Two years ago, the DF64/G-Iota made an impression on us. With an unrivaled price-performance ratio, it shook up the single-dosing grinder market. But how does its successor fare today? The 2nd generation of the DF64 has made the leap – and with substance.
What's new with the DF64 Gen2?
The overhaul brings real improvements:
- Less static thanks to a built-in plasma ionizer
- New aluminum dosing cup, higher quality and better centered
- Metal grind size indicator instead of a retrofitted plastic part
- Anti-popcorning insert to prevent beans from jumping out
- Optimized holder for portafilter and cup
All of this feels like a more mature product – one that has transformed from a DIY project into a ready-for-production everyday tool.
Buy DF 64 Gen 2
The following specialty stores sell the Giota / DF DF 64 Gen 2, and we can recommend purchasing from these businesses. All of them offer the option to adjust the machine's offset.
Germany: [Partnerlinks] Bohnendealer
Austria: [Partnerlinks] Bohnendealer
We are looking for specialist partners for you that we know provide good work and good service, and we are in close contact with the mentioned retailers. The links are so-called affiliate links. If you order through one of these links, you won't pay a cent more – however, we will receive a small commission, which we invest directly in new test equipment.
We are still looking for competent partners in the DACH region for you.
Retention? Close to zero.
A highlight remains the retention performance. With less than 0.2 g of permanent retention, it is in the absolute top range. Thanks to the included bellows, almost all of the ground coffee really comes out – one of the central requirements for a single-dosing grinder.
Consistency & Grind Size Replicability
The Gen2 can be set very precisely – and most importantly: the selected grind size can be reproduced later. In our tests, we always returned to the original recipe after various preparations (espresso, ristretto, caffè crema) – and the particle distribution curves confirmed the sensorially perceived consistency and the repeatability of the brews.
The only point of criticism remains the scaling: Small changes (0.5 mark) cause noticeable extraction differences, sometimes 2–3 seconds. A finer division would be desirable.
Particle Distribution: Impressive for the Price
With an X50 value of 252 µm (espresso) and a fine particle content of 31%, the Gen2 is on par with significantly more expensive grinders. The main peaks are narrow, the distribution is even, and the sensory experience confirms this: lots of clarity, good texture, reproducible shots.
Speed, Volume & Everyday Use
- 25 g in 10 seconds: very fast in its price range
- 86.8 dB: clearly on the loud side of the force, but not disturbingly shrill
- Temperature stable: hardly any heating of the grinder and the grounds, even with multiple uses
In addition: The grinder is robust, stands securely, and feels high-quality. Only the rubber elements of the holder still look cheap and fall off with intensive use.
Conclusion: The successor delivered
The DF64 Gen2 is a clear improvement over the first version. The manufacturer has taken feedback into account, improved details, and raised the grinder to a new level. In the price range around €450, it is hard to beat.
It thus remains the grinder for ambitious home baristas who want maximum control with minimal retention – and now with a noticeable plus in comfort, consistency, and workmanship.
