The DF83 V is a single-dosing grinder with 83mm burrs that is poised to compete with many commercial grinders in terms of speed and performance. However, there's an initial hurdle right at purchase: choosing the right model. The DF83 V2 sounds very similar in name but is a different grinder. In the DF83 V, the "V" stands for variable speed, whereas the DF83 V2 is merely a version number of 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. Read more about it 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 83mm flat burrs and is powered by a 680-watt brushless DC motor. The speed can be variably adjusted between 300 and 1600 RPM.
Our test showed very high grinding speeds. 18 grams of coffee are ground in single-dosing mode in 6.5 seconds. With a full bean hopper, the grinder manages an astonishing 66 grams of coffee in just 10 seconds at espresso grind size – that's really fast.
However, this speed comes with high noise levels. During the short grinding process, we measured 91.6 decibels. The temperature of the grounds also slightly increases: After five shots, we measured an average of 34.5 °C. This is still unproblematic for taste, but nevertheless 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 dealer: Bohnendealer* ships internationally.
*We search for specialist partners whom we know provide good work and good service. We are in close contact with these retailers. These are affiliate links. If you order through this link, it won't cost you more, but we'll receive a small commission, which we invest in new test equipment.
Everything about single dosing and comparable grinders.
Design and Construction
The burrs of the DF83 V are horizontally aligned to reduce retention. We will clarify in the next section whether this actually works. First, however, the beans fall onto a massive auger, which pre-breaks them and feeds them to the burrs.
Some users report that the auger doesn't keep up at low speeds, leading to blockages. In our test, we did not observe 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 lightly spray the beans with water before grinding, as is the case with many single-dosing grinders.
The grind setting is stepless and precise. We were able to easily switch between recipes and return to the initial 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. In addition, the burrs can be easily swapped for aftermarket burrs such as SSP. It is noticeable that the front grind adjustment unit has slight play in the chamber. This could lead to alignment problems, which we did not observe in our test. However, better bearings 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 can only be viewed from above. This could have been better designed for people in wheelchairs.
Two buttons and the speed adjustment are located on the left side of the grinder. The main switch has an unappealing design: it sits on the grinder with a protruding rubber bellows edge. When the grinder is switched off, the speed display does not light up.
A supplied cup, which fits into a 58mm portafilter, sits directly under the dispensing chute. This prevents ground coffee from spreading around the room. However, the cup has only a weak magnet and therefore slides less elegantly into place. In addition, it can only be inserted from the front under the chute, as the opening is facing forward. Lateral insertion causes the dispensing chute to fall off quickly.
The supplied 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 urgently 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 bean hopper, this is little, but for a single-dosing grinder, 0.4 g after RDT is still a lot.
Those who use the grinder several times a day will not notice this. At home, however, it can be annoying if the next coffee is brewed only a day later.
On the positive side, the temporary retention is constantly exchanged – 18 g in, 18 g out.
Espresso and Filter Coffee Quality
The DF83 V produces delicious espresso: straightforward, solid, spot on. The coffee has a pronounced body, while complexity and clarity are less pronounced with the standard burrs. If you want more clarity, you should opt for SSP burrs. SSP burrs would also be the better choice for filter coffee and light specialty coffees.
Conclusion on the DF83V
The DF83 V is a strong 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 little more focus on precision would be desirable. However, thanks to aftermarket burrs, the grinder offers great potential for individualization.
