DF64V Gen 2

I loooove my DF64

You'll likely get the "The grinder is more important than the machine" response to this question. I have a Bambino Plus, it make great espresso. I also have a DF64V2, it is supposed to be a great grinder. I also have low standards, but it taste great to me.

+1. As a beginner, I got a Bambino Plus & DF64, plus all the extra accessories, for around $700 by buying off FB.

I had the same wish, went for a Pietro with Pro Brew Burrs and wanted something that did not cause that much pain in the workflow. I got a DF64V Gen2 and SSP Burrs. This setup is a bit messy, workflow is okayish (annoying dancing last bean in the DF64V). But for the price i am happy. Sometimes I wish my Niche workflow would be back.

Für filter nicht so gut finde ich. Zu viele fines. Habe df 64 v2 und timemore c2 und die timemore ist da leckerer

Thumb rule for grinder/machine ratio should factor how much each contributes towards taste of the brew. Upto 70-75% of your output is influenced by the beans/roast & grind. Machine is at most 20% of the game. Keeping that in mind I followed the 1:1, ratio, of budget in mind. Just bought the GC Pro E24 in Lobster Red ($500) and ordered a black Eureka Mignon Zero Espresso ($400). Another strong contender for you to consider would be the DF64 v2. But you need to have a ballpark budget in mind before evaluating options. Are you planning on any mods? I reviewed Gaggunio, GaggiaMate Pro and finally ordered the Crema Tune v2 by Barista Gadgets. It offers pretty much what the other two do for about $100 less and 5-7 day delivery in the US. Good luck.

I’ve been rocking the DF64v2 for nearly a year on my Silvia pro, breville drip (for family morning coffee during the week) and the occasional v60. It does everything I need it to. Dialing back and forth I use a piece of painters tape to get close to my previous espresso grind setting. Drip and filter is excellent although the catch cup is very small. I tend to grind right into the v60 of drip basket. Espresso is espresso and there are always tweaks to make cup to cup. Overall I’ve very happy with my pick.

I have the classic bambino with Df64 v2 and baratza encore esp. I recommend baratza encore esp over the DF, baratza post purchase support is way superior than DF (who rely on resellers rather than manufacturer) If you don't mind taking the risk of poor support and higher chance of breakage (mis-thread screwing on top) Df64 is quieter (because grinds faster), than encore esp. Taste-wise is hard to distinguish but DF slightly better.