Two 64mm flat burr grinders, different personalities
The Solo DF64 Gen 2 and the Solo CF64V both use 64mm flat burrs and are built for single-dose grinding, but they aim at slightly different routines. The DF64 Gen 2 is a straightforward, high-value grinder with a proven burr set and a plasma generator to tame static. The CF64V adds a brushless DC motor with variable speed from 800 to 1800 RPM, plus DLC-coated burrs that reduce friction. Your choice comes down to how much control you want over the grinding process and what you're willing to spend.
Key specs at a glance
- The Solo DF64 Gen 2 Grinder with Red Speed Burrs: 64mm stainless steel flat burrs; plasma generator to reduce static; anti-popcorn disc; 58mm aluminium dosing cup; stepless adjustment; bean hopper capacity 30g without bellows, 80g with bellows. The DF64 Gen 2 is a complete single-dose package with static control and a dosing cup that fits most portafilters, making it a low-friction entry into flat burr espresso.
The Solo DF64 Gen 2 Grinder with Red Speed Burrs - The Solo CF64V grinder: Brushless DC motor with variable speed 800–1800 RPM; DLC-coated 64mm flat burrs; plasma generator; stepless adjustment; bean hopper capacity 50g with bellows. The CF64V's speed control lets you experiment with grind speed, which can affect flavor extraction and particle distribution, appealing to those who like to dial in precisely.
The Solo CF64V grinder
Burr design: stainless steel vs DLC coating
Both grinders use 64mm flat burrs, but the CF64V's burrs have a DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating. This coating lowers surface friction, which can reduce heat buildup during grinding and may help preserve delicate aromatics. The DF64 Gen 2 uses standard stainless steel burrs—a proven workhorse that many home baristas know well. If you're chasing the latest burr tech, the CF64V is the more advanced option; if you prefer a simpler, well-understood setup, the DF64 Gen 2 is solid.
Variable speed: the CF64V's superpower
The CF64V lets you adjust the motor speed between 800 and 1800 RPM. This is a feature the DF64 Gen 2 doesn't offer. Lower speeds can reduce static and clumping, while higher speeds can speed up your workflow. If you enjoy experimenting with grind speed to tweak extraction, the CF64V gives you that control. The DF64 Gen 2 is fixed-speed, which simplifies the process—set your grind size and go. For many, that's all they need.
Daily workflow and dosing
- Dosing cup: Both ship with a dosing cup, but the DF64 Gen 2's 58mm aluminium cup is designed to fit most portafilters directly. The CF64V's cup is not specified in the provided details, so check compatibility with your portafilter if you plan to grind directly into it.
- Static control: Both grinders feature a plasma generator (ionizer) in the exit chute to reduce static, which helps keep your counter clean and your dose consistent.
- Bean hopper capacity: The DF64 Gen 2 holds 30g without a bellows and 80g with one; the CF64V holds 50g with bellows. If you often grind larger single doses, the CF64V's hopper is slightly larger, but both are designed for single-dose use.
- Retention: Both claim near-zero retention, even without using the bellows. That means you can switch beans without wasting much coffee, a key advantage for single-dose grinders.
DF64 Gen 2 vs CF64V: what you get for the price
- Price: The DF64 Gen 2 costs $279.30 (catalog comparison $399), while the CF64V costs $367.83 (catalog comparison $549). The CF64V is about $88 more.
- Motor and speed: DF64 Gen 2: fixed-speed motor. CF64V: brushless DC motor with variable speed 800–1800 RPM.
- Burrs: DF64 Gen 2: stainless steel flat burrs. CF64V: DLC-coated flat burrs.
- Static control: Both have a plasma generator to reduce static.
- Dosing cup: DF64 Gen 2 includes a 58mm aluminium dosing cup; CF64V's cup is not specified in the provided details.
- Warranty: DF64 Gen 2: 1-year parts-only warranty (overseas) and 2-year Bella Barista back-to-base warranty (UK). CF64V: warranty not specified in the provided details.
Which one should you choose?
If you want a no-fuss, reliable flat burr grinder that delivers excellent grind quality without breaking the bank, the Solo DF64 Gen 2 is a smart choice. It's also a great option if you prefer a standard, well-tested burr set and don't need speed control. If you're willing to spend a bit more for variable speed and DLC-coated burrs—and you enjoy dialing in your shots with precision—the Solo CF64V is the more flexible tool. Both grinders share the same 64mm flat burr platform, so you're getting a serious upgrade from most entry-level grinders either way.
