i can work with that!
I’ve got one like it. They work really well, and I’m surprised they’re not standard by now.
I've had my eye on the DF54, hoping the Black Friday deals would bring the price down, but it's still sitting at $399.
Guess I'll hold off for a few more days and see if it drops.
I think people are forgetting the mignon is quiet as. The df64 is known to be loud, so if that's a concern. Go with the mignon.
I've had a Eureka Atom for years and it's brilliant. I can only think that this grinder would be just as good and a great bargain!
These are great. Been using one for a couple of years with another ozb fav the Breville DB. Now it's making friends with an ECM (had to dial the grind up a fair bit haha).
I've got the Sette 270 and want something a bit quieter.
I single dose each time. Is this worth the change?
2 people in the house, maybe total of 3-4 coffees a day all up
Yes, I had the sette and it was unbearably loud after a while.
Sold it and bought the mignon specialita from ECM and it’s definitely quieter, feels solid, large hopper but can still do single dose with minimal (0.1g) retention.
Also ECM were great to do business with - quick communication, and delivery within a week.
Really happy with the service, grinder and price.
I’ve since added the tilted base, single dose hopper and blower. Usually grind into a dosing cup.
A few 3d printed parts and this goes well as a single dose grinder
https://imgur.com/a/mNXbLqH
Would recommend funnel, dial and tilted base
Cant stand the mess lol
https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005007218403264.html
I'd get the timemore sculptor 064s for $690 delivered
Been using this after upgrading from a breville smart grinder. Light years ahead of the breville. Used to get very inconsistent shots with the breville which has been fixed with the eureka.
I got a 3d printer and have printed a tilt base, raised platform as well as a larger cog dial which makes dialling in easier. Def look at this as the original dial is small and finicky
My routine is weighing a single dose, spray to prevent static, use the original hopper and dose into a shaker funnel cup and shake to distribute. Coffee goes into porta, leveller and a double press of a pressured tamper and then puck screen.
Using the original hopper with a spray ends up with me needing to push some beans through though.
I’m upgrading my machine soon so looking at changing the eureka as well to a timemore 064s instead.
Hopefully someone has an educated answer, but I'm leaning toward the Mignon personally because I suspect we're too lazy in my household to commit to the the single dose workflow. A timed dose isn't as accurate, but it'll do the job for me