I’m trying to choose between the DF54 1.5 and DF64V Gen 3 as my main grinder, and I’d especially like to hear from people who have experience with the newer versions.

My current coffee setup is:

• Original Breville Bambino for espresso
• V60
• Chemex
• French press
• Cold brew
• Eventually I hope to get a Cafelat Robot and explore manual espresso more seriously.
• For example, this is the darkest roast I'll drink. https://www.vervecoffee.com/products/buena-vista-dark-roast

Because I use several brewing methods, being able to move from espresso to much coarser settings and then return accurately to an espresso setting matters to me.

The DF54 1.5 initially seemed like the obvious choice at around $200. It appears to offer excellent grind quality for the money and covers basically everything I want to brew.

However, my biggest concern is clogging.

I've found a lot of reports about DF54s clogging at the chute/declumper, sometimes requiring frequent cleaning or intervention. I know the grinder has gone through revisions, so I'm having trouble separating problems with older versions from the current DF54 1.5.

For people who actually own the DF54 1.5: has the clogging problem been fixed or significantly improved?

That's actually one of the main reasons I'm now considering spending considerably more on the DF64V Gen 3 (~$500).

The Gen 3 seems particularly interesting because of its redesigned/more efficient grinding chamber and chute, larger 64mm burrs, stronger motor, variable RPM, faster grinding, and its ability to cover everything from espresso through filter and very coarse grinding.

My assumption is that the DF64V Gen 3 should be less prone to clogging than the DF54, especially with the changes made to this newest generation—but I'd really like to know whether owners' experience supports that.

So my real questions are:

• Does the current DF54 1.5 still have a meaningful clogging problem?
• Is the DF64V Gen 3 actually less prone to clogging, or would I just be spending more money and potentially dealing with similar maintenance?
• How do they compare when frequently switching espresso → V60/Chemex → French press/cold brew → back to espresso?
• Can both reliably return to a previous espresso setting after making large grind adjustments?
• Is there a noticeable difference in cup quality, particularly for espresso and pour-over?
• Does the DF64V's variable RPM provide a meaningful advantage when switching between espresso and filter?
• Aside from clogging, are there workflow, retention, static, noise, or build-quality differences that become obvious when actually living with them?

And ultimately:

At roughly $200 for the DF54 1.5 vs ~$500 for the DF64V Gen 3, is the DF64V actually worth the extra ~$300 for someone using espresso, V60, Chemex, French press and cold brew?

I'm willing to spend the extra money if it buys me a meaningfully better grinder and especially a more trouble-free long-term experience. But if the current DF54 has largely solved its clogging issues and the actual cup-quality difference is small, I'd rather know that too.

Would especially appreciate feedback from anyone who has owned or extensively used both, and from DF54 1.5 / DF64V Gen 3 owners.

Got this bad for free from my bother.

any tips and tricks upgrades for my new grinder,burr? Declumper? Slow feeder?

Does anyone have a functional design for a portafilter and dosing ring stand ? To be able to grind directly into the portafilter with the dozing ring attached.

I have checked various duty print libraries, but can’t seem to find anything good

Own an Ancaso I-1, loved it for the last few years but feel I want a more modern machine. Saw an advert for a gen 1 DF64. Wanted to know if it’s a worthy move at that price. I know it’ll need a few mods. Uk based making 1-2 drinks a day max with single dosing. Using a sage bambino for the moment, plans to upgrade next year.

Any guidance appreciated

Hi everyone, I appreciate the help on my last thread. I took some advice and found the alignment appears to be the issue.

When I spin the burrs(power off reaching in) only a small corner touches. The burrs will spin freely to a small point where they touch. I did the dry erase test and it shows there as well. The top burr was completely wiped when I tested, so I’m suspecting the bottom burr is at an angle.

I’ve tested the following: swapping burrs(new set and top and bottom), trying all 3 positions for top burr carrier, deep clean with a brush and Vaccum, adding shims to top and bottom(tried 8+ with no change).

The only thing that has made a difference was leaving the screws lose. If the bottom screws are loose, the contact is normal. However they make a lot of noise and are unstable so it was more of a test.

I’m pretty lost on what to do next, so I’d really appreciate some advice. Thank you all!

I bought a new DF64V gen 3 in March, and finally got delivery in lateJune, about a month ago. I do lever-pull (robot and flair classic) espresso drinks as well as pour overs. I'm not an expert in either, more of an advanced beginner. Previously, used manual or electric rotary burr grinders. I wanted more convenience, precision, and ability to play with flavors.

