Two years ago, the DF64/G-Iota impressed us. With an unbeatable price-to-performance ratio, it shook up the single-dosing grinder market. But how does its successor stand today? The second generation DF64 has made the leap — and with substance.
What's new with the DF64 Gen2?
The overhaul brings real improvements:
- Less static thanks to the built-in plasma ionizer
- New aluminum dosing cup, more premium and better centered
- Grind size indicator made of metal instead of an aftermarket plastic part
- Antipopcorning insert to prevent beans from popping out
- Optimized suspension for portafilter and cup
All of this feels like a more refined product — one that has evolved from a DIY project into a production-ready everyday tool.
Buy DF64 Gen 2
The following specialist retailers carry the Giota / DF DF 64 Gen 2, and we recommend purchasing from these businesses. All offer the option to adjust the machine's offset.
Germany: [Partner links] Bohnendealer
Austria: [Partner links] Bohnendealer
We search for specialist partners who we know provide good work and excellent service, and we maintain close contact with these retailers. The links are what we call affiliate links. If you order through one of these links, you don't pay a cent more — however, we receive a small commission that we invest directly in new test equipment.
We continue to search for competent partners in the DACH region on your behalf.
retention? Near zero.
A highlight remains the retention performance. With under 0.2 g permanent retention, it ranks in the absolute top tier. Thanks to the included air blower, virtually all the ground coffee comes out — one of the central requirements for a single-dosing grinder.
Consistency & Grind size reproducibility
The Gen2 can be adjusted very precisely — and above all: the selected grind size is also reproducible later. In our tests, after trying different recipes (espresso, ristretto, caffè crema), we always returned to the original recipe — and the particle distribution curves confirmed both the sensory consistency and the repeatability of the brews.
The only criticism that remains is the scaling: Small adjustments (0.5 mark) result in noticeable extraction differences, sometimes 2–3 seconds. A finer gradation would be desirable.
Particle distribution: Impressive for the price
With an X50 value of 252 µm (espresso) and a fines content of 31%, the Gen2 performs at the level of significantly more expensive grinders. The main peaks are narrow, the distribution 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 class
- 86.8 dB: clearly on the loud side, but not irritatingly shrill
- Thermally stable: even with multiple grinds, minimal heating of the grinder and grounds
Plus: The grinder is robust, stands firmly, feels premium. Only the rubber elements of the holder continue to feel cheap and fall off with intensive use.
Conclusion: The successor has delivered
The DF64 Gen2 is a clear step forward from the first version. The manufacturer has taken feedback, improved details, and elevated the grinder to a new level. In the price range around 450 €, it's hard to beat.
It remains the grinder for ambitious home baristas who want maximum control with minimal retention — and now with a noticeable boost in comfort, consistency, and build quality.
