When I first heard about the DF54, I was intrigued but also skeptical. Could a grinder at this price point really live up to its bigger and more expensive DF-siblings?
I’ve spent the last few months testing the DF54, grinding coffee for everything from espresso to pour over, and in this review, I’ll share what I think.
And spoiler alert: Yes, it is a pretty disruptive grinder.
In this review, we’ll go into the pros and the cons, and talk about who it’s for.
QUICK NAVIGATION: Jump directly to the 2025 Brew burr review
A small but powerful single-dose grinder
The DF54 single-dose grinder provides a lot of same features as its larger version but at a more competitive price point.
If you want flat burrs and prosumer performance at a budget price, then this is the best option currently on the market.
Heads up: I received my review unit from Miicoffee, but the shop has had no influence during the review process.
Pros ✅
- Incredibly low price for a flat burr grinder
- Built for single-dosing
- Sturdy, mostly metal construction
- Wide grind adjustment range, suitable for both espresso and drip coffee
- Low retention, even without using the bellows
- 54mm burrs perform well for both espresso and drip coffee, despite being smaller than 64mm burrs
- New, cheap brew burr sets can be purchased as an add-on
Cons ❌
- Non-adjustable dial indicator that is secured with a screw. It makes it a bit more work to access the grind chamber since it has to be unscrewed first.
- Bellows have a less secure fit compared to the DF64 Gen 2.
- The wooden top cap looks cheaper than the one on the DF64 Gen 2
- More static issues with lighter roasts at coarser settings compared to the DF64 Gen 2
- 54mm burr size is uncommon, limiting current options for burr upgrades.
- The motor is spinning in the wrong direction to be able to fit Baratza/Mahlkonig burr offerings in the 54 mm size.
About the brand
When the DF64 grinder burst onto the scene in 2021, it was a game-changer in the world of single-dose coffee grinders. This grinder made your head explode. And I mean that in both good and bad ways.
Good, because 64 mm flat burr grinders in a single-dose package had never been this cheap and accessible before.
Bad, because, well… some baffling design decisions, and an italics font so hideous that it made comic sans appear stylish in comparison.
The DF lineup is difficult to define precisely because it is not an actual brand in the traditional sense. Rather, it encompasses a collection of products produced by one or more OEMs in China.
My research points to the Zhejiang Feilai Electric Appliance factory under its FL Coffee division. However, other people speculate it’s made in another factory named Ningbo Frigga. The point is nobody really knows –except the importers.
These importers then brand and sell the grinder under their own labels, such as G-IOTA, Miicoffee, Zentis, or Turin.
The essential design and functionality of the grinder remain consistent across these names, but there are small differences in aftermarket burr upgrade options and alignment services. I have been working with Luke from Miicoffee for some time now and had good experiences with shipping, communication, and so on.
If you’re in the US, I’d recommend getting the grinder from a local vendor, so you don’t have to ship it halfway across the world in case of warranty issues.
However, the DF line has had a lot of momentum since the first, pretty buggy version.
Following the DF64’s initial release, we have seen the introduction of several other 64 mm grinders, most notably the DF64V and Gen 2 models, both which I have previously reviewed.
Not content with just refining their 64mm burr grinders, DF has also ventured into the realm of larger burrs, releasing two different 83mm burr models to cater to users seeking even higher-end grinding capabilities.
Now, the brand has taken a surprising turn with its latest offering, the DF54. As the name suggests, this grinder features 54mm flat burrs, making it the more compact and affordable option within the DF lineup.
So what role will the DF54 actually play in the ecosystem? My guess is a surprisingly big one.
Design and Build Quality
The DF54 looks much like its big brother, the DF64 Gen 2. It’s got that same sturdy aluminum body that feels like it belongs on a more expensive grinder and has many of the same features.
The overall construction is solid, and it’s clear that DF has put some brain activity into the details (but not quite enough if you ask me).
