The DF83 V2 from G-Iota, also known as Turin DF83 V2, positions itself as a top candidate in the segment of single dosing espresso grinders for home use in the under 1000 euro range.
Single dosing has become indispensable in many households since the success of the Niche Zero. G-Iota already placed its own good single dosing grinder in the lowest price segment with the DF64. The DF83 V is intended to build on this success and could end the success streak of the Niche Zero with its performance. Because what the DF83 V2 has to offer is really good in terms of 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 bought the grinder from the Bean Dealer*. That is the importer for the German and Austrian market. Unfortunately, the grinder is currently not available in Switzerland.
We compared 10 single dosing grinders in the price range of 500 to 1000 euros. More information 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, which reflects its solid construction, it is compact yet striking on any kitchen counter. Noticeable is the power cable that runs out to the side, which can really be annoying. It is inexplicable why the manufacturer routes the cable to the side.
With 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, on many espresso machines the steam wand is on the left, and in that case we would explicitly not recommend it if milk frothing is frequent. The steam from frothing affects the grinding behavior of the beans, at least when they are in the bean hopper. With single dosing grinders this may be negligible.
As with the G-Iota DF64, the permanent lighting of the grinding 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 driven by a single-phase asynchronous motor that, at a speed of 1400 rpm, achieves an impressive grinding performance of 35.6 grams in 10 seconds. The 83mm Italmill grinding discs provide uniform and fluffy ground coffee. The option to upgrade to titanium or SSP universal grinding discs offers additional flexibility.
At this speed, the grinder is one of the fastest espresso grinders we have tested to date. With this speed, it is generally also suitable for commercial use, although a fast single dosing workflow in gastronomy is difficult to manage. The DF83 does come with a bean hopper - but the question remains: what for?
After all, no grinding time can be programmed and therefore no amount can be set. But if you want to quickly grind 250 grams for your neighbor, you can do that with the grinder thanks to its speed.
Noise Level and retention
The noise level of the grinder is 85.2 decibels, which is in the higher range. This is a consequence of high grinding performance, speed, and motor power.
The retention when filled is 1.6 grams, but when the blow-out valve is activated it grinds down to 0.11 grams quite well. In the context of the Home Barista Championship, the "Björn Method" proved to be the best blow-out valve method. It involves pressing the blow-out valve at high frequency but with less force.
During grinding, the temperature of the grinder rises over 6 pulls with 30 seconds between grindings only slightly. We measured an increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius to an extremely low average of 29.5 degrees Celsius.
Grind Setting Adjustment and Usability
The espresso grinder is reduced to the essentials. Essentially there is only one (illuminated) button to start the grinder. The grinding time cannot be programmed. Single dosing grinders work according to a different principle. The coffee is weighed, put into the grinder, and ground completely.
The grind setting repeatability was not good in the particle analysis comparison, which Michel and Benjamin also discuss accordingly in the video. In practice, however, we had fewer difficulties returning the grinder to the recipe setting than the particle distribution analysis suggests.
Important: in the video we accidentally display the particle curve of the grinder with the abbreviation M50. This is the G-Iota DF64V, not the DF83. However, the explanation in the video refers to the DF83 data.
The large grind range 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 make handling the ground coffee easier. The blow-out funnel has a constriction that also reduces popcorning - the bouncing of beans during grinding.
To support single dosing, the grinder comes with two practical aids. The aluminum dosing cup is one of them. It fits flush on 58mm portafilters and can be secured in 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 just as precisely into the portafilter. The portafilter holder is well-made, although the rubber coatings are weak points and do not last as long as the holder itself. And without the rubber covers, the portafilter no longer sits well. Unfortunately, some coffee powder accumulates on the inner edge of the dosing ring. This is missing from the portafilter, but is very little, yet must be wiped regularly.
A small water spray bottle is also included. This reduces the static charge of the ground coffee, which is pronounced in this DF83 model as well. We discuss this topic as well as the flapper issue extensively in our test video.
Espresso Quality and Particle Distribution
The DF83 V2 exhibits a narrow main peak with a relatively high fine portion. The narrow main peak can be read as evidence of a cup result that we found again and again in our pulls. The espressos tasted clear and transparent and the complexity of the coffees showed itself positively, for example much more pronounced than what 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 fine portion.
In summary, it can be said that the espresso we pulled with the DF83 tasted good to us again and again.
Points of Criticism
The DF83 V2 does many things right. In some places, however, it misses important opportunities for further development. Unfortunately, the manufacturer did not take up all impulses from the community, so static is also a problem with this model, clogging behind the flapper is not uncommon (which is why we removed ours), and the placement of the side cable is getting used to.
Also, the grind setting adjustment is not easily visible from the front for people in wheelchairs, as it is located on the grinder.
The RDT water spray bottle is included and that is a nice gesture from the manufacturer. In terms of quality, however, it falls well 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 that is particularly 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.
In particular, with the difficult import situation and hidden costs from customs and VAT, the Niche Zero has fallen behind as a similarly performing single dosing grinder. What the DF83 V2 also does significantly better is the mounting of portafilter and dosing cup. This is a real added value, allows clean and precise work, and brings great joy in everyday use.
Our DF83 V2 will have a permanent place in our academy routine and we are already looking forward to further tests and comparisons with other grinding discs and a more in-depth analysis of filter coffee performance. At least this much: yes, the grind range also covers filter coffee and the filter coffees we have had so far have also pleased us. More on this in one of the next videos and then also with a written supplement.
*This is a commission link. If you order through this link, it won't cost you any more. However, we receive a small commission. This helps us buy more test material and publish new tests. Thanks in advance! We also refer here to a shop that we know well and from which we know that it provides good service.
