Eureka Mignon XL VS Mahlkönig X54 Home Grinders | Review

[@cc93691]

!!!!! A great comprehensive review. I look forward to the Eureka Mignon ORO single dose grinder that they have been hinting as their next release!!!!

[@CoffeePartsTV]

You and me both!

[@johnp.1460]

I upgraded from the Specialitá to the Oro XL for the larger burrs, the easier grind adjustment, the small footprint, and the very intuitive touch screen - which is the same as the Specialitá. My grinder doesn’t seem to be as noisy as yours, though it’s hard to compare in person versus video. While the Mahlkönig seems like a great grinder, it would drive me crazy having to wait that long for every shot in the morning. I love the speed and consistency of my XL.

[@Elfin4]

Does it throw grinds everywhere?

[@johnp.1460]

@@Elfin4 No, not at all.

[@javaguitarist]

I thought this was a thorough and helpful review. I was surprised and happy to find one comparing these as they were exactly the choices I was considering. I think I will go for the Mahlkoenig mainly due to its reputation for consistent grind size, and it was nice to hear it is a bit quieter of the two.

[@slukas1375]

@Scott Saari: How are you liking the Mahlkönig?

[@javaguitarist]

@@slukas1375 hello and thanks for asking. I am happy with it. For some beans I couldn’t grind finely enough for espresso because the gap is not set as close as it could be from the factory. After adjusting that, it’s been great.

[@81caasi]

@@javaguitarist Yep, you gotta zero in the burrs, I found out. Afterwards its good to go. I just got one a few days ago and I'm really happy with some yummy espressos.

[@javaguitarist]

@@81caasi good to hear!

[@Elfin4]

@@81caasi How did you zero the burrs?

[@SpektrikMusic]

Tilt the XL forward 30 degrees and review it as the new Mignon Single Doser

[@CoffeePartsTV]

LOL

[@cc93691]

Would love to see another video about the retained grinds that both of these grinders keep. The amount of retained grinds in the grind chamber helps us to decide which may be better for single dosing or to know how many grams of ground coffee you need purge when changing the grind setting.

[@CoffeePartsTV]

Great suggestion! Next time we do a comparison like this we will plunge out the retention.

[@bertraminc9412]

My first impression was that the Mahlkonig, being made in Germany might be a quality machine. But hearing from one viewer that it is made in China puts it in the “trash” category for me which I never buy. Any outsourcing done by a particular company signals the focus on profit and the abandonment of quality and I wont have that in my home. I am still investigating these dual use grinders as I currently am investing in pour over coffee with the objective of an espresso machine in the future. That being said, any time a product is dual use, like a video camera and still photo camera, design elements are sacrificed for the other use of the item. I still like the idea of the Mazzer Mini but I believe that is espresso only. I always look for the highest quality and engineering which produces the widest options. Here it would be the quietest with the ability to go extremely fine when needed. The Fellow Ode is a nice design but is too coarse at the moment. Their version 2 might fix this when they figure out the stronger motor for the v2 burr set. Overall a grinder made in Europe, preferably Germany or Italy with a quiet fine clean countertop grind is my objective with my research.

[@Jaroslav.]

Mazzer is definitely a good choice. I’m pretty much settled on the newer Mazzer Mini Electronic B, i’ll be pairing it with my Linea. Quality that lasts.

[@bertraminc9412]

@@Jaroslav. That’s the exact setup that I’m steering toward. What about the Jura Giga 6? That is Swiss made but it’s automatic and plastic looking. I think the La Marzocco Linea Mini makes the best coffee I’ve ever had. There is one in the lobby of the hotel in San Diego where I stay for work. Best coffee I’ve ever had!

[@Jaroslav.]

@@bertraminc9412 Thank you for asking! But i’d probably never go the super automatic path. The Linea is an awesome machine for both commercial and home use. There aren’t many home machines capable of producing espresso that doesn’t feel like it’s coming out of a home espresso machine. La Marzocco does a really good job with the whole lineup.

[@bertraminc9412]

@@Jaroslav. Yeah I think you are exactly right. Super automatics are full of plastic parts, no matter where they are made. You’ve helped me see the light. La Marzocco Linea Mini it is, with the Mazzer grinder.

