Encore ESP
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RANKING
7
Rank 7 out of 8 Summarized in this category Rankings based on: • Pros-to-cons ratio • Number of reviews • Category average

Baratza

Encore ESP

price N/A

i
All prices are estimates and may vary from actual prices.

238 Pros

67%
21 reviews (3h 43m)

115 Cons

66%

59 vs 30

Ease of Use

62%

53 vs 33

Grind Quality

69%

34 vs 15

Durability/Build Quality

85%

11 vs 2

Features

88%

7 vs 1

Design/Aesthetics

Reviewer verdict

Pros Cons Index analysed 21 YouTube video reviews of the Baratza Encore ESP: it earns an Index score of 3.7/5, ranking #7 among Coffee Grinders. Reviewers most often praise its ease of use, grind quality, durability/build quality, while the most common criticisms concern grind quality, ease of use.

Pros: The Baratza Encore ESP is widely praised as an exceptional value, successfully bringing legitimate espresso-grinding capabilities to an affordable, sub-$200 price point. Its most celebrated feature is the innovative dual-range adjustment system, which dedicates 20 fine micro-steps for precisely dialing in espresso shots while reserving another 20 macro-steps for coarser filter brewing. Powered by upgraded 40mm M2 conical burrs, it produces a consistent grind that yields balanced, flavorful espresso with good body and crema. Reviewers also love its user-friendly design, noting the simple controls, quick-release burrs for easy tool-free cleaning, and Baratza's commitment to repairability. The included portafilter-compatible dosing cup further enhances its workflow, cementing its status as a top recommendation for beginners.

Cons: Despite its strengths, the Encore ESP has several notable drawbacks. Many users report that it produces clumpy grounds at espresso settings, necessitating thorough puck preparation with a WDT tool to ensure even extraction. Static is another common complaint, particularly on coarser settings, leading to a messy countertop. The grinder is also frequently described as loud during operation. Its budget-friendly price is reflected in the plastic-heavy construction, with reviewers citing a wobbly hopper and loose-feeling parts. Finally, some experience inconsistent grind retention, requiring purging or tapping to achieve accurate doses.

Analysis based on 21 YouTube reviews (3h 43m of video) with 238 pros and 115 cons extracted.

Pros (238)

