Turin DF54 Coffee Single Dose Grinder Review

[@alesantiago]

Thank you for your review. I have this grinder and I am very happy with it. And great thing that I went to same settings of you for my different kinds of coffee here. I paired it with a Bambino Plus too. Our daily coffee now it’s just amazing. See ya.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

love this 🙌

[@neilvillanueva6449]

I have this grinder and it’s amazing. It’s very consistent and it makes great espresso grinds. My only small complaint is that now and again, it seems to have more static than usual, but after cleaning it works great. I already use RDT in every grind I make.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Good to know!

[@Stantube1000]

how's the consistency when pulling three-four shots in a row? I've read complains that it overheats and shots timing goes completely wrong, and it normalizes only after like 30 minutes of standby.

[@richardggeorge]

@@Stantube1000 if that's true, then that's pretty terrible

[@iggyman83]

Just got my DF54 today and love it. So sturdy and well built which is not something typically found st this price point. And so simple it just works, and works well. If you have a Breville with a built in grinder this baby is miles ahead on clarity. Well worth it. Pair with a good basket (i have an IMS) and you'll never look back

[@AlternativeBrewing]

THIS! 100% 👌

[@porter8922]

Thanks for the great review! Just ordered my DF54 yesterday. Appreciate the information about workflow and results to expect.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Enjoy the grinder! It's a great one.

[@itsaeon6288]

Finally!! Thumbs up because you're the only review which show the complete grind size chart from 10 to 90 👍 I'm ordering DF54 soon thanks to your review😁

[@AlternativeBrewing]

No problem 👍 Happy to help

[@ssaylor]

I've had this one for about 30 days, and my choice was between this and the Ode, which my brother has used for several years. I ended up choosing this one for the upsides of price, low retention, high cleanliness, and grind variety. I'm using it for french press and V60 cups, and I'm looking forward to using this for espresso when I end up getting a machine. I'm a coffee novice and picked this to upgrade from a blade grinder and really dive into great coffee for the first time. I've found that I don't need RDT for most coffee but I use it occasionally if there's a particular grind that tends to collect around the chute. Oh, one additional thing is that the power and burr size for this one really makes for a comparatively quiet grind compared to the Ode.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

So good to hear! 😀

[@jovetata]

Agreed. Great grinder. Very consistent shots. Coming from a q2 and an x-pro. The consistency is way better. Worth every penny.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Totally agree!

[@HenryPiffpaff]

How would you characterise the DF54's flavour profile compared to these hand grinders?

[@jovetata]

@@HenryPiffpaff I haven’t. Just the fact that I can have the same output in the same time consistently is enough of an advantage for me. Lets me dial in and just enjoy my coffee.

[@iggyman83]

Just ordered from you guys - the price is really, really good for a grinder like this. People have to remember that a decade ago a 54mm flat burr grinder cost around $1000. And despite every other grinder I have had since, the Macap M4D which I bought back then was my favourite in terms of flavour profile. I found 64mm too clear for my tastes, and the standard 38mm conical a bit dull. Used to love roasting my own and grinding on the Macap 54mms. Can't wait for this one to arrive.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

love the insights thanks! and enjoy 😀

[@NoSoupForYou-r5m]

Thanks for the informative video!

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Glad you enjoyed it! 👍

[@EncantosDoCafe]

Amazing review, thank you !

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Cheers for watching! 😊

[@intensegamer7559]

I'll get mine tomorrow. Let's see what it can do.

[@danielr3207]

I bought the DF54 to replace a Sette 270 but ended up going back to the Sette. In terms of noise, when its not grinding, sure, its super quiet but once it is grinding I find the pitch borderline painful. Maybe my kitchen layout is to blame. The other issue I had is the grind adjustments seem crazy sensitive, the tiniest movements seemed to make a huge change, I just couldn't get it dialled in. Its still sitting on the bench, maybe I need to have another play with it.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Ah that’s a shame. I find it’s pretty consistent but I can see it would be a bit sensitive if you were trying to dial it in coming from the Sette where it’s definitive steps 🫶

[@JackWWtravels]

I am in analysis paralysis on my grinder upgrade after going through forums (we currently have a Breville). I can't decide between DF54 and VS3. I would say we generally drink Macchiato but have been experimenting with pour-over as tastes are changing.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Varia VS3 then 🙏 better flavour separation for cleaner brews vs the DF54

[@Thetache]

I have a Niche Zero and as I have had it 2 years got upgradeitis for a flat burr grinder, then this came along and now I have a conical and a flat to mess around comparing flavour profiles to my hearts content, nice to dial in one for espresso and one for pourover then swap out to compare the differences (if there are any)

[@HenryPiffpaff]

What are your findings so far?

