Before you roll your eyes at another coffee nerd's love letter to their gear, let me assure you of this: my Eureka Atom 65 review isn't just for hardcore coffee lovers. It's also for home enthusiasts who believe life's too short for mediocre coffee.
Before you roll your eyes at another coffee nerd’s love letter to their gear, let me assure you of this: my Eureka Atom 65 review isn’t just for hardcore coffee lovers. It’s also for home enthusiasts who believe life’s too short for mediocre coffee.
You see, this small but powerful grinder has a lot going for it. Besides its sleek Italian design, it reportedly delivers excellent performance.
So, what else makes this grinder tick? And is it worth buying? Let’s dive in to see why it’s one of the best coffee grinders on the market.
Superb espresso grinder
Eureka Atom 65 Espresso Grinder
Definitely worth the investment!
High-quality build
Intuitive user interface
65mm flat burrs
Powerful motor
Quiet operation
Very pricey
Overview: Eureka Atom 65 Review
The Eureka Atom 65, like the original Atom 60, is a grinding powerhouse. At its heart are 65mm flat steel burrs, delivering the kind of uniform grind consistency that espresso diehards dream about. Its professional-grade burrs are super-efficient, grinding with remarkable speed and minimal heat transfer.
Built like a tank but dressed in the latest Milan fashions, the Atom 65 is all Italian coffee gear sleek. Its aluminum body houses a robust 280-watt, 1360-rpm motor in a compact package. And thanks to the sound-insulated casing, this grinder is satisfyingly quiet.
Atop the grinding mechanism, sits a bean hopper, shaped like something out of Paul Atreides’ Dune universe. It holds a generous 2.6 pounds (1.2 kilograms), perfect for daily use without constant refills.
The grinder’s user interface is also refreshingly intuitive. A bright LCD display and simple touch controls make adjusting settings a piece of cake. Speaking of adjustments, the Atom’s programmable system allows for two dose presets. In tandem, the ACE (Anti-Clumping and Electrostaticity) system ensures your grounds land into your portafilter, fluffy and clump-free.
Like most Eureka grinders, this model boasts a stepless adjustment mechanism. Because of this, it’s super versatile, and you can use it with a fine grind for every brew. Want some moka pot coffee? No worries. Feel like indulging in a fine-grind pour-over? Go right ahead!
Overall, I would say that this is the best espresso grinder for a small coffee shop or high-end home setup. Is it expensive? Yes. But the 1-year parts and labor warranty, sure speaks to Eureka’s confidence in its durability.
Eureka Atom 65 Price
At around $1,000, the Eureka Atom 65 sits firmly in premium grinder territory. For context, the original Atom 60 runs about $200 less.
The Atom 65 may seem like overkill, especially when compared to the Mahlkonig X54 ($650) and – not to further the flat vs conical burr coffee grinders debate – the Fellow Opus ($195). However, its precision, build quality, grind consistency, minimal retention and user-friendliness justifies the investment.
So, is it worth it? Well, that depends. For serious coffee enthusiasts who plan to make espresso a part of their daily ritual, I think it definitely could be.
Eureka Atom 65 Features
Let’s dive into the grinder’s features for this Eureka Atom 65 review. That way, you’ll gain deeper insights into its capabilities to see if it’s suitable for your needs.
Size and Design
At 25.4 pounds (11.5 kilograms) this grinder boasts superior aluminum and stainless steel construction. However, at 17.3 inches (43.8 centimeters) tall, it may not fit under some kitchen cabinets. And it’s all due to the 2.6-pound (1.2-kilogram) hopper. That said, if space is a problem, you can simply swap it for the 16-ounce (454-gram) short hopper.
This grinder houses a powerful motor, a stepless micrometer adjustment wheel and an LCD digital display. It also has an automatic tamper, dose counter, integrated back-lit chute and non-removable but adjustable portafilter rest.
I did notice however, that it’s missing a grounds tray unlike others in its line. Still, to me, this grinder embodies Italian design at its best.
User Interface
This espresso grinder’s interface blends sophistication with user-friendliness. The centerpiece is a clear digital display, which shows grinding time to the tenth of a second.
Two programmable buttons handle dose times in 5-second increments: one for single shots and one for doubles.
In addition, a stepless grind adjustment wheel sits to the side, allowing for infinite dial-in precision. Also integrated is a push-button-activated “smart” cooling fan system that monitors temperature.
Crucially, this interface includes a start/stop button that you can operate manually or set to auto mode. It also has a rubber hopper slide gate that simplifies bean changes while reducing noise. All in all, it’s an easy-to-use interface for an easy-to-use grinder!
