The DF83 V2 from G-Iota, also known as Turin DF83 V2, positions itself as a top contender 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. With the DF64, G-Iota already placed its own good single dosing grinder in the lowest price segment. The DF83 V is intended to build on this success and with its performance could end the successful course of the Niche Zero. 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 purchased the grinder from the Bohnendealer*. 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 500 to 1000 euro price range. More on this in our article on the subject.
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 present on any kitchen counter. Striking is the power cable routed 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, with many espresso machines the steam wand is on the left, and then we explicitly do not recommend this if milk is frothed frequently. The steam from frothing affects the grinding behavior of the beans, at least if 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 should 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 that achieves an impressive grinding capacity of 35.6 grams in 10 seconds at a speed of 1400 rpm. The 83mm Italmill burrs deliver uniform and fluffy ground coffee. The ability to upgrade to titanium or SSP universal burrs offers additional flexibility.
At this speed, the grinder is one of the fastest espresso grinders we have tested so far. With this speed, it is generally suitable for commercial use as well, although a fast single dosing workflow in a commercial setting is difficult to implement. The DF83 does come with a bean hopper - but the question remains what it's for?
After all, no grind time can be programmed and therefore no quantity. But if you want to quickly grind 250 grams for your neighbor, you can do it with this grinder at its speed in principle.
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 capacity, speed, and motor power.
The retention, when filled, is 1.6 grams, but when the blower is operated it is ground down nicely to 0.11 grams. In the Home Barista Championship, the "Björn method" has proven to be the best blower method. It involves pressing the blower at high frequency but with less force.
During grinding, the temperature of the grinder rises only insignificantly over 6 extractions with 30 seconds between grindings each. We measured an increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius to an extremely low average of 29.5 degrees Celsius.
Grind Adjustment and Usability
The espresso grinder is reduced to the bare essentials. Essentially there is only the one (illuminated) button with which to start the grinder. Grind time cannot be programmed. Single dosing grinders work on a different principle anyway. The coffee is weighed, put into the grinder, and ground completely.
The grind repeatability was not good in the particle analysis comparison, which Michel and Benjamin also discuss accordingly 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 of the grinder with the abbreviation M50. This is the G-Iota DF64V, not the DF83. However, the content 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 simultaneously reduces popcorning. This refers to beans jumping during grinding.
To support single dosing, the grinder has two practical aids included. The aluminum dosing cup is one of them. It fits flush on 58mm portafilters 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 then grinds just as precisely into the portafilter. The portafilter holder is well-made, although the rubber covers are weak points and don't last as long as the holder itself. And without the rubber covers, the portafilter doesn't sit well anymore. Unfortunately, some coffee powder collects on the inner edge of the dosing ring. This is missing from the portafilter, but is very little, though it needs to be wiped off regularly.
A small water sprayer 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 extensively, as well as the flapper issue, in our test video.
Espresso Quality and Particle Distribution
The DF83 V2 has a narrow main peak with a relatively high fine content. The narrow main peak can be read as evidence of a cup result that we found again and again in our extractions. The espressos tasted clear and transparent, and the complexity of the coffees showed itself 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 fine content.
In summary, 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 development opportunities. Unfortunately, the manufacturer did not take all community feedback into account, so static is still 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 takes some getting used to.
Also, the grind adjustment 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 and that is a nice gesture from the manufacturer. In terms of quality, however, 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 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 range and offers a strong performance package for this price.
Particularly 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 does significantly better is the suspension of portafilter and dosing cup. This is real added value, allows for 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 burrs and an in-depth analysis of filter coffee performance. At least one thing to say: yes, the grind range also covers filter coffee, and the filter coffees we have had so far, we also enjoyed. More on this in one of our 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 to buy further 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.