[@Thetache]

@@HenryPiffpaff tbh I havent had a lot of time to experiment but the DF54 plasma generator has failed already so its static cling is messy and it makes some chirpy noises sometimes so build quality is an issue.

[@HenryPiffpaff]

@@Thetache Has it failed completely? Or have you tried cleaning the exit chute? You'll have to brush away the coffee debris from the electrodes from time to time for it to work properly

[@Thetache]

@@HenryPiffpaff I have had it a week so it should not require chute disassembly at this stage as that is a faff process, for monthly cleaning at the earliest.

[@HenryPiffpaff]

@@Thetache That's true

[@barrylos6489]

Not happy .... thought I had made a final decision for the Varia VS3 Gen 2 ... then you do this review 🙂 at home I have a Decent Espresso with a Niche grinder and love them, elsewhere I have a Breville Bambino with a Breville Smart Grinder that is going on holiday, and the VS3 was going to replace this ..... or should I now go for the DF54 ... drink mainly flat white, with the occasional double espresso .... PS ... love your reviews

[@AlternativeBrewing]

hahaah! nice, thanks 😀 VS3 🙌 It's still better overall and I think personally will transport better.

[@barrylos6489]

@@AlternativeBrewing Thanks, it the Breville Smart that is going to stay with a friend, the Varia or DF54 is to replace it and will not be moving 🙂

[@DJEZRAJ]

So Far I love my VS3 (gen 2) I use it with my Bambino plus and aero or French press. Considering the Hypernova Ultra Burr set. However I recommend getting food grade grease to apply to the threads, this stops any creep caused by vibration. I also clean it each time I switch beans.

[@bendrew9956]

Also a fan of your reviews - they’re super helpful. I’m also in this predicament. Is the difference between the df54 and vs3 gen 2 with standard burrs worth the extra $120? Brewing with a Bambino and aero press. Thanks!

[@TC_Prof]

Yup correct Josh hey like Eureka 😊

[@coreycannon4511]

Thank you, Josh, for this review. I think you’re one of the few KZbinrs I follow that has tested both this grinder and the VS3 (and all its burrs), so I’m going to put you on the spot. A little background first. I have a J-MAX that I use for primarily for espresso, Pulsar, Aeropress and Moka. I’m looking for more acidity/clarity especially in the Pulsar/Aeropress and would like to not have to hand grind every espresso shot I pull! The DF54 is $300CAD and the VS3 is $400CAD (+$120CAD for the Hypernova Ultra, which I believe will give me the better clarity amongst VS3 burrs, that I’m looking for - correct me if I’m wrong). Am I the only one who’s annoyed I have to buy a second set of burrs for the Varia, rather than get it with the set I prefer, for a slightly cheaper price? But I digress. Next variable is a complete “who knows,” and that’s the question about DF54 burr upgrades: will there be any and what will they cost. Then there’s the Varia’s mixed reputation, even with the gen 2 for reliability. I don’t mind paying the upper end price for the Varia, if it gives me what I’m looking for. And I don’t mind saving money, either, if the DF54 is similar, or even very close. Advice?

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Hey, thanks so much 👌 Side by side comparison coming soon! So you're looking for more acidity/clarity especially in the Pulsar/Aeropress - and it be NOT a Hand Grinder. For the price - I'd either look at the Varia VS3 or consider the Fellow Ode Gen2 👌 Varia slighter better here. DF54 does not have the acidity/clarity you're after yet.

[@ziminmafia162]

Thanks! I just got mine 😁

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Hope you like it!

[@izopen]

Thanks for showing how to clean.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

You’re welcome 😊

[@CurranLong]

Do others not have the huge clogging problem that I do with this grinder? I have to take the whole thing apart to clear the chute (which gets completely clogged) about every 15-20 cups of coffee!

[@AlternativeBrewing]

That’s interesting, I haven’t experienced that with mine! or others I know are out there. What beans / grind / dose are you using? / and perhaps trying a hot start, where the Grinder is turned on first - then you drop the beans in tot eh spinning burrs.

