DF64V - variable speed ongoing review.

did you have to disable something to be able to have the top off with the lower burr running?

DavecUK - Dave, my questions would be:

• is there a screen between the chamber and the chute or is it just free?
• what’s retention and static like?
• should the motor pop, or the speed controller pop… how easily is it to replace them?

Thanks!

DavecUK With small kids this really worries me and to be honest I’m surprised there’s no law about that sort of thing.

I’ve just noticed this is no longer on Bella Barista’s website. Did the testing not go well?

Chriss29 I saw that as well…

It’s pre order atm isn’t it. Perhaps supply chain or price. It’s quite expensive at £699

Cuprajake - if ordering directly, it’s USD 599 plus shipping (USD 39) plus taxes.

So roughly, for us in the UK, it will end up being something like USD 780 (GBP 627) or thereabouts.

As you say, for £699 - unless you really really want variable speed - I’m not sure it’s a good buy. Personally, I’d invest another £100 and buy the Niche. At least we all know what we’ll be getting.

Don’t get me wrong - I think that grinder looks great and it would be exactly what I need. I’m not so sure about the quality of that speed controller. What if it breaks?

Chriss29 With small kids this really worries me and to be honest I’m surprised there’s no law about that sort of thing.

Your kids will have to undo the bean hopper and then the collar and then turn it on. If your kids can do that, then they can certainly put a chopstick on the Niche safety switch and turn the grinder on with the lid open.

If memory serves me right, if I took the hopper off an Eureka Mignon, or a Pro-T64, and then took the top plate off, I’m almost sure you can spin the burrs. There’s no safety switch.

If you have a mixer, or a blender at home, that’s far more dangerous. 👍

MediumRoastSteam That’s a good point re a mixer or blender. I know on the original df64 the collar was much lower so that’s improved on the V which is good.

I enquired with DF64coffee.com and they stated that there is no import or duty to pay once received as they ship the grinder at a “special price”. In other words they probably tell customs it’s a gift worth £50 or something.

Not worth the risk for me but I know some have got away with it.

Just going back to the kid safety thing, you’re never going to make it fool proof but I do like that Niche put a micro switch in. They probably didn’t have to but did so anyway.

I’m following this grinder with interest but as you state MediumRoastSteam , for £100 more the Niche Duo would be my preference based on what I know so far.

Chriss29 they seem to have a policy of saying that but there is no way they can make those promises. IMHO It’s shonky.

I’ve had 4 shipments from them over the last 3 months with no duty paid on entry to Australia but all items were purchased for under the AU$1,000 mark, for which no duty is charged.

Other than that, I’ve had positive experiences in buying from them; I just wish they’d tidy up some of what I regard as questionable practices including promotional prices “for the next 5 units only” or “for the next 50 units only” which appear to remain unchanged from one month to the next.

But credit where it’s due, they have been dependable suppliers who have delivered when promised and for a price that is hard to beat. And they have reliable communicators, even if there is a one day wait for a response.

tompoland I’ve had 4 shipments from them over the last 3 months with no duty paid on entry to Australia but all items were purchased for under the AU$1,000 mark, for which no duty is charged.

No such a thing over here in the UK, Tom.

Yeah UK wise we pay import and a handling fee on the landed total which really pees me off

I’ve often bought hockey equipment from the USA, and say if it’s $150 and 150 shipping you pay import on$ $300

So you pay roughly 22%

Which when the shipping is paid in the country of origin and it’s a service. That’s annoying