DF54 vs DF64 Gen 2: Which Grinder Is Right for You?

When it comes to single-dose flat burr grinders, two models consistently stand out for home baristas on value and quality: the DF54 and the DF64 Gen 2. Both share the same engineering DNA—flat burr precision and taste, stepless micrometric adjustment, and ultra-low retention—yet each suits a different kind of coffee setup. Use the guidelines below to decide which fits your workflow.

Who is each for? 

DF54 Coffee Grinder: 

You could consider the DF54 an entry-level grinder, but it's also suitable for budget and space-conscious pros. This grinder delivers grind-level consistency and excellent repeatability. Its 54 mm flat burrs produce a balanced, sweet cup with minimal retention, while the small footprint is perfect for tight benchtops or minimalist coffee bars.

If you’re new to single-dose grinding, have limited space, or looking for the best budget-friendly coffee grinder, we'd unreservedly recommend the DF54. 

DF64 Gen 2 Coffee Grinder:

This steps things up with its 64 mm burrs that grind faster and more uniformly, delivering increased clarity and body, especially in espresso. It’s also compatible with a wide range of aftermarket burrs (including popular SSP options), offering more flexibility for enthusiasts who like to experiment with flavour profiles. It has faster throughput (i.e., grinds coffee faster) and has a wider grinding range compared to the DF54. 

If you’re chasing greater control and customisability, broader burr options, and more of a prosumer-level experience, the DF64 Gen 2 is a strong long-term investment. 

DF54 vs DF64 Gen 2 — Key Specifications

DF54 Coffee Grinder

DF64 Gen 2 Coffee Grinder
Burr Diameter 54 mm Flat Burrs 64 mm Flat Burrs
Approx. Grind Range 110 – 900 µm 90 – 1000 µm
Motor Power AC 150 W / ≈1400 RPM / 220 V / 50 Hz (AU) AC 250 W / ≈1400 RPM / 220 V / 50 Hz (AU)
Retention < 0.4 g < 0.3 g
Adjustment Type Stepless micrometric Stepless micrometric
Dimensions (W × D × H) 11.5 cm × 17.8 cm × 30.5 cm
(4.5 in × 7 in × 12 in)		 13.2 cm × 25.4 cm × 30.5 cm
(5.2 in × 10 in × 12 in)
Weight 4.5 kg / 10 lb 6.8 kg / 15 lb
Dose Type Single-dose Single-dose
Use Cases Home single-dose users seeking a compact, cost-effective flat-burr grinder. Home single-dose users wanting larger burrs, faster throughput, and burr upgrade options.
Brew Methods Espresso, AeroPress, French Press, V60, filter, other manual methods. Espresso, AeroPress, French Press, V60, filter, other manual methods.

 

DF54 vs DF64 Gen 2: Which Grinder Is Right for You?
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FAQs

Is the DF54 or the DF64 Gen 2 better value?

Both grinders offer exceptional value, but the better choice depends on your goals and how you plan to use it.

The DF54 delivers excellent value for money and ranks among the best budget flat-burr grinders available. It's ideal if you want strong performance across espresso and filter coffee without a high price tag.

The DF64 Gen 2 is a step up in consistency, build quality, and long-term refinement potential. If your focus is on ongoing improvement, precision tuning, and versatility across brewing styles, the DF64 Gen 2 delivers stronger performance as you progress.
Will the DF64 Gen 2 or the DF54 be better for espresso?

Both grinders are excellent for espresso and will pair well with any espresso machine. The DF64 Gen 2's larger 64 mm burrs grind faster and can offer greater clarity and separation in the cup, especially with lighter roasts. You can also refine your espresso game with aftermarket burr options like those from SSP. That said, the DF54 is still highly capable for espresso and performs impressively for its size and price.
Which grinder is better for filter coffee?

Both grinders handle filter brewing well, and their stock burrs are excellent all rounders for espresso and filter. The DF64 Gen 2 can offer more clarity and consistency for filter brews, particularly when paired with alternative burr sets designed for filter-focused flavour profiles, such as SSP Lab Sweet burrs.
Which grinder is better suited for beginners?

The DF54 is generally the better choice if you're just getting started with espresso or more specialized brewing methods. It offers excellent grind quality, a simple workflow, and great results without needing much fine-tuning.

Both grinders are very user-friendly, though. If you're a beginner who plans to experiment, upgrade burrs, or refine your brewing over time, the DF64 Gen 2 is also an excellent option.
What burr upgrades are available for the DF64 Gen 2?

The DF64 Gen 2 supports a wide range of 64 mm flat burr upgrades, allowing you to tailor grind performance and flavour profile to your preferences.

You can explore our full range of compatible 64 mm burr options here.
What burr upgrades are available for the DF54?

The DF54's 54 mm burr platform has a narrower, though growing, range of burr options tailored to both espresso and filter brewing.

You can view our available 54 mm burr options here.