This is my second Turin grinder, and my fifth burr grinder, total. I also purchased the original DF64. Before that, my primary grinder was a leading competitor. I found that the original DF64 was very capable of turning out delicious coffee, but there were many aspects in which it lagged behind leading competitors, mainly regarding workflow. It was louder, messier, and its dosing cup was aesthetically unpleasing, and its adjustment ring collar was flimsy and obnoxious. The worst aspect was its on-off switch being in an awkward place. This overcame some of its innovations, like the option of using a portafilter, or a dosing cup -- I much prefer the latter, but for some users, it's vital to have the option. Eventually, it became so fouling-prone that the grinder seized up, and even after repeated dissassemblies, detailed cleanings, and reassemblies, it would not stay in opration. I put it in a corner of the closet, never to use again. That came after less than 18 months of use. However, I was intrigued enough by its potential that I was willing to give Turin a second chance. That's because, when it was up and running, if I could get it dialed in (which it did not make easy) then I could get beautiful results. I basically bought it because I wanted a second, good, grinder so that I could do decaf and regular on 2 different grinders to reduce waste and cross-contamination; and I also wanted to see if it lived up to the hype. The bottom line was... no, it did not live up to the hype, but it had potential
It's early days, but so far, I am very pleased with my decision to get another one. Turin really listened to the community, and made huge improvements with the second generation DF64; it fixes so many of the weaknesses, without sacrificing any of its strenghts. It is quieter. It is not messy. The start-stop switch is much more accessible. The dosing cup feels more solid. And, the most important thing: the function of the flat-burr grinder, is still great. I can't say it's clearly better or worse, but the burrset was never the problem. This is a huge improvement over the original, at the same very impressive price point, well below the competition it was designed to beat. Although I still like those other grinders too, both in terms of aesthetics, and grind quality, I would give this a very high rating, and I would especially recommend it to anyone who wants a highly capable grinder at a very digestible price point.
For anyone who wants to know how to interpret this review: ny primary brew method is espresso; my daily drivers are third-wave (lighter roast, single origin), often Ethiopian, but I also love South American (leaning towards Columbia and Peru) when my preferred roasters have good stock available. I brew on a very simple, all-analog, E61 machine (no flow control - I just use recipe variables to shape my brew profile), and I use that with a billet steel basket with a high-flow pattern (won't mention the brand, but if you're reading this, you can figure it out...) and always use a shaker in my puck prep.
Bottom line: This is looking like a redemption moment. It's really cool that you listened to the community and revised the product. I am really happy to have this new grinder. I hope it lasts longer in my service than the last one - if it does, then you've made a product that does live up to the potential; and you've turned hype into a reality. If so, I will say, "way to go, Turin!"
