The DF83 V2 from G-Iota, also known as Turin DF83 V2, is positioned as a top candidate in the segment of single dosing espresso grinders for home use in the range under 1000 euros.
Single dosing has become an integral part of many households since the success of the Niche Zero. G-Iota already offered its own excellent single dosing grinder, the DF64 , in the lowest price segment. The DF83 V is intended to build on this success and, with its performance, could surpass the Niche Zero's success. The DF83 V2 delivers truly excellent performance, build quality, particle distribution, and espresso quality.
We tested the DF83 extensively and compared our results with data from more than 50 espresso grinders . We purchased the grinder from Bohnendealer *, the importer for the German and Austrian markets. Unfortunately, the grinder is currently unavailable in Switzerland.
Design and construction
The DF83 V2 impresses with its robust, powder-coated casing, ensuring 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's compact yet a standout on any kitchen counter. A noticeable feature is the power cable leading out the side, which can be quite annoying. It's inexplicable why the manufacturer chose to route the cable to the side.
For espresso machines with the steam wand on the right, the grinder can be placed to the left of the machine, allowing the cable to be routed underneath the espresso machine. However, many espresso machines have the steam wand on the left, and we explicitly do not recommend this if you frequently froth milk. The steam from frothing affects the grinding of the beans, at least when they are in the bean hopper. This may be negligible with single-dosage grinders.
As with the G-Iota DF64, the constant glow of the grinding button is annoying. Modern machines should be turned off when not in use and not glow 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, at 1400 rpm, achieves an impressive grinding capacity of 35.6 grams in 10 seconds. The 83mm Italmill burrs deliver a consistent and fluffy grind. The option to upgrade to titanium or SSP universal burrs offers additional flexibility.
At this speed, the grinder is one of the fastest espresso grinders we've tested to date. This speed also makes it ideal for the hospitality industry, although a fast single-dosing process is difficult to achieve in such a setting. While the DF83 does come with a bean hopper, the question remains: what is it for?
After all, you can't program a specific meal, and therefore no amount either. However, if you want to quickly grind 250 grams for your neighbor, you can basically do that with the grinder's speed.
Volume and dead space
The grinder's noise level is on the higher side at 85.2 decibels. This is a result of its high grinding performance, speed, and motor power.
The dead space is 1.6 grams when filled, but is properly ground down to 0.11 grams when the bellows are activated. In the Home Barista Championship, the "Björn Method" has proven to be the best bellows method. The bellows are pressed at a higher frequency but with less force.
During grinding, the mill's temperature rises insignificantly over six extractions, each with a 30-second interval between each grinding. We measured an increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius to an extremely low average of 29.5 degrees Celsius.
Grinding degree adjustment and usability
The espresso grinder is reduced to the bare essentials. Essentially, there's just a single (illuminated) button that starts the grinder. The grind time cannot be programmed. Single-dosage grinders, however, also work according to a different principle. The coffee is weighed, poured into the grinder, and ground completely.
The grind repeatability was not good compared to the particle analysis, which Michel and Benjamin also discuss 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 display the particle curve for the mill with the abbreviation M50. This is the G-Iota DF64V, not the DF83. However, the 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 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 tapered design, which also reduces popcorning, the process of beans popping open during grinding.
To support single dosing, the grinder comes with two practical accessories. One of these is the aluminum dosing cup. It fits flush with a 58mm portafilter and can be clamped into the portafilter holder. An attachable ring reduces the distance to the coffee chute and ensures that all the ground coffee is ground into the dosing cup.
The same ring can also be placed directly on the portafilter, and the grinder will then grind just as precisely into the portafilter. The portafilter mount is well-made, although the rubber covers are weak points and don't last as long as the mount itself. And without the rubber covers, the portafilter doesn't stay in place properly. Unfortunately, some coffee grounds accumulate on the inner edge of the dosing ring. This is missing from the portafilter, but it's very small and needs to be wiped off regularly.
A small water spray is also included. This reduces the static charge of the ground coffee, which is also pronounced in this DF83 model. We discuss this topic, as well as the flapper issue, extensively in our review video.
Espresso quality and particle distribution
The DF83 V2 exhibits a narrow main peak with a relatively high proportion of fines. This narrow main peak can be interpreted as evidence of the results in the cup, which we found repeatedly in our coffees. The espressos tasted clear and transparent, and the complexity of the coffees was positive and, for example, significantly more pronounced than we experienced with the Niche Duo . Nevertheless, the espressos also had a creamy and heavy body, which can be seen in connection with the still high proportion of fines.
In summary, we can say that the espresso we made with the DF83 tasted good time and time again.
Points of criticism
The DF83 V2 does a lot right. However, it also misses important development opportunities in some areas. Unfortunately, the manufacturer hasn't fully embraced all the community's suggestions, so static is a problem with this model as well. Blockages behind the flapper are not uncommon (which is why we removed ours), and the side cable installation takes some getting used to.
Also, the grinding level setting is not easily visible from the front for people in wheelchairs, as it is mounted on the grinder.
The RDT water spray bottle is included, which is a nice touch from the manufacturer. However, in terms of value, it falls significantly short of the high-quality overall 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 discerning home baristas who value precision, quality, and versatility. At around €699, it's in the mid-price range and offers a strong performance package for that price.
Particularly given the difficult import situation and the hidden costs of customs and VAT, the Niche Zero, a similarly powerful single-dosing grinder, has fallen behind. What makes the DF83 V2 significantly better is the way the portafilter and dosing cup are suspended. This offers real added value, allows for clean and precise work, and is a real pleasure to use every day.
Our DF83 V2 will become a permanent fixture in our daily routine at the academy, and we're already looking forward to further tests and comparisons with other burrs and a more in-depth analysis of its filter coffee performance. At least one sentence: yes, the grind size 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 follow-up.
*This is a commission link. If you order through this link, it won't cost you any extra. However, we receive a small commission. This helps us purchase additional test materials and publish new tests. Thanks in advance! We also link to a shop we know well and know to provide good service.
