The DF64V is a special edition of the DF64 that was also launched in German-speaking markets under the name G-Iota. The wider version without the V impressed us in our test in many respects, and especially convinced us in repeat tests with SSP burrs. The DF64V builds on the original single dosing grinder in many ways, improves some things, but in some areas has not learned enough from market feedback. Nevertheless, we are testing another good espresso grinder with the DF64, as our video test shows.
We compared 10 single dosing grinders in the price range of 500 to 1000 euros. Read more about this in our article on the topic.
High quality at a good price
The DF64v is a compact espresso grinder that is really narrow with a width of just 11 cm. At 20.8 cm deep and 33.5 cm high, the grinder is an elegant representative of its kind. The grinder feels very high-quality overall. The exterior is smooth, no sharp edges stand out, and the wooden elements as a cover and stand base fit in well. Despite its low weight of just 4.3 kg, the grinder stands solidly on the table.
The DF64V is equipped with a 64 mm flat burr set. Standard burrs were used in our test. Commercially available alternative burrs from SSP can be used. However, as our test showed, the installed burrs are already capable of achieving good particle distribution.
At just under 600 euros, the grinder is available in the German-speaking market*, which makes it an interesting choice.
Operation and function of the single dosing grinder
The wave of single dosing grinders is continuing to sweep through the home barista corners of the world. The DF64V joins a series of interesting single dosing grinders. The principle is simple and ingenious. The amount of coffee to be used for brewing is weighed by hand in a dosing cup. This coffee is put into the grinder and ground through. The coffee does not age in the bean hopper, and you can switch from one coffee to another.
Like many other single dosing grinders, the DF64 is also slightly tilted forward to help ensure that the coffee grounds are completely ground out. The best single dosing grinders achieve this with almost no residue. With the DF64V, a residue of 0.7 grams remains in the retention chamber. For a good single dosing grinder, that would be too much. However, the bellows help remedy this. With a few strong pushes during grinding, the ground coffee is removed from the retention chamber. If we work consistently here, we achieve a standard deviation of 0.08 grams between shots. A very good value!
In the permanent retention chamber there are 1.6 grams of coffee, which does not get replaced from grinding to grinding. But where does the 0.7 grams of ground coffee get stuck? There is a culprit. The narrow chute of the DF64V. This is not only narrow, but also has a fairly massive burr breaker. However, the combination of burr breaker, narrow chute opening, and static are a combination on the DF64V that leads to problems without targeted countermeasures!
Spray or static
The static buildup of the DF64V is so massive that it is barely possible to get the coffee into the raised dosing cup. We didn't even use coffees that tend to have strong static buildup. The grinder's manufacturers recognized the problem themselves and therefore already send a small spray bottle. Just a few drops of water change the grinder's complete performance. Suddenly it grinds smoothly, and if the bellows are also used, the retention chamber is reduced to the aforementioned 0.08 grams between shots.
Without spray - we have to say it clearly - the DF64V is actually not usable in our view.
Medium fast, rather loud
The DF64V reaches a volume of 81.6 decibels at maximum RPM and is thus one of the louder grinders. The speed achieved is 19.2 grams of coffee at espresso setting with our test coffee. The temperature increase of 0.9 degrees Celsius over 6 shots is not significant and averages 32.4 degrees Celsius. There is no risk of excessive heat exposure to the coffee.
Burr setting and recipes
Although a small change to the stepless burr adjustment ring already has a major impact on the effective burr setting, we had no problem switching from espresso to café crème and back to the original burr setting through ristretto in our test. Both the extraction parameters and particle distribution were identical afterwards.
Particle distribution DF64V
The particle distribution of the DF64V indicates everything that tastes good to us in espresso in the cup. We have a relatively narrow main peak of only 196 microns. This supports the clarity of the aroma and is countered in the case of the DF64V by a rather high fines content of 27%. A higher fines content supports the texture and body of the espresso to a certain extent.
The espressos we pulled with the help of the DF64V were clear, had good body, and reproduced the expected flavor profile of the coffees used well.
Conclusion on the DF64V
With the help of water spray and pumping, the DF64V is a good grinder, especially in terms of taste. However, the home barista has to do something for this (spray water) and also pump the residue out of the machine. This is not necessary with other single dosing grinders.
We think: for the price, the DF64V could do better here. However, if you are already used to the single dosing process, you may not mind that the DF64 doesn't work without it.
Note: The DF64V was designed with adjustable RPM. We have tested performance at faster and slower speeds with other grinders in the past and found better results at high speeds when brewing espresso. Therefore, slower speeds were not extensively tested in the case of the DF64V. However, the espressos we pulled confirmed our previous experience.
For brewing filter coffee, we recommend reducing the RPM.
* Affiliate link: If you order via this link, it doesn't cost you more, but we receive a small commission. Thanks for that. We invest it in the purchase of further test material.
