Turin DF64 Review – Is It Just Another Overhyped Coffee Grinder?

The Turin DF64 Grinder, has been making waves in the world of coffee grinding. This single-dose grinder has quickly gained popularity among serious coffee nerds for its impressive features and competitive pricing.

We’ve been testing it for several months now and we’re (finally) ready to provide an in depth Turin DF64 review.

In the following sections, we’ll provide an in depth look at the DF64 coffee grinder, and how we rate it when it comes design, durability, ease of use, grinding capability, special features, and value for money.

Is this the right grinder for you? Read on to find out.

The DF64 is often compared to the Niche Zero, another popular grinder in the market. Both grinders are known for their single-dose grinding capability, but the DF64 sets itself apart with its 64mm large flat burrs. These burrs, coupled with the DF64’s grind size control, allow it to produce coffee grounds of consistent size and quality.

Interestingly, the Turin DF64 grinder goes by different names in various markets. Despite the different branding, the core features and performance of the grinder remain the same.

The DF64 also has a vibrant community of serious coffee geeks who have developed various modifications for the grinder. These range from 3D printed parts to improve retention, to custom burr carriers for different types of burrs. These user-generated modifications allow you to customize the DF64 to suit your specific needs and preferences.

DF64 Design

The Turin DF64 Coffee Grinder boasts a sleek and compact design that makes it a stylish addition to any kitchen or coffee station. Despite its compact size, the grinder doesn’t compromise on functionality, offering a range of features that cater to both novices and pros.

One of the most notable aspects of the DF64’s design is its 64mm flat grinding discs, or large flat burrs. These burrs are a significant upgrade from the conical burrs found in many other grinders in the same price range. They allow for a more uniform grind size, which is crucial for extraction and ultimately, for brewing a perfect cup of coffee.

The DF64 is available in a variety of colors, allowing you to choose one that best matches your kitchen decor. Whether you prefer a classic black or a vibrant red, there’s a DF64 grinder that suits your style.

Another noteworthy feature of the DF64’s design is its single-dose grinding capability. This allows you to grind just the right amount of coffee for one serving. This not only reduces waste but also ensures that your coffee is as fresh as possible.

Build Quality and Materials

When it comes to coffee grinders, durability is a key factor to consider. The Turin DF64 Grinder is built to last, with a sturdy construction that can withstand regular use.

The majority of the DF64’s body is made of metal. This gives it a premium feel in spite of the price point. Some parts of the grinder, such as the dosing cup, dosing collar and portafilter forks, are made of plastic. While these parts are not as sturdy as the rest of the grinder, they are replaceable and do not significantly impact the overall performance.

The DF64 is powered by a 250-watt motor that runs at 1400 RPM. While this motor may not be as powerful as those found in some higher end grinders, it is more than capable of handling the demands of daily coffee grinding.

Editor’s note: Since our review, the Turin DF64 v5 has been released. This includes an upgraded burr set, as well as a metal dosing cup and dosing collar to replace the old plastic versions.

Ease of Use

The Turin DF64 Grinder is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Regardless of your experience with grinders, you’ll find this easy to use.

One of the standout features of the DF64 is its grind size control. This allows you to adjust the grind size to suit your preferred brewing method, from fine for espresso to coarse for French press. The grinder’s stepless adjustment system gives you complete control over the grind size, ensuring you get the perfect grind every time.

Despite its powerful 250-watt motor, the DF64 operates at a relatively low noise level. This makes it a great choice for home use.

The Turin DF64 can produce some static, which can cause coffee grounds to stick to the grinder and surrounding surfaces. However, this issue is relatively minor and can be managed with regular cleaning.

In terms of maintenance, the DF64 is straightforward to clean and maintain. The grinder’s design allows easy access to the burrs for cleaning, and the removable parts can be washed separately.

Burr Set and Grinding

The Turin DF64 grinder comes with a set of flat burrs from Italmill, which are known for their high-quality and consistency.

The grinder is not particularly fast or slow, sitting somewhere in the middle of the range for similar grinders. It grinds into a plastic dosing cup, which some users may not prefer, but it does allow for a clear view of the grinding process and fits inside a 58mm portafilter.

One of the unique features of the DF64 is the ability to use different burr sets with it. This allows for a level of customization and control over the grind that is not possible with many other grinders.

For example, the grinder can be fitted with an upgraded set of SSP burrs, which elevate the grinder to a whole new level. However, for the purpose of this review, the grinder was used with the stock burrs to evaluate its performance at its base price point.

The grind size adjustment is stepless, which allows for a high level of precision when dialing in the grind. However, the usable range for espresso is relatively small, which may be a limitation for some users.

One minor issue with the grinder is the retention of coffee behind a silicon declumping screen. This can cause some regrinding, resulting in the last bit of coffee being a little bit finer than the rest.

This can add a bit of muddiness to the cup. However, some of the coffee community have found solutions to this issue, such as using clump crushers from the Mythos grinders or 3D printing a new housing unit that fits inside the grinder.

Another common issue is popcorning, where coffee beans bounce around in hopper due to the force of the burrs. This can lead to inconsistent grind sizes and can affect the taste of your coffee.

Again, the DF64 community has released come up with some solutions to this issue. One common method is to use a bellows to push the beans down into the burrs, reducing the amount of popcorning. There are also a number of anti-popcorn mods that can be purchased off-market.

Espresso and Filter Coffee Quality

The Turin DF64 Grinder is capable of producing a syrupy, velvety espresso with vibrant acidity. It handles light roasts well and can produce a solid cup of filter coffee that is comparable to what you might get from a stock EK-43.

