MAHLKÖNIG - Vario+ (Modified with Steel Burrs)

I'd personally get a filter-only grinder. Wait for a sale, grab an Ode Gen 2, and buy an espresso grinder when the time comes (DF54 is insane value). The best grinders for double duty are medium-high clarity conical grinders like Comandante, K-Ultra etc IMO. The Femobook A5 and Lagom Casa are a couple electric grinders that are in the same category (I haven't tried either, but they're well reviewed). I previously used a Lagom Mini for both filter and espresso and it was fantastic. The DF54 and 64 both do a decent job at filter, but it's not great. The 64 mm SSP MP burrs are often recommended as a do-it-all burr set, but they are for a very specific espresso profile and they are not beginner friendly for espresso. I didn't enjoy the espresso with them. SSP Cast are supposed to be decent for both, but you're giving up the clarity everyone is always seeking. A couple other decent options that I've tried are Ditting 54mm steel burrs in the Vario+ and Eureka's 50 mm brew burrs in an entry level mignon. The UX is not ideal with either of these setups compared to a grinder designed to single dose. If the Ditting burrs fit in the DF without crazy mods it would be a great option. Edit: I forgot to mention that there are now brew burrs available for the DF54. I'm planning to grab a set to try out once they're available in Canada.

I've got nearly the exact same situation. Spotted a Mahlkonig Vario second hand for 50 (!!) euros only stating that the burrs needed to be replaced (and the right slider was missing the plastic handle thingy, only a slight inconvenience). When it arrived, I had a look at the burrs and they look just fine. I think the seller mistook the flat parts on the outer edges as wear... Gave it a very thorough, much needed cleaning (including roasted moth removal), also being very surprised by how much coffee was able to escape the grinding chamber and cover every internal part of the machine. Now, only 10 hours after delivery and after some calibration and alignment, it seems to be working perfectly fine. I'll be curious too see how the calibration will hold up; the 2mm hex screw did seem awfully easy to turn, could imagine it maybe shaking loose over time. Maybe adding some teflon tape would solve this. Has anyone ever had that problem?