Review of The DF64 Gen 2 Grinder: A Game-Changer for Home Espresso
Hi, guys. This is Kevin Marshal, your espresso expert, and we’re going to speak about one of the most popular coffee grinders right now the DF64 Gen 2. You’ve probably noticed the buzz if you’ve been on coffee forums or seen gear reviews on YouTube lately.
Let me be clear the DF64 Gen 2 isn’t just a refresh; it’s a big step forward for making single-dose espresso at home. This grinder seems like it was made by listening to the community, from its burr modifications to its anti-popcorning technology and better workflow.
I’m going to go over everything in this review: what’s new in the DF64 Gen 2, how it works in real life, and whether it really holds up in the grinder market or not.
Product Rating | Pros & Cons | Product Image | |
DF64 Gen 2 Grinder |
|  |
Table of Contents
- Summary Review:
- Unboxing and First Impressions
- Build Quality and Changes in Design
- Burr Options and Performance
- Features:
- Brew Tests:
- Real-life Workflow & User Experience
- Cleaning and upkeep
- Comparison: DF64V Vs DF64 Gen 2
- DF64 Gen 2 Vs DF83 Vs Fellow Opus Vs Niche Zero
- Pros and Cons:
- Final Verdict:
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 1) Is the DF64 Gen 2 good for beginners?
- 2) The DF64 Gen2 is loud?
- 3) Does it come with SSP burrs?
- 4) Can it grind for cold brew or French press?
- 5) What’s the best use of DF64 Gen 2?
- Share this:
- Like this:
Summary Review:
The DF64 Gen 2 is a single-dose flat burr coffee grinder made for people who adore Socio and filter coffee enthusiasts who demand accuracy without spending a lot of money. It is the next version of the original DF64, a grinder that became quite popular since it was cheap, small, and had high-end burr capabilities.
The Gen 2 has a lot of smart changes that make it easier to use, better in efficiency, burr alignment, and retention. It preserves the simple, no-fuss style but makes practically everything else better.
Unboxing and First Impressions
It is available in 2 colours: Glossy White and Black. I had purchased a black model. The Gen 2 feels more polished right out of the box. The body is still made of aluminium, but the polish is smoother and more even. The power switch has been moved to the front, where it is easier to reach. This is a little but very welcome adjustment.
What comes in the box:
- DF64 Gen 2 Grinder Unit
- 58mm Dosing Cup
- Metal Hopper Cap with Anti-popcorn Insert
- Brush
- Bellows
- User Guide
The packaging that comes from Amazon is nice and safe. No extras, just the basics. And that’s one of the things that makes the DF64 so appealing.
Build Quality and Changes in Design
The DF64 Gen 2 has the same basic shape and sleek, industrial look as the first one. It fits in any home bar and feels professional because it is so strong. So, what are the changes in this Gen2?
The new declumper system is included to cut down on static and reduce retention, and it does work pretty well.
Improved Area of Gen2 Model:
- A better declumper means less retention
- Front power switch for better ergonomics
- Anti-popcorning incorporated into the new metal lid
- Better adjustment collar with clearer indications
Burr Options and Performance
The DF64 Gen 2 comes with 64mm stainless steel burrs produced in Italy, but what makes it interesting is that you can upgrade it. It supports:
- SSP High Uniformity Burrs (for espresso)
- SSP MP Burrs (for many uses)
- Mazzer 64mm Burrs
I tried mine with both stock and SSP HU (high uniformity) burrs, and let me tell you, there is a big difference. You get insane clarity and a far more even distribution of particles using SSPs.
The stock burrs, on the other hand, still work well. They are well-balanced and forgiving, making them great for medium to dark espresso roasts.
Features:
Single Dose Workflow
Stop using hoppers. The DF64 is suited for single dosage. Simply weigh your beans, put them in, grind them, and then use the bellows to blow out the chamber.
Low Retention
I’m getting less than 0.2 gm retention all the time now that I have the new declumper and bellow system. That’s great.
No Steps Needed
The adjustment dial does not need any clicks, so it goes on forever. You can make little changes effortlessly which is great for dialling in espresso.
Lid that Doesn’t Pop
This fixes a big problem in the first generation. Now, when you grind lighter beans, they don’t bounce around or stop.
Brew Tests:
Coffee
It was quite satisfying to dial in a light roast espresso using the SSP HU burrs. I was blown away by how clear and delicious an Ethiopian natural was.
The grinder works the same way every time. I could dial in within one or two shots, which is something that even more costly grinders don’t always do.
Pour Over
The MP burrs work great for pour-over or Aeropress. Sweet, clean cups with little muddiness. It’s more than simply a coffee grinder.