Ease of Use (59)
  • Simple aesthetic and easy to use (pulse button, on/off switch) — Workshop Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Easy grind adjustment by spinning the hopper with a wide range of settings — Workshop Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Large hopper capacity (can hold a whole bag) and supports on-demand pulsing — Workshop Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Has both continuous grinding switch and an on-demand button — Coffee Kev · ▶ Watch
  • Innovative stepped dial/design that keeps tight thread spacing for espresso and wider steps for brew settings to cover wide grind range — Eric the Coffee Guy · ▶ Watch
  • New dual-range adjustment system: 40 clicks with first 20 dedicated to espresso for finer control — The Real Sprometheus · ▶ Watch
  • Includes a new dosing cup that is portafilter-friendly (classic bin still available) — The Real Sprometheus · ▶ Watch
  • Simple, clean, and effective workflow for hopper or single dosing — The Real Sprometheus · ▶ Watch
  • Press-to-grind option improves accuracy and reduces waste for weighing — The Real Sprometheus · ▶ Watch
  • Easy and clean transfer to brewing method using bin or dosing cup — The Real Sprometheus · ▶ Watch
  • Major improvement to grind adjustment: 40 steps split into fine (first 20) and coarse (second 20) allowing very fine espresso adjustments and larger macro jumps — Coffee Kev · ▶ Watch
  • Clever dual-pitch thread design giving both micro and macro adjustment ranges — Coffee Kev · ▶ Watch
  • Includes shims to increase fineness if needed — HomeGrounds Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Good adjustability in the espresso range (0–20) for fine dialing — HomeGrounds Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Adjustable grind settings to suit different brew methods (0/1 to 40, 40 settings). — ▶ Watch
  • Includes doser button to control dose and on/off switch for convenience. — ▶ Watch
  • Comes with a dosing cup that fits both 58mm and 54mm portafilters, aiding distribution and reducing clumping — Coffee Parts · ▶ Watch
  • Simple controls: side switch and front tap button for single-dosing or continuous use — Coffee Parts · ▶ Watch
  • Innovative stepped adjustment system: fine steps for espresso and coarser steps for filter in one dial — Daddy Got Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Adjustment transition is tactile and intuitive (easy to move between espresso and filter ranges) — Daddy Got Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Plenty of settings (~20) on each side for dialing in espresso and filter — Daddy Got Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Has 40-step click adjustment allowing repeatable settings — ▶ Watch
  • Nice purge/run button and easy on/off switch (user liked the button) — ▶ Watch
  • Easy and quick hopper/mill alignment and adjustment; user found it simple to position and change grind — ▶ Watch
  • Grind adjustment is straightforward and suitable for beginners — ▶ Watch
  • Precision within the first 20 steps: each click changes burr distance by small amount (~up to 18 microns), making espresso settings precise — ▶ Watch
  • Still 40-step stepped adjustment (0–40) preserving familiar range — iDrinkCoffeeCanada · ▶ Watch
  • Includes dosing cup compatible with 54 mm and 58 mm portafilters (adapter ring included) — iDrinkCoffeeCanada · ▶ Watch
  • Comes with a grounds bin for larger batches — iDrinkCoffeeCanada · ▶ Watch
  • Two activation options: side on/off switch and front pulse button for on‑demand dosing — iDrinkCoffeeCanada · ▶ Watch
  • 230‑gram hopper; grind adjusted by moving the hopper — iDrinkCoffeeCanada · ▶ Watch
  • Very fine micro-adjustment range for espresso (settings 1–20) so one step moves the grind a hair instead of a mile — Cheers To Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Can dosedirectly into the portafilter (skip the bin) and includes a dosing cup sized for 54 mm and adaptable to 58 mm — Cheers To Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • 120 g bean bin handles larger batches (brewing by the pot) — Cheers To Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Simple one-twist grind adjustment and front-mounted pulse button — very straightforward daily use with no menus — Cheers To Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Quick dose touch for manual dosing — ECS COFFEE Espresso & Coffee Gear · ▶ Watch
  • Includes a dosing cup that fits 58mm and 54mm portafilters (secure rubber plate) — ECS COFFEE Espresso & Coffee Gear · ▶ Watch
  • Can dose directly into a filter basket like the other Encore — ECS COFFEE Espresso & Coffee Gear · ▶ Watch
  • Visual indicators (small/large dots) and a good manual with grind-range guide for common brews (helpful for beginners) — ECS COFFEE Espresso & Coffee Gear · ▶ Watch
  • Dosing cup prevents mess — no grinds on countertop when dosing — ECS COFFEE Espresso & Coffee Gear · ▶ Watch
  • Easy to calibrate: 40 clicks total with the 20→0 range optimized for espresso, coherent click steps make dialing in simple — ▶ Watch
  • Clear grounds catch container so you can easily see when grinding is finished — French Press Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Fine incremental burr adjustment up to the 20 mark for precise dialing in of espresso — French Press Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Espresso catch cup designed to pair with standard portafilters and adjustable gasket to fit larger portafilters — French Press Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Simple assembly: keyed power switch, click-lock hopper, and straightforward tray/cup placement — French Press Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Comes with clear manual and easy-to-follow assembly instructions — Just A Dad Approved · ▶ Watch
  • Hopper-fed design and removable grounds bin allow keeping beans ready and collecting output for making multiple drinks. — ▶ Watch
