The DF64V is a special edition of the DF64, which was also launched in German-speaking countries as the G-Iota. The broader version without the V had impressed us in many ways during our tests, especially with SSP burrs in repeat tests. The DF64V builds on the original single dosing grinder in many respects, doing some things better, yet in some areas, it hasn't sufficiently learned from market feedback. Nevertheless, with the DF64, we are once again testing a good espresso grinder, as our video review shows.
We compared 10 single dosing grinders in the price range of 500 to 1000 Euros. More about this in our article on the topic.
High Quality for a Good Price
The DF64v is a compact espresso grinder, truly narrow with a width of only 11 cm. Measuring 20.8 cm deep and 33.5 cm high, the grinder is an elegant representative of its kind. The grinder feels very high-quality overall. The exterior is smooth, there are no sharp edges, and the wooden elements such as the lid and base integrate well. Despite its light weight of only 4.3 kg, the grinder stands solidly on the table.
The DF64V is equipped with 64 mm flat burrs. In our test, the standard burrs were used. Commercially available alternative burrs from SSP can be used. As our test showed, however, the installed burrs are already capable of achieving a good particle distribution.
At just under 600 Euros, the grinder is available in the German-speaking region*, making it an interesting choice.
Operation and Function of the Single Dosing Grinder
The wave of single-dosing grinders continues to wash through the home barista corners of the world. The DF64V joins a series of interesting single-dosing grinders. The principle is as simple as it is ingenious. The amount of coffee to be used for brewing is weighed out by hand in a dosing cup. This coffee is then put into the grinder and ground. This way, the coffee does not age in the bean hopper, and you can switch from one coffee to another.
Like many other single-dosing grinders, the DF64 is also tilted slightly forward to help ensure that the coffee grounds are completely discharged. The best single-dosing grinders manage this almost residue-free. With the DF64V, a residue of 0.7 grams remains in the temporary retention. That would be too much for a good single-dosing grinder. However, the bellows provide a remedy. With a few strong pushes during grinding, the grounds are removed from the temporary retention. If we work consistently here, we achieve a standard deviation of 0.08 grams between extractions. A very good value!
In the permanent retention, there are 1.6 grams of coffee, but these are not replaced from grinding to grinding. But where do the 0.7 grams of ground coffee get stuck? There is one culprit here: the narrow ground coffee chute of the DF64V. This is not only narrow but also has a rather bulky declumper. However, the combination of declumper, narrow ground coffee chute, and static electricity in the DF64V is a combination that leads to problems without targeted countermeasures!
Spray or Static
The static charge of the DF64V is so massive that it is almost impossible to get the coffee into the raised dosing cup. We didn't even use coffees that tend to generate a lot of static electricity. The grinder's manufacturers recognized the problem themselves and therefore already include a small spray bottle. Just a few drops of water completely change the grinder's performance. Suddenly, it grinds smoothly, and if the bellows are then used, the retention is reduced to the aforementioned 0.08 grams between extractions.
Without spray – we have to state this clearly – the DF64V is practically unusable from our perspective.
Medium Speed, Rather Loud
At its highest RPM, the DF64V reaches a volume of 81.6 decibels, making it one of the louder grinders. The achieved speed is 19.2 grams of coffee for the test coffee on espresso setting. The temperature increase is not significant at 0.9 degrees Celsius over 6 extractions and averages 32.4 degrees Celsius. There is no risk of excessive temperature exposure to the coffee.
Grind Adjustment and Recipes
While a small change in the stepless grind adjustment ring has a significant impact on the effective grind setting, we were nevertheless able to easily switch from espresso to café crème and back to the initial grind setting via ristretto in the test. Both the extraction parameters and the particle distribution were identical afterward.
DF64V Particle Distribution
The particle distribution of the DF64V indicates everything we enjoy in espresso in the cup. 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 counteracted by a rather high fines content of 27%. A higher fines content is beneficial to a certain extent for the texture and creaminess of the espresso.
The espressos we prepared using the DF64V were clear, had good body, and accurately reflected the expected aroma profile of the coffees used.
Conclusion on the DF64V
With the help of water spray and bellows, the DF64V is a good grinder, especially in terms of taste. However, the home barista has to do something (spray water) and also pump out the residue from the machine. This is not necessary with other single-dosing grinders.
We believe that for the price, the DF64V could perform better here. However, anyone who is already used to the single-dosing process may not mind that it's not possible without it on the DF64.
Note: The DF64V was designed with adjustable RPM. We have previously tested the performance of other grinders at fast and slow speeds and found better results with high speeds for brewing espresso. Therefore, slower speeds were not extensively tested for the DF64V. However, the espressos brewed confirmed our previous experience.
For preparing filter coffee, we recommend reducing the speed.
* Affiliate link: If you order through this link, it won't cost you more, but we'll receive a small commission. Thank you for that. We'll invest it in buying more testing material.