Real-life Workflow & User Experience
Let’s speak about how to use it in real life. The DF64 Gen2 is:
- Not too loud
- Small (fits neatly under cabinets)
- Quick (grinds 18g in about 10 seconds)
- Easy to clean (the front takes off)
Kevin’s Marking: It takes some time to get used to the stepless adjustment ring. You should keep note of your settings for each way you make coffee.
Cleaning and upkeep
Cleaning on a regular basis is easy:
- Take off the top collar
- Brush out the burrs
- Use bellows to blow out the retention
I suggest doing a full cleaning every few weeks. Take out the burr carrier and scrub the chute. Also, No strange tools or screws are needed. Very easy to use.
Comparison: DF64V Vs DF64 Gen 2
| Feature | DFG4 Gen1 | DF64 Gen2 |
| Declumper | Basic, clogs often | Improved, less mess |
| Adjustment Dial | Loose Markings | Clearer and Tighter |
| Retention | 0.5g | 0.1g to 0.2g |
| Popcorning Fix | None | Built-in anti pop lid |
| Power Switch | Rear | Front mounted |
DF64 Gen 2 Vs DF83 Vs Fellow Opus Vs Niche Zero
| Feature | DF64 Gen 2 | Fellow Opus | Niche Zero | Turin DF83 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burr Type | 64mm Flat (Stainless Steel / SSP-compatible) | 40mm Conical (All-purpose) | 63mm Conical (Mazzer-style) | 83mm Flat (High-volume steel) |
| Grind Range | Espresso to Pour-over | Filter to Light Espresso | Espresso to Filter | Espresso to Pour-over |
| Adjustment Type | Stepless (Precise dial-in) | Stepped (41-clicks ring) | Stepless | Stepless |
| Retention | 0.1g to 0.2g (very low) | 0.5g (moderate) | 0.3g (low) | 0.2g (low) |
| Motor Power | 250W | 140W | 330W | 550W |
| RPM | 1400 RPM | 350 RPM | 330 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Dosing Style | Single Dose with Bellows | Single Dose with Load Bin | Single Dose with Hopper | Single Dose with Bellows |
| Noise Level | Moderate (75 dB) | Quiet (65 dB) | Very Quiet (60 dB) | Moderate (75 dB) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 5.2″ x 12″ x 10″ | 5.1″ x 8.3″ x 10.4″ | 4.8″ x 12.4″ x 8.3″ | 7.6″ x 17.5″ x 10.2″ |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) | 4.4 lbs (2 kg) | 9.4 lbs (4.3 kg) | 19.8 lbs (9 kg) |
| Best For | Prosumer espresso lovers | Filter-first beginners | Quiet & simple espresso use | High-volume & café-level use |
| Burr Upgrade Option | Yes (SSP burrs supported) | No | No | Yes (SSP & Italmill burrs) |
| Price | $399 – $450 | $195 – $225 | $675 – $750 | $650 – $750 |
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Great performance for the price
- Compatible with SSP burr
- Low retention (around 0.1g)
- Small size
- Works for both espresso and filter
- Better declumper and workflow than Gen 1
Cons:
- For beginners, the stepless dial can be hard to understand
- It’s still a little messy without a dosing funnel
- The bellows are necessary but seem like they were made by hand
Final Verdict:
The DF64 Gen 2 is the best grinder I can think of right now for people who love making espresso at home and want serious performance without spending more than $500.
It isn’t the perfect one, but it does have: Burrs that can be upgraded and almost no retention.
And maybe most importantly, it ‘feels made for us’. People who brew with purpose every morning, worry about extraction, and love getting that perfect shot.
If that’s you? Put the DF64 Gen 2 on your counter.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Is the DF64 Gen 2 good for beginners?
It’s better for people who are already familiar with it, but newcomers who are willing to put in the effort can learn on it.
2) The DF64 Gen2 is loud?
It’s quieter than other flat burr grinders, but not completely silent.
3) Does it come with SSP burrs?
No, they are offered individually. You have to buy it from Amazon or another seller.
4) Can it grind for cold brew or French press?
Yes, with the correct burrs and settings, it can do that job smoothly. It’s really flexible.
5) What’s the best use of DF64 Gen 2?
Single-dose espresso and pour-over.
Kevin Marshal is the founder and primary writer for Espressomachinewizard.com. His passion for rich, high-quality espresso began during a semester abroad in Italy more than 15 years ago. What began as a pleasant daily practice quickly evolved into an obsession with perfecting espresso at home.
Kevin has spent years researching espresso machines, tasting beans from renowned roasters, and experimenting with various brewing methods. His objective is to help others understand the often-overwhelming world of home espresso. Kevin's goal is to make cafe-quality espresso available to everyone, from machine recommendations to shot-making advice.
Kevin lives in San Francisco, California with his wife, kid, and two rescue dogs, all of whom have refined preferences in espresso drinks!