  • Micro/macro system adds functionality without complicated usability (clear, two-range system) — Lifestyle Lab · ▶ Watch
  • Grind initiation options: side switch for continuous grinding and front button for short pulses to dose accurately — Lifestyle Lab · ▶ Watch
  • Comes with grounds bin for batch brewing and a dosing cup adaptable to 54 and 58 mm portafilters (includes conversion ring) — Lifestyle Lab · ▶ Watch
  • Makes grinding for espresso or filter coffee easier, cleaner, and more modern overall experience for discerning home baristas — Alternative Brewing · ▶ Watch
  • 300 g capacity hopper with handy close-off mechanism allowing removal without mess (new to Encore range) — Alternative Brewing · ▶ Watch
  • Has a single-dose lid/funnel mode for single dosing — Alternative Brewing · ▶ Watch
  • Timed grinding with hold-to-run button makes dosing by time straightforward — Alternative Brewing · ▶ Watch
  • Hassle-free auto-stop feature for single dosing (stops when beans are ground out) — Alternative Brewing · ▶ Watch
  • Completely different stepless grind adjustment with digital display (easy to repeat settings) — Alternative Brewing · ▶ Watch
  • Dosing cup and catch container are simple and effective (carryover from other Encore models) — Alternative Brewing · ▶ Watch
  • Includes both dosing bin and a single-dosing cup that fits 58mm portafilters allowing direct dosing — Bluebird Coffee Roastery · ▶ Watch
  • Single dosing cup works very well for dosing into portafilters and pairing with WDT for good extractions — Bluebird Coffee Roastery · ▶ Watch
Grind Quality (53)
  • Wide grind range suitable for many brew methods from Aeropress to cold steep and large Chemex — Workshop Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Delivers pretty good espresso-quality grind consistency (especially for the price) and can do decent brewed grinds at a relatively low price point (< $200) — Eric the Coffee Guy · ▶ Watch
  • Can grind fine enough for proper espresso (ESP model) — The Real Sprometheus · ▶ Watch
  • Produces round, flavorful espresso shots with good texture and balance out of the box — The Real Sprometheus · ▶ Watch
  • More forgiving/widely appealing flavor profile (balanced, fuller mouthfeel) typical of conical burr grinders — The Real Sprometheus · ▶ Watch
  • Designed to work for espresso and manual brew (all-rounder) — Coffee Kev · ▶ Watch
  • Relatively low retention (helps reduce wasted grounds/retain) — Coffee Kev · ▶ Watch
  • Grind range goes very fine for espresso and coarse enough for manual methods (cafetiere/french press) — Coffee Kev · ▶ Watch
  • Can grind both drip and espresso at an affordable price — HomeGrounds Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Low static / little need for RDT — HomeGrounds Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Reasonable retention (only ~0.3–0.4 g extra) and predictable dosing — HomeGrounds Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Produces sweet, rich, syrupy espresso—overall very good taste — HomeGrounds Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Still a fairly decent drip grinder despite espresso focus (can handle most brew methods) — HomeGrounds Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Conical burr grinder produces uniform particle size (better extraction than blade grinders). — ▶ Watch
  • Suitable for a wide range of brew methods (espresso, Chemex, regular brewer, cold brew, French press). — ▶ Watch
  • Re-engineered grind assembly with two pitch ranges allowing dedicated espresso (1-20) and filter (21-40) settings for finer dialing — Coffee Parts · ▶ Watch
  • Ability to grind both espresso and filter makes it a versatile, value-packed entry-level home grinder — Coffee Parts · ▶ Watch
  • Produces balanced espresso with good crema for an entry-level price point (positive shot result shown) — Coffee Parts · ▶ Watch
  • Produces good espresso and filter shots (leans toward complexity/body but good quality for price) — Daddy Got Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Can grind fine enough to be used with non‑pressurized baskets — ▶ Watch
  • Grindings are reasonably uniform and the grinder is precise — ▶ Watch
  • Dedicated espresso capability—marketed and designed to grind well for espresso — ▶ Watch
  • Produces good espressos — reviewer liked the extractions and cup (flavors: almond, dried fruit, cocoa, syrupy body) — ▶ Watch
  • Re-engineered Encore ESP offers higher resolution in the espresso (lower) range allowing finer dial‑in for espresso — iDrinkCoffeeCanada · ▶ Watch
  • Can grind for a wide range of brew methods (espresso through French press) — versatile — iDrinkCoffeeCanada · ▶ Watch
  • Produces good espresso shots with thick crema (demonstrated) — iDrinkCoffeeCanada · ▶ Watch
  • Easy to switch to coarser settings for drip/large batch grinding; demonstrated grinding ~50 g — iDrinkCoffeeCanada · ▶ Watch
  • Two-range hopper twist with 40 total settings (1–20 espresso, 21–40 coarser) covering espresso through cold brew — Cheers To Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Overall: micro range, durable European steel burrs, dosing cup, and quick-release burr make it a capable grinder for someone stepping up to real espresso who also wants pour-over capability — Cheers To Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Geared toward espresso users (half the 40 grind settings dedicated to espresso) — ECS COFFEE Espresso & Coffee Gear · ▶ Watch
  • Wide grind range (40 settings) covering espresso to cold brew/French press — ECS COFFEE Espresso & Coffee Gear · ▶ Watch
  • Espresso grind produced very consistent results and good crema in test shot — ECS COFFEE Espresso & Coffee Gear · ▶ Watch
  • Coarser settings reach Chemex/French press/cold brew ranges (manual recommends settings like 32 for French press) — ECS COFFEE Espresso & Coffee Gear · ▶ Watch
  • Versatile: can grind for espresso and filter without adding/removing shims; good range for multiple brewing methods — ▶ Watch
