Eureka Mignon Libra with integrated scale reviewed

When Eureka launches yet another "Mignon" espresso grinder, one reflexively wants to answer: "Again?" By now, more than a dozen espresso grinders in the Mignon family are structurally similar to each other.

In this test, you'll learn how well the Eureka Mignon Libra weighs, grinds, and fits into your workflow alongside your home espresso machine. We also provide tips for a smooth workflow and assess the strengths and weaknesses of the grinder.

There is now another version of the Eureka Libra, namely the Eureka Libra 65 All Purpose. We've tested this grinder too.

In a Nutshell – The Essential Facts About the Eureka Mignon Libra

The Eureka Mignon Libra is a good espresso grinder. It builds on the strengths of the Eureka Mignon series, combines them, and is significantly improved by the integrated scale.

• The Libra's scale works well: It can be calibrated and adjusted precisely.
• However, the discharge of ground coffee doesn't aim perfectly into the portafilter, so coffee spreads around the grinder during grinding.
• This is a typical problem with Eureka Mignon grinders, which other models prevent by tapping the portafilter during grinding.
• However, this approach isn't possible with the Libra because it would prevent it from completing the weighing grind.
• A dosing ring (funnel) provides a solution, but it wasn't originally included. With a dosing ring, the grinder is an excellent choice; without it, it's problematic. By now, Eureka offers the ring (see message below).
• You can find matching dosing rings at, for example, Barista Legends* or from Wiedemann at Stoll Espresso*.
• To tare and grind, the Eureka Libra requires a minimum portafilter weight of 175 grams. Very light portafilters or dosing cups therefore don't work properly.
• Continuous grinding without the weighing function isn't easily possible; at least 175 grams of weight must be on the fork (triggered via the two cup symbols on the display). Grinders like the Baratza Sette 270Wi handle this better.
• Sometimes bottomless portafilters don't fit ideally in the holding fork.

The Upgraded Eureka Specialità with Scale

Strictly speaking, the Eureka Mignon Libra is a Eureka Mignon Specialità with an integrated scale.

Smart move: it also uses the grind adjustment of the Eureka Mignon XL, which addresses one of the Specialità's major weaknesses. Otherwise, the Libra is a classic Specialità.

55-mm burrs sit in a square aluminum housing. At 12.4 cm wide, 43 cm tall, and 19.2 cm deep, it resembles the Mignon XL.

The Libra also delivers solid Specialità performance: At 79.8 dB, it's still relatively quiet. The retention is 2.4 grams. With a grinding speed of 20.2 grams of grounds in 10 seconds, the grinder is in the better mid-range of home espresso grinders. The temperature rises from grind to grind but stays at an acceptable average of 36.1 °C.

There's a bright spot with the grind setting: The Libra is equipped with the larger adjustment wheel from the XL. This allows for more precise grind adjustment, although the system isn't among the most sensitive on the market by design.

Most importantly: The espresso tastes like espresso from a Eureka Mignon Specialità. We get a well-rounded, body-forward espresso. The Eureka Mignon Libra's burr set has its strengths especially with medium to dark espresso roasts.

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A Good Scale with a Minor Weakness

The Libra's scale works very well in principle. It can be calibrated and adjusted precisely. The grinder reliably grinds the desired amount of ground coffee directly into the portafilter from dose to dose.

Unfortunately, there is one weakness: Although the portafilter has the correct weight after grinding, some tenths of a gram often end up around the grinder. The ground coffee discharge doesn't aim exactly into the portafilter and scatters some ground coffee to the side.

This is a typical feature of many Eureka Mignon grinders, which other models prevent by lightly tapping the portafilter during grinding. With the Libra, this doesn't work because vibrations interfere with the weighing process.

A Dosing Ring as the Perfect Solution

A dosing ring (funnel) provides a remedy. Portafilters can be clamped in with the ring attached without any problems and are ground cleanly. With the dosing ring, we detected no more scattering.

The dosing ring is the ideal solution for a clean work surface.

Recommended Shops for Dosing Rings:

• Barista Legends Dosing Ring*
• Wiedemann Portafilter Funnel at Stoll*
• Original Eureka Dosing Ring

Espresso Workflow with the Eureka Libra

A grinder with an integrated scale (Grind-by-Weight) simplifies preparation considerably. A typical brew ratio for espresso is around 1:2.5 (e.g., 15 grams of ground coffee yields 37.5 grams of espresso in the cup).

Classic time-controlled grinders require tedious adjustments to the grinding duration to get the right amount of powder. If you adjust the grind setting, the throughput changes and the time must be adjusted again.

A Grind-by-Weight grinder like the Libra does the weighing automatically: Clamp in the portafilter, the grinder tares briefly and grinds exactly the set amount.

Tip: When adjusting the grind setting, you should still grind and discard about 3 grams of ground coffee to empty the retention in the burr set.

Helpful Links:

To the video on YouTube.

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