DF64P

KyleT

Hi,

Just wanted to give my opinions on the new DF64P. I have been using it for a few weeks but haven’t seen much talk on the forums or many reviews tbh.

Pros
- Looks great imo. I like the wood accents and the Matt black finish
- build quality feels great, very sturdy and well put together out of the box
- retention is superb. I do use RDT and bellows but check the pictures below to see how little retention there was after a few kilos had been through the grinder
- speed of grind and noise (when comparing to my previous grinder)
- plenty of accessories including dose cup, brush, dose funnel plus spare rubber grips for portafilter holder

Cons
- the adjustment isn’t good. It doesn’t feel nice to adjust and I never feel confident when making an adjustment to dial in. Also, why, why, why not have the small little adjustment lever slightly longer so that it is closer to the numbers and in a pointed shape rather than square.
- you need to use RDT and bellows
- even with RDT and bellows you will get some static and loose grounds stuck on the grinder
- anti popcorning accessory is separate from the bellows and adds another 7-8cm in height if fitted
- dosing cup is cheap plastic. Metal would have been better
- portafilter slips out of holder if left unattended

Overall I really enjoy using the grinder. I’ve always steered clear of grinders that require bellows as they always look ugly and out of place almost like and after thought, but honestly I think the bellows look ok with this grinder and I enjoy using them too. Plus with such a low retention when using them it’s win win. It’s also nice to try another flat burr grinder again as most of my previous grinders have been conical burr sets and I didn’t fancy trying another Mignon as I am not to keen on them. I think the only real annoyance is the grind size adjustment, I know the original DF64 community were great at coming up with solutions to issues with the grinders so maybe that is one they will solve one day. Overall I’d recommend the grinder to anyone looking for an espresso based grinder.

tompoland

KyleT the adjustment isn’t good.

I think that’s the one feature I’ve come to want more and more in a grinder. Make it easy to be precise and predictable. This is where the Niche trumps most other grinders. Nice big collar to turn and very clear numbers and points in between.

KyleT

tompoland

I agree, why they had to take this approach to adjustment on the DF64P/E is beyond me when they already had a decent adjustment on the original DF64 which they also used on the DF83!

Cuprajake

It’s hard with flat grinders as the gap between the burrs alters the grind so much it’s only a small movement

One thing I don’t like in that pic is the use of Phillips screws. Hex are much better

KyleT

Cuprajake

Funny thing is I think the Philips is a massive improvement over the Eureka burrs that use flat head screws 🙈

KyleT

Just wanted to provide a quick update on this. I recently started having issues with the burr adjustment becoming very stiff and very difficult to move accurately one handed. This was result in great difficulty dealing in for new coffees and was made even worse when someone gifted me 200g of Blue Mountain at Christmas! Anyway, after discussions with Bella Barista they have agreed to take it back and I have, for now, ordered a slightly imperfect SPTK 38 from Bella Barista to tide me over whilst I make a decision on which flat burr grinder I am going to purchase in the near future. It’s a great shame because I love the look and feel of the DF64P but I can no longer recommend the grinder with the burr adjustment as is.

DavecUK

KyleT I have, for now, ordered a slightly imperfect SPTK 38 from Bella Barista to tide me over whilst I make a decision on which flat burr grinder I am going to purchase in the near future.

the Little SPTK38 will surprise you…it’s not bad at all!

KyleT

DavecUK strangely I had Bella Barista try to dissuade me from purchasing it and instead go for something bigger and more powerful (and probably more expensive) due to them having returns of burned out motors from attempting to grind really light roasts. I know the early versions stalled a bit but if they know that they aren’t fit for use why are they selling them? Anyway it was your review Dave that convinced me it should be alright.

DavecUK

KyleT I know the early versions stalled a bit but if they know that they aren’t fit for use why are they selling them? Anyway it was your review Dave that convinced me it should be alright.

The early versions were given to the influencers, who used them and like butterflies moved on. I gave my manufacturer feedback (stalling, plus another issue), they sent another unit (more issues), the third modified unit was fine. At least there was no sign of the motor burning out and I used it on light and dark roasts as my only grinder for many weeks?

By then it was months after the influencers had done their videos, of course for them it’s a rush to get the videos out as the channels are monetised and it’s clicks and views they need to build their businesses.

Hopefully yours will be fine, surprised BB never mentioned anything to me about motors burning out, because I would have been interested to have had a look at the units, take em completely apart and stuff. Next time I speak to Rodney, I will see if I can get a “broken” unit to play around with.