  • Good grind capacity for espresso after SP modification; optimized for fine grinding (espresso) — ▶ Watch
  • Low retention in practice — yields nearly 100% of ground coffee in tests (with anti-static aid) — ▶ Watch
  • Delivers good espresso and filter results for its price; performs reliably as a daily grinder — ▶ Watch
  • Adjustment range from very fine (0) to very coarse (40) offering good control — Just A Dad Approved · ▶ Watch
  • Very consistent grind at fine settings (good for dialing in espresso) — Just A Dad Approved · ▶ Watch
  • Produces extremely fine, consistent powder at the finest settings — Just A Dad Approved · ▶ Watch
  • Produces consistent medium grind — Just A Dad Approved · ▶ Watch
  • Can handle both espresso and other brewing methods (versatility). — ▶ Watch
  • Refreshed Encore aimed at improving grind quality and finer adjustments for espresso — Lifestyle Lab · ▶ Watch
  • Produces sweet, good-bodied espresso shots that are not muddy or muted — Lifestyle Lab · ▶ Watch
  • Filter brews have higher body (may be preferable for target market) — Lifestyle Lab · ▶ Watch
  • Slightly less astringent and a bit sweeter espresso compared to the Opus in side-by-side comparison — Lifestyle Lab · ▶ Watch
  • Flow control disc above burrs improves consistency and avoids stalling/jamming — Alternative Brewing · ▶ Watch
  • M2 40mm conical burrs suitable for a variety of brewing methods and flavor clarity — Alternative Brewing · ▶ Watch
  • Built from the Encore foundation but adds espresso capability (ESP) so can brew both espresso and filter — Bluebird Coffee Roastery · ▶ Watch
  • Larger steps from 21+ suitable for Aeropress, pour over and batch brew (good range for filter) — Bluebird Coffee Roastery · ▶ Watch
  • Delivers cup quality comparable to much more expensive grinders in home testing — Bluebird Coffee Roastery · ▶ Watch
  • Worked across multiple espresso machines and recipes (linear mini, April droplet, etc.) yielding great results — Bluebird Coffee Roastery · ▶ Watch
  • Grinds well for both espresso and filter given the price; good entry-level daily driver — Bluebird Coffee Roastery · ▶ Watch
Durability/Build Quality (34)
  • Described as a heavy-hitting, reliable, durable grinder — Workshop Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • 64 mm hardened steel burrs that are hard-wearing and replaceable — Workshop Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Parts designed to be replaceable with available exploded schematics (user-serviceable) — Workshop Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Should last for years because parts are replaceable; hard-wearing unit that improves home brewing — Workshop Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • 40 mm conical steel burrs (sharper M2 steel compared to original) — Coffee Kev · ▶ Watch
  • Uses upgraded M2 burrs with good geometry for fine, fluffy espresso cuts — Eric the Coffee Guy · ▶ Watch
  • Upgraded M2 conical burrs (sharper, steeper cutting edge) for more consistent grind and faster cutting — The Real Sprometheus · ▶ Watch
  • Same motor speed (550 RPM) but improved burr performance — The Real Sprometheus · ▶ Watch
  • High-torque DC motor (550 RPM) should handle most beans including lighter roasts — Coffee Kev · ▶ Watch
  • Well-built, sturdy unit — Coffee Kev · ▶ Watch
  • Builds on the reliable original Encore design — HomeGrounds Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Uses 40 mm M2 conical steel burrs (sharper, more uniform, fewer fines) that perform better for espresso than the M3s — HomeGrounds Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Serviceable design with replaceable parts and strong Baratza customer support — HomeGrounds Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Durable/workhorse—used multiple times a day for a year by reviewer. — ▶ Watch
  • M3 center cone burrs (upgraded from M2) with different geometry giving faster grinding and access to espresso range — Coffee Parts · ▶ Watch
  • Motor with gear speed reduction to 550 RPM yields less heat, less static, more consistency and less noise — Coffee Parts · ▶ Watch
  • Build is almost identical to original Encore (familiar, solid form factor) — Daddy Got Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Upgraded M2 burr (same as in more expensive grinders) improves performance — Daddy Got Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • 40 mm hardened steel conical burrs — ▶ Watch
  • Motor is strong and durable (powerful motor ~550 RPM) — ▶ Watch
  • Uses European-made 40 mm steel conical burrs — iDrinkCoffeeCanada · ▶ Watch
  • 550 RPM motor (slower speed) reduces heat transfer, static and noise — iDrinkCoffeeCanada · ▶ Watch
  • 40 mm M2 conical burrs made from hardened alloy steel (European/Liechtenstein) that stay consistent and hold edge for years — Cheers To Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Conical burr shape maintains consistency from espresso fine to cold brew coarse — Cheers To Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • DC motor provides steady torque (doesn't scream through beans) — Cheers To Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Upgraded M2 burrs for sharper cutting edges and more consistent grind size (especially for espresso) — ECS COFFEE Espresso & Coffee Gear · ▶ Watch
  • M2 burrs reduce static, grind faster, and are quieter — ECS COFFEE Espresso & Coffee Gear · ▶ Watch
  • Robust enough for its price; overall construction and usability are correct for most users — ▶ Watch
  • Conical burr grinder (quality burrs) — Just A Dad Approved · ▶ Watch
  • Five-foot cord (reasonable length) and common voltage specs listed — Just A Dad Approved · ▶ Watch
  • 40 mm conical steel burrs provide controlled, repeatable grinding suitable for dialing in espresso and other brew methods. — ▶ Watch
  • Acceptable build for entry-level: not excessively cheap or fragile, comparable or slightly better than competitor (Fellow Opus) in feel — Lifestyle Lab · ▶ Watch
