The DF64P is a single dose grinder that was introduced in the summer of 2022. After doing a soft launch with a limited number of users, we have decided to do a large-scale launch. This is a grinder designed to compliment the DF64 grinder that has quickly become one of the dominant home grinders on the market today. We aren’t sure which is selling more the Niche, or the DF64, but they are both quite popular. The DF64 original is stilling being made and will continue to be made, so the DF64P model is made to compliment it rather than replace it. The DF64P is made by the same manufacturer and designed by the manufacturer.
The DF64P is a grinder that is designed for espresso only. The grind size adjustment range is not broad enough for a wide range of coffees. If you are interested in a multipurpose grinder we suggest the DF64 original. The reason for the more limited adjustment range is to allow for more fine tuning within the espresso grind size range.
The DF64P is a low retention grinder, meaning there is not a lot of coffee retained between the burrs after use. Many non-single dosing grinders on the market can have several grams of retention, in some cases as much as 5 to 7 grams. This retained coffee gets stale and ends up in the next shot, which has an adverse effect on flavor. With a single dose grinder like the DF64P, the retained coffee is quite minimal. With the use of bellows it is usually only 0.2 grams. For as little retention as possible we recommend pumping the bellows at the end of each grind session after the coffee grounds have stopped coming out, but WHILE the burrs are still spinning. There is no such thing as zero retention, but this one comes pretty close.
The grinder can be used with or without the small single dose anti popcorn hopper. The hopper can hold up to 50 grams of coffee.
For a premium look, the DF64P has a wood top and wood lid.
The quality metal holder on the front of the grinder is designed to either hold the plastic dosing cup, optional metal dosing cup, or a 58mm portafilter. Portafilters can come in a variety of sizes and configurations, but we tested the holder with a lot of different portafilters and it can hold most without having to hold with your hand,
The quality metal holder on the front of the grinder is designed to either hold the plastic dosing cup, optional metal dosing cup, or a 58mm portafilter. Portafilters can come in a variety of sizes and configurations, but we tested the holder with a lot of different portafilters and it can hold most without having to hold with your hand, but we do still suggest keeping your hand there just in case so it doesn’t vibrate out.
One of the items included with the grinder is a quality plastic dosing cup. This allows you to grind into a dosing cup if you prefer not to grind into a portafilter or if your portafilter doesn't fit into the holder. As an example, if you have an espresso machine with a 54mm portafilter, it won't fit into the holder as it is designed for 58mm portafilters.
One of the design elements people wanted changed from the DF64 original was the power button under the dosing cup holder. On the DF64P the power button is on the side of the grinder for a better user experience.
While the grind chamber is designed to reduce retention, we do recommend using the bellows at the end of each grind session, while the burrs are still spinning, to remove any remaining coffee particles from the burr chamber. The bellows creates an air flow that pushing the remaining grounds from the chamber.
Adjusting the grind size is done with a sliding metal adjustment lever on the bottom of the grinder. Sliding the lever raises or lowers the motor, which in turn raises and lowers the bottom burr to increase or decrease the grind size. While the grinder is calibrated for espresso, it is possible to take the base off and adjust the zero point so that the grinder produces grounds in a larger particle size range, such as for pour over. Since it isn't something that can be done quickly, we don't recommend this grinder for switching back and forth between espresso and other brew methods, unless you want to adjust the calibration for another brew method and leave it there.
The DF64P has a sturdy metal base that keeps the grinder in place and keeps it from falling over. It has a nice heavy duty design and has five rubber feet that help keep the grinder in place when the powerful motor is turned on.
The strong aluminum body of the DF64P has a premium looking anodized finish. Anodizing is a electchemical process that creates an anodic oxide finish, which is not only durable and corrosion resistant, but also decorative. Anodized aluminum is better at resisting dents and scratches when compared to untreated aluminum.
Using a dosing collar will prevent grinds from falling out and making a mess as well reduce static build up on the grinder. The metal dosing collar can be used with a portafilter, or it can be flipped over and used with a plastic or metal dosing cup (optional).
Stainless Steel, Titanium, SSP Unimodal / Multipurpose, High Uniformity Espresso, and Lab Sweet / Cast Burrs
Rather than the adjustment mechanism moving the top burr closer or farther away from the bottom burr, the adjustment mechanism on the DF64P moves the bottom burr up and down when the adjustment lever is moved
Clumping can create uneven extraction and some grinders can clump quite a bit, but with the DF64P the grinds are usually quite fluffy and tend to clump free or very minimal. We recommend grinding directly into your portafilter for best results. Grinding into the dosing cup can create more clumps when dumped from the dosing cup into your portafilter.
The DF64P comes with a plastic dosing cup, but if you want to upgrade it, there is an optional high quality stainless steel dosing cup that you can upgrade the dosing cup too. If you choose the upgraded cup you will still get the plastic dosing cup as well.
The declumper design is designed to break up clumps and keep the grinds as fluffy as possible for more optimal extraction. For best results we recommend adjusting grind size with the grinder on and burrs spinning as well as always pumping the bellows at the end of each grind session while the burrs are still spinning. Failing to do this can create clogging issues with the declumper.