Eureka Atom 65 Burrs
The Atom 65 is equipped with 65-millimeter hardened steel flat burrs. These are what put it in the professional-grade category. They’re significantly larger than the 50-millimeter burrs found in many home grinders. Furthermore, the burrs’ precision engineering and carbon coating enhance their durability.
A 280-watt, 1350-rpm motor drives these burrs. As a result, this grinder achieves a decent 3.3-3.8 gram-per-second grind speed, basically one double espresso shot every 5.5 seconds.
Crucially, this fast speed doesn’t generate excess heat, preserving coffee flavor.
The flat burr design also has another advantage: Exceptional particle size consistency. This is crucial for well-balanced espresso extractions.
Grind Settings
The Eureka Atom 65 employs a step-ess micrometric adjustment wheel system. This allows you to make microscopic adjustments to dial in the perfect espresso shot. Moreover, this grind wheel features clear markings to help track any changes.
The grind adjustment also reportedly maintains its position well. I’m yet to test it out, but if so, it means it’ll rarely need readjustment during daily use.
While this grinder excels at espresso grind settings, it can handle other brew settings. It may not be perfect for grinds as fine as for Turkish coffee, but baristas report nailing medium-coarse settings for drip and pour-over.
Programmable Dosing
The Eureka Atom 65’s programmable dosing system combines precision with convenience. Its digital interface features two programmable buttons, which you can use to set dosing in 5-second increments. Most users use this to program single and double espresso shots.
What stands out for me in this Eureka Atom 65 review is how intuitive this programming is. All you need to do is hold the desired button, let the grinder run for your target time, and release it to save. The timing is accurate to 0.1 seconds, ensuring consistent doses.
Also, while grinding, the display counts down. This means you can interrupt any dose whenever you need to by pressing the active button. And while it’s no manual coffee bean grinder, its user interface does allow for manual operation. Simply hold the button down without saving time to activate this mode.
ACE System
This grinder’s Anti-Clumping and Electrostaticity (ACE) system solves two common grinding challenges. It uses geometry and materials in the grind path to prevent coffee grounds from electrostatic charges that cause clumping. How? By managing airflow and using strategic material choices in the chute design.
As a result, grounds flow smoothly into your portafilter. Importantly, they do so without the static-caused mess that disrupts espresso extraction.
While many top-tier grinders have it, Eureka has gone the extra mile. Grounds are evenly distributed, making for easier settling and tamping. This feature also has a pause function, allowing you to manually distribute grounds in your portafilter as you grind. Pretty neat!
How to Use the Eureka Atom 65
Now, in this Eureka Atom 65 review: How to use this grinder. From what I can gather, it seems super simple, which adds to its sellability.
First, fill the hopper with your favorite fresh-roasted coffee beans. Then, using the touch display, select between the programmable dose settings. Hold the corresponding button to adjust these until you reach the desired dose time.
For grind size adjustment, locate the micrometric knob. Turn clockwise for finer settings, counterclockwise for coarser. Oh, and make these adjustments while the grinder is running to prevent adverse burr binding. I’d recommend starting with a middle setting and dialing in from there.
To grind for espresso:
Insert your portafilter into the adjustable fork rest.
Gently push against the activation switch; the Atom 65 will dose exactly what you’ve programmed.
Thanks to the ACE system, coffee grounds will dispense directly into the center of your portafilter without clumping.
All that’s left to do is weigh your coffee grounds, tamp and brew espresso!
Eureka Atom 65 Cleaning
Cleaning the Eureka Atom 65 is essential to its longevity. Daily maintenance includes brushing out the grind chute, dosing cup area and burr chamber – also the exterior. Always use a dry microfiber cloth.
Weekly, use a vacuum or brush to remove coffee residue and wash and dry the bean hopper. Also, wipe the touch display with a barely damp microfiber cloth.
Monthly, unplug your machine and remove the top burr. Clean both burrs with a specialized grinder brush or grinder cleaning tablets. While you’re at it, remember to check the adjustment mechanism for coffee residue buildup.
Consider replacing the burrs after grinding about 1,200-1,500 pounds (544-680 kilograms) of coffee. This equates to 3-4 years of home use. In addition, have a professional inspect the motor and calibrate the burrs annually. Also get them to deep-clean all removable parts and check the power cord for wear and tear.