  • Upgraded 40 mm M2 conical burrs; surprised by espresso and filter quality for the price — Lifestyle Lab · ▶ Watch
  • Updated 40mm hardened steel conical burr set (improved from original) and 550 RPM motor — Bluebird Coffee Roastery · ▶ Watch
Other (30)
  • Built very well — solid, well-built plastic housing with a robust motor — Eric the Coffee Guy · ▶ Watch
  • Simple, intuitive grind adjustment by rotating the hopper — great for beginners — Lifestyle Lab · ▶ Watch
  • Minimal retention — yields nearly the same weight put in as ground out — Workshop Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Fully repairable — parts available from Baratza and strong customer support/documentation for repairs — Eric the Coffee Guy · ▶ Watch
  • Consistent incremental adjustments — uniform per-click changes in the espresso range and predictable larger steps for brew settings — Eric the Coffee Guy · ▶ Watch
  • Long-lasting/reliable—still works after 7 years — The Real Sprometheus · ▶ Watch
  • Decent grind weight consistency from hopper using timing (~±2 g) and good grind rates (~1.5 g/s espresso, ~2.5 g/s filter) — The Real Sprometheus · ▶ Watch
  • Low retention for single dosing—tests showed nearly identical weight in/out — The Real Sprometheus · ▶ Watch
  • Solid extraction numbers for espresso (avg ~18–19%) and reasonable filter extraction (low 20s) — The Real Sprometheus · ▶ Watch
  • Affordable price point (around £200 / $200 RRP) — Coffee Kev · ▶ Watch
  • Comes with a standard grounds container and a dosing cup with a gasket that fits 53–58 mm portafilters — Coffee Kev · ▶ Watch
  • Very fine step size in the first 20 settings (each click ≈9 micron gap change) — good for dialing in espresso — Coffee Kev · ▶ Watch
  • Easy to dial in for espresso — reviewer dialed in quickly and pulled good shots with little effort — Coffee Kev · ▶ Watch
  • Espresso-focused design (ESP) with 0–20 range allowing very fine, small incremental adjustments suited for espresso — French Press Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • 40 grind settings total (0–40) covering espresso through French press and other methods — French Press Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Very fast when grinding for pour over, Aeropress, siphon (about 3–4 seconds for 10 g) — CoffeeGeek · ▶ Watch
  • Consistent pour-over output close to input (about 10.1 g in → ~9.7–10 g out) with minimal retention (~0.5 g typical) — CoffeeGeek · ▶ Watch
  • Aftermarket bellows (or flapping the lid) helps push remaining grounds out, bringing output to essentially equal input (10 g in → 9.8–10 g out in this run) — CoffeeGeek · ▶ Watch
  • For espresso the grinder can achieve low retention in some runs (this video achieved ~9.8 g out from 10.1 g in, leaving only ~0.2–0.3 g) — CoffeeGeek · ▶ Watch
  • Bellows can significantly improve yield when used correctly (reduced retained coffee from ~2 g to ~0.2–0.3 g in this clip) — CoffeeGeek · ▶ Watch
  • Espresso-focused grind settings with 40 total settings (1–20 for espresso, 21–40 for filter) providing good adjustment options for espresso. — ▶ Watch
  • Simple push-button operation with no complicated menus or touchscreen — straightforward workflow. — ▶ Watch
  • Provides essential espresso-capable features at an accessible/entry-level price—good value for beginners. — ▶ Watch
  • Good micro/macro adjustment system: first 20 espresso steps ≈9 microns for fine dialing, next 20 steps ≈45 microns for coarser methods — Lifestyle Lab · ▶ Watch
  • Total of 60 grind settings (with half-settings for espresso giving effectively ~80 espresso steps) — precise and reliable — Alternative Brewing · ▶ Watch
  • New motor provides more power and runs quieter — smoother, less chore-like grinding — Alternative Brewing · ▶ Watch
  • Overall workflow feels tighter, more efficient, enjoyable — approachable for beginners and precise for experienced home baristas — Alternative Brewing · ▶ Watch
  • Performed well in blind espresso comparison — produced the most enjoyable (balanced/clean) shot of the three — Alternative Brewing · ▶ Watch
  • 40-click adjustment with very fine steps from 1–20 (~18 microns) for precise espresso dialing — Bluebird Coffee Roastery · ▶ Watch
  • Affordable price (~USD 200 / 4,700 ZAR) — great value for money — Bluebird Coffee Roastery · ▶ Watch
Cleaning/Maintenance (18)
  • Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward (easy to remove hopper/burrs, useful brush included) — Workshop Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Quick-release burrs for easy removal and cleaning — Coffee Kev · ▶ Watch
  • Very easy to take apart and clean; burrs removable with a simple hand-screw mechanism — Eric the Coffee Guy · ▶ Watch
  • Quick-release burr mount for easier cleaning and maintenance (vs. full teardown on original Encore) — The Real Sprometheus · ▶ Watch
  • Easy to remove hopper and access burrs for cleaning. — ▶ Watch
  • Quick-release center cone and easier disassembly for cleaning without removing casing — Coffee Parts · ▶ Watch
  • New burr gasket that is much easier to remove/replace and aligns with a red tab for simple reassembly — Coffee Parts · ▶ Watch
  • Easy to disassemble and clean without tools (quick release, removable burrs) — Daddy Got Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Easy to disassemble and clean; user-friendly for all skill levels — ▶ Watch
  • Quick-release burr mount for tool-free cleaning (easy maintenance) — Cheers To Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Easier burr removal / upgraded quick-release cone burr and clearer markings for reassembly — ECS COFFEE Espresso & Coffee Gear · ▶ Watch
  • Gasket relocated to hopper base for easier assembly (no gasket to wrap around ring burr) — ECS COFFEE Espresso & Coffee Gear · ▶ Watch
  • Includes brush; overall simple, easy operation and consistent grind size — ECS COFFEE Espresso & Coffee Gear · ▶ Watch
