Turin DF64 Gen 2 review

Superb espresso from the stock 64mm burrs, with filter brightness in dispute8.0/10

Espresso is what the DF64 Gen 2 does best, and grind quality is widely liked. Toms Grinder Lab scores the espresso "five beans out of five" and prefers it to the shots from a dearer sibling with a more expensive burr set.1 The common description is a shot with sweetness and body that still keeps a good amount of clarity. It also grinds quickly, and the burrs stay cool across shot after shot, which helps consistency.

Outside espresso, the stock burrs divide opinion. Some cups come out bright, fruity and clear. Toms Grinder Lab found filter coffee short on brightness, while The Coffee Chronicler found the opposite problem: an acidity-forward cup where the acidity "can go from nice to a bit astringent quite easily".2 ARAMSE likewise reports vibrant shots that can turn a little edgy, with less texture.

The caveat is for light-roast purists. Aaron Meyers rates the stock burrs good but not great for filter, and recommends a burr upgrade if high-clarity, light-roasted espresso is the goal.3 For medium and darker beans, the burrs in the box are enough.

Close to zero left inside, with a bellows to pump and a chute to clean6.9/10

Very little coffee stays in this grinder. Aaron Meyers reports retention that is "typically zero or maybe 0.1 at the most", and several others weigh the full dose back out.4 An ionizer in the exit chute cuts static, and a disc above the burrs stops beans bouncing around, so the counter stays fairly clean.

The workflow is where opinion splits. Getting the last of the dose out usually means a pump of the bellows, an extra step each time.5 A light spritz of water on the beans is unnecessary in some kitchens and a real help in others, and a little static in the chute is still on record.

Cleaning is the other cost. The declumper sits deep in the chute, and ARAMSE found its two pins become a spot where grounds collect.6 Reaching in there is tedious, and a full clean takes longer than on simpler single-dosers. There is no timer or programmable dose either, only a button.

A silk-smooth stepless collar, with markings one critic cannot read8.8/10

The adjustment is the best-liked part of the grinder. The collar is stepless and turns easily, so tiny changes during dial-in are simple to make. Toms Grinder Lab calls it "as smooth as silk".7

It also stays where you put it. Solo Macchiato found the zero point easy to locate by feel and reports that the grinder holds that zero well over time.8 The grind indicator can be loosened and reset to match, and the dial carries reference marks for different brew methods.

The dissent comes from Kyle Rowsell, who finds the adjustment system "hard to read" without modifications and treats the DF64 as a grinder that needs 3D printed parts to be at its best.9 His is the lone critical voice on this point.

Loud and high-pitched, by ear and by meter0.8/10

Noise is the clear weakness. Almost no one has a good word for it, and the complaint is about pitch as much as volume.

The meter readings agree. Luke Makes Coffee measured "around 85 dB" and Aaron Meyers saw "up to 94 DB" while grinding.1011 Daddy Got Coffee places it above a large commercial grinder for noise, and ARAMSE simply calls it very loud.

The mildest view comes from Artisti Coffee Roasters, who do not find it very noisy with the bellows and lid in place, while still noting a buzz.12 The grind is fast, so the noise is brief. Aaron Meyers, who took the highest reading, says it would not stop him buying one at this price.

Widely judged a bargain at $366.95, with the cheaper DF54 close behind in the cup8.9/10

Value is the DF64 Gen 2's highest mark, and the praise is consistent. Luke Makes Coffee says "the value for money is kind of insane", and it is repeatedly named a top pick at its price for an all-round grinder.13 The 64mm burr size matters here too: it is easy to swap in aftermarket burrs later, and some sellers will fit them before shipping.

Two caveats apply. Toms Grinder Lab points out that the Gen 2 costs a good deal more than the original. The Real Sprometheus tasted no noticeable difference against the smaller DF54 on stock burrs, and concludes that the extra money buys faster grinding and broader burr options more than a better cup.14

Powder-coated metal in place of vinyl wrap, with alignment that varies by unit7.5/10

The Gen 2 is a sturdier grinder than the one it replaces, and build is widely liked. The body is metal with a powder-coated finish where the original used a vinyl wrap, and at 15 lb it feels solid on the counter. The look is industrial, and nobody calls it pretty.

Burr alignment depends on the unit. Daddy Got Coffee's burrs arrived perfectly aligned, and Aaron Meyers left his alone because it was so close out of the box.15 ARAMSE's needed a bit of shimming, and Kyle Rowsell had to align his.16

The smaller parts draw the complaints. Toms Grinder Lab finds the silicone gasket thin, loose and quick to lose its shape.17 The metal dosing cup can rattle if it is not seated squarely, and ARAMSE dismisses the portafilter holder as an afterthought. Evidence on long-term reliability is thin, so treat the sturdy feel as encouraging and no more.

Our verdict

Buy the DF64 Gen 2 if espresso is the main job and you want low retention, a smooth stepless collar and a burr size you can upgrade, all at $366.95. Skip it if a loud, high-pitched grinder will cause trouble at home, or if light-roast filter coffee is the priority and you do not plan to change burrs. When it arrives, check the burr alignment before you settle on a grind setting, and listen to one running before you commit if you can.