[@81caasi]

Lots high quality products are produced in China, and crappy ones to, like anywhere else on the planet. It comes down to Quality Control. It may be time to toss out dated stereotypes. I can attest the MK has a smooth high quality motor that will last lifetime and the grinder feels really solid and well made.

[@kanotrt]

Does Eureka have problems with the dial? comments that difficult to switch between expresso and coarser grind? seems difficult to track where the dial is from one to the next.

[@YWeeJun]

Thanks for the awesomely thorough review! Only a tiny suggestion that it'll be really great if there's some way to test out the thermals of the grinds between say, 1st grind, 3rd grind and maybe 5th grind to see if the higher rpm makes a significant difference. Nevertheless, appreciative of all your contents!

[@lars6314]

The biggest difference for me is the retention. The x54 seems to have around 7g (Kaffeemacher-YT Channel) an that's to much for me.

[@gregd1107]

Hi Pedro Great video, Can you tell me your thoughts between the Atom 65 & the Oro XL as a single dose grinder.

[@CoffeePartsTV]

Since filming this video, Eureka have released the Oro Single Dose, so I feel going the Single Dose would be the best option for you. If between the Atom 65 and XL, then the XL has less retention out of the two so would go XL. But really best option would be the single dose.

[@johnwhite-uj4be]

Usually decibels are rated at 1 meter away. Just so you can be consistent with how decibels are rated 99% of the time.

[@CoffeePartsTV]

Have only learn this since filming this video. We now do it 1 meter away :|

[@ernestmeunier1401]

Exactly correct! The SPL test was extremely sloppy. It was easier to just LISTEN to discern that the XL was louder. But what might be more important is noise x duration, where the Eureka, at 3x speed, is quieter in aggregate.

[@tk5422]

Mahlkönig was and still is a German Company. Development, Production etc. is made in the Hamburg area.

[@성이름-r7s6g]

X54 is Made in china

[@paviaaPS3]

I thought bigger burrs means finer grinds and more consistency. I didn’t know about the x54 back in April so I got the xl. In terms of dialing in, I think the xl is a little bit difficult with the smal knob

[@CoffeePartsTV]

The XL is a great choice, and the small knob is probably it's one downside. Would be cool if they used the knob of the Rocket Faustino... Although, I have since gotten used to the small knob on the grinder and now feel comfortable with it. Currently I have an XL myself but will most likely change to a Eureka Mignon Single Dose once the prototype lands.

[@ThunderRunner]

Thanks for the review! I have a specialita and am really interested to know how these grinders are to go between drip/pour over and espresso. The specialita requires more than 1 revolution of the adjustment dial, are these the same? If not, is there still a decent range to adjust for espresso(not bit “steps” between numbers on the dial)

[@CoffeePartsTV]

Although both can do espresso and filter, they are espresso focused grinders. For adhoc change then this cool and can be done yet wouldn't want to be changing constantly between the two. Personally I like a lighter roast for filter so I run a seperate grinder for filter, currently the Fellow ODE, and the Eureka XL for Espresso. In saying that I change my home setup constantly as use borrowed machines from Coffee Parts.

[@jjg19631]

I wonder why Mahlkönig accepted (as I read elsewhere) 7 grams retention. Why not make a Single Doser for in a home environment. As if I make 4-5 extractions per day I don’t want to load the hopper too full. I also would have loved the same build quality/materials. Made in China is not what you expect from a Mahlkönig. Double the price and do it right!

[@illiniwood]

Not to mention the Mahlkönig has a 120W motor, where the Eureka has a320W motor. No close comparison there.

[@1061shrink1061]

So they’re similar on paper. Apart from having different size burrs, different speed motors, different grind output speed, different size and different capacity hoppers. But apart from that they’re similar on paper huh!

[@rballiett3275]

Both appear to be excellent grinders. Right now (11-20-22) you can purchase the X54 in black for $509 direct from Mahlkonig. The Eureka XL is $900 at every vendor I've seen. Based on all the reviews, it looks like both grinders would work well for my espresso/French press. But I don't think the Eureka XL is a $400+ better grinder. Being in the market right now for a new grinder, the Mahlkonig was just too good a deal to pass up. Thanks for your review. I appreciate your insight.