One of the most noticeable upgrades from the DF64 Gen 2 is the power button. They’ve swapped out the plastic button for a sleek metal one, which adds a touch of class to the design.
But there are also some downgrades:
- Plastic catch cup: The catch cup is made of plastic, which might seem like a cost-cutting measure compared to the aluminum version on the DF64 Gen 2.
However, the brand has added a clever rubber insert that keeps the cup securely in place and eliminates annoying rattling sounds.
It also brings the catch cup a bit closer to the chute, which helps to prevent a mess when using the bellows. The rubber insert is actually a very practical touch, and I hope to see it on all DF-models in the future.
- The wooden cap on the bellows looks cheaper compared to the more premium finish on the DF64 Gen 2. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does stand out as a bit of an odd choice.
- New dial indicator: While it’s a nice addition in theory, the fact that it’s fixed in place with a screw is problematic if you ever decide to swap out the burrs. If the new burrs have a different zero point, you’ll find yourself wishing for a more flexible indicator system.
- Anti-popcorn: There’s still an anti-popcorn disc sitting just underneath the bellows. This device was introduced with the DF64V and helped to prevent beans bouncing back up from the grinding chamber.
- The rubber bellows on top of the grinder have a janky fit, and it’s easy to knock them off by accident. This is not the first grinder with bellows from the brand, so it’s disappointing that they can’t get this right. However, check out my ultra simple hack in the video below – this makes it much more manageable.
So overall, there are both good and bad things to say about the small changes. In the grand scheme of things, you can probably live with these compromises when you consider the rest of the package. Also: a new catch cup, lid or dial indicator should probably be affordable to buy on a platform like Aliexpress.
One of the most striking things about the DF54’s design is its compactness compared to its bigger brothers, the DF64 and DF83. While a lot smaller, it still feels substantial and well-made. This is great news for anyone with limited counter space.
The motor does have less power at 150W compared to the 250W on the DF64, however, it should still be plenty for home use.
Overall, the DF54’s design and build quality are impressive, especially considering the price point. It’s not a statement piece or work of art like various models from Lagom, Weber Workshops, or even Eureka. But it’s functional and sturdy, like a prosumer model.
Ease of Use
When it comes to the overall user experience, the DF54 is quite similar to its bigger brother, the DF64 Gen 2. However, there are a few small differences that are worth noting.
Of course, like most other DF grinders. it’s a single-dose grinder, so you’ll need to weigh beans for each dose, add them to the grind chamber, and press the on/off button.
After the grinding is finished, you should give the bellows a few taps to remove any retained ground.
The anti-static technology works pretty well, though I did notice a bit more static with lighter roasts at coarser settings compared to the DF64 Gen 2, even though it should be equipped with the same plasma generator technology.
You have a generous adjustment range, and it’s easy to go from espresso grinding to French press. You also have plenty of range to dial in your espresso shot. This is how it should be on a modern multipurpose single-dose grinder, and the DF54 does it perfectly.
Grind Quality: Espresso
When it comes to espresso brewing, you’d expect the DF54 to be a solid performer. After all, flat burrs of this size are typically very capable.
These are similar-sized flat burrs to those found in the Eureka Mignon Specialita and Mahlkonig 54X – two much more expensive grinders!
And unsurprisingly, the DF54 performs on a very similar level. The shots are nice and rounded, with good amounts of sweetness and clarity. The texture and sweetness are a bit more subdued compared to the Eureka Mignon Specialta, but on the flip side, the aftertaste is more defined and longer. Overall, the DF54 is very similar to its bigger sibling, the DF64 Gen 2, when it comes to espresso performance. The geometry of the burrs is also almost identical, so this is not surprising.