[@elleelle7345]

I’ve only had mine a short while and it clogged the second time I used it. I’ve been turning it on before putting the beans in and haven’t had an issue. I make between 4 and 6 brews a day

[@tiaanwhelpton_]

So what would you reccomend between this and the Varia VS3 Gen 2? Specifically for making Espresso/Flat Whites paired with a Bambino Plus :)

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Either will do fantastic! The DF54 I would say is better for the majority of milk based drinks, if you're not too concerned with distinguishing flavour notes, and you could save yourself some cash 👌

[@alexanderlow1670]

Hey Joshie, awesome review as always! I am about to get my first all-rounder grinder (for both espresso and pour-over). Hope you can help me to decide which one, since all three options fall onto similar price point in my country. If you have to pick 1 grinder, which one do you pick Josh? DF54, Varia VS3 gen 2, or Timemore sculpture 078s. Thankss! Really appreciate it and keep it up mate

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Thanks mate 🙏 I am yet to see a Timemore Sculpture 😢 been 2yrs in the making - so I feel like whatever else I suggest is not completely taking in youre own considerations. In saying that - if there were one Grinder I would pick in this this price range based on my own experiences- it would be the Varia VS3 all day - with Hypernova Burrs 👌

[@alexanderlow1670]

@@AlternativeBrewing Awesome!! Thanks mate, really appreciate it. Cheers

[@docohm50]

Can the D54 grinder hold a smaller 54 mm Breville portafilter in place during grinding?

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Unfortunately not no - and the Dosing Cup is not compatible either - It'd be a great Grinder for a Breville Machine however you'd want to get a 54mm Dosing Ring and transfer grounds mess free with this on the portafilter - and using the Dosing cup that comes with the Grinder.

[@brunoleitemilkie]

DF54 or Varia VS3 G2? I mean, flat burrs or conical burrs? for espresso, what difference does it make? Would be nice to make a comparison between them

[@hanswurscht4534]

So I can only share my opinion: I offered a Varia vs3 Gen2 and I was really disappointed. I orderd a DF54 (which was a lot cheaper for me). I don't know the time it will be delivered. So I only can share why I sent the Varia back. I had a lot of static load. And I mean really a lot. Water spray did reduce it, but it was still so much, that 18g of beans in did result in ~ 17,7g beans out because the grinded beans where everywhere. Too much for single Dosing in my opinion. And a lot of cleaning always. And because of the static loaded grind I had problems to get it all in my portafilter. So in the end I had ~17,5g beans in my filter instead of 18g. I also read a lot about motor problems (still in Gen2) after 2 years of warranty. The design was great. The feeling of the materials too. The water bottle was defect after two uses.

[@NoobTube4148]

The static reduces with usage. It’s actually mentioned in the booklet that came with the varia vs3. After about 700g of beans through the machine and RDT method, I’m getting exactly what I put in out with static not being a big issue.

[@hanswurscht4534]

Did not work for me. I grinded around 1kg through the machine. Static was horrible. Now I own the df54 since three days and it's a lot better. No static at all.

[@akbarziyodov865]

@@hanswurscht4534 Hi, Read all your comments, thanks a lot for the reviews, how is it performing, I mean it's been 2months since you got the df54. I'm also considering to go for it, been researching about encore esp, sk40, sd40, and this one, seems like it worth the money vs other alternatives in this price range. thanks a lot

[@Christoph10]

Thanks for the video. Would you continue to recommend the grinder? Unfortunately, I'm still unsure whether I should use the DF54 grinder or the Eureka mignon zero or Varia VS3. Of course the price also plays a big role

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Yes, absolutely the DF54 is a fantastic Grinder for a very affordable great flat burr grinder that presents quite a balanced cup. Although for a little more - the Varia VS6 is worth that little more

[@maxi-g]

The manufacturer's name isn't DF. The company is called Ningbo Frigga and it's a Chinese electronics manufacturer specializing in coffee grinders.

[@kitcraft9516]

How is the grind stability? I was reading on home barista and reddit that some people are having issues with back-to-back-to-back shots. Example: Shot A 30 seconds, shot B 28, shot C 26 and shot D 24. Not a one off either, about a dozen reddit threads and a few on home barista and coffeeforums. To be fair, my ESP does this to an extent. Shot A is slower than BCD but BCD are consistent. As always, thank you for the video!

[@AlternativeBrewing]

I haven't seen this much a decrease no - but some is to be expected with all Grinders and B2B2B shots. Mainly due to heat in the grinder system. There's an optimal range - yet with Single Dosing - you'll hardly every get to this range in a setting. FWIW - Using Mazzer Roburs back in the day - it was usually by the 20-30th double shot that the grinder started to behave consistently for dose and grind settings.

