DF54 Grinder Review: The Very Best Budget Grinder?

As you guys already know, I’ve always got my ear to the ground in an attempt to find the best coffee gear for your needs. And in this DF54 grinder review, I’ll introduce you to an exciting budget espresso grinder. But don’t let the word “budget” cloud your judgement. Seriously, while this burr coffee grinder might not cost much, it punches far above its weight in terms of quality and performance.

Coming up in my DF54 grinder review I’ll take a first look at what this thing is all about. And of course, I’ll see how it compares to other affordable espresso grinders.

A high-performance grinder that won’t break the bank

DF54 Single Dose Coffee Grinder

High-quality construction

54mm stainless steel flat burrs

Stepless adjustment mechanism

Near zero grind retention

Plastic dosing cup

CHECK PRICE

All specifications

DF54 Single Dose Coffee Grinder
Current price on Amazon
All specifications

DF54 Grinder Review Overview

If you’ve checked out my DF64 grinder review, you’ll know that it’s widely considered to be one of the best espresso grinders under $400. On its release, reviewers were falling over themselves to praise the DF64, and many claimed it would signal the demise of the infamous Niche Zero. Then again, that’s not really an issue on this side of the Atlantic seeing as the Niche Zero isn’t sold here.

Anyway, the DF64 now has a sibling, the DF54 Single Dose Coffee Grinder. And it could be the case that this model will be even more successful than its predecessor, not least because of the fact that it costs just $N/A.

Now, some of you will rightly claim that this is still a lot of money to spend on a coffee grinder. However, put in context, the DF54 is incredibly affordable, and dedicated home baristas will definitely be excited. Seriously, I’ve reviewed tons of the best burr coffee grinders, and this could end up being one of the best budget coffee grinders to date. Especially given its high-quality build, thoughtful design and top-notch capabilities. In fact, from where I’m sitting, manufacturers like Eureka and Baratza should be feeling a little worried.

Before we continue, I should point out that in this DF54 grinder review I’ll be discussing the 1.4 version. This is the latest model and comes with a larger grinds chute than other versions.

Coffeeness Medium Roast Espresso

Well-balanced with chocolate & hazelnut notes

Freshly roasted in Brooklyn

Very low acidity

To the Coffeeness Shop

DF54 Grinder Features

Let’s continue this DF54 review by taking a closer look at what makes this grinder such an attractive proposition.

Size and Design

There can be no doubt that the DF54 looks like the real deal. It’s also impossible to ignore the fact that the DF54’s design is reminiscent of much more expensive espresso grinders like the Niche Zero. To be honest, I love how the DF54 grinder looks; I’m a big fan of this kind of forward-angled design and minimalist vibe. However, I can see that not everyone will appreciate the DF54’s aesthetic.

What everyone will appreciate is this single dose grinder’s build quality. Featuring a powder-coated aluminum body and base, the DF54 is going to feel very premium. And just for reference, that’s way more than can be said for a grinder like the Baratza Encore ESP. Finally, I should point out that the DF54 grinder is equipped with a powerful 150 watt motor. This makes the DF54 rugged enough to grind even the lightest roast coffee beans at its finest settings.

DF54 Hopper

The DF54 is a single dose grinder, meaning you’ll have to store your best espresso beans somewhere else. That’s a good thing, seeing as using a coffee storage container is always a better option than leaving coffee in a hopper.

The bellows-style hopper has a 50 gram capacity, although you can use it without the bellows. However, if you’re serious about espresso, you’ll know that using bellows is a great way to ensure every gram of coffee passes through the grinder and into your portafilter.

Incidentally, like the DF64, this model has an anti-popcorning disc installed. This nifty device prevents the last few beans of your dose popping out of the burr chamber. As I said earlier, the manufacturer has definitely put a lot of thought into the grinder’s design.

Stainless Steel Flat Burrs

By now, you will have cottoned onto the fact that this espresso grinder has smaller burrs than its sibling. And although fancy 54mm burrs aren’t as easy to find, I can’t imagine that folks buying this grinder will care about upgrading. The custom-made burr set is capable of producing incredibly consistent coffee grounds. What’s more, the grounds will be nice and fluffy, making them ideal for espresso preparation.

Whether or not flat burrs are superior to conical burrs is up for debate. However, I’ve always enjoyed using flat burr grinders for espresso. I find that they produce fewer fines, leading to a cleaner and more complex shot. Then again, what’s most important is using coffee beans of the highest quality. 

Grind Settings

Like the DF64, this single dose espresso grinder features a stepless grind adjustment mechanism. This is really good news for espresso enthusiasts who like to have complete control. That’s because you’ll have an almost infinite number of grind settings to choose from. So, when you’re dialing in the perfect espresso, you’ll be able to make the tiniest of tweaks to your grind size.

I love how the chrome-wrapped adjustment collar has clear guidelines to help you get in the right zone. And while there are around 90 marked settings, don’t forget that these are simply there to keep you on track.

Plasma Generator

Since completing my DF64 grinder review, I still haven’t learned what a plasma generator looks like or how it works! Still, I maintain that what’s more important is knowing that it reduces static retention to almost nothing. And as I’m sure you already know, that’s super important when you’re using a grinder for espresso. After all, given the fact that you’re weighing your dose to the nearest gram, you want to know that it’ll all end up in your portafilter.

