DF54 V3

DF54 v3 is a solid choice. A little over budget tho. I have the DF64 and it has been a phenomenal decision.

First thing, before anyone else says anything. Get a good grinder. Preferably an electric one, will be easy for you in the long term. DF54 is a good option, according to me (that is the cheapest). I doubt you want to roast coffee beans by yourself--that's a whole different ballgame. Better to get roasted beans from some good vendors. The rest depends on what kind of brews you plan to do? Some additional information would be helpful. French Press, V60, Espresso, Pour-over, Moka etc.? The equipment you need would depend on what kind of brew you want to make. If you're not sure, you can visit some good cafes near you (preferably small, indie types rather than something like Starbucks), and try different brews to see what you like. That will give you an idea about the kind of brew (and the beans) you can start with. You can also watch videos by coffee connoisseurs like James Hoffman, Lance Hedrick, Coffee Chronicles (underrated acc. to me) on YT to know more about coffee brewing! Hope it helps on your coffee journey.

There you go! You will need an espresso machine with a decent steaming wand. Lot of budget options--and some you can make it work for you with some workaround. Depends on your budget--I use a DeLonghi ECP33.21--extremely budget option, got it for around 10k, but it makes nice espressos with some temp-surfing. And with the wand workaround, it gives good microfoam for lattes. If you do not want the hassle of temp-surfing you can look at espresso machines with PID controller (technical term for a temperature controller--allows the espresso machine to set a temperature and hold it while brewing). The cheapest I've come across for that are the HiBrew models (Chinese), available through Fix Coffee. If you want non-Chinese machines, the cheapest with PID controller would be the Lelit Anna with PID (there's a non PID model as well)--available through Something's Brewing and Coffee.plus. The only issue is that it uses a non-standard portafilter size (57mm) so finding third-party accessories for it would be a pain. If you want to go with standard 58mm portafilter options, then you're looking at a whole lot of options like Lelit, Breville, Rancilio, Profitec (all brands, multiple models with each brand, with different feature set). Then there are tampers, WDT tools, portafilters, milk frothing jugs, and not to mention the most important thing--the beans themselves. It's a crazy world out there. My suggestion would be look at some James Hoffman and Lance Hedrick videos (and some from Tom's Coffee Corner, if you don't want to get too technical). Here's some links to start with: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb3IxAr4RCo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb3IxAr4RCo) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUc3lvF8mHM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUc3lvF8mHM) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwyNCbaQx0M](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwyNCbaQx0M) Please note that these are baristas and specialists and some of their equipment would be quite fancy and expensive. But there are cheaper options available, and while expensive equipment can make good coffee, so can the cheaper ones (as these specialists themselves point out repeatedly). So don't be afraid to take the plunge if it seems too complex--it's a crazy, super crazy, but wonderfully rewarding hobby, especially if you enjoy coffee and the process of making it--nail down things one at a time, and you should be good to go.

I got it for around 27k from Fix Coffee. I think there's a discount code for first order (WELCOME10). With that, you can get it for around 26k. [https://fixcoffee.shop/products/df54-54mm-flat-burr-coffee-grinder](https://fixcoffee.shop/products/df54-54mm-flat-burr-coffee-grinder) If that's a bit steep, you can look at manual grinders. I would recommend 1ZPresso X-Ultra at the minimum: [https://fixcoffee.shop/products/1zpresso-x-ultra-manual-coffee-grinder](https://fixcoffee.shop/products/1zpresso-x-ultra-manual-coffee-grinder) Any electric grinders below DF54 are not good, I believe--and as most reviews will tell you. There's the Baratza Encore ESP. But that has mixed reviews. Any grinder you get, you want to make sure that you get one that is for Espresso (Espresso requires a finer grind than most other types of brews, and more importantly, the ability to finely adjust the grind size to get a good brew). P.S. - Not shilling for Fix Coffee here 😂 - but I've purchased a manual and electric grinder (DF54) from them--they were the cheapest, and provided good buying experience.

Where did you buy it. If you’re in the U.S. Cliff and Pebble has a 365 day return or upgrade policy that maxes out at a 20%restocking fee after 4 months of ownership, no restocking fee if you’re upgrading to a more expensive item. I ordered mine from them the other night using a 10% coupon code so I snagged a Black DF54 with Red Titanium burrs for $224.10

I have a DF54 version 3. No issues with static, 100 espresso shots so far. Metal Anti clamper with the square spout.

