DF64E

I had a DF64E. It was able to grind but the consistency was really difficult for me to deal with, especially since I usually brew two different beans every day.

I grabbed a DF64 for espresso and a Fellow Ode for pour over. TBH, having dedicated grinders really saves the hassle of dialing things in every time you swap brew methods (and less cross-contamination of leftover grinds).

Man I just saw this comment but I said the same thing. The DF64 is great, but for OP the 54 is in his budget and pretty much the same as the 64. I heard mainly it takes a few seconds longer than the df64 since the burrs are smaller so they can grind less coffee at any given time.

My first real espresso grinder is arriving today. Df64, $400ish. I couldn’t justify spending more since I’m also a tea drinker and tend to spend half the year drinking tea instead of coffee.

DF64 all day long! I’ve got one of the interactions of the first interactions of the first version. Perhaps the 3rd enhancement. I upgraded the burrs because it only cost $350 about 4-years ago plus burrs taking it up to $499. IT WORKS GREAT!!!! From my experience I would buy one again if I were to buy a new one. I works great so I’m not motivated to change.

Dude this is a pretty high startup cost for something you may not even enjoy the process of. Grab a Breville dual boiler and a Baratza Encore, DF64, or Lagom Casa. Upgrade your machine once you feel you've fully committed and know what you're looking for.

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