Gen 2

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 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.

Kingrinder K6, embrace the handgrinder until you have money. Also...and maybe take a breath here...a nice electric espresso grinder isn't going to be 250...it's going to be 800 bucks (or more)...just be aware. You can get like a DF64 Gen 2.5 for 3-400...and that's all go and no frills, cheaper grind

I have df64 gen 2. I would step up to the 64mm if you can. Gives you a whole lot more room for burr upgrades in the future if you choose to do so. It’s a beast of a grinder.

i was in this exact spot last year. grinder first makes way more difference than machine at that budget. the df64 gen 2 or niche zero will give you way more clarity than upgrading the bambino yet. keep the machine for now and put money into burrs.

OP, what is budget? Because first and foremost, two things. First of all, this sub will spend your money for you and you may not be happy in the end. And secondly, you’re spending somewhere around $1,500 a year already on coffee shops. Determine a budget that works for you and designate a certain am

I have a DF64 Gen 2. Got it from Espresso Outlet who was incredibly kind and gave me a discount and the raise I would not have been able to afford it, ngl. I am incredibly happy with both my grinder, and the espresso it produces.

I keep seeing these posts about clogging or static on the 54. I've got a df64 gen 2, do these have similar issues? I haven't noticed any clogging, and the bellows help with reducing retained grounds. Is this an option OP?