Gen 2

You can get a DF64 gen 2 for $399. I have one and i have really liked using it so far.

With your budget and brewing both espresso + pour over, consistency and workflow matter more than chasing spec sheets. The 64mm flat burr grinders like the DF64 and Sculptor are very capable and get a lot of love because they’re modular and tweakable. Great clarity for filter, strong for espresso. T

I've had the DF64 gen 2 for a few years (original burrs) and not had any issues with clogging whatsoever. I do spritz the beans before grinding which I feel also helps reduce static/retention, and pump the bellows lightly while grinding to prevent retention from building up. I also pump the bellows

Df64 gen 2 is the go. Comes with metal cup already. Barely any retention with the bellows. Doesn’t make a mess at all with new electrode setup. No need to spritz beans unless you’re maybe doing pour over grind.

Okay, know that is probably entry level for espresso. Doesn't mean you can't get something good but it might not be a forever setup. Best advice is to make sure you're getting a good grinder as that's the more important of the two. There are a lot of options still, and as some of said it's probably

I wish I had purchased a manual lever machine instead of my semi auto machine. Would have spent WAY less to get BETTER espresso with only a small increase in workflow effort. Don’t care about milk drinks so not a consideration. Related to #1 wish I would have spent more money on my grinder. I have a

i've had a Niche Zero since 2021 and honestly yeah it's still great for espresso. the workflow is stupid easy - no bellows, no RDT needed, retention is like 0.1g. that said in 2026 the DF64 Gen 2 with stock burrs gives you more clarity for similar money. if you do straight espresso and occasional mi

I used to have this machine and paired it with the DF64 Gen 2 and was always pleased with the results. It’s efficient, not super expensive, gets the job done and looks nice in my opinion.

Can you link the declumper kit? My DF64 gen 2 clumps like crazy. I can't merely WDT like any tutorial would tell you - I have to literally stab the clumps against the side of the portafilter to get them to separate. Anything less and I'm just moving them around.

If you are sensitive to loud and/or high pitched noise, the DF64 might be a dealbreaker for you. I have the gen 2 and it can get ear-piercingly loud at times. James Hoffman did a <£500 grinder shootout which included the DF64 gen2 and he included a soundtest of the grinders. The DF64 was louder than