[@kitcraft9516]

@@AlternativeBrewing Thank you for answering my question and further explaining why such thing happen!

[@aruppert314]

I love your last few reviews on coffee grinders and I’m kind of stuck between the Varia VS3 gen 2 and DF64 and DF54. Which one would you probably recommend for best overall espresso with occasional needs for especially for someone who likes a more traditional medium to dark roast Italian style espresso profiles and milk drinks. The Varia seems a little slow and high-pitched and the DF64 would be my first flat grinder and I’m not sure how much that might take away from the more traditional espresso flavors that I go for. Any thoughts? Thank you so much.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

With all that you've mentioned - I hear you 🙌 I would say the DF54 is your Grinder then. It will give you the flavour profile you're after and is reliable.

[@choppersplace]

Great review thanks...Any chance of the Timemore Sculptor 078 for pour over being reviewed?

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Eventually 😣 are yet to see them in AUS

[@Jospabaerze]

Hej thanks for the video. Have you also tested, if it can handle light espresso roast since that is a problem for the 2 cheaper comparisons you mentioned?

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Yes - I believe it would. Not tested! However if it does stall - just slow feed the beans and it will definitely work

[@mrtrumpsta369]

I have a breville 53mm porterfilter. Will a 53mm dosing cup fit on this grinder? If no does rhe vs3 dosing cup fit directly into the 53mm porterfilter? I cant seem to find the actual size but i did see in your other video that it is smaller than the standard 58mm.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

yes it will 👌 a 53mm dosing cup will fit in to the forks of this grinder.

[@mrtrumpsta369]

@AlternativeBrewing would you go the df54 or vs3 for milk only drinkers? I've read negatives for both but like all things people rarely go and review things when they have a good experience.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Either will work - DF54 slightly more for milk based drinks- depends on your budget and aesthetic preferences 👍

[@steven650613]

Thank you for sharing and already subscribed. What’s your point of view if I like filter and espresso, which grinder you would be leaning towards? Fiorenzato All ground sense or DF? Assuming No budget limits. Thanks

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Thanks for the sub! I would say the DF64 all the way. The flexibility with burrs is endless - and by default already a great grinder. Fiorenzato are great too - especially with being a timed grinder - although I imagine your single dosing - so yeah DF64 🙌

[@PaulaRuiz-h3w]

Just when I thought i had made a decision. I am between this grinder and the baratza encore, esp. I want a reliable grinder for both esspreso and french press. Any inputs on if one has a slight edge? Love your channel!

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Thanks so much 🙌 df54 all the way ! more consistent and very clean in comparison

[@PaulaRuiz-h3w]

Excited to get the DF54! Thank you!

[@kusiciel]

Is the fellow opus comparable to this grinder?

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Comparison coming 👌

[@medroastt9888]

I'm using 1zpresso jx pro now... do you think switching to this df54 will be worth it? I'm drinking mainly espresso and pour over

[@AlternativeBrewing]

If you’re hand grinding now, then yes the DF54 will be the perfect transition to automatic grinding 💪

[@kevin916587]

would you recommed it? i have Fellow Opus as my current grinder, looking for single dose grinder, Opus is starting to fail on me.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

100% this 👌 yes.

[@richardcorfield9926]

Is that a twist connector to the right of the chute when you open it up to show the insides??

[@AlternativeBrewing]

twist connector ? I'm not sure what you mean sorry. can you share the timestamp of when that is?

[@richardcorfield9926]

@@AlternativeBrewing At 2:22 the white component right of the chute. I guess the complexity here is the ioniser. The circuitry would otherwise be very simple, just a switch and motor. Does it have any overload protection at all I wonder?

[@peterwood2633]

Amazon reviews saying its blocking a lot? I went with vs3 gen2 just hope it doesnt break lol

[@AlternativeBrewing]

hahahah yeah every grinder has nigglin issues but i honesty hadn't come across this yet.

[@peterwood2633]

Yeh no perfect device out there. This is my first foray into espresso at home at a serious level and for the price directly from Varia I got the machine and new 58mm cup for just over 500 NZD which is a cracking price IMO (used an old Reddit youtuber discount code still active from 2021!) I'm mechanically minded and if motor burns out I'll replace it with something more robust or even a brushless motor! Hehe

[@peterwood2633]

So far so great coffee. Not even got the scales out yet. BDB is making any beans I throw in sing!

