Turin Grinder Brand History and Development

The Turin Grinder is a product line from Espresso Outlet, which specializes in coffee equipment, particularly grinders. The name "Turin" is inspired by the Italian city of Turin (Torino), reflecting the brand's focus on Italian-inspired design and engineering, commonly associated with the world of espresso. The most well-known grinder in this line is the Turin DF64, which has become a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts for its affordability and high performance in single-dosing.

Here is a brief history and development of the Turin Grinder line, with a focus on the Turin DF64:

Early Development (Pre-2020)

Espresso Outlet was already a recognized name in the coffee equipment industry, distributing a wide range of machines and grinders from various manufacturers. In the late 2010s, the demand for single-dose grinders with low retention increased, especially as home baristas sought more control over their grind consistency without the large footprint and price tag of commercial grinders.

The Turin DF64 was developed to meet this growing demand, drawing on the success of models like the Niche Zero and other grinders that emphasized low retention, high-quality grinding, and single-dosing capabilities. While there were several options on the market, many were too expensive or too large for most home setups. Espresso Outlet saw an opportunity to offer a more affordable option with comparable quality.

Launch and Features of the Turin DF64 (2020)

The Turin DF64 (also known as the ELR grinder, standing for "Extremely Low Retention") was officially launched around 2020. It quickly gained attention for its key features and price point, offering much of the performance found in more expensive grinders but at a significantly lower cost.

Key features that helped the Turin DF64 become popular included:

1. 64 mm flat burrs: The grinder uses large flat burrs, similar to those found in more expensive commercial grinders, which are known for producing a more even particle size.
2. Single-dosing: Like the Niche Zero, the Turin DF64 was designed as a single-dose grinder, minimizing leftover grounds inside the machine.
3. Low retention: The DF64’s internal design ensures that very little coffee is left inside the grinder after use, which helps preserve freshness.
4. Stepless adjustment: The grinder features a stepless adjustment system, allowing for precise control over the grind size, from espresso to coarser brew methods like French press.
5. Affordable price: Compared to other high-end grinders with similar features, the Turin DF64 was much more accessible to home baristas, making it a competitive option in the market.

Reception and Popularity (2020-2022)

The Turin DF64 became highly popular among coffee enthusiasts and home baristas due to its competitive price-to-performance ratio. Coffee communities online, such as Reddit and various espresso forums, began recommending it as a great alternative to more expensive grinders like the Niche Zero.

Burr Upgrades and Customization

As with many popular grinders, the DF64 developed a strong community of users who shared tips and modifications. One of the key selling points of the DF64 is its compatibility with different types of burrs. Many users experimented with SSP burrs, which are known for improving the grinder’s performance for specific brew methods (like espresso or pour-over).

This customization and upgradeability added to the grinder’s appeal, allowing users to fine-tune it to their exact preferences.

Continued Expansion (2022-Present)

Building on the success of the Turin DF64, Espresso Outlet expanded the Turin grinder lineup. Newer models, such as the Turin SD40 (a more compact and budget-friendly single-dose grinder), have been introduced to meet the needs of a broader range of users. These grinders continued to reflect the brand’s focus on providing affordable yet high-performing coffee equipment for home use.

The Turin brand has become known for offering grinders that appeal to enthusiasts looking for a mix of performance, value, and the option to customize. The DF64 remains a favorite in the coffee community, often praised as a “best value” grinder for those who want near-commercial quality without the premium price tag.

Conclusion

The Turin Grinder line, particularly the DF64, reflects a shift in the coffee grinder market towards accessible, high-quality, and customizable home grinders. By focusing on features like low retention, single-dosing, and upgradeability, the DF64 has carved out a niche for itself as one of the best value grinders for home baristas. The Turin brand’s growing popularity shows that there is strong demand for grinders that offer professional-level performance at a price point within reach of serious coffee hobbyists.