The grinder performs well with light roasts, preserving more of the coffee’s characteristics compared to other grinders. However, it does mute the acidity somewhat, pushing more body into the coffee.

When it comes to espresso, the DF64 shines. The large flat burrs and precise grind size control allow it to produce a consistent grind that is ideal for espresso.

The espresso produced is generally good, with a nice sweetness, decent clarity, and pleasant texture. Every shot we pulled was very good. Not 10/10 good, but a solid 8-9 every time.

However, the usable range for espresso is relatively small. Despite this minor issue, the DF64 is capable of producing espresso that rivals that of more expensive grinders.

For filter coffee, the DF64 also punches above it’s weight and price tag. It produces a grind with a low percentage of fines, which is extremely important for filter brewing.

As a result, we had no issues with stalling in our drawdowns, indicating a consistent grind. The coffee produced was sweet, had good clarity, and was enjoyable to drink. The DF64’s performance with filter coffee is impressive, making it a great choice for those who like pour overs such as a V60 or Chemex.

Important note: When working with lighter roasts, we needed to spritz the beans before grinding for espresso. If we didn’t do this, there would be noticeable slow downs or variations in the RPM of the grinder, even at the highest setting. We only had this issue with light roasts at fine grind settings; medium and dark roasts worked fine without spritzing, as did light roasts ground coarser for filter.

Value for Money

Turin DF64 vs Niche Zero

When it comes to value for money, the Turin DF64 Grinder stands out as a strong contender in the mid-range grinder market. Despite its lower price point, the DF64 offers a level of performance and quality that is found in far more expensive grinders.

As a single dose grinder, a good comparison is the Niche Zero. The DF64 offers similar features and capabilities but comes at a significantly lower price point.

Truth be told, while the Niche Zero is more expensive, it does feel more premium. The materials, the workflow, the whole experience… But, it is far more expensive than the DF64. And, so $ for $, the DF64 is probably better value for money. The performance is not far off that of the Niche, and it is half the price.

Turin DF64 vs Ceado E5SD

If you’re on a budget but still want a grinder that can deliver excellent espresso, the Turin DF64 is a solid choice. It’s affordable and performs well, especially when upgraded with SSP burrs although the v5 upgrade is already a huge improvement. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in build quality and the possibility of needing modifications for optimal performance.

On the other hand, if you’re willing to invest more for a grinder with superior build quality and good retention, the Ceado E5SD is worth considering. It’s pricier, but it’s backed by an established company, offering more long-term support. Just keep in mind that its chute configuration may not be ideal for single-dosing.

In short, the DF64 is a great pick for the budget-conscious who don’t mind a bit of tinkering, while the E5SD is a higher-end option for those who prefer a ready-to-use, high-quality grinder.

Things We Liked

• Grind Quality: We were impressed with the quality of the grind produced by the DF64. We found it to be consistent and suitable for a variety of brewing methods including Aeropress, espresso and pour-over.
• Price Point: The DF64 offers a high level of performance and quality at a competitive price point.
• Customizability: The ability to switch out the grinder’s burrs and the availability of user-generated modifications make the DF64 a highly customizable grinder.
• Performance: The DF64 outperforms other grinders like the Ode or the Wilfa in regards to its performance.
• Coffee Quality: We really liked the coffee produced by the DF64. We found the coffee to be sweet, with good clarity, and generally enjoyable to drink.

Things We Didn’t Like

• Placement of the power button: The power button is located at the bottom of the grinder. It’s a minor gripe, but why not put it on the side?
• Font of the numbers: The DF64 uses a scripty late 90s font for the numbers, which does not match the sans serif font used elsewhere on the grinder.
• The bellows: The bellows, which are used to clear the grounds chamber, feel a bit cheap and hacky. They add a cheapness to DF64 that its build otherwise doesn’t communicate.
• Popcorning issue: It sometimes struggles to clear the last few beans.
• Silicon declumper: The silicon declumper can cause some regrinding, and can add a little muddiness to the cup.

Who Is This Grinder For?

The Turin DF64 is perfect for anyone that wants an excellent all-rounder budget grinder for under $500. It can grind consistently all the way from espresso up to French press, albeit performance dips a tiny bit the coarser you go.

When we talk about “budget,” it’s important to note that this term is relative. In the world of high-end coffee grinders, where prices can exceed $4,000, a grinder in the $500 range is considered budget-friendly. Compared to other grinders on the market that offer similar features, the DF64 is a bargain.

With the new upgraded burr set in the DF64 v5, it’s now a superb choice for both espresso and filter coffee and outperforms many grinders that are more expensive.

If you only make espresso or milk based drinks, you might prefer a dedicated espresso grinder. Likewise, if you only brew filter coffee, then the Fellow Ode Gen 2 could be a better pick.

But if you want a grinder that is versatile and can brew for Aeropress, cold brew, French press and moka pot, as well as most other brew styles, then the Turin DF64 is an excellent pick at a great price.

Excellent Choice

The Turin DF64 grinder is a versatile piece of coffee equipment that can cater to a wide range of tastes. It holds a middle ground between modern and traditional styles, making it a jack of all trades.

The DF64’s 64mm flat burrs, stepless grind size adjustment, and low retention make it a great choice for those seeking a high-quality grinder without breaking the bank.

Its ability to produce a consistent grind suitable for a variety of brewing methods, combined with its durability and customizability, make it a brilliant grinder.

In the grand scheme of things, the Turin DF64 Grinder offers a lot of value for its price. It holds its own against more expensive grinders and provides a level of performance that will satisfy beginners and professional baristas alike.

All in all, the DF64 coffee grinder is a piece of kit that is worth adding to your coffee setup.

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