[@theone9564]

Hello I've been looking at this item does it compart to the niche?

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Niche is better in many ways - yet this is still a very very good grinder for the price 👌

[@arisafghanzada6417]

Is the varia VS3 a better grinder than the DF-54 for espresso?

[@AlternativeBrewing]

I would say they are on par depending what you're after - if it's a full body texturised chocolatey shot, then go the DF54, if it is a clean transparent and bright shot - go the Varia VS3 👌

[@arisafghanzada6417]

@@AlternativeBrewing That is super helpful, thank you! Any experience with the accessory burr sets for Varia? Is there an option I could purchase that would fill in the missing full body texture / chocolatey shot characteristic present in the DF54?

[@AlternativeBrewing]

The VS3 does have Ultra Hypernova Burrs available that do lean towards espresso with more complexity. You could give these a try - certainly the availability of different burrs to use on the VS3 is enticing. Means at some point - you can always upgrade or change burrs not to become too complacent with the one grinder 🙂

[@CH-yp5by]

You changed the grind with the motor off??? Thats how you you get gear wind up.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

That's true! Thank you 🫶

[@trafalgarlaw7109]

Is this grinder a all purpose grinder? I would also like to use it for filter coffee, moka pott, french press, etc

[@AlternativeBrewing]

absolutely it is !

[@splitchy559]

Hello, is this better than Baratza Encore ESP?

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Yes. For better for design, materials and noise, retention, cleanliness and all round performance.

[@malygosmozart]

Is anyone else having trouble finding it on amz in europe? Seems out of stock or overpriced

[@chikunman133]

uh oh u/arduinogenome is going to dislike this haha ive had this grinder since my preorder arrived. i love it, however ive not experimented with bigger grind sizes for aeropress or cold brew or pour over. this grind size chart, though wont be exact as each grinder is a bit different (for instance, im at 11 for my grind size, machine is turin legato, 58mm mhw-3bomber BEP 2.0 20g basket and 20g dose of home roasted medium/med dark beans) will definitely help me when i do decide to aeropress again. thank you

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@chahahc]

It seems like, after a whole decade, we finally have the new "encore".

[@AlternativeBrewing]

New and improved 🙌 can do both Espresso and Filter very nicely

[@alleycat2144]

What dosing cup is that?

[@AlternativeBrewing]

It's the Normcore Espresso Dosing Cup : alternativebrewing.com.au/products/normcore-espresso-measuring-cup

[@unknownentity222]

I don't know if I can trust a person who prefers espresso shots from a ZP6 special.../s Thanks for the review. And actual testing on video. Has there been issues with clogging on your df54?

[@jovetata]

If you can tell me what you mean by clogging I might be able to help. Only clogging I can think of is when the anti static needles get covered in grounds (about every 5-10 shots) and static takes over and sticks grounds to everything. Just take a straw cleaning brush and spin it around for a couple seconds to clean up the needles.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Hahahaha! 😂 I haven’t discovered anything yet - will report back if it does happen 🙏

[@DomenicAldrich-q8w]

Clark Christopher Anderson Richard Martin Scott

[@SeanMcVitty]

Really mate? Jaw droppingly low price?? 🤦🏻‍♂️ $450 AUD when it’s supposed to be $229 usd which should make it just over $300 here in Australia.

[@BigPoppa-t3z]

USA all the way. It's even lower.

[@TheSydguy30]

Disappointing I asked you guys for some plastic free coffee grinders and got recommended this one. Which is not plastic free....

[@AlternativeBrewing]

You’re right - the hopper is not plastic free! 😅 I’m no manufacturer but I’d say it’s very difficult to find a grinder that doesn’t use any plastic for housing or other small things. Metal to metal is not practical in every aspect for building a grinder unfortunately

[@Dennis_To]

Real disappointment of DF54. Looks like plasma generator not working correctly

[@AlternativeBrewing]

How come you say that? .. On your unit or in this video? -- Static wasn't bad at all

[@HenryPiffpaff]

Clean the chute with a little brush or pipe cleaner thingy every now and then

[@Dennis_To]

@@HenryPiffpaffuse brush every 50-60 grams? 😂

[@darrylbaron5004]

Mine too. It’s turned to S. I tried to get help from the company direct and was told it is normal to have to clean out every 5 times I used it. The unit was great for 4 months.

[@raynlim]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHPaoqqMjMx2obMsi=0664ArYQ7rLIyyxD&t=224 Grind size recommendation, it's very helpful. Thank You