You do get a slightly slower grinding performance for espresso with around 10 seconds more per shot, but this is hardly something that matters for home use. Here are my grind time test results:
- DF64 espresso setting: 14 grams in 15 seconds
- DF54 espresso setting: 14 grams in 24 seconds
Filter performance
What is surprising, however, is the excellent performance of the DF54 for pour over coffee. I had expected this grinder to be, first and foremost, espresso-focused. But in my blind taste tests against other high-end grinders with a more filter-focused burr geometry, the DF54 was able to hold its own.
To compare the DF54’s performance against the DF83 with Lab Sweet burrs, DF64V with SSP Multipurpose burrs, Ode Gen 2, and ZP6, I conducted blind taste tests using the Hario Switch with Mugen cones (my new standard testing setup in 2024).
This setup ensures consistency while mimicking real-world brewing methods much better than cupping.
I tasted the cups blindly, and after, I measured the TDS and Extraction Yield of each sample using a refractometer to ensure all reached the same levels.
I tested the grinders at progressively higher extractions to reveal performance differences and used a variety of beans to account for grinder preferences. This methodology allows for an accurate and unbiased assessment of the DF54’s performance compared to the other grinders.
What surprised me was that I would often expect the worst cup on the table to be from the DF54, but then when I looked under the cup to check the markings, it turned out to be one of the other grinders.
In theory, the DF54 shouldn’t stand a chance against these elite models, but it happened several times. So while I’m not saying that the DF54 is better than these specialized filter grinders, it’s close enough in performance that you can’t immediately dismiss it.
Other espresso-focused grinders in this price class (or even much more expensive) would not stand a chance here. This is both surprising and potentially scary if you’re an established grinder brand!
The Baratza Encore ESP is probably the main rival in this price class, but during my recording of a YouTube video I compared it extensively to the DF54 with stock burrs. The Encore ESP is equipped with M2 burrs from Etzinger, which is the same burr set that’s inside the now retired Virtuoso grinder, so it’s no slouch.
For half a decade (or perhaps even longer) the Virtuoso was seen as an almost-endgame grinder for pour over.
While it’s not outstanding in terms of flavor clarity in today’s super competitive market, it was considered a damn good filter coffee grinder just 5-10 years ago.
Well, DF54 comfortably beats it for pour over. At first the cups are actually very similar. But as the cups cool it just becomes clear that the DF54 has a more clean and sophisticated aftertaste.
Previously, only manual grinders in this price range could deliver an acceptable “professional” level for filter coffee. But in my opinion, DF54 should also be on your radar if you’re looking for an affordable grinder for other brewing methods besides espresso.
DF54 Brew Burrs (update May 2025)
I was really excited when I saw that there would be a set of additional brew burrs for the DF54. While the stock burrs are actually very underrated for filter coffee, one thing coffee lovers enjoy is having the option to swap and experiment with new flavors. Of course, there are the Baratza/Ditting steel burrs, but they require modding the wires inside the grinder in order to make the motor spin the opposite way. I’m not sure how safe that is in the long run. However, now you don’t have to worry about that.
This new burr set looks a bit similar to that classic Mahlkönig Guatemala geometry, but with somewhat larger finishing teeth. They are uncoated, and the metal appears to be of decent to average quality.
After several months of testing, I’m ready to share my thoughts on these specialized brew burrs.
Let me cut straight to the chase—these burrs are good. Very good.
I’ve been conducting some pretty intensive side-by-side testing with several other medium to high-end pour-over grinders. And these burrs really punch above their weight. If I compare them pound-for-pound and dollar-for-dollar to most other filter burr sets on the market, they offer incredible value, probably the best out there due to their low price point.
During my testing, I’ve primarily been preparing three brews simultaneously—all with identical setups using my Hario Switch recipe. The tastings have been done blind. Not a single time were the DF54 brew burrs the worst performer on the table. Sometimes they produced the best cup, although more often they came in second place.
But here’s the impressive part—I compared them against much more expensive grinders like the Ode Gen 2, Femobook A4Z, Eureka Single Dose Pro, Eureka Filtro, and DF83 with DLC Brew burrs. When a burr set feels right at home in that kind of company, you know it’s got something special.
