Turin DF54 Coffee Single Dose Grinder Review

[@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!

[@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

[@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 🙌

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@ziminmafia162]

Thanks! I just got mine 😁

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Hope you like it!

[@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.

[@izopen]

Thanks for showing how to clean.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

You’re welcome 😊

[@TC_Prof]

Yup correct Josh hey like Eureka 😊

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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 🙌

[@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

[@kusiciel]

Is the fellow opus comparable to this grinder?

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Comparison coming 👌

[@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!

[@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 🙏

[@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

[@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 💪

[@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 👌

[@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!

[@malygosmozart]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@alleycat2144]

What dosing cup is that?

[@AlternativeBrewing]

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

[@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.

[@SuperMatrix59]

USA all the way. It's even lower.

[@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? 😂