  • Easily removable outer burr and gasket for cleaning and reassembly (red hash marks for alignment) — French Press Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Relatively easy to clean with included brush; parts lift for access — Just A Dad Approved · ▶ Watch
  • Relatively simple cleaning and maintenance; removable parts and Baratza's repair-friendly design make it serviceable over time. — ▶ Watch
  • Removable hopper gives full access to burrs for cleaning/maintenance; tool-free quick-release burrs — Alternative Brewing · ▶ Watch
  • Burrs are easy to access and cleaning is straightforward; single-dose hopper option available — Bluebird Coffee Roastery · ▶ Watch
Value for Money (17)
  • Good blend of affordability and performance; top recommendation for new home brewers — The Real Sprometheus · ▶ Watch
  • Very affordable all-around grinder (retail just under $200) for espresso + filter capability — The Real Sprometheus · ▶ Watch
  • Good value at around $200 for an espresso-capable grinder — HomeGrounds Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Overall recommended as an espresso-focused grinder for home use at a steal price — HomeGrounds Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Good value—priced around $120–$180 (about $100+ referenced) and considered a great deal. — ▶ Watch
  • Very affordable all‑around electric grinder (about $200) that can do both filter and espresso — Daddy Got Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Closes the gap vs original Encore by allowing espresso capability for only about $50 more — Daddy Got Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Overall strong value — recommended for the price as an entry point to quality espresso and filter — Daddy Got Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Recommended for beginners starting with espresso (non‑pressurized baskets); good value for the price — ▶ Watch
  • Fulfills its function for the price (~€180) — best buy for beginners — ▶ Watch
  • Reasonable price (~€170–180) for an entry-level espresso-capable grinder — ▶ Watch
  • Overall good value — priced accessibly for entry into espresso and specialty coffee — iDrinkCoffeeCanada · ▶ Watch
  • Recommended and well-regarded entry-level grinder suitable for beginners — ▶ Watch
  • Affordable price point ($150) and popular among buyers — Just A Dad Approved · ▶ Watch
  • Well-known grinder with lots of reviewer experience (author had long time to get to know it and competitors) — Lifestyle Lab · ▶ Watch
  • Excellent value-for-money as an espresso grinder; recommended as a budget electric espresso option — Lifestyle Lab · ▶ Watch
  • Good value for price: quiet, powerful, and enjoyable to use with strong performance and features — Alternative Brewing · ▶ Watch
Features (11)
  • Included instruction manual gives good jumping-off points for brew methods — Workshop Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Optional single-dose attachment available — Coffee Kev · ▶ Watch
  • Includes a detachable dosing cup that fits 58mm and 54mm portafilters and is anti-static — HomeGrounds Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Comes with a sample kit of fresh roasted coffee when sold (added value). — ▶ Watch
  • Includes dosing cup and mat (convenient accessories) — Daddy Got Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Includes alignment marks and extra washers to shim the burr for finer grind (thoughtful extras) — Daddy Got Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Includes useful accessories (300 g hopper, brush, extra shims, rubber mat, 54 mm portafilter adapter) — ▶ Watch
  • SCA-awarded lineage/credibility — Cheers To Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Includes bean hopper, catch cups (espresso and larger), cleaning brush, small tray, shims and QR code for support — French Press Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Includes small single-serve hopper accessory option for grinding small amounts — French Press Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Deionizer in the chute reduces static, making the grinder much cleaner than older Encore models — Alternative Brewing · ▶ Watch
Design/Aesthetics (7)
  • Compact, tidy footprint that fits well in a kitchen — Workshop Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Available in white or black — Coffee Kev · ▶ Watch
  • Cleaner, simpler exterior branding compared with original (cosmetic improvement) — Daddy Got Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Looks similar to the Baratza Encore (familiar design) — ECS COFFEE Espresso & Coffee Gear · ▶ Watch
  • Compact, relatively lightweight and space-saving design with attractive straight lines — ▶ Watch
  • Compact, practical countertop design that fits many home espresso stations. — ▶ Watch
  • Classic, simple appearance and hopper-fit design (easy, familiar styling) — Lifestyle Lab · ▶ Watch
Noise Level (5)
  • Motor is quieter than older models (overall quiet operation) — ECS COFFEE Espresso & Coffee Gear · ▶ Watch
  • Quieter than previous Grinders and has a fast, efficient DC motor (good for grinding whole bags) — ECS COFFEE Espresso & Coffee Gear · ▶ Watch
  • Acceptable noise level — quieter/pleasant compared with higher-end models referenced; noise rated around a 6/10 — ▶ Watch
  • Not super loud during operation — Just A Dad Approved · ▶ Watch
  • Quiet-ish running (quieter than some) and reasonable grind times shown — Bluebird Coffee Roastery · ▶ Watch
Speed/Performance (4)
  • Faster grind speed compared to previous geometry (grinds twice as fast mentioned) — Coffee Parts · ▶ Watch
  • Reasonable speed for 18 g espresso dose (around 16 seconds single dosing) — Daddy Got Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Adequate grinding speed for home use (around 20–30s for 20 g) — ▶ Watch
  • Auto stop and quiet/fast operation demonstrated in use (efficient workflow) — Alternative Brewing · ▶ Watch

