I was one of the first buyers of the DF83V and was very excited before it arrived. Unfortunately, I haven’t found it to be a reliable grinder. Shot times are inconsistent, and when I tried to investigate the cause, I realized that the zero point is constantly changing.
I would set the zero point, turn on the grinder, adjust the setting, and then return to zero—only to find that it had shifted slightly in most cases. Repeating this process multiple times showed that the zero point jumps around unpredictably.
The upper burr carrier is bulky and heavy, and it rests on six very small springs that don’t seem adequate for the job. When adjusting the grind size, you can feel how unsmooth the mechanism is. The resistance when turning the dial changes from hard to easy throughout the adjustment, which feels strange and suggests that something isn’t working quite right.
Another major drawback is that these same six springs also play a role in burr alignment. If some of them wear differently or lose tension for any reason, it could result in the burrs not sitting at a consistent distance from each other across the entire cutting surface.
It’s possible that the specific unit I received was defective from the factory, but there’s no way for me to know for sure. What I do know is that it behaved this way from day one, and the issues may be related to the design choices outlined above.
I also understand that the grinder has since gone through two rounds of improvements, and those changes may address some of these problems. However, as a customer, I can’t recommend a company that releases a half-baked product with known issues and only addresses them later.
First off, let me start by saying Espresso Outlet's customer service is top notch! My first order arrived, and the grinder stopped working on day 5. I contacted EO and they immediately arranged for me to return it (still had the box) and then shipped me out a new grinder as soon as they got confirmation of it being shipped. A+ Got the new grinder and it's been smooth sailing since. Also, I think the first grinder I received must have been the last from a slightly older lot, because the new one had some very slight differences, like the chute you feed beans into was detachable on the first one, but not on the second.
But on to the grinder review. I upgraded from a Baratza Sette 270wi, and let me just say, there is no comparison. I have the stock espresso burrs on the DF83V, but man are they great. Maybe someday I'll look at fiddling with burrs, but for now I'm really enjoying these. There is so much more nuance to the coffee flavor, it's like I'm discovering great home espresso all over again. This thing is a beast, too. Heavy, feels rock solid, and QUIET. My husband doesn't share my love of coffee. He has always complained about the noise my grinders make in the morning. Two days after using this one, he tells me "I like your new grinder." Me: "You do? Why?" Him: "It's quiet. I can sleep through it in the morning." So take that for what you will.
I also had the chance to use a CF64V prior to this one (a friend's), and while that one also had great clarity and nuance of flavor, clean up with the DF83V is world's easier. I would absolutely recommend this grinder. I think it very likely compares favorably with much more expensive grinders in its grinder class.
perfect
made in china..
This is such a great single dose grinder, especially at this price range. Having variable rpm control can really alter the taste of espresso and gives you extra control. It’s well designed and pairs nicely with a wendougee data s. I can’t think of a better option at this pricepoint.
I have used it for two weeks. Espresso stock burrs work great. The machine is steady and really quiet. I am happy with it so far.
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from 1090 reviewsNice design ! Good quality. Best price !
Great customer service and the M2 is awesome!
It was worth the wait! Grind is on point. Plenty of power. Customer service was heloful!
Great coffee. Great customer service.
Works great! Been very happy with it. Seems very solidly built and hopefully will last me for many years.
I don't think you could possibly find a single dose stepless espresso grinder built as well as this one for this price. It's heavy! Relatively quiet with little retention thanks to the bellows. I use a 54 mm portafilter, so I bought a dosing cup that size to make it easier. Happens to fit right inside the provided 58 mm, so perfect for grinding, then I just lift it out and pop it onto my portafilter.
It took me a long time to find a stepless grinder of this quality, thanks to the Espresso Outlet's YouTube video. Until I found it, I was almost going to spend a ridiculous amount of money on the niche zero. Thank goodness I didn't because this grinder is just as good for so much less.
Great service and quick shipping.
I have had several prosumer machines but this one is the real deal! The build quality is impressive and the internal components are so clean and well organized. It’s built like a tank. The gear pump is quiet, professional sounding and very accurate at both pressure and flow! I get some of the best shots I’ve made on this machine and love the programmability of the profiles. I’ve also had fun trying profiles that are uploaded by other users! This is an amazing value for a machine that’s at the top of technology and quality in the espresso game!
Great first machine. Graduating from pods and got tired of paying for a cup and I wanted to do it myself. Glad I did! This system is great so far! Just need to remind myself to do a backflush weekly as much as I am using it. Now I just have time to try different beans and dial things in to learn what I like. Thanks Espresso Outlet for having this as an option for us to get and learn with!
Great kettle! Bought this for my office setup, looks nice and works great!
Pros: Flow control lever is something I didn't expect to use as much as I do. Great feature. Very quiet compared to vibe pump machines. PID control is great, I love being able to see the pressure at the group head and the pump level too. Seems well built. Dual boiler and rotary pump at this price point is impossible to find outside of this machine. This feels like a machine with no functional compromises for its price point, where many other machines either use vibe pumps, are single boilers, have a tiny drip tray, no direct plumb, etc.
Cons: A bit nitpicky, but this thing is heavy. Put it somewhere you don't need to move it. Have two people if possible to lift it up onto the counter. I make a mess making coffee, I have thick hands. I can't quite fit my hands under the machine to clean the counter. I'll probably look into getting something I can set this on to just keep the work space a little cleaner.
General: Like others, I recommend a smart plug so you can have it warmed up in the morning. I do not direct plumb mine, so no context on those features, but drip tray + tank is good size and I don't have a ton of waste water happening, so it hasn't bothered me so far.
Ordered the Gallian R espresso machine on Sunday and recieved it on Tuesday. Very easy set up and the first cup of espresso in about 35 minutes. Wow! What a nice machine, great espresso and machine worked flausley. Great job guys, keep up the good work.
Consistent grind size and zero retention
So far, am very impressed. Still learning to steam as is much more powerful than previous machine, but love it! Have plugged it into a smart plug so it’s on and ready in the morning when I come down the stairs.
So far, totally awesome! It's easy to set up and use, brews a beautiful cup and is easy to clean.