[@rballiett3275]

Boy was I wrong. Received my X54 and the burrs could not be calibrated. After many attempts to calibrate, I pulled a shot at the finest setting and the portafilter spewed coffee like a broken fire hydrant. HORRIBLE. Followed all the correct calibration procedures from Mahlkonig. Poor quality control from a Chinese made grinder. It's boxed up awaiting a return label.

[@81caasi]

@@rballiett3275 Oh no, I just got one, zero'ed in the burrs, and could grind very fine after that. I'm getting amazing espresso. Hopefully your replacement works out. (It did require a little patience for me to find a groove in setting the knob for closer burrs)

[@rballiett3275]

@@81caasi I'm so glad yours worked! I wish mine had been checked better before Mahlkonig sent it out. My burrs would not move at all. The gears that move them are plastic. Good luck!

[@steph8408]

@@rballiett3275 After reading this about the X54, I'm very disappointed that there was no mention in the review comparison of these two grinders (unless I missed it) that the X54 is made in China and has plastic gears. I think it is very important to give all the info so one can make an informed decision for their choice prior to purchase. Thanks for sharing that info before I now possibly buy a Eureka model.

[@rballiett3275]

@@steph8408 Totally agree, but I'm not surprised at all that they don't inform people of these two facts. I asked Mahlkonig directly about where the X54 is made and the plastic gears are easy to see when you remove the calibration knob. Despite knowing it was made in China and having some misgivings prior to purchasing, I thought I could rely on the Mahlkonig name. Huge mistake. I bet they have a couple of hundred bucks of total cost in each unit. With a good portion of that being in the burrs, which are made in Germany and then shipped to China to be installed. It's not made to last.

[@leekjkor]

Retention is the 'KEY' for home cafe. So I think 'Malkhonig X54' is not for home cafe.

[@JustinPriest-wo7vm]

I just got the xl, I love it, I actually wanted the other one but wasn’t available at the time….

[@Chuck--]

The mahlkonig may have a better db score on your iphone, but I could hear a high pitch whine that is quite distracting.

[@johnnymata523]

Would these be ok for a pop up coffee shop

[@CoffeePartsTV]

Would depend on how busy you are. Not their intended use, yet would work. Slightly faster, bigger models would be better that... Like the Eureka Atom 65 or Mahlkonig E65s

[@scottscottsdale7868]

Isn’t the point of espresso in the cup?

[@81caasi]

So many reviews spend little to no time on taste tests. I would think the most important thing is what's in the cup! But you didn't do a comparison of which grinder produces the best tasting espresso...

[@RonGidron]

I know you try to do the best job and I appreciate this video a lot. that said if you are making a comparison you should chose.. I left this video with the same question I came in (which one would YOU buy) - that's disappointing

[@ernestmeunier1401]

Agree. The ease of switching between brew grind settings precisely, as well espresso setting gradation sensitivities were not at all compared! Clearly a vendor-of-both non-comparison!

[@TimKeir]

How does the Fiorenzato AllGround compare?

[@oliverlentzen3371]

Hello, is there a dead space comparison? And a question if I adjust the grind, should it run along with it? Does it damage the discs if it is switched off when adjusting

[@roblucchetti2993]

No question - you want the bigger blades; coffee spends less time being ground and less time being heated. Also consider how easy it is to clean/maintain the Eureka vs MK. The Eureka Oro is one of the best grinders they make vs MK who's made a grinder for a market they don't really care much about - they just want a horse in the race and personally, it shows.

[@81caasi]

Normally bigger blades are better. But this comparison showed the MK actually had slightly more consistent grinds than the Eureka. After some research, reviewers where impressed with how tasty the MK's grinds made an espresso. So it appears sometimes its less than burrs themselves and more about how the system works as a whole. The relationship between the burrs and motor, the speed, etc. I can attest the MK's motor is smooth as silk, and don't mind waiting a few extra seconds for grinds that produce a delicious and sweet espresso.

[@akquicksilver]

Blades?

