The world of coffee grinders is ever-evolving, with new models constantly emerging, each promising to deliver the perfect grind. One such model that has recently caught the attention of us here at Coffeeble is the Turin DF83.
Hailed as a significant upgrade from its predecessor – the DF64 – the DF83 has been heralded as a game-changer in the realm of coffee grinding. Touted by many as both a DF64 and Niche Zero “killer”, the claims made about it’s performance are lofty. But does it live up to the acclaim from the coffee community?
We’ve put the DF83 to the test. We’ve used it extensively for several months now and are happy to share our results.
Summary: Turin DF83 Coffee Grinder
- Exceptionally fast grinding
- Minimal coffee retention
- Premium, industrial look
- Comes with all necessary accessories
- Huge upgrade on the DF64
- Unbeatable value for money
The DF83 is just so much better than the DF64 in terms of looks, design, user experience, speed – almost in every single category. It’s a huge improvement. – Asser Christensen, Licensed Q Grader
Improvements on the DF64
The Turin DF83 is not just a new model, but a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the DF64. The improvements are evident throughout the grinder. Everything about the DF83 is better, starting with the packaging, right through to the look and feel and most importantly, the performance.
The 2 most notable improvements in the DF83 are the new burr set and the upgraded motor.
It also includes several accessories such as a hopper, a brush, extra rubber sleeves for the portafilter holder, and a small RDT water spray bottle. The package also includes a dial adjustment indicator and a funnel that sits on top of the dosing cup, which had to be bought separately for the DF64
There is a new funnel that sits on top of the dosing cup, reducing the mess that was a constant frustration in our testing with the DF64.
The DF83 also addresses the issue of retention, which was another concern with the DF64. It features a redesigned grind chamber with a wave spring washer, which reduces the space inside and leads to less retention.
DF83 Features
Here’s a snapshot of the upgraded features on the Turin DF83 coffee grinder.
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Recommended Use | Home |
| Best For Brewing | Espresso, Pour Over, Drip, Cold Brew, French Press |
| Material | Aluminum and Plastic |
| Motor | 550W |
| RPM | 1400 |
| Control Type | Push Button |
| Colors | White, Black, Custom Colors By Request |
| Burr Size | 83mm |
| Burr Type | 83mm flat steel Italmill burrs |
| Grind Settings | Stepless adjustment |
| Hopper Capacity | Large size hopper |
| Grinder Features | PID Controlled Motor, Auto Shut-Off, Plasma Generator that reduces static (v2 only) |
| Dimensions | 9” Length x 6” Width x 18″ Height with hopper |
| Weight | 24 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
Build Quality
The design of the DF83 has been improved with a more premium look. It features a fully painted aluminum body that has an attractive matte finish. The power button has been moved to the side for convenience, and the grind dial is now clearly displayed on the top, making it easier to adjust the grind size.
The power cord comes out from the side instead of the back, which was a minor inconvenience and in our opinion, a questionable design choice. According to Turin, it was implemented this way in order to maintain the compact size of the grinder. Having the cord. at the back would have resulted in a larger build size.
DF83 Motor
The Turin DF83 grinder is powered by an extremely strong 550W AC motor. This is far higher than any other grinder that is targeted at the home barista market. In fact it’s more powerful than any other grinder under $1000 and many that fall around the $1500 price tag.
By way of comparison the DF64, another popular single dose grinder for home use made by Turin has a 250W motor. Another competing grinder – the Fellow Ode – has only 150W of power.
When you compare it to higher end grinders, the DF83 belies it’s price. For example, a staple of the commercial coffee world – the Mahlkonig EK43 – has a 770W motor, while the Bentwood Vertical 63 has a 660W motor. These are high end, commercial grinders that cost thousands of dollars, way above the cost of the DF83.
It will easily handle even the lightest, densest beans you throw at it. So while the torque of the motor may be overkill for home use, it is still extremely impressive and a big selling point for the DF83.
The Burrs of the Turin DF83
At the heart of the Turin DF83 lies its upgraded burr set. These burrs by Italmill are made from stainless steel. As the name suggests, the burrs are 83mm, a large size increase over the 64mm burrs in the DF64.
There are many other burrs available on the secondary market that can be used in the DF83. These include the popular SSP brew burrs and the high uniformity SSP burrs. Fiorenzato, Mazzer and Compak also have burr sets that can replace the stock burrs. Of course, these upgrades don’t come cheap. A new set of burrs will set you back another $300 or so.
Coffee Retention in the DF83
The DF83 coffee grinder is designed with minimal coffee retention in mind. During our testing, the grinder was observed to retain between 0 and 0.1 grams. The highest amount we saw in any of our tests was 0.2g. This was reduced to 0g by using the silicon bellows included with the DF83. This low retention rate makes it one of our top rated single dose grinders.
Frustrations With The Declumper and Chute
The declumper in the DF83 is a significant issue, as is the chute geometry. This was our biggest frustration when using the DF83, as the problem was also present in it’s predecessor the DF64. We had hoped that Turin would address this, but unfortunately the issue persists.
As a result, the chute can become clogged and cause the grinder to stall. Unlike other grinders, this is not a motor issue.
