The DF83 V2 from G-Iota, also known as Turin DF83 V2, positions itself as a top contender in the single dosing espresso grinder segment for home use under 1000 euros.
Single dosing has become indispensable in many households since the success of the Niche Zero. With the DF64, G-Iota already launched a good single dosing grinder in the lowest price segment. The DF83 V aims to build on this success and could, with its performance, end the triumphant run of the Niche Zero. Because what the DF83 V2 has to offer in terms of performance, build quality, particle distribution, and espresso quality is truly excellent.
We extensively tested the DF83 and compared our results with data from more than 50 espresso grinders. We purchased the grinder from Bohnendealer*, who is the importer for the German and Austrian market. Unfortunately, the grinder is not currently available in Switzerland.
We compared 10 single dosing grinders in the price range of 500 to 1000 euros. More on this in our article on the topic.
Design and Construction
The DF83 V2 impresses with its robust, powder-coated housing, which guarantees both stability and durability. With dimensions of 365 mm (height) x 153 mm (width) x 252 mm (depth) and a weight of 10.5 kg, reflecting its sturdy construction, it is compact yet prominent on any kitchen counter. The power cable protruding from the side is noticeable and can be quite annoying. It's inexplicable why the manufacturer routed the cable to the side.
For espresso machines where the steam wand is on the right, the grinder can be placed to the left of the machine, and as a result, the cable can be routed under the espresso machine. However, for many espresso machines, the steam wand is on the left, and we explicitly do not recommend this if milk is frothed frequently. The steam from frothing affects the grinding behavior of the beans, at least when they are in the bean hopper. For single dosing grinders, this may be negligible.
As with the G-Iota DF64, the permanent illumination of the grind button is annoying. Modern devices should be switched off when not in use and not light up for no reason. Who needs an emergency light on their grinder at night?!
Performance and Technology
The grinder is powered by a single-phase asynchronous motor, which achieves an impressive grinding performance of 35.6 grams in 10 seconds at a speed of 1400 U/min. The 83mm Italmill burrs deliver a consistent and fluffy grind. The option to upgrade to titanium or SSP universal burrs offers additional flexibility.
With this speed, the grinder is one of the fastest espresso grinders we have tested so far. Its speed also makes it suitable for gastronomy, although a fast single dosing workflow can be difficult to achieve in gastronomy. While the DF83 also comes with a bean hopper, the question remains: why?
After all, no grinding time can be programmed, and therefore no quantity. But if you want to quickly grind 250 grams for your neighbor, you can essentially do that with this grinder at its speed.
Noise Level and Retention
The grinder's noise level is on the higher side at 85.2 decibels. This is the consequence of high grinding performance, speed, and motor power.
The filled retention is 1.6 grams, but when the bellows are actuated, it grinds down to an excellent 0.11 grams. In the context of the Home Barista Championship, the "Björn method" proved to be the best bellows method. This involves pressing the bellows with high frequency but less force.
During grinding, the grinder's temperature increases insignificantly over 6 shots with 30-second intervals between grindings. We measured an average increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius to an extremely low 29.5 degrees Celsius.
Grind Adjustment and Usability
The espresso grinder is reduced to the bare essentials. Essentially, there is only one (illuminated) button to start the grinder. The grind time cannot be programmed. However, single dosing grinders operate on a different principle. The coffee is weighed, put into the grinder, and ground completely.
The grind size repeatability was not good in the particle analysis comparison, which Michel and Benjamin also discussed in the video. In practice, however, we had less difficulty returning the grinder to the recipe than the particle distribution analysis suggests.
Important: in the video, we accidentally show the particle curve of the grinder with the abbreviation M50. This is the G-Iota DF64V, not the DF83. However, the substantive explanation in the video refers to the data for the DF83.
The large grind size makes it relatively easy to return to the original recipe.
Single Dosing and Accessories
The DF83 V2 is consistently designed for single dosing. The included metal dosing cup and blow-out funnel facilitate handling of the ground coffee. The blow-out funnel has a narrowing, which also reduces popcorn effect. This refers to beans bouncing during grinding.
To support single dosing, the grinder comes with two practical aids. The aluminum dosing cup is one of them. It fits flush onto 58mm portafilters and can be clamped into the portafilter holder. An attachable ring reduces the distance to the coffee chute and ensures that the ground coffee is completely ground into the dosing cup.
The same ring can also be placed directly on the portafilter, and the grinder grinds into the portafilter with the same precision. The portafilter holder is well made, although the rubber covers are weak points and do not last as long as the holder itself. And without the rubber covers, the portafilter does not sit well either. Unfortunately, some coffee powder accumulates in the inner rim of the dosing ring. This is missing in the portafilter, but it is very little and must be wiped off regularly.
A small water sprayer is also included. This reduces the static charge of the ground material, which is also pronounced in this DF83 model. We discuss this topic as well as the flapper issue extensively in our test video.
Espresso Quality and Particle Distribution
The DF83 V2 shows a narrow main peak with a relatively high percentage of fines. The narrow main peak can be interpreted as evidence of a result in the cup, which we found again and again in our extractions. The espressos tasted clear and transparent, and the complexity of the coffees showed positively and, for example, much more pronounced than we experienced with the Niche Duo. Nevertheless, the espresso also had a creamy and heavy body, which can be seen in connection with the still high percentage of fines.
In summary, the espresso we extracted with the DF83 tasted good to us time and time again.
Points of Criticism
The DF83 V2 does many things right. However, in some areas, it misses important opportunities for further development. Unfortunately, the manufacturer has not incorporated all impulses from the community, so static electricity is still a problem with this model, blockages behind the flapper are not uncommon (which is why we removed ours), and the placement of the side cable takes some getting used to.
Also, the grind adjustment is not easily visible from the front for people in wheelchairs, as it is located on top of the grinder.
The RDT water spray bottle is included, which is a nice gesture from the manufacturer. However, in terms of quality, it clearly falls short of the overall high-quality appearance of the Turin DF83 V2.
Conclusion on the DF83 V2
The DF83 V2 from G-Iota/Turin is a high-quality, powerful espresso grinder, especially suitable for demanding home baristas who value precision, quality, and versatility. At around 699 euros, it is positioned in the mid-price segment and offers a strong performance package for this price.
Especially with the difficult import situation and the hidden costs of customs and VAT, the Niche Zero, a single dosing grinder with similar performance, has fallen behind. What the DF83 V2 does significantly better, moreover, is the portafilter and dosing cup holder. This is a real added value, allows for clean and precise work, and is a great pleasure in everyday life.
Our DF83 V2 will take a permanent place in our academy's daily routine, and we are already looking forward to further tests and comparisons with other burrs and a more in-depth analysis of its filter coffee performance. On that note, a brief comment: yes, the grind range also covers filter coffee, and the filter coffees we've had so far have also appealed to us. More on this in one of the next videos and then also with a written addendum.
*This is an affiliate link. If you order through this link, it won't cost you more. However, we receive a small commission. This helps us to purchase more test materials and publish new tests. Thank you in advance! We also refer to a shop here that we know well and from which we know that it provides good service.
