Multiple Brands - DF64 Series

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.

Ive had one for a year, and like mine enough. Theres a little more work in the upkeep (frequently cleaning the chute) but it works well for a wife spectrum brew teks

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.

Single dose grinder is the way to go. DF64 and get some upgraded burrs down the road.

I would say it's the best for the price.

I have a df 64 and although i have upgraded my espresso grinder, i still use the df64 for drip. It’s a very good piece for the money. It works well enough and produces a fairly good consistent grind.

The df 64 will do both, it’s a pain in the ass to switch between grind sizes all the time though. Id honestly get a df64 and a cheaper one for regular drip coffee. I used to have a df64 for espresso and a capresso grinder for drip. It worked well. I now use my df64 for drip and a libra ap for espresso.

I’m not sure about the V60, maybe someone can advise; but the DF64 is a fantastic grinder for any espresso and is built like a tank.

If the main criteria is the quality of espresso, I'd buy a machine with PID, e.g. Profitec Go, Apex V2, Lelit Victoria. If you think that she will make lots of lattes, maybe a Heat Exchanger like Lelit MaraX. If she will make milk beverages but the quality of her espresso is a must, I'd choose a dual boiler with PID like Lelit Bianca or Elizabeth, but then only the machine will consume your whole budget. Grinders are even more important, you're right. I'd recommend a DF64 because in the future she may try different burrs if she wants. And in the US, the DF64 are relatively cheap. Shardor is even cheaper, but the build quality is not the same, and it's a newer model, we don't have enough data to tell about longevity. I have both and I'm happy with my Shardor so far. But if you can, buy the DF64. Long story short, Lelit Victoria is being sold for 800 by Whole Latte Love, a Df64 you can buy for 400 from Amazon, then you can buy some accessories like a Normocore Tamper, a knock box, puck screen, tamping station, barista mat, a WDT tool, some nice espresso cups like Loveramics or Kruve, with your remaining budget. In case you're interested, I recommend this video about building an espresso setup: https://youtu.be/FcA8APz2khs?si=jpLjhj-UqNHNPSeA

I’ve loved my DF64. If you get it, get the v2, or get the DF54. The Fellow Opus is too messy, too hard to dial in, and overpriced imo. Baratza Encore isn’t bad, but I’ve heard some complaints about it being loud and messy as well, but that’s also all grinders a bit. The DF64/54 beat it handily in my opinion.