The good news is there’s a simple fix. You can simply remove and mod the existing declumper. This requires some minor DIY work with a screwdriver and a scissors, but it’s a simple 5 minute job with many tutorials on Youtube that show how to do it.
We removed the pieces of plastic used as declumpers and cut a larger hole in them. We also used a bellows. This greatly enhanced the performance of the DF83 and prevented any further blockages.
We also tested some 3rd party mods including the Mythos declumper, as well as some other options available on Etsy. These completely fixed the issue and elevated the DF83 from incredible to all-star status.
Note: A testament to the Turin team is their dedication to constant improvement. They already have the Turin DF83 v2 planned for release with a modified declumper. To reduce static build up in the chute, the v2 will be built with a plasma generator.
Turin DF83 Taste Test
The ultimate test of a coffee grinder lies in the cup. In our testing, the Turin DF83 delivers on this front, producing exceptional coffee across a variety of brew styles.
Espresso: The DF83 shines when it comes to espresso. The grinder’s precise grind size adjustment and consistent grind size contribute to a well-extracted, creamy shot of espresso. The flavor is rich and full-bodied, with a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity. The clarity of the espresso is also noteworthy, allowing the individual notes of the coffee beans to shine through. However, it’s worth noting that the DF83 produces a more traditional style of espresso. While it’s excellent in its own right, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer the more modern style of espresso.
Pour Over: The DF83 also performs well with pour-over brewing. The grinder’s ability to produce a consistent grind size is crucial for this brewing method, and the DF83 delivers. The resulting coffee is clean and clear, with a well-defined flavor profile. The sweetness of the coffee is particularly noticeable, highlighting the grinder’s ability to extract the best from the coffee beans. We tested with a V60, Kalita Wave and Chemex, and all 3 brew were outstanding.
Things We Liked
- Exceptionally fast grinding: The DF83’s 83mm burrs and powerful 550W motor ensure a quick grind and can handle even the lightest of beans
- Minimal coffee retention: The grinder is designed to retain minimal coffee, ensuring that you get the freshest grind every time.
- Premium, industrial look: With its sleek aluminum body and anodized paint finish, the DF83 exudes a premium, industrial aesthetic.
- Comes with all necessary accessories: The DF83 includes a hopper, a brush, extra rubber sleeves for the portafilter holder, and a small RDT water spray bottle, among other accessories.
- Superb coffee: Regardless of the style of coffee you brew, this can handle it. The coffee it makes is fantastic.
- Value for money: The DF83 outperforms every other grinder we’ve used that costs less than $1000. It’s up there with grinders in the $1500+ price range.
Things We Didn’t Like
- Power cord location: We understand it was a design choice to keep the footprint of the unit smaller, but it’s still a minor gripe.
- Poor declumper: This issue was grandfathered in from the DF64. It is being addressed on the v2, but it’s still a flaw, albeit one that is easily fixed with some handy-to-do modifications.
Bang For Your Buck
When it comes to value for money, the Turin DF83 is a heavyweight contender in a field of featherweights. Priced at a fraction of the cost of high-end grinders, the DF83 punches way above its weight, delivering performance and features that rival, and in many cases surpass, its more expensive counterparts.
The DF83’s exceptional grinding speed, minimal coffee retention, and premium aesthetics are just a few of the features that set it apart. But where it truly shines is in the quality of the coffee it produces. The DF83’s precise grinding mechanism, burr set and customizable settings allow it to produce outstanding coffee, whether you’re an espresso lover or a pour over connoisseur.
If your budget can stretch to accommodate the DF83’s price tag, it’s an investment that will pay dividends in the form of superior coffee, day after day. And in our opinion, this is by far and away the best grinder under $1000 currently on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions About The DF83
The Turin DF83 is an upgraded version of the DF64. It has more premium packaging and design, with an upgraded look and feel. On the inside, there is a more powerful motor and a larger 83mm set of burrs for improved grinding and workflow. It also includes all necessary accessories, unlike the DF64.
Turin grinders are made in Ningbo in China. They are manufactured by the Ningbo Frigga Electric Appliance Co., that is located in Ningbo City, China. All Turin models including the DF64, DF64E, DF64P, DF64S, and DF83 models, are made in the same factory in Ningbo.
The DF83 V2 features two significant changes from the DF83 V1. The updated version includes a new declumper design and a plasma generator. The plasma generator reduces static cling in the exit chute, a problem that was caused by certain grind sizes, humidity levels, and roast level combos in v1.
The DF83 grinder is made by Turin, a brand under Ningbo Frigga Electric Appliance Co. This company, based in Ningbo City, China, specializes in creating high-quality, original products for the coffee industry, including a range of Turin grinders like the DF64, DF64E, DF64P, DF64S, and DF83 models.
Coffee expert and industry insider, I’ve dedicated years to mastering the art and science of coffee making. From scrutinizing particle fineness to evaluating burr shapes, I delve into the minutiae that elevate coffee from good to exceptional. Whether it’s a complex pour-over or a robust espresso, my insights cater to those who don’t just drink coffee, but experience it.