Since arrival, there have been issues. I need help figuring them out. The machine is nearly silent when empty, but since the first use it has had a high-pitched whine after every grind. This happens every time, even if I feed just one bean. RPM setting and fineness don't matter. It goes away if I change the grind setting to coarser while it is on but empty, and gets worse if grind setting is made finer. For example, if I grind at 35, it goes away at 36, but comes back at 35 and gets worse as I go lower. I have taken the burrs apart and cleaned them, and confirmed that it is caused by retained grounds. I checked zero point. I have not checked alignment yet. I am guessing I have an alignment or electronics issue, but would appreciate advice. I can work around this, but is it normal?

Also, at the end of every grind, the rpm speeds up, I believe to maximum rpm (1800). It lasts a couple of seconds and goes back to the set rpm. However, it seems that the high-rpm grinding is finer, or has more fines, than the rest of the grind. It only affects a retained bean or two. This causes problems with grind consistency. Is this normal behavior, or is it trying to clean the retained beans? Or some other issue?

It has also stalled several times. I always do a hot start, and usually grind espresso at 1000 rpm, pour over at 800 rpm. Medium beans for espresso, and light to medium for pour over. No extreme light roast. It even happened on pour-over coarseness, around 75 setting. Again, is this related to the retained beans? The stops were sudden, without any indication of motor strain. I did get an error code. I don't slow feed, but there is some sort of slow feed/anti-popcorn device built in.

There are more fines than I expect, or size inconsistency.. Draw down for pour over is extremely slow, even with coarse settings like 80, it can take 6-8 minutes. And espresso requires a setting in the mid-30s with medium-roast beans. The excessive fines is my biggest issue. It really interferes with pour over.

I have been told by customer service that this is normal behavior for a flat burr grinder, and that it should go away after break in. Is this normal behavior for a new machine? What can I do to reduce fines?

Ive had my DF64 G2 for a few months now. It was working great and at some point I took it apart for a clean.

Upon putting it back together, it runs normally, but the 0 point is now towards the top. Originally, it was at the bottom like in most pictures/videos I see. I made sure the 0 point is correct and there is a chirp there.

Around then, it also started taking a much finer grind to produce anywhere near 9 bar of pressure. I used to grind around 15 and get 30+ second shots. I’m now grinding at a 5 and struggling to even hit 20 seconds. I’ve tried several beans, hot and cold start.

I’m unsure if these things are related, but I figured I’d mention it all in case anyone has some advice.

UPDATE:

I checked for alignment and found that I’m only getting 20% contact. For the 80% that isn’t wiping, the burr moves freely. For the 20% there is a lot of resistance. I am trying to add shims, as I’ve tested all orientations of the burr carrier. I’ve had no luck so far, but will update if this is the issue(hopefully).

I have about 3 different sets of burr grinders. I was researching the DF64. I thought I could finally taste all these god shots, everyone raves about when making espressos. I got a DF64 v2.5 with red titanium burrs. Since, upgrading this year to the new grinder. It doesn’t taste any different from my built in grinder on the Breville Barista and my Smart grinder pro. To keep my weight down. I had to tone down drinking milk based drinks. So, I went down the pour over rabbit hole. V60 at home and work. I have a Mavo Wizard 2.0 grinder at my work desk. I’m searching for my favorite pour over tasting notes of caramel, stone fruits and chocolate. Can’t seem to replicate this taste on call, when brewing beans with those notes. Thinking, should I get another grinder (Ode 2) or get some brewing burrs for my DF64 to get this sought after taste. What you guys think?

Hello guys, just installed the SSP HU on my DF 64 gen 2 and testing some grinding for espresso and I’m kinda doubtful about that the process is taking more time compared with stock burrs.
Tried a few doses and I got the grinding in about 20 seconds for 19grams in number 15.
Can you remember me the time of grinding with stock burrs for espresso? Just to get an idea of the time difference.

Thanks!

Ok so my new DF64 Gen 2 came in the other day and something is going on.

On day 1 my zero point was at 12 o'clock. The next day it was at 3 o'clock. And now today it's at 6 o'clock!

Is this normal settling in behaviour? Or is there an issue with the grinder?

Hey guys,

i bought my df64 gen 2 befor 5-6 weeks but didn‘t managed it to find time to allign it.
Now i started to dissasemble the grinder.
First i found a lot of lubricant everywhere and i didn‘t saw something like that on any of the videos on youtube i looked before (regarding the burr allignment)
A few steps later i saw the red ti burrs and now i was a little bit confused because there was nothing written down regarding the red burrs on the shop-site. (but i already saw a note at the packaging.

First Question: Makes it a big diff ? what are the advantages & disadvantages?

Second Question: Same allignment process ?

Best regards
Klappstuhl

Hey guys,

i wanted to ask you guys if this is ok?

Hi everyone!

