The DF83 V is a single-dosing grinder with 83 mm burrs that is gearing up to challenge many commercial grinders in terms of speed and performance. However, there is an initial hurdle right when buying it: getting the right model. The DF83 and DF83 V2 sound very similar in name, but they are different grinders. With the DF83 V, the "V" stands for variable speed, while the DF83 V2 is simply a version number for the DF83 without variable speed.
So far, so confusing! This review covers the DF83 V with variable speed. You can find the review of the DF83 V2 here.
We compared 10 single dosing grinders in the price range of 500 to 1000 euros. Find out more in our article on the topic.
Lots of Power!
The DF83 V impresses with power and speed. Manufactured in China, the grinder is equipped with 83 mm flat burrs and is powered by a 680-watt brushless DC motor. The speed can be variably adjusted between 300 and 1600 RPM.
In our test, this results in very high grinding speeds. The 18 grams of coffee put into the grinder are ground in 6.5 seconds in single-dosing mode. With a full hopper, the grinder manages an astonishing 66 grams of coffee in just 10 seconds at an espresso grind setting – that is really fast.
However, this speed comes with a high noise level. During the short grinding process, we measure 91.6 decibels. The temperature of the ground coffee also rises slightly: after five shots, we measure an average of 34.5 °C. This is not problematic for the taste yet, but it is noticeable.
Dimensions and weight:
- Size: 32 x 13.5 x 39.5 cm (L x W x H)
- Height without hopper: 28 cm, with hopper and bellows: 39.5 cm
- Weight: 9 kg
Purchase the DF83V from a specialist partner: Bohnendealer* ships internationally.
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Everything about single dosing and comparable grinders.
Design and Construction
The burrs of the DF83 V are oriented horizontally to reduce the retention. In the next section, we clarify whether this actually works. First, however, the beans fall onto a solid auger, which pre-breaks them and feeds them to the burrs.
Some users report that the auger does not keep up at low speeds, leading to clogging. In our test, we could not detect this problem in the grinding range of 700 to 1600 RPM – a range typically used for filter coffee to espresso.
A plasma generator helps to reduce static charge. Nevertheless, even with the DF83 V, it is advisable to spray the beans lightly with water before grinding, as is the case with many single-dosing grinders.
The grind adjustment is stepless and precise. We were able to switch between recipes without any problems and return to the starting grind setting thanks to the grind indicator. Our particle distribution measurement also showed very good reproducibility of the settings.
The grinder is easy to open and clean. Furthermore, the burrs can be easily swapped for aftermarket burrs such as SSP. It is noticeable that the front grind adjustment unit has a slight amount of play in the chamber. This could lead to alignment problems, which we were not able to observe in our test, however. Better bearing support would still be desirable.
The housing is made of aluminum and is powder-coated. Overall, the grinder makes a high-quality impression.
Usability of the DF83 V
The DF83 V is operated from the front, but the grind setting is only visible from above. That could have been solved better for wheelchair users.
Two buttons and the speed adjustment are located on the left side of the grinder. The main switch is not very attractively designed: it sits on the grinder with a protruding rubber bellows rim. If the grinder is switched off, the speed indicator does not light up.
An included cup that fits into a 58 mm portafilter sits directly under the chute. This prevents grounds from spreading around the room. However, the cup only has a weak magnet and therefore slides into place less elegantly. Moreover, it can only be guided under the chute from the front because the opening faces forward. Inserting it from the side causes the chute to fall off quickly.
The included dosing cup is not convincing. It lacks side wings, which means it can slide too deep into the portafilter. This could promote channeling – an update would be strongly recommended here.
retention
The potential retention and empty space around the burrs of the DF83 V should not be underestimated.
- Temporary retention: 0.4 g
- Permanent retention: 0.4 g
- Total retention: 0.8 g
Compared to grinders with a hopper, this is low, but for a single-dosing grinder, 0.4 g after RDT is still high.
Anyone using the grinder several times a day will not notice this. At home, however, it can be annoying if the next coffee is not brewed until a day later.
A positive aspect is that the temporary retention is constantly being exchanged – 18 g in, 18 g out.
Espresso and Filter Coffee Quality
The DF83 V produces delicious espresso: straightforward, solid, on point. The coffee has an accentuated body, while complexity and clarity are less pronounced with the standard burrs. Anyone wanting more clarity should opt for SSP burrs. SSP burrs would also be the better choice for filter coffee and light-roast specialty coffees.
Conclusion on the DF83V
The DF83 V is a powerful single-dosing grinder that has provided us with delicious espresso for months. It scores with power and speed, but is more suitable for environments with higher throughput.
For home use, a bit more focus on precision would be desirable. But thanks to aftermarket burrs, the grinder offers great potential for customization.
