Two years ago, the DF64 / G-Iota left a lasting impression on us. With an unrivaled price-to-performance ratio, it shook up the single-dosing grinder market. But how does its successor fare today? The Generation 2 of the DF64 has made the leap – and it has done so with substance.
What is new in the DF64 Gen2?
The update brings genuine improvements to the table:
All of this makes it feel like a much more mature product – one that has successfully evolved from a DIY community project into a production-ready, reliable everyday tool.
Buying the DF64 Gen 2
The following specialist retailers distribute the G-Iota / DF64 Gen 2, and we can confidently recommend purchasing from these companies. They all offer the option to calibrate the machine's offset:
Germany: Bohnendealer [Affiliate Link]
Austria: Bohnendealer [Affiliate Link]
We look for specialist partners who we know provide solid work and good customer service, and we remain in close contact with these retailers. These links are affiliate links: if you order via one of them, you pay the exact same price, but we receive a small commission that we invest directly into new lab testing equipment.
Retention? Near Zero.
One major highlight remains its retention performance. With less than 0.2 g of permanent retention, it operates at the absolute top of its class. Thanks to the included bellows, almost all the ground coffee is cleared out – fulfilling one of the core requirements for a true single-dosing grinder.
Consistency & Grind Reproducibility
The Gen2 can be adjusted very precisely, and most importantly: the selected grind size is reproducible later on. In our tests, we returned to the original recipe after trying different preparations (espresso, ristretto, caffè crema) – and the particle distribution curves confirmed both the sensory impression and the repeatability of the extractions.
The only point of criticism remains the adjustment scale: small changes (0.5 ticks) result in noticeable differences in extraction time, sometimes shifting the shot by 2–3 seconds. Stepless or finer graduations would be desirable.
Particle Distribution: Impressive for the Price
With an X50 value of 252 µm (espresso setting) and a fines content of 31%, the Gen2 performs on par with significantly more expensive grinders. The main peak is narrow, the distribution is even, and the cup results confirm the data: plenty of clarity, good body/texture, and highly reproducible shots.
Speed, Noise & Everyday Usability
The grinder feels robust, sits securely on the counter, and looks high-grade. The only minor flaw remains the rubber sleeves on the portafilter fork, which still feel somewhat cheap and can slip off during heavy daily use.
Conclusion: The Successor Delivers
The DF64 Gen2 is a clear step forward compared to the first generation. The manufacturer listened to community feedback, refined key details, and elevated the grinder to a new performance level. In the price range around €450, it is remarkably hard to beat.
It remains the primary recommendation for ambitious home baristas who want maximum control with minimal retention – now combined with a noticeable improvement in workflow, consistency, and overall build quality.
