Eureka Mignon Zero 65 Espresso Grinder Overview

There's a version of this review in which I could spend the first few paragraphs talking about how overwhelming the grinder market is and how hard it is to know where to start. I'm not going to do that. Instead, I'm just going to tell you that if you're looking for a single-dosing espresso grinder under $500, this is the one. We're not messing with you; The Eureka Mignon Zero 65 Espresso grinder is a gem in a sea of pretenders. 

The Eureka Mignon Zero 65 Espresso is exclusive to Clive Coffee, built by Eureka in Florence, Italy. Eureka has been making grinders for a long time, and what sets them apart isn't any single flashy feature; it's that they've quietly nailed every fundamental: retention, static, noise, grind adjustment, and, most importantly, feel. The Zero 65 Espresso feels incredible to use. We've expressly tasked them with taking all that expertise and grinder acumen they've accumulated to create the best possible espresso grinder for under $500. No superfluous features and definitely no screen. Let's get back to the basics. 

The burrs are the difference maker

The Zero 65 Espresso uses 65mm hardened-steel flat burrs designed for espresso. These burrs are optimized for finer grind settings, and the particle size consistency they produce at those settings is genuinely impressive. We've used the Eureka Atom 65 W to supply mid-to high-volume coffee shops, and this little grinder produces the same quality of grind. We know what you're thinking, "that's just marketing speak," and yes, while we love marketing products to you, this isn't a gimmick. We were impressed by the side-by-side comparison, and in the home, the grind quality was the same. 

The upper burr is also a blind burr, which means there are no screw holes through the blades. It's a small detail that has a real impact on consistency and reduces grind retention. When it's time to clean, four screws get you into the burr chamber in under a minute. Because of Eureka's micro-metric adjustment system, reassembling the grinder doesn't touch your grind setting. 

Simple grinding at any skill level 

This grinder has only three controls: a power switch, an adjustment dial, and a grind lever. There's no screen to navigate, no settings menu, and no app. The sheer simplicity of the user experience is a home run for us. 

The grind lever is a new addition to the Mignon line, and it's become one of our favorite things about our home setups. It's spring-loaded, sits right up front, and makes single dosing noticeably more ergonomic, especially if your machine is right next to the grinder and reaching the side power switch is slightly annoying. 

What may already be familiar is Eureka's micro-metric grind adjustment system, which is infinitely adjustable and precise enough that the numbered markings are actually useful as reference points when you're dialing in. Front-mounted, easy to reach, comfortable to fine-tune repeatedly. Infinite adjustment is a meaningful upgrade over grinders that sport stepped adjustments, making it much easier to find those in-between adjustment spaces, where the actual juice of making great espresso truly lives. 

Zero retention (basically)

Retention averages around 0.25g with a quick sweep of the burr chamber by using the included bellows, and you're basically at zero. For single dosing, this is exactly what you're looking for. What you put in is what you get out. Simple as. 

Static has been a non-issue. We use RDT on almost every grinder, just as a matter of habit. We stopped using it on the Zero 65 within a few days because there was no reason to because there wasn't really any static to speak of. Even with very light roasts, which tend to be the worst offenders, static was rarely a problem. 

Who is this for?

The Eureka Mignon Zero 65 Espresso Grinder is for the home barista at any level. It's extremely approachable, and it's easy to learn how to make espresso with it. You know the home espresso market has come a long way because a 65mm flat burr grinder used to be exceedingly expensive, and not to mention, an enormous piece of equipment on your counter. The Zero 65 Espresso grinder delivers a huge performance boost, all in a compact, quiet, and attainable package. It's now our first recommendation for anyone building a new home espresso setup, and it's a meaningful upgrade if you've been on an entry-level grinder for a few years. 

If you have any questions about the Zero 65 Espresso or pairing it with your next forever machine, don't hesitate, pick up the phone and call us; we'll answer. We don't bite, but we might steal your espresso if you're not watching. Happy shot pulling!