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

Have you unscrewed the chute to see if there's some coffee grounds stuck there? I had to clean the parts around my DF64 gen 2.5 declumper once a month to prevent this from happening I recently replaced the plastic declumper by a metal one, now the problem is gone

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'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'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

I’ve had my DF64 Gen 2 for ages and I love it but I have had to replace 2 power switches due to them failing. Great power in the motor though and great for whatever 64mm burrs you have lying around.

DF64 Gen 2… with those bigger 64mm burrs, maybe there’s a reason for concern after all.

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