DF64 Grinder: The Best Mid Range Single Dose Espresso Grinder

The DF64 Grinder, also known as the Single Dose Espresso-Filter-Coarse Grinder, is a powerhouse of a grinder that has gained immense popularity in the espresso community. Priced at an incredible value and equipped with top-notch features, this grinder is a game-changer for home coffee and espresso enthusiasts. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the pros, cons, specifications, and reasons why it is a must-have for espresso lovers. If you need to learn more about espresso grinds, check out our comprehensive guide to grinding.

About the DF64 Grinder

The DF64 Grinder, also known as the Single Dose Espresso-Filter-Coarse Grinder, is a relatively new player in the coffee grinder market. It quickly gained popularity among espresso enthusiasts as a reliable and affordable option. While its specific history is not widely known, the DF64 Grinder emerged in response to the demand for high-quality single-dose grinders. Its design and features were influenced by market trends and feedback from coffee professionals. The grinder’s reputation grew through positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations within the espresso community, highlighting its impressive performance and competitive pricing. It is one of the best options for making a great espresso.

Pros ✅

No Retention (Single Dose)

One of the standout features of the DF64 Grinder is its streamlined design, which ensures minimal retention of coffee grounds. Unlike other grinders, the DF64 allows coffee grounds to fall out smoothly, leaving behind negligible amounts of stale coffee. This means you never have to waste espresso purging old grounds, resulting in optimal flavor in every cup. Most people do a single dose as there is usually enough caffeine in a shot of espresso.

Pricing

The DF64 Grinder offers exceptional value for its price. With a current sale price of just 345 USD / 286 £, it stands head and shoulders above the competition. In fact, the only comparable single-dose grinder in the market, the Niche, comes with a price tag of approximately 880 USD / 600 £. This substantial price difference makes the DF64 Grinder an unbeatable deal, especially considering its performance and quality.

Value

The DF64 Grinder is built with high-quality and professional-grade components. It features 64mm ITALMILL flat burrs, made in Italy and known for their durability and performance. These burrs are not only fluffy and long-lasting but are also titanium-coated, making them four times more durable than steel burrs. Additionally, the DF64 Grinder boasts a larger motor that outperforms many competitors, including the Niche Zero.

Speed

Thanks to its powerful motor, the DF64 Grinder stands out for its speed. It grinds coffee beans faster than any other grinder in the 64mm and below range, including the Niche Zero. This means you can enjoy your freshly ground coffee in a shorter amount of time.

Flat Burrs

Flat burrs are the preferred choice for most espresso enthusiasts, and the DF64 Grinder delivers on this front. With flat burrs, you can experience enhanced flavors and greater depth in your coffee. While the debate between flat and conical burrs continues, the popularity of flat burrs in commercial cafes and among influential grinders such as the Mahlkonig EK43, Mazzer ZM, and Lagom P64 suggests a consumer preference for this type of burr.

Aesthetic

If you value minimalistic design and a robust appearance, the DF64 Grinder is the perfect addition to your countertop. It blends seamlessly with any space and adds a touch of elegance to your coffee setup.

Rubber Bellow

The DF64 Grinder features a rubber bellow top, which allows you to push air into the burrs and out of the grounds chute. This additional detail, combined with the grinder’s streamlined design, ensures minimal retention of coffee grounds, further enhancing the quality of your brews.

Versatility

With the DF64 Grinder, you can explore a wide range of coffee brewing methods. It excels in producing consistent grinds for espresso, V60 filter, and coarse cold brew. Whether you prefer the espresso’s precision or the pour-over’s smoothness, this grinder delivers exceptional results across different brewing techniques.

Modifications

For those seeking to elevate their coffee experience, the DF64 Grinder provides opportunities for improvements. You can enhance its performance by upgrading the flat burrs to SSP Flat Burrs, which take your grinding precision to the next level. Additionally, the V4 version of the DF64 Grinder comes with a metal indicator ring, allowing for even more precise adjustments and control over your grind size. These modifications provide coffee enthusiasts with the flexibility to customize and fine-tune their grinder to suit their specific brewing preferences.

Color Options

The DF64 Grinder offers a range of color variations to suit your personal style and preferences. From classic black and white to vibrant options like silver, red, yellow, and green, you can choose a color that complements your kitchen decor. The standard option is the Ceramic Matte Black, which exudes a sleek and modern aesthetic.

Cons ❌

While the DF64 Grinder has numerous advantages and is highly regarded in the coffee community, it’s important to consider a few potential drawbacks:

1. Limited Availability: Depending on your location, the DF64 Grinder may not be readily available or may have limited distribution channels. This can make it more challenging to purchase compared to some other grinders that have wider availability.
2. Single Dose Design: While the single-dose design of the DF64 Grinder is a significant advantage for freshness and minimal retention, it may not be suitable for everyone. If you prefer grinding larger quantities of coffee at once, the single-dose capability may require more frequent refilling and grinding cycles.
3. Noise Level: Some users have reported that the DF64 Grinder can be relatively loud during operation. While this may not be a major concern for everyone, it’s worth noting if you prioritize a quieter grinding experience.

Specifications of the DF64 Grinder 📏

The DF64 Grinder comes with the following specifications:

• Package Dimensions: 32 x 21 x 40 cm (LxWxH)
• Package Weight: 7.7 kg
• DF64 Size: 225 x 130 x 300 mm
• DF64 Weight: 6.8 kg

Why Should You Buy the DF64 Grinder? 🤔

The DF64 Grinder is an exceptional investment for espresso enthusiasts for several reasons. First and foremost, its no-retention design ensures that you always experience the optimal flavor in your coffee without wasting grounds or compromising freshness. Additionally, the pricing of the DF64 Grinder is unmatched in the market, offering tremendous value for its performance and quality. With its high-quality parts, powerful motor, and flat burrs, it outperforms many competitors, including more expensive options.

The speed of grinding, versatility across different brewing methods, and the ability to customize and upgrade the grinder further add to its appeal. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a reliable and efficient grinder or an experienced coffee lover seeking to elevate your coffee game, the DF64 Grinder delivers on all fronts. Its aesthetic appeal, with various color options, ensures that it not only performs exceptionally but also complements your kitchen decor.

Conclusion

The DF64 Grinder is a standout product in the world of coffee grinding. Its no-retention design, competitive pricing, high-quality components, and versatile performance make it a top choice for home baristas. With this grinder, you can achieve consistent and precise grinds, unlock the full flavor potential of your coffee, and enjoy a superior brewing experience. Don’t miss out on this fantastic grinder that offers incredible value for every cent spent.

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