The DF64V is a special edition of the DF64, which was also launched on the German-speaking market as the G-Iota. In our tests, the standard version without the V impressed us in many respects, particularly when re-tested with SSP burrs. In many ways, the DF64V builds on the original single dosing grinder, improving on several aspects while failing to learn enough from market feedback in others. Nevertheless, as our video review shows, the DF64 is once again a solid espresso grinder.
We compared 10 single dosing grinders in the 500 to 1000 euro price range. More on this in our article on the topic.
High quality for a good price
The DF64V is a compact espresso grinder that is truly narrow, measuring only 11 cm in width. With a depth of 20.8 cm and a height of 33.5 cm, it is an elegant representative of its kind. The grinder feels very high-quality overall. The exterior is smooth with no noticeable sharp edges, and the wooden elements on the lid and base blend in well. Despite its low weight of only 4.3 kg, the grinder stands firmly on the table.
The DF64V is equipped with 64 mm flat burrs. The standard burrs were used in our test. Commercially available alternative burrs from SSP can also be used. However, as our test showed, the installed burrs are already capable of achieving a good particle distribution.
Available for just under 600 euros in the German-speaking region*, it is an interesting choice.
Operation and function of the single dosing grinder
The wave of single-dose grinders continues to sweep through home barista corners of the world. The DF64V joins the ranks of interesting single dosing grinders. The principle is as simple as it is brilliant: the amount of coffee to be brewed is weighed by hand in a dosing cup. This coffee is then put into the grinder and ground through. This prevents coffee from aging in the hopper and allows for switching between different coffees.
Like many other single dosing grinders, the DF64 is slightly tilted forward to help ensure the coffee grounds are completely ejected. The best single dosing grinders do this almost without residue. With the DF64V, a remainder of 0.7 grams stays in the temporary retention. That would be too much for a good single dosing grinder. However, the bellows remedy this. With a few vigorous puffs during grinding, the grounds are cleared from the temporary retention. If we work consistently here, we reach a standard deviation of 0.08 grams between doses. A very good value!
There are 1.6 grams of coffee in the permanent retention, which do not replace themselves from grind to grind. But where do the 0.7 grams of ground coffee get stuck? There is one culprit here: the narrow chute of the DF64V. This is not only narrow, but it also features a rather bulky clump crusher. The mixture of clump crusher, narrow chute, and static makes the DF64V a combination that leads to problems without targeted countermeasures!
Spray or static
The static charge of the DF64V is so massive that it is hardly possible to transfer the coffee into the raised dosing cup. And we didn't even use coffees that tend to have strong static. The manufacturer recognized this problem themselves and therefore includes a small spray bottle. Just a few drops of water change the entire performance of the grinder. Suddenly it grinds smoothly, and if the bellows are used as well, the retention is reduced to the aforementioned 0.08 grams between doses.
Without spraying - we have to be clear about this - the DF64V is not really usable in our view.
Moderately fast, rather loud
The DF64V reaches a volume of 81.6 decibels at its highest RPM, making it one of the louder grinders. The speed achieved was 19.2 grams of coffee with the test coffee on an espresso setting. The temperature increase of 0.9 degrees Celsius over 6 shots is not significant, with an average of 32.4 degrees Celsius. There is no danger of excessive heat affecting the coffee here.
Grind adjustment and recipes
Although a small change to the stepless adjustment ring already has a significant effect on the effective grind setting, we were still able to switch from espresso to café crème and back to the starting point via ristretto without any problems in our test. Both the extraction parameters and the particle distribution were identical afterwards.
Particle distribution DF64V
The particle distribution of the DF64V points to everything we enjoy in an espresso. We have a relatively narrow main peak of only 196 microns. This supports the clarity of the aroma and, in the case of the DF64V, is countered by a rather high fines content of 27%. To a certain degree, a higher fines content is conducive to the texture and creaminess of the espresso.
The espressos we pulled using the DF64V were clear, had good body, and were well able to reflect the expected aroma profile of the coffees used.
Conclusion on the DF64V
With the help of water spray and pumping, the DF64V is a good grinder, especially regarding taste. However, the home barista has to put in some effort (spraying water) and pump out the residue from the machine. This is not necessary with other single dosing grinders.
We think: for the price, the DF64V could perform better here. However, anyone already used to the single dosing process might not be bothered by the fact that the DF64 doesn't work without these steps.
Note: The DF64V was designed with adjustable RPM. In the past, we have tested the performance of other grinders with faster and slower speeds and found better results with high speeds when brewing espresso. Therefore, slower speeds were not extensively tested for the DF64V. However, the pulled espressos confirmed our previous experience.
For preparing filter coffee, we recommend reducing the speed.
* Affiliate link: If you order via this link, it won't cost you anything extra, but we receive a small commission. Thank you for that. We put it into the purchase of further test material.
