Comparison of Turin DF64 Gen 2 and the Eureka Mignon Specialita

by Espresso Outlet September 19, 2024

The Turin DF64 Gen 2 and the Eureka Mignon Specialita are both well-regarded grinders, especially popular among home baristas. Each has unique features that cater to different types of coffee enthusiasts. Below is a detailed comparison between the two:

1. Design and Build Quality

Turin DF64 Gen 2

Design: The DF64 has a more industrial and minimalist design with a boxy shape. It’s functional but not as aesthetically refined as some competitors.
Build Quality: The grinder is built with durable metal and plastic components, making it sturdy enough for both home and light commercial use. It focuses on performance over appearance, and the second-generation version includes some improvements in terms of declumping and static management.
Size and Footprint: It’s a bit taller and bulkier than the Specialita but still compact enough for home use.

Eureka Mignon Specialita

Design: The Mignon Specialita has a more polished and compact design, often praised for its sleek appearance. It is available in multiple colors, allowing users to choose a style that fits their kitchen or coffee bar aesthetics.
Build Quality: The Eureka is built from high-quality materials, including a heavy-duty metal casing. It feels premium, with a solid and robust construction.
Size and Footprint: The Mignon Specialita is very compact, taking up less counter space compared to the DF64, which is great for smaller kitchens.

2. Burrs and Grinding Performance

Turin DF64 Gen 2

Burr Type: 64mm flat burrs, with compatibility for aftermarket SSP burrs. The large flat burrs contribute to greater clarity in the cup and a very even particle distribution, which is great for both espresso and filter coffee.
Grind Quality: The flat burrs provide a clean, consistent grind, ideal for clarity in filter coffee but also perform well for espresso. The DF64 excels across a wide range of grind settings and is very versatile.
Grind Range: It offers excellent versatility, handling everything from espresso to coarser brews like pour-over and French press with ease.

Eureka Mignon Specialita

Burr Type: 55mm flat burrs. While smaller than those in the DF64, they are engineered for high precision, especially for espresso grinding.
Grind Quality: The Specialita is known for producing very consistent and fluffy grinds, especially for espresso. It also works for other brew methods, but its grind range is slightly more limited than the DF64’s.
Grind Range: It is excellent for espresso and also performs well for coarser grind methods, though it might not be as versatile for certain brewing methods (like coarser French press) as the DF64.

3. Grind Adjustment Mechanism

Turin DF64 Gen 2

Stepless Adjustment: The DF64 uses a stepless grind adjustment system, allowing for infinite adjustments between grind sizes, which is crucial for dialing in espresso and other brewing methods. However, the adjustment ring is not as finely tuned as some high-end grinders, so it may take time to dial in the perfect grind size.
Ease of Use: While the adjustment is functional, it may feel less precise than the Specialita, especially for those used to grinders with more tactile or refined mechanisms.

Eureka Mignon Specialita

Stepless Micrometric Adjustment: The Specialita features Eureka’s patented stepless micrometric adjustment system, which offers excellent precision and ease of use. This system is particularly smooth and allows for very fine adjustments, making it a favorite for espresso enthusiasts.
Ease of Use: The adjustment knob is easy to turn and provides excellent tactile feedback, allowing for more precise control over grind size compared to the DF64.

4. Grind Retention

Turin DF64 Gen 2

Low Retention: The DF64 is designed as a single-dosing grinder, and with its declumper improvements in the second generation, it has low retention. It’s ideal for those who switch between beans frequently or want to maintain freshness.
Effectiveness: Retention is minimal, but some residual grounds might still be left inside after each grind, though it's much improved compared to the first-gen DF64.

Eureka Mignon Specialita

Low Retention: The Mignon Specialita also has low retention due to its short grind path, though it’s slightly higher than the DF64. It performs well in single-dose scenarios, though it’s also suitable for those who don’t mind grinding larger batches.
Effectiveness: It’s not designed specifically for single dosing but still retains very little coffee grounds between uses, ensuring freshness with each grind.

5. Noise Level

Turin DF64 Gen 2

Noise: The DF64 is louder than some grinders, partly due to its more powerful motor and larger burrs. It’s not overly noisy but could be noticeable in a quiet home setting.

Eureka Mignon Specialita

Noise: The Specialita is well known for its quiet operation, making it one of the quietest grinders in its class. This makes it a great option for home use, especially in early morning settings.

6. User Interface and Features

Turin DF64 Gen 2

Minimalist Approach: The DF64 has a no-frills approach, with a simple on/off switch. There is no display or extra features like timers, so it's more suited to those who prefer manual control over their grinding process.
Simplicity: It's a straightforward grinder with a focus on performance, not extra features.

Eureka Mignon Specialita

Touchscreen Interface: The Specialita features an intuitive touchscreen display that allows users to set and adjust grinding times easily. This makes it much more user-friendly and offers precise control over grind timing, especially helpful for consistent dosing.
Timers and Programmability: The programmable interface is great for those who want a hands-off experience, allowing for preset grind times for single and double doses.

7. Price

Turin DF64 Gen 2: The DF64 is typically quite a bit more affordable, especially considering its performance and burr size. It offers great value for its large burrs and grind versatility.
Eureka Mignon Specialita: The Specialita is generally priced higher than the DF64, reflecting its premium build, quiet operation, and the additional features like the touchscreen display and programmable timer.

8. Maintenance and Cleaning

Turin DF64 Gen 2

Easy to Clean: The DF64 is relatively easy to clean, with quick access to the burrs. However, its design may require a bit more attention to remove all retained grounds, particularly around the chute and burrs.
Frequency of Cleaning: It's especially useful for users who grind different beans regularly, as cleaning between uses is straightforward.

Eureka Mignon Specialita

Moderate Cleaning: The Specialita is not as easy to access as the DF64 for deep cleaning, but due to its low retention and grind path design, it doesn’t require frequent maintenance unless you're switching beans often.
Frequency of Cleaning: Less frequent cleaning is required unless the grinder is used heavily or for different beans.

Summary of Differences:

Feature	Turin DF64 Gen 2	Eureka Mignon Specialita
Burr Type	64mm Flat Burrs (upgradeable to SSP burrs)	55mm Flat Burrs
Design	Industrial, functional	Sleek, compact, available in various colors
Grind Quality	Excellent across brew methods, great versatility	Excellent for espresso, good for other methods
Adjustment	Stepless, functional but not as precise	Stepless micrometric, highly precise
Grind Retention	Low retention, single-dosing friendly	Low retention, not designed specifically for single dosing
Noise Level	Louder	Very quiet, among the quietest home grinders
User Interface	Simple on/off switch	Touchscreen with programmable timers
Price	More affordable	More expensive, reflecting premium features
Cleaning	Easy to clean, especially for frequent bean changes	Moderate, less frequent cleaning required

Final Thoughts:

Turin DF64 Gen 2: Best for home baristas who want a versatile grinder with a wide range of grind settings, especially those who switch between espresso and pour-over or other brew methods. Its larger flat burrs, upgradeability, and lower price make it a great value choice.
Eureka Mignon Specialita: Ideal for those who prioritize quiet operation, ease of use, and a compact, premium design. It’s especially suited for espresso enthusiasts who want precise control and a high-quality grind for consistent shots. The added touchscreen and programmability make it a user-friendly, hands-off option.

Choosing between the two depends on your brewing needs, budget, and preference for features like programmability versus grind versatility.