Cons (115)

Grind Quality (33)
  • Static build-up observed with coarser grinds — Just A Dad Approved · ▶ Watch
  • Considerable static retention in doses (common issue), requiring RDT or water spray to reduce mess — Bluebird Coffee Roastery · ▶ Watch
  • As an entry-level grinder, cup clarity, sweetness and ability to push extractions are not as good as much more expensive grinders — Bluebird Coffee Roastery · ▶ Watch
  • Not ideal for espresso — limited flexibility and hard to dial in precise espresso recipes — Workshop Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • High retention — significant coffee left inside (example: 7 g retained from 18 g; still ~3.5 g after agitation) — Eric the Coffee Guy · ▶ Watch
  • Produces clumpy, very clumpy/grainy espresso grinds that require effort to break up — Eric the Coffee Guy · ▶ Watch
  • Inconsistent grind for pour-overs — generates many fines and large boulders, causing muddy brew, slow drawdown, and uneven extraction — Eric the Coffee Guy · ▶ Watch
  • When switching between espresso and brew ranges, residual espresso fines can contaminate pour-over grinds (requires flushing/rocking to clear) — Eric the Coffee Guy · ▶ Watch
  • Original Encore couldn't grind fine enough for espresso (context for ESP improvement) — The Real Sprometheus · ▶ Watch
  • Espresso grinds can be clumpy—requires significant WDT to even out puck for cleaner extraction — The Real Sprometheus · ▶ Watch
  • Single-dose unit top might have benefited from bellows (potential mess/retention issue) — Coffee Kev · ▶ Watch
  • If using pressurized or dual-wall baskets you may need to be outside the espresso range (limitation for some setups) — Coffee Kev · ▶ Watch
  • Grinds can be fairly clumpy (requires WDT or distribution to break up clumps) — HomeGrounds Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Produces somewhat clumpy grounds at espresso settings (recommend using WDT) — Daddy Got Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Generates significant static, especially on filter settings, causing mess — Daddy Got Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Workflow/single-dosing issues: grounds remain in the hopper and are not easy to purge when switching, causing retention — Daddy Got Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Some mess from grounds and static when doing batch/filter brewing — Daddy Got Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Produces some fines which can cause bitterness (not excessive but present) — ▶ Watch
  • Some static observed when grinding (need to tap grounds bin to release remaining grinds) — iDrinkCoffeeCanada · ▶ Watch
  • Some static and fines appear on coarser settings (more jumping/static at high numbers) — ECS COFFEE Espresso & Coffee Gear · ▶ Watch
  • Coarser settings lose some consistency (bigger bits and smaller bits visible) — ECS COFFEE Espresso & Coffee Gear · ▶ Watch
  • At Baratza's suggested French press setting (32) the grind may be slightly too fine for some French press preferences — may require coarser adjustment — French Press Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Coarse and medium ranges are okay but less impressive than fine range — Just A Dad Approved · ▶ Watch
  • Some retention occurs—pour-over runs previously averaged ~9.7 g out from 10.1 g in (≈0.4 g retention) and typical pour-over tests showed ~0.5 g stuck — CoffeeGeek · ▶ Watch
  • High retention can occur for espresso in many tests (often 1–1.5+ g stuck requiring physical intervention) — CoffeeGeek · ▶ Watch
  • Often requires manual actions (bellows, flapping lid, pounding or slapping the grinder, repeating runs) to retrieve remaining grounds — CoffeeGeek · ▶ Watch
  • Output variability on live/testing — occasional runs showed only 8.0 g out from 10.1 g in (≈2 g missing) before using bellows — CoffeeGeek · ▶ Watch
  • Some coffee can remain inside the grinder when switching settings, making method changes require extra attention. — ▶ Watch
  • Filter clarity leans toward higher body rather than clarity (Opus may be better for clarity-seeking preferences) — Lifestyle Lab · ▶ Watch
  • If you don't RDT at all, you may notice some static (though much improved vs older Encores) — Alternative Brewing · ▶ Watch
  • Lacks a dedicated bellows system for single dosing—would improve cleanliness and push out last grinds (manual tapping needed) — Alternative Brewing · ▶ Watch
  • Original Encore was too dated and could not grind fine enough for espresso (context for why ESP was needed) — Bluebird Coffee Roastery · ▶ Watch
  • When using the full hopper and pulse button, beans are in the burrs when you start (not ideal) — Workshop Coffee · ▶ Watch
Ease of Use (30)
  • No built-in timer on the on/off switch, so you must monitor or hold the pulse switch for small doses — Bluebird Coffee Roastery · ▶ Watch
  • Stepped adjustments with relatively wide jumps between clicks—limited micro-adjustment for espresso dialing — The Real Sprometheus · ▶ Watch
  • Hopper lacks a gate/valve—removing or swapping beans can be messy, wasteful, or require grinding through extra beans — The Real Sprometheus · ▶ Watch
  • Overall stepped grind control remains the biggest downside—limits fine control despite other internal upgrades — The Real Sprometheus · ▶ Watch
  • Requires being a bit heavy-handed to fully empty grounds from the dosing cup/top — Coffee Kev · ▶ Watch
  • May not be the best choice if you only use manual brewers and want very fine continuous adjustment for those methods — Coffee Kev · ▶ Watch
  • The supplied doser/porter adapter size is wrong for many domestic 51 mm portafilters (comes as 58 mm or 54 mm without gasket) — ▶ Watch
  • Only 40 stepped settings (not stepless); only 20 fine steps dedicated to espresso which limits granularity for dialing in many coffees — ▶ Watch
  • Hopper must be kept full to work properly for dosing; otherwise dosing precision and waste are poor — ▶ Watch
  • Grind adjustment is done by moving the hopper (may be less convenient than separate collar/knob) — iDrinkCoffeeCanada · ▶ Watch
  • 120 g bean bin is not large enough for grinding for a houseful of guests — Cheers To Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Dosing cup only lines up with 54 mm and 58 mm portafilters so odd-size portafilters won't fit — Cheers To Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Beyond setting 20 the steps get wider (less fine-tuning) at the coarse end, limiting precision for coarse brew methods — Cheers To Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Not suitable if you need to grind for a full office every morning — Cheers To Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Not suitable if your espresso machine uses a portafilter size other than 54 or 58 mm because the dosing cup won't line up — Cheers To Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Dosing is still only on/off (no timed dosing upgrade) — ECS COFFEE Espresso & Coffee Gear · ▶ Watch
  • Need to eyeball dose with dosing cup (would benefit from pairing with a scale for best results) — ECS COFFEE Espresso & Coffee Gear · ▶ Watch
  • On/off button can stick or remain halfway between positions (poor tactile feel) — ▶ Watch