[@nickborghesan2296]

Watching the x54 grind was hilariously slow

[@CoffeePartsTV]

It is a little, especially compares to the commercial grinders we use here on the coffee bar.

[@hakan265]

6.5s vs 19s ! Crazy difference. I am surprised that the X54 is being considered as an alternative when they are priced similarly

[@trampdisco]

As a second grinder for a small coffee shop which would you recommend? It would be grinding mainly decaf espresso and filter. My main grinder is the E65s GBW so the x45 would fit in nicely but obvs performance is more important.

[@CoffeePartsTV]

Depending on budget would look at having two grinders, one for decaf and one for filter, as moving between the two is a little time consuming and you do waste a bit of coffee in dial in (with the exception of having a grinder like the EK43). As such, to keep costs low would look at the Baratza Encore or Fellow ODE for filter, and for decaf possibly run the Eureka XL as it is faster and a little quicker to dial in. Also, x54 warranty is only for domestic applications. If you are located in Australia, we carry all these units in stock. Hope this helps.

[@trampdisco]

@@CoffeePartsTV Thanks for the advice, interesting on the warranty side of things, I didn't think of that. Sadly i'm not in Aus, I'm based in the UK. Thanks again :)

[@bertraminc9412]

Isnt the Mahlkönig made in Germany?

[@tomcorbeaux]

It's a German company. So yes, it was wrong to say it's from Switzerland. Although, the Swiss are always neutral, so what do they care.

[@bertraminc9412]

@@tomcorbeaux LOL... true. I'm searching for a quality grinder and German made items still exceed others in design and quality, as long as they are not outsourced. Outsourcing, by definition, is the opposite of quality. Do you have a suggestion for pour over coffee that might be made in Germany? Great videos.

[@tomcorbeaux]

@@bertraminc9412 Since I don’t live in Germany I would be of poor help to get you any decent advice about poor over coffee. However, the tables turn if we go over the northern German border to Denmark. That’s where I live and can give potent directions for good coffee roasters. I’m writing this late at night, which is why I must sound a little weird for a normal person. Or so I believe..

[@Jaroslav.]

This particular grinder is made in China.

[@bertraminc9412]

@@Jaroslav. which one?

[@tom_nuyts]

actually, I think, you cannot compare two different burr sizes.... 65 vs 54 mm is nonsense

[@tatonipalus]

Switzerland? Hamburg is in Switzerland? :) Switzerland just managed to conquer Germany from South in the Alps to the North were Elba rivers flows in the North Sea :)

[@Zakalwe-01]

Ones hand-made in Italy, the other is sourced from China. I know which one I’d still be using in 10 years time. 😉

[@zenrazor659]

I bought the X54 . The brand is superior and his ginders professional are better. Anyway is a domestic grinder so you cannot expect too much!😮 I will try and hope it is good and let you know. Professional grinders are very!!!!!! pricey 🎉

[@richardbutler9466]

I am guessing is that both companies ran the decibel test when no beans in the hopper as well as in the machine.

[@CoffeePartsTV]

LOL was actually speaking with a major manufacturer (of another grinder not in this video about this) and they said common practice it to measure from a 1 meter distance and on KZbin most people (inc me) are measuring too close. They also said, as I use light to mid roast beans, it is slightly louder than the darker roast used in Italy.... In saying that, I still feel in many cases the numbers posted by manufacturers are on the low side.

[@ThomasD3595]

What is the X54 made of? Is it metal or plastic?

[@jjg19631]

Too much is plastic…

[@ThomasD3595]

@@jjg19631 I've got one now and it's not really

[@jjg19631]

@@ThomasD3595 personally I would pay double for a better build quality. But to each their own.

[@ThomasD3595]

@@jjg19631 it's a home grinder meant to appeal to consumers, pricing at £1000 would instantly make it DoA. They have to price competitively

[@jjg19631]

@@ThomasD3595 that depends on at their benchmark is. An ECM 64-Automatic is almost 900€. Mahlkönig is a ‘better’ brand grinder-wise.

[@johnliu8801]

I’m in search of a dedicated filter coffee grinder as I already have the mignon specialita as my espresso grinder. Would the X54 be an overkill just for filter coffee (V60, drip etc )? I'm also eyeing on the mignon brew pro or the new Vario W+. Thanks!