Ok, don't worry about it then, the latest version of the DF54 (v3) mostly resolved the clogging issues. DF54 is generally considered a better espresso grinder. It is a probably better value overall for the price, but that kinds of is the general case with Chinese grinders (and lots of other stuff). Encore ESP is better thought of as a general purpose grinder that was upgraded to allow good espresso grinds as well. The clogging issue with the DF54 is something inherent to that style of grinder. There is a thin flexible "declumper" flap at the exit chute from the grind chamber. Early versions of the DF grinders used a thin weak plastic piece that can get deformed and stuck, leading to clogging. The latest version of the DF54 uses a flexible metal piece now, which is more reliable. Just make sure to use the bellows to blow out any retention and grounds stuck there during each use and you should be fine.

DF54 is the main popular option that it opens up at around $230. In a sense, it’s also a cheap white labeled Chinese grinder, but you’ll quickly find that a lot of the best value grinders are Chinese. The DF54 is probably considered the real entry level “reliable” Chinese white labeled grinder. Baratza Encore ESP pro is $300 but it’s arguable whether it’s a significant enough of an upgrade from the base Encore ESP. Varia VS3 is another popular option from a reputable brand. Personally, I think in terms of raw value, the $400 CF64V (yup another Chinese grinder) is the best thing available feature and design wise. It’s just ugly to most people, especially with that shiny dial on the international version.

Hand grinder? 1Zpresso J-Ultra Electric grinder? Baratza Encore ESP is kind of the only tried and true reliable option. Edit: to answer your additional questions For the same price, you’re looking at budget electric grinders vs really good hand grinders. Obviously hand grinder is going to take a bit more work and time to get you coffee ground, especially since we’re taking finely ground espresso grinds. Breville smart grinder is old and outdated nowadays Fellow Opus ins pretty much inferior to Encore ESP in every way and costs the same. DF54 is over budget but is a good entry level Chinese flat burr grinder, but not universally user proof. Some people manage to clog the DF54 pretty frequently, likely in part due to the declumper design. You can go really budget on Chinese grinders with the Shardor 64 ($150) and Mokkom 64($160-180). They’re pretty much the same grinder but the Mokkom has a stainless steel shell and a single dose bellows hopper. These are quite appealing budget options, especially as these are 64mm flat burr grinders. But they are built to a cheaper price point than the DF54 and long term reliability is even more questionable

What’s your budget? Encore ESP is kind of the best option in its price range. The alternatives with the Fellow Opus and the Breville grinders are all inferior when it comes to consistency and retention. Now you could also get the Starseeker E55 Pro which is a Chinese conical grinder at the DF54 price point. Better quality grinder than the DF54 probably, but conical. If you can go up in budget, the Turin/MiiCoffee CF64V should be ready to ship immediately and is a much much better grinder than the cheaper DF54 or the comparably price DF64. If you want to go cheaper, the Mokkom 64 is a nice 64mm alternative to the DF54 that’s actually cheaper.

So the issue isn’t so much that the Encore ESP is “worth it” but more the good reliable options are limited at that price point. The Fellow Opus is …. Not good So then the only “trusted brand name” grinder would probably be the Varia VS3. Then there are all the Chinese grinder options, but at this price point, you’re still looking at grinders that are considered “value” rather than quality among those. DF54 is the popular entry level option there for a flat burr grinder. Starseeker also has the E55 for a good conical burr option. Then there’s the ultra value sub $200 USD (sub 1000RMB in China) 64mm flat burr grinders like the GF64, the Shardor 64, and the Mokkom 64. They work well enough, but I think the problem with them is the temptation to upgrade because they just feel cheap. Remember, these are grinders that are considered cheap in the Chinese domestic market as well.

I’d lean towards the DF54 and E55 Pro over the SK40 just because it’s easier to track the origins and popularity of those in China as well. Manufacturing / brand reputation is comparable between the two, but for the price point, the E55 Pro is a “nice” conical whereas the DF54 is more of a budget / entry level flat burr grinder. So user experience is going to be much better with the E55 vs the more design cost savings in the DF54 that can be challenging for some users. The burrs in DF54 are general purpose espresso leaning flat burrs but should probably still offer a bit more clarity than the E55. But whether that matters depends on individual preferences and to some degree your beans and dial in too.

Light medium roasts? Df54 being flat burr will be the superior choice. Df54 does have red titanium burr upgrades that can be obtained https://www.grindlogic.com.au/products/df54-coffee-grinder?variant=52282420461752 and it's still under 500. There is also the filter burr set if you choose to go down that path.

Yea absolutely, you just won't have as much body/lingering taste compared to the filter burrs, but it's still tasty!

This is what I was thinking. I also have a DF54 for espresso and am considering a hand grinder for the very occasional pour over.