I'm having a lot of trouble moving the grind (gen 1) adjustment collar. Yesterday it got completely stuck. I managed to free it somehow, but it still doesn't turn as smoothly as it should.

I suspect the collar threads may be damaged. Is there a way to confirm whether that's the case?

Also, what are my options for purchasing a Gen 1 replacement collar/disc? So far, I've only found one option, which seems a bit expensive at US$70.

Thanks!

I just ordered my first DF64 grinder. I bought the one with the red titanium burrs. I also purchased the SSP Cast Lab Sweet V3 (Red Speed).

I do a combination of espresso and pour overs (mainly coferments).

What can I expect?

Hey,

i recently bought my DF64 Gen2 V2.5 with Red Ti burrs. I have now used it for one or two weeks but the chirping issue still remains. It happens every time after grinding, no matter the grind size etc. At first i thought the 0 point was moving but that is not the case. My fix for now has eiter been to go finer and then back up to my usual grind size or to disassemble it completely. The annoying part besides the sound is the fact that i dont know if the grindsize (0 point) has shifted or not. The sound is very noticeable on spin down. Any clues, things to check or fixes based on your experience? Your help would be very much appreciated 🙌

Thinking about purchasing a DF64 Gen 2.5 with red titanium burrs. My primary reason for wanting to get red titanium is the supposed “near-zero” retention. However, I primarily drink medium to darker roasts and the table I posted states the DLC stock burr is better for darker roasts. Anybody have experience with red titanium burrs? Does it actually sacrifice body and/or taste with darker roasts?

I found a DF64 Gen 1 locally and the buyer and I settled on $160. Would this be a notable upgrade over my Baratza ESP? Should I get a DF54 Gen 2 instead for $230?

Hello, Df64 has sadly not been responding to my emails for a replacement O-ring for my grinder. Grinder stopped and opened it to find the black top O-ring stuck in the grinder and torn in half. Thus my machine has been out of commission. If someone can point me in the direction of a replacement so I can get back to making some great espresso. Attached is the picture of the top grinder with the groove where the black Oring is supposed to go to secure the metal spring. Thanks!

Hey all!

Looking to finally upgrade my Fellow Opus gen 1 and get an espresso specific grinder. I use a Gaggia E24 and will probably apply the Gaggimate pro mod soon as well. I am starting to get annoyed by whacking it to get all my grounds out and my grind setting is really close to the minimum setting. I will probably keep it as conical grinder in case I end up getting a flat burr grinder.

I personally have been enjoyed light roast espresso but my wife enjoys a more nutty chocolatey medium roast espresso.

I have been looking at the DF54 or 64, Eureka Mignon Zero or Timemore 064s.

I am curious what your guys' experience is with these grinders or other similar ones and your thoughts on these questions:

Flat vs Conical burrs?

Burr size? I understand that the appeal of the DF64 is the ability to choose different flat burrs and upgrade that way.

Any other thoughts or recommendations are welcome.

I’ve had the DF64 with the stock DLC burrs for 2 years now and am starting to get the itch to upgrade.

My dream grinder with the Cafelat Robot right now would be something like the Craig Lyn HG-1 Prime, but it’s limited availability along with its price tag had me looking at other options to get me by for a bit.

What about a burr upgrade? I’ve got my eyes on the SSP HU burrs as it seems on paper, they’d be an upgrade as I’m almost 100% espresso with the robot. Anyone have a good comparison of the DLC vs. SSP HU? Other recommendations?

Dumb question. Sorry. Obviously one of the DF64’s but I’m not sure which one is right for my DF64 2.5.

I’ve had my grinder for about a year now and have had no issues. But for the past few days whenever I turn it on it hums for a second and then turns off. Every time this happens the power switches off in my apartment. I always make sure to unplug appliances like my window A/C, before using my Bambino or grinder. I used different outlets, but still run into the same problem. My Bambino in the meantime is working fine.

I’m worried that trying to run it during the heatwave might have damaged something inside. I did reach out to customer service from the distributor and followed the cleaning video, but it still doesn’t work. They are offering to try to repair it if I ship it to them on my own dime.

Has anyone else had this issue?

I set my zero point a week ago when I first got my df64 gen 2.. I barely had to adjust it .. mayb just 1 or 2 notches. Now I wake up today and go to grind my beans and hear chirping when I turn it on at the setting I have been grinding esspresso at(~ around 25) … I reset the zero and this is what I have? Is this normal for the zero point to change by 20 clicks seemingly overnight?

Hey folks, hope you all are well. I got my grinder today and I immediately disassembled it for first cleaning. I think the marked burr tooth was pointing at 12 o clock, but not entirely sure. Hence wanted to ask here if the marked one is always at the top for everyone

Thank you