Also known as an ionizer, the plasma generator is located in the grinds chute, and apparently performs really well. Oh, and if you’ve read reports of clogging issues with the DF54, rest assured that they’ve been solved with this latest version.

Dosing Cup

The DF54 grinder does come with rubberized forks for grinding directly into your portafilter, it’s only suitable for 58mm portafilters. So, if you’re a Breville espresso machine owner with a 54mm portafilter, you’ll need to grind into the included dosing cup. To be honest, I’m slightly disappointed that the dosing cup is made of plastic. However, it’s hard to complain when considering the grinder’s asking price.

How to Dial in the DF54 Grinder

If you already have experience using espresso grinders, you won’t need me to tell you how to use the DF54. But if this is your first rodeo, I’ll give you a quick rundown on how to dial in your espresso shots.

For starters, you’ll need to find the grinder’s zero point. To do this, turn on the DF54 and gently turn the adjustment dial counterclockwise until you hear a slight “chirping” sound. This is the burrs are starting to touch, and indicates that you’ve found the zero point. From here, turn the dial in the opposite direction until the indicator is aligned with around 15 on the marked scale. This is a good starting point for espresso, although you may have to make a few changes depending on whether you’re using light roast or dark roast beans.

Now it’s time to weigh out your dose using your best coffee scale. I’d recommend starting with a 1:2 brew ratio for espresso, so if your dose is 20 grams, you’ll be looking for a 40-gram shot with a 25-30-second extraction time. Add your beans to the hopper, put your portafilter or dosing cup in place then press the activation switch to start grinding. Once all the beans have passed through the grinding chamber, use the bellows to flush out any stray coffee grounds.

Once you’ve prepared your portafilter, go ahead and pull a shot. Keep a close eye on your espresso as it’s brewing, noting the time and weight. If your shot ran too fast, adjust the grinder slightly finer and vice versa. Oh, and only make very small grind size changes in between shots. Trust me, small changes can have a huge impact on your espresso extraction.

DF54 Grinder Cleaning & Maintenance

I shouldn’t have to tell you that regular cleaning and maintenance will be of the utmost importance if you want your DF54 grinder to live a long and happy life. Fortunately, there isn’t a whole lot to worry about. I mean, if the plasma generator works as well as it’s supposed to, there won’t be a lot of residue inside the grinder exit chute. Still, it doesn’t hurt to brush out the chute now and then.

I’d also recommend brushing off the burrs every once in a while. To access the burr chamber, turn the adjustment dial counterclockwise until you’re able to remove the disc and upper burr holder. Once that’s done, use a brush to remove any coffee residue from the burrs. Finally, put the upper burr back in place, followed by the adjustment disc. Turn the dial all the way clockwise until it stops, then move it back to 10 on the indicator scale.

DF54 Grinder Technical Specifications

DF54 vs Other Coffee Grinders

Let’s take a quick look at how the DF54 measures up in comparison with a couple of other espresso-capable coffee grinders.

DF54 vs DF64 Grinder

I’ve mentioned the DF64 II Coffee Grinder throughout this review. Still, I figured it’d be a good idea to give the DF54’s older sibling its own section. Costing $390.00, the DF64 II is a good deal more expensive than the DF54. However, it’s much bigger and more powerful.

Equipped with 64mm stainless steel flat burrs, the DF64 is capable of grinding faster and with even more precision than the DF54. Plus, those larger burrs will cut down on heat transfer.

Ultimately, the DF64 II will appeal to serious espresso enthusiasts, whereas the DF54 is a more beginner-friendly espresso grinder. With all that said, both models are extremely competitively priced and either will satisfy demanding home baristas.

See Also: DF64 Grinder Review

DF54 Grinder vs Fellow Opus

Priced at just $199.95, the Fellow Opus caused quite a stir upon its release. That’s because this super-affordable grinder was being marketed as a true all-rounder that could handle all brew methods.

While I was somewhat dubious, my testing revealed that this awesome little grinder actually can do it all. Plus, it looks great and the price is right. Still, if you want to use the Opus for espresso, you should know that making grind adjustments can quickly get confusing. Sure, the inner adjustment ring for espresso is a good idea, but it’s not that intuitive.

At the end of the day, if you want a dedicated espresso grinder, the DF54 will be a better option. But the Fellow Opus will suit those looking for a versatile grinder for espresso, drip and French press..

See Also: Fellow Opus Review

DF54 vs Other Grinders Comparison Chart

Verdict: DF54 Grinder Review

A high-performance grinder that won’t break the bank

DF54 Single Dose Coffee Grinder

High-quality construction

54mm stainless steel flat burrs

Stepless adjustment mechanism

Near zero grind retention

Plastic dosing cup

CHECK PRICE

All specifications

DF54 Single Dose Coffee Grinder
Current price on Amazon
All specifications

At the start of this DF54 grinder review I was pretty excited about this entry-level espresso grinder. And having taken a closer look, I’m confident that it’ll be a huge success. Gone are the days when making espresso at home had to be an expensive hobby. Nowadays, some of the best home espresso machines cost less than $500, and there’s a wider selection of affordable grinders than ever. What’s more, a dedicated single dose grinder like the DF54 is capable of producing exceptional grind quality and almost zero retention. Plus, it certainly won’t break the bank.

Paired with a machine like the Gaggia Classic Pro or Breville Bambino Plus, the DF54 grinder will really shine. Just remember that using high-quality espresso beans is non-negotiable. After all, you owe it to yourself to drink the best coffee possible!