Ditting 804: The Original Swiss Filter Grinder and How It Holds Up Today
The Ditting 804 is the older sibling (or more accurately, the predecessor) of the Ditting 807 in Ditting's professional grinder lineup. For years, the 804 was the go-to commercial filter grinder for specialty roasters and high-end cafes before the 807 and its Lab Sweet burr option shifted the spotlight. If you're researching the Ditting 804, you're probably looking at a used unit, comparing it to the 807, or trying to decide if it still makes sense for a professional setup.
I've used both the 804 and 807 in different roastery environments, and while the 807 has earned its place as the newer favorite, the 804 is still a capable grinder with some advantages worth knowing about. Here's a full breakdown.
What Makes the Ditting 804 Different from the 807
The 804 and 807 share Ditting's Swiss manufacturing quality and both use flat burrs, but they're not identical machines.
Burr Size and Geometry
The 804 uses 80mm flat burrs, same diameter as the 807. However, the burr geometry is different. The 804's standard burrs have a cutting pattern designed for general filter use, producing a slightly wider particle distribution than the 807's newer Lab Sweet option.
In practical terms, coffee ground on an 804 with stock burrs tastes clean and balanced but doesn't have quite the same sweetness and clarity that the 807 Lab Sweet burrs produce. The difference is subtle, and in a blind cupping, not everyone picks it up. But trained palates do notice it, especially on lighter roasted, high-quality coffees.
Motor and Speed
The 804 runs at around 1,400 RPM, similar to the 807. The motors are comparably sized and produce similar noise levels. Both grind at about 3 to 4 grams per second at medium settings, which is fast enough for batch brew and cupping sessions.
Physical Dimensions
The 804 has a slightly different chassis design than the 807. Depending on the production year, the 804 may have a different switch placement, hopper mount, or body shape. But functionally, both machines occupy similar counter space and weigh in the 30 to 35 pound range.
Grind Quality for Filter Coffee
The Ditting 804 produces excellent filter coffee grinds. The 80mm flat burrs create a uniform particle distribution that extracts evenly in drip, pour-over, and batch brew methods.
Pour-Over Performance
For V60 and Chemex brewing, the 804 grinds beautifully. The particle uniformity is tight enough that you get clean, sweet cups without the muddiness that smaller burr grinders sometimes introduce. I've brewed side-by-side V60s with a Ditting 804 and a Baratza Virtuoso, and the Ditting cup is cleaner and more complex every time.
Batch Brew
The 804 was a staple in cafes running Fetco and Curtis batch brewers for years. It grinds fast enough to keep up with demand, and the consistency across hundreds of doses per day is rock solid. If you're running a batch brew program and find a used 804 at a good price, it's still an excellent workhorse.
Cupping
Many roasters still use the 804 as their cupping grinder. While the 807 with Lab Sweet burrs has become the newer standard, the 804 produces perfectly adequate cupping grinds for evaluating coffee quality. If you already own an 804, there's no urgent need to upgrade to an 807 for cupping purposes.
Buying a Used Ditting 804
Since Ditting discontinued the 804 in favor of the 807, most units on the market are used. Buying a used commercial grinder requires some attention to detail.
What to Check
- Burr condition: Ask the seller how many kilograms of coffee have been ground on the current burrs. Ditting burrs last about 1,200 to 1,500 kg in commercial use. If the burrs are worn, factor in $200 to $300 for replacements.
- Motor sound: A healthy Ditting motor runs smooth and even. Any grinding, clicking, or pulsing noises suggest bearing or motor issues.
- Adjustment collar: The stepless adjustment should feel smooth and stay where you set it. If it's stiff or slipping, the adjustment mechanism may need servicing.
- Hopper and chute: Check for cracks in the hopper and buildup of old coffee oils in the chute. Oil buildup goes rancid and taints the coffee.
Pricing
Used 804s typically sell for $800 to $1,500 depending on condition, age, and burr life remaining. Compare this to a new 807, which costs $2,000 to $3,000. For a cafe or roastery on a budget, a well-maintained used 804 delivers strong value.
I've seen some really clean 804s sell for under $1,000 on coffee equipment resale forums and eBay. At that price, it's hard to beat the grind quality per dollar.
Ditting 804 vs. 807: Should You Upgrade?
If you already own an 804 and it's working well, the question of upgrading to an 807 depends on what you need.
Reasons to Upgrade
- Lab Sweet burrs: The 807's Lab Sweet option produces sweeter, cleaner cups. If you're doing competitive cupping or high-end quality control, the difference matters.
- Parts availability: As the 804 ages out, finding replacement parts may become harder. The 807 is the current production model with full support from Ditting.
- Resale timing: An 804 in good condition still commands a decent price on the used market. Selling now while demand exists and buying an 807 is a reasonable move.
Reasons to Keep the 804
- It still grinds great. The 804 with fresh burrs produces filter coffee that satisfies nearly everyone.
- Cost savings. The money you'd spend upgrading could go toward better green coffee, a new brewer, or other equipment.
- If it ain't broke. A working Ditting 804 with life left in the burrs has years of service ahead of it.
For home brewers comparing grinders at various price points, our best coffee grinder roundup covers options from budget to professional.
Maintenance and Care
The 804 is a simple machine, which makes maintenance easy.
Daily
- Brush out the burr chamber and chute after each use session
- Wipe down the hopper and exterior
Weekly
- Run grinder cleaning tablets (like Urnex Grindz) through the machine
- Clean the hopper with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly
Monthly
- Remove the top burr carrier and brush out all accumulated fines
- Inspect burrs for wear (look for dull or rounded edges)
- Check the adjustment collar for smooth operation
Burr Replacement
When burrs are worn (dull edges, increased fines, longer grind times), Ditting sells replacements. Installing new burrs requires removing the top carrier, which involves a few screws and takes about 20 minutes. After installation, run several doses of coffee through to season the new burrs before using them for cupping.
FAQ
Is the Ditting 804 good for espresso?
No. Like the 807, the 804 is designed for filter-range grinds. Its burr geometry and adjustment range are optimized for medium to coarse settings. For espresso, you need a different grinder entirely.
Can I put Lab Sweet burrs in a Ditting 804?
The Lab Sweet burrs were designed for the 807 and may not be directly compatible with the 804 chassis. Some users have reported successful swaps, but it's not officially supported by Ditting. Check with Ditting directly or a qualified technician before attempting this.
How long do Ditting 804 burrs last?
About 1,200 to 1,500 kg of coffee in commercial use. For a home user grinding 30 to 50 grams per day, that translates to decades of use. Burrs will almost certainly outlast every other component in a home setting.
Where can I buy a used Ditting 804?
Check specialty coffee equipment resellers, coffee forums (Home-Barista, Reddit's r/espresso and r/coffee), eBay, and local restaurant equipment liquidators. Prices range from $800 to $1,500 for units in good working condition.
Closing Thoughts
The Ditting 804 is a proven Swiss-made filter grinder that produces clean, consistent grinds from 80mm flat burrs. It's been largely replaced in new purchases by the 807, but used units remain a strong value for roasters, cafes, and advanced home brewers who focus on filter coffee. If you find a well-maintained 804 at a good price, it will serve you reliably for years. Just make sure to check the burr condition before buying, and budget for replacements if they're due. For a look at what else is available across different budgets and use cases, our top coffee grinder list has you covered.