[@ernestmeunier1401]

I added a Fellow Ode for press use, an am considering an upgrade to an Oro XL for biiger burrs and hopefully less clogging!

[@pithyginger6371]

IIRC, the Mahkoenig has the same burrs out of the steel burr baratza forte

[@KOZ-k1p]

I don’t think you compared Dialing in grind size. probably one of the most important functions among retention, grind size stability. Did I miss it? I only saw you comparing how to adjust the time, which is not extremely important to me You didn’t even compare retention. Sorry really incomplete review

[@javaguitarist]

He did say that Mahlkoenig had better grind consistency more than once.

[@KOZ-k1p]

@@javaguitarist OK. But I did not address this. I addressed Retention, Eureka retains 0.2g (superb) Mahlkoning retains 2g (terrible). Also ease of adjustment (user experience) and grind settings stability , ie no burr shifting with use. none of these very important specs were addressed hence this review is not very useful.

[@ernestmeunier1401]

@@KOZ-k1p Agreed!

[@MrJusmobile]

It comes down to better espresso

[@KellyanneGill]

Mingnon XL

[@CoffeePartsTV]

That's what I currently personally have at home.

[@KellyanneGill]

@@CoffeePartsTV ok cool, I'm getting mine in a few weeks, I currently use a Breville Smart Grinder Pro

[@rcosh001]

Good review .. I just ordered an XL in chrome and I’m waiting for the delivery.. I liked the small footprint fits under the cabinets.. 65 mm burrs and low retention.. As well as a fast quiet grind .. Leveling up from a Lelit Fred .. Which will be repurposed as my pour over and drip grinder ..

[@CNile-se9xw]

Regarding the grind retention of the Mahlkonig X54, surely a 7-second purge of the retained 7g grounds is a small price to pay for the ultimate coffee. Commenters criticizing the X54 because it's made in China show their ignorance, big-name companies choose the manufacturer & insist on strict quality control.

[@cmh_gentry]

Starting the video with saying that Mahlkönig is produced in Switzerland is quite off-putting in the quality of the review and ultimately the channel. Then again you're American and Europe is a country right?

[@Stratego_D]

Two important facts are not mentioned: Price differenz and retention - looks like Mahlkönig has a rentention problem (around 7gr) which is to much for a homegrinder. On the other hand its much cheaper.

[@CoffeePartsTV]

Price. This will depend on your geographical location and choice of dealer so we tend not to mention it for this reason. In Australia, and on our website they are on par with each other with the Eureka XL currently being $1349 and the X54 $1290 aud (as off 18.6.21) Retention. For zero retention you need to look at single dose grinders like the Niche Zero or commercial grinders like the EK43. However compared to other grinders in similar segments both the XL and x54 are lower in retention. The Eureka had slightly lower retention out of the two of them. Hope this helps clarify it a bit.

[@vale_ol]

I‘m a little confused about your comment on the ek43. In all reviews I have seen the large retention ~10g is mentioned. It’s not made for single dosing and fast dial in but rather for grinding a whole bag for a customer to take home.

[@Stratego_D]

@@CoffeePartsTV Thx for the answere. Here in germany the Mahlkönig is about 120€ cheaper. About retention, the niche is fine for home, but EK43 is only usefull if you pull one shot after the other. retention is bad, but does not matter if the coffee is only 1 minutes old. at home with some hours between the shots it does not make sence. And because more and more home users buy good coffee most look for a single dose grinder or one with very small retention. So in my opinion retention is one of the most asked questions if grinders are tested. the next company, which is able to create a quiet grinder with low retention at a reasonable price and available in local shops (prob of the niche) has the new king.

[@seizagaz7270]

@@CoffeePartsTV I have the Oro XL. I use it for single dosing with a bellow all the time. It’s absolutely zero retention all the time. Can’t ever complain.

[@kanotrt]

Down for the x54. Mahlkonig reputation and quality.

[@toddd7444]

it's a cheap grinder it made for drip coffee its easy to use and to buy. EK43 is a better for Espresso coffees wheelchair larry