Pro Tips:
Always unplug the grinder before a deep clean
Never use water or cleaning solutions on the burrs
Wait for removable parts to dry completely before reassembly
Eureka Atom 65 Specifications
Eureka Atom 65 | |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Eureka |
Name | Atom Specialty 65 Espresso Grinder |
Type | Electric coffee grinder |
Grinder | 65 mm stainless steel flat burrs |
Grind levels | Stepless |
Power | 480 watt |
Voltage | 120 volt |
Weight | 21.0 lb / 9.5 kg |
Dimensions | 17.3 x 7.2 x 10.5 in / 44.0 x 18.3 x 26.7 cm |
Suitable for | Espresso |
Accessories | User manual, cleaning brush |
Eureka Atom 65 Digital vs Other Grinders
How does the Eureka Atom 65 compare against other Eureka grinders? Here are some useful comparisons:
Eureka Atom 65 vs 75
The Eureka Atom 65 and Atom 75 differ in key aspects. First, the Atom 75 boasts larger 75-millimeter flat burrs. This enables a faster grind speed (4.5-5.5 grams per second) and potentially better particle consistency.
Size-wise, the 75 is marginally taller but maintains a similar counter footprint. The major trade-off is the price. The Atom 75 commands roughly $200-300 more than the Atom 65, making the latter of better value for most home users.
Eureka Atom 65 vs Specialita
Both the Eureka Atom 65 and Specialita are excellent espresso grinders. The Atom 65, however, features larger 65-millimeter burrs versus the Specialita’s 55-millimeter burrs. This equates to faster, more uniform grinding.
They also differ distinctly in operation. The Atom 65 leverages portafilter activation. In contrast, the Specialita, a single-dose espresso grinder, doesn’t.
As such, the Specialita’s lower $200-$300 price point makes it an attractive option for home baristas who aren’t looking for a higher throughput.
Eureka Atom 65 vs Mignon XL
The Eureka Atom 65 and Mignon XL represent different tiers in Eureka’s espresso grinder lineup.
The Atom 65 features 65-millimeter flat burrs. And while the Mignon XL uses the same-size burrs, it does so in a more compact frame. In addition, the Atom 65’s touch display and polished aesthetic contrast with the Mignon XL’s simple button interface and more utilitarian design.
This difference shows in the price, with the Mignon XL typically costing $200-300 less than the Atom 65. I’d recommend the former as an attractive option for those seeking similar functionality in a more affordable package.
Eureka Helios 65 vs Atom 65
The Eureka Atom 65 and Helios 65 share the same 65-millimeter flat burrs but target different users. The Helios 65, designed for light commercial use, offers a higher daily capacity and faster grind speeds (5 grams per second). In contrast, the Atom 65 is more home-focused.
Both grinders excel at espresso grinding with stepless grind adjustment. But, the Helios 65’s slightly larger frame, more robust 580-watt motor and auto maintenance alerts justify its higher price tag. It typically retails at $200-300 above the Atom 65.
My recommendation? The Atom 65 offers better value for home users (unless you have a high-end home set-up and need commercial-grade durability).
Verdict: Eureka Atom 65 Espresso Grinder
Superb espresso grinder
Eureka Atom 65 Espresso Grinder
Definitely worth the investment!
High-quality build
Intuitive user interface
65mm flat burrs
Powerful motor
Quiet operation
Very pricey
Let’s face it; spending this much on a grinder might seem wild. But this Eureka Atom 65 review has me giving this grinder a second look. It seems capable of achieving the perfect grind consistency for espresso (and other brews) every time. Furthermore, its whisper-quiet operation should elevate a mundane task to a moment of joy.
If you’re upgrading from a basic grinder or taking your first serious step into specialty coffee, consider the Atom 65. It strikes that sweet spot between professional-grade performance and home user-friendliness.
Yes, there’s a learning curve, and yes, your friends might think you’ve gone a bit coffee-crazy. But you’ll agree that once you’ve tasted the difference a good coffee grinder makes, there’s no going back!
Have you already made the leap to a high-end grinder? Would you consider the Eureka Atom 65? I’d love to hear about your coffee journey! Comment below and share your experiences.
Eureka Atom Specialty 65 Review FAQ
Yes, the Eureka Atom 65 is a high-quality espresso grinder. It has 65-millimeter flat burrs, stepless adjustment and consistent grind size, making it well-regarded among home baristas.
The main differences are burr size (65 millimeters vs 75 millimeters) and grind speed. The 75 is faster, grinding 4.5-5.5 grams-per-second, compared to the 65’s 3.3-3.8 grams.
The Eureka Atom produces 480 watts.