In fact, they actually outperformed the 83mm DLC brew burrs consistently. Those larger burrs tend to be a bit thinner and lack in the tactile department, while the DF54 burrs don’t suffer from those issues.
Flavor Profile and Performance
For filter coffee, these burrs produce low fines and have high tolerance before hitting astringency, even when pushed to higher extractions. The flavor separation isn’t as intense or transparent as some of the higher-end options in my collection, but it’s still very good.
The brews don’t lean too acidic, but acidity is still there and registers in that higher treble area often associated with vibrant filter coffee. The aftertaste is clean. It’s not super complex, but also not boring. There’s enough sweetness in the cup that I think these burrs will appeal to a wide range of users.
Something like SSP Brew or SSP Multipurpose burrs are more extreme in terms of flavor separation and that acidic, long aftertaste. The DF54 brew burrs don’t quite reach that level of flavor separation. They’re also less complex compared to LeBrew’s filter burrs. But in terms of an overall approachable cup that strikes a really nice balance between being analytical and enjoyable, they do an excellent job.
Espresso capable?
When it comes to espresso, it’s not surprising that brew burrs don’t perform very well. Someone actually reached out to me and asked if you could make espresso with them. I think I was too quick to dismiss it and say you can’t, because after more testing with espresso beans, I was actually able to produce 9-bar shots with a 25-second extraction using these burrs. So I was wrong to say you can’t grind for espresso in a technical sense.
What I should have said is that they’re not ideal for espresso. You’ll be grinding at chirp, and you won’t be able to dial in much further. For me, the results weren’t enjoyable. The shots leaned super acidic, with little to no sweetness or body to back it up. Crema was thin, and even with longer 1:3 shots, the profile didn’t offer much sweetness.
I’m sure some masochistic espresso-lovers will enjoy the challenge and find it fun to play around with, but I look for different things in a shot. It’s not that I’m against so-called “modern espresso” — I do like shots from SSP multipurpose burrs, and I’m genuinely crazy about the new Eureka All-Purpose burrs that use a similar geometry. However, both of those options offer more body, complexity, and sweetness in the shot.
Depending on your setup, you might be able to get 7 to 9 bars and shot times around 20–25 seconds, but I don’t think the results will be enjoyable for most people.
Another downside to the burrs is that the thickness doesn’t match the stock burrs. As a result, the dial indicator will be slightly off-kilter with chirp at 23 instead of 0, and my general pour over range was located around setting 85 and all the way to that part just outside the dial indicator that says “coarse”.
This is of course a bit sub-optimal if you’re OCD, but it should be possible to reposition the sticker with a hairdryer or heat gun. Personally, I don’t mind so I’ll just memorize the correct zone, until I swap back the stock burrs.
So while the DF54 brew burrs aren’t perfect, they are pretty darn solid. The biggest downside is that you have to say goodbye to the stock burrs and their excellent all-round performance. With the brew burrs, you do go one step forward on the filter front, but you take two backwards on the espresso front.
But if you’ve been dreaming about a better filter grinder, and you’re ready for that trade-off, then I have a hard time thinking of any better alternatives. The DF54 is already so affordable, and these burrs cost a fraction of many other models on the market.
The burrs are available at Miicoffee.
⚠️ Heads up: The screw heads are smaller than usual and made of soft steel, so it’s really easy to strip them if you apply too much force. Take your time and use the right tool.
Retention
One of the most important factors when it comes to single-dose grinders is how much coffee is retained in the grinder after each dose. In other words, how much coffee is left behind in the grinder instead of making it into the portafilter or catch cup.
In my experience, the DF54 usually retains around 0.2 to 0.3 grams, with occasional doses retaining a bit more. This is pretty low, especially considering that these results were achieved without using the bellows. If you puff the bellows, you can usually get to 0.1 to 0.0 grams.
