The DF64: Niche Killer?

A highly requested review of the DF64 coffee grinder, also known as the G-IOTA, the Solo, or the Turin 64SD. This is a single dose grinder that is positioned in the mid-range and one that some are describing as a strong competitor to the Niche grinder. If you've got one I'd love to hear your thoughts!

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[arcoirisaycaramba]

7:36
James: So now seems like a good time to talk about...
Me: Squarespace?
James: Retention
Me: Retention

[maclunar]

"I got a little taste for the fancy-fancy" - James Hoffmann, 2021 (12:36)

[yajt]

The biggest Niche-killer could be Niche and their being so “supply constrained”. This DF64 may not be the right fit for everyone but any respectable grinder that someone can actually take home beats waiting months for the *chance* to pre-order a Niche. Actually having a grinder is a rather important part of the experience of using a grinder.

[dddsa]

These two look like Wall-E and Eva of coffee grinders

[kittisiri]

I've been using this grinder for a month now.
There's something that James might have missed.

The portafilter fork:
When I received this grinder, it came with 2 rubber sleeves attached to the UPPER fork legs (as James' unit has), and 4 additional spare sleeves. That way, I can put the spare sleeves on the 2 LOWER legs, and it held any portafilter/dosing cup super tight. No problem at all. I even decided to remove the UPPER sleeves later on, so it's easier to put a portafilter in/out.

Other than that....

The silicone declumping screen when you press the bellow: James was right.
(However, after 2 weeks of use, I've learned when and how hard to press the bellow to deal with it.)

The messiness if you don't spay some water before grinding for filter-size: James was right.

The not-so-charming overall experience (compared to Niche Zero): James was right.

The good quality of the ground coffee this machine produces: James was right.

The low retention: James was right. Most of the time, it's within +/- 0.1g if you "bellow out" every time you grind. :)

The solid build: This thing is heavy. Solidly, metally HEAVY!

The awkward bellow lid: Hmm, I don't think it's awkward. It's a lid! James. C'mon.

The weird, ugly-for-no-reason fonts: I didn't even notice until James pointed that out. Now I cannot unsee it. (and I'm sad)

However, for the price I paid...
$385 USD for the Zentis NZR-64 (this grinder's name in Thailand) AND Mazzer 033M burr combo
VS
$960 USD for the Niche Zero (yeah, that's the cheapest price you can find in Thailand, and it's still out of stock since January)

it's a no-brainer.

I'm using it every morning, and I'm glad I bought it.
Cheers!

[lendl]

"No chaff in the coffee, it's entirely on the grinder" HAHAHAHAHA

[carolinarobinson]

“I’m not, in this moment, having a particularly bad time.” - James Hoffman 2021. We’re all having a great time here James!

[hien]

" It's ugly for no reason" I've never related so much to a grinder

[Dre_Wolf]

“It’s just ugly for no reason.” - James Hoffmann (2021)

[Krmpfpks]

The fact that you can get worked up about the font on a grinder is the reason we love you!

[zhuoming]

Seeing the Morning Capsule machine at the background....can't wait for your thoughts & review!

[psychedalek]

"There's almost no chaff in the coffee, it's entirely on the grinder."

[paab]

With just over a month of use now, I have to say I've thoroughly enjoyed the DF64. At the beginning I found that it was messy but learned to deal with it very quickly. I've never had the issue of the dosing cup or portafilter ever slipping out. Have been grinding around the 10-15 range for espresso depending on the beans.

I've had surprisingly fluffy grinds, but find that they are heavily distributed towards the front, and if I used the bellows while the portafilter was full that it would blow away some of the grinds found therein. The solution has been remarkably simple and the workflow has become entirely pleasant:

grind into the portafilter with only the lid on -> Remove the lid and place on bellows -> place the bellows back onto the grinder -> Replace portafilter with dosing ring -> Press bellows into dosing cup and top off.

Admittedly, having written that out it feels like it's a lot to do, but, on the day to day, it feels relatively premium (when compared to grinders below the $1200 range) and really has produced a very good shot/cup.

The button placement is ludicrous.
The fact that the power button is always lit up is a little weird.
The design is meh.
8/10 would buy again and recommend to a friend

[LordOwen]

Yes, you can bellow as a verb. See: Brian Blessed.

[bassond]

I see that Morning Coffee machine in the background and am excited for what is to come

[sh_rl.lr_hs]

That coffee dust happening without the spritz of water seems like a HUGE design flaw

[arsanzic]

It is absolutely awesome to see a person speak with so much experience, and yet so openly and honestly.

[clifbarnett]

I just bought the DF64 about a month ago. I'd seen this grinder floating around in some of your other videos and was scared of the day you'd review it (thinking you'd point out tons of flaws that I hadn't noticed). Thankfully, I agree with everything you've critiqued about this grinder but I still love it. Pairing it alongside my Comandante C40 has been great. Previously I was hand grinding for espresso so this really felt like a step up (despite a less than perfect workflow). Also, thankfully, I enjoy tinkering like you pointed out. Thanks for the review!

[chton]

Aah, time to take a big sip of this coffee, safe from any temptations of new coffee equipment, and click the new James Hoffmann video notification

[luvinfunvan]

"as a reviewer you should understand where my priorities sit" - This is one of the reasons why you are one of the best product reviewers on Youtube regardless of the product category.