When grinding coarser for drip coffee at a setting of 55, I noticed similar retention levels. A 13-gram dose resulted in 12.9 grams in the catch cup.
Overall, I’m quite satisfied with the DF54’s retention. While some grinders may have slightly less retention, the DF54’s performance is more than acceptable for a single-dose grinder at this price point.
When you open up the burr chamber, you can see that the design is very neat and that there are not a lot of areas where grinds can get stuck.
ALSO READ: MHW-3Bomber Sniper Grinder review
Is it noisy?
I also tested the noise level. The DF54 can not exactly be described as a quiet coffee grinder, but at least it’s a bit more mild than it’s bigger brother who usually comes in over or around 90 dB.
Single dose grinders tend to be a bit more noisy than there hopper based counter part. Because there’s not a lot of mass, neither above nor underneath the grinds chamber, the sound will travel outwards more easily.
Burr Selection and Upgradability
One of the most exciting aspects of DF-grinders is their potential for burr upgrades. In 64 and 83-mm sizes, you have a lot of options to choose from. That’s not quite the case in the 54 mm size.
The 54mm burr size is less common than the 64mm size found in many other grinders. This means that current options for burr upgrades are somewhat limited. That said, as the DF54 gains popularity, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a set of SSP burrs in the future.
Unfortunately, one potential hurdle for those looking to use burrs from popular brands like Mahlkonig or Baratza is that the DF54’s motor would need to spin in the opposite direction to accommodate them. This is because these brands use a different burr geometry that requires a counterclockwise rotation, while the DF54’s motor spins clockwise.
For the more adventurous tinkerers, it might be possible to modify the grinder’s motor settings to spin in the opposite direction. However, this would likely void the warranty and could potentially cause damage to the grinder if not done correctly. It’s not a modification I would recommend for most users, but I can imagine some intrepid enthusiasts taking on the challenge.
While the included 54mm flat burrs perform admirably for both espresso and filter coffee, the ability to swap in different burrs could open up even more possibilities for exploring different flavor profiles, and it’s something that many folks deeply involved in the coffee hobby love to play with. If that’s you, skip this and go directly to the DF64 Gen 2.
Value for Money?
The grinders in the DF series aren’t known for being pricey. In fact, it’s the opposite.
For a flat burr grinder, the DF64 Gen 2 is affordably priced. The DF54 is even more striking in comparison, being almost half the price of its bigger brother.
Previously we only had conical grinders with plastic bodies in this price range. Or manual grinder with conical burrs, such as the 1Zpresso K Ultra and Commandante C40 (well, actually they are even more expensive than this currently)
The DF54 is cheaper than a lot of the most popular mid-level options AND uses flat burrs. That’s remarkable!
Here you get to have a flat burr grinder that works and delivers results for the price of a conical burr grinder (which is typically cheaper and perceived as less premium).
Conclusion
After extensively testing the DF54, I have to say that I’m super impressed with what this grinder offers, especially considering its incredibly low price point.
The DF54 has packed in most of the best features from its bigger sibling, the DF64 Gen 2.
Most importantly, the grinder performs where it matters most: grind quality and consistency. The 54mm flat burrs may be smaller than the 64mm burrs found in other DF grinders, but they still manage to produce excellent results for both espresso and filter coffee. Retention is also impressively low, ensuring you get the most out of each dose.
While there are a few quirks and minor design choices that could be improved, these don’t detract from the overall value proposition of the DF54. It’s a grinder that punches well above its weight class and offers a true flat burr experience at a price that was previously unheard of.
The main downside is the burr size, where you don’t really have a lot of other options available. But this is mainly a problem for uber-geeks and not something that should be a concern for regular coffee and espresso lovers.
This grinder is proof that great coffee gear doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and I can’t wait to see how it inspires other manufacturers to up their game in the budget-friendly grinder market.