  • Grounds bin weight is not a precise known value (not tare-friendly); inconsistent weight of collection jar is annoying for weighing — ▶ Watch
  • Included espresso catch cup is very small (may require attention when using larger portafilters despite gasket) — French Press Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Some assembly steps are tricky (fitting the rubber funnel and seating the hopper can be difficult) — Just A Dad Approved · ▶ Watch
  • Hopper can be difficult to rotate/seat initially; requires pressing evenly — Just A Dad Approved · ▶ Watch
  • No timer or dose control — user must manually control grind time — Just A Dad Approved · ▶ Watch
  • Confusing large wing nut that looks removable but should not be removed (could mislead users) — Just A Dad Approved · ▶ Watch
  • Grind adjustments are stepped rather than continuous (no stepless adjustment), limiting fine control between settings. — ▶ Watch
  • Doesn't weigh doses or offer built-in grind-by-weight dosing — requires a separate scale for repeatable espresso recipes. — ▶ Watch
  • Hopper-fed design may be inconvenient for users who prefer single-dose grinding. — ▶ Watch
  • Not ideal for experienced users who want finer control (would prefer a stepless grinder) or those needing a dedicated single-dose workflow. — ▶ Watch
  • Stepped adjustments on other entry-level grinders are often too large — implied earlier limitation (context) — Bluebird Coffee Roastery · ▶ Watch
  • Recommended grind settings in the manual are not specific enough for all users/doses — Workshop Coffee · ▶ Watch
Durability/Build Quality (15)
  • Hopper fit is loose (plastic on metal), vibrations can pop the hopper lid out—needs a gasket/o-ring fix — The Real Sprometheus · ▶ Watch
  • Power switch feels a little flimsy — Daddy Got Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Build has some loose-feeling parts contributing to low-end/noisy perception — Daddy Got Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Much of the grinder is plastic; feels cheap and parts move/vibrate (lid can jump) — ▶ Watch
  • Hopper/tower can feel loose after installation (moves around) — ▶ Watch
  • Burrs are relatively small (40 mm) which may limit performance compared with larger burrs, though acceptable at this price — ▶ Watch
  • M2 burrs are very sharp — caution needed when removing/handling — ECS COFFEE Espresso & Coffee Gear · ▶ Watch
  • Most exterior parts (hopper, buttons, grounds bin, tray) are plastic — gives a plasticky feel and could be higher quality — ▶ Watch
  • Hopper wobbles/has play and can vibrate or even cause the lid to come off — perceived design flaw that may cause annoyance or wear — ▶ Watch
  • Some build tolerances: click indicators and parts alignment could be better (adjustment indexing not perfectly aligned) — ▶ Watch
  • Materials and finish could be improved given the price (expected limits of entry-level build) — ▶ Watch
  • Outer burr ring may arrive slightly dislodged from shipping and require re-seating — French Press Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Rubber gasket on burr or on espresso catch cup can be out of place and may need manual repositioning — French Press Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Plasticky finishes on outer shell and main touch points (entry-level build) — Lifestyle Lab · ▶ Watch
  • Lid/hopper tends to bounce and came loose a few times (didn't fall off but not secure) — Bluebird Coffee Roastery · ▶ Watch
Other (12)
  • One click finer/coarser can change shot time substantially (e.g., 25s → 22s or 28s), making dialing finicky especially with lighter roasts — The Real Sprometheus · ▶ Watch
  • Only 40 grind settings (though split into micro/macro) — limited compared with some competitors — Coffee Kev · ▶ Watch
  • On the loud side — a bit louder than Sage/Breville grinders — Coffee Kev · ▶ Watch
  • Sacrifices adjustability for drip/other brew methods past the espresso range—less fine control beyond setting 20 — HomeGrounds Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Slight retention observed (about 0.3–0.4 g); may need to grind extra to account for loss — HomeGrounds Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Not intended/ideal for café use or high-volume commercial environments — Coffee Parts · ▶ Watch
  • Grounds retention of about 2.5–3 g between doses (affects consistency) — Daddy Got Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Produces a lot of static electricity — grounds stick to parts (need anti‑static spray for coarse grinds) — ▶ Watch
  • Coffee leaks from a crack/gap at the lower edge — grounds escape unexpectedly — ▶ Watch
  • Hopper causes very high retention — not suitable for single-dose use; requires filling the hopper to reduce retention — ▶ Watch
  • The supplied hopper lacks an anti-static/closing device (no bellows/soffietto) and has no flap/chute to easily empty — inconvenient for preserving specialty beans and for single dosing — ▶ Watch
  • Adjustment is stepped (0–40) rather than fully stepless — though lower range has higher resolution — iDrinkCoffeeCanada · ▶ Watch
Cleaning/Maintenance (7)
  • When grinding coarser, chaff can end up behind the grind spin (carryover issue from standard Encore) — The Real Sprometheus · ▶ Watch
  • Fine coffee can build up and cause static/clumping when switching between grind ranges, requiring cleaning — Coffee Parts · ▶ Watch
  • Top assembly has many small shims/spacers (six washers) which is annoying and cumbersome to adjust/clean — ▶ Watch
  • Coffee can get into areas around O-ring and crevices (requires brushing); not fully sealed — Just A Dad Approved · ▶ Watch
  • Warning not to get burrs wet (risk of rust) — limits cleaning options — Just A Dad Approved · ▶ Watch
  • If you overdo RDT, beans can occasionally get stuck in the hopper (user-caused issue) — Alternative Brewing · ▶ Watch
  • Beans left in the hopper/stored on the grinder will stale faster; recommended to store elsewhere — Workshop Coffee · ▶ Watch
Noise Level (6)
  • Very loud — described as extremely loud/whiny compared with many modern grinders — Eric the Coffee Guy · ▶ Watch
  • ESP is a bit louder than the original Encore (around 92 dB vs 88 dB) — HomeGrounds Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Relatively loud/annoying noise during operation — Daddy Got Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Grinder is noisy — ▶ Watch
  • Produces noticeable noise during grinding, which may be an issue for early-morning use in shared homes. — ▶ Watch
  • Noise levels are on the higher side compared to competitors (though not the worst among Baratza models) — Lifestyle Lab · ▶ Watch
Value for Money (4)
  • Has limitations and shows signs of its price point (not as refined as higher-end grinders) — Bluebird Coffee Roastery · ▶ Watch
  • Called entry-level by price, which may undersell its performance (potential perception issue) — Workshop Coffee · ▶ Watch
  • Price bump compared to regular Encore (around CAD $50 more) — ECS COFFEE Espresso & Coffee Gear · ▶ Watch
  • Some differences versus competitors are minor and might not be distinguishable unless compared side-by-side — Lifestyle Lab · ▶ Watch
Speed/Performance (4)
  • Extremely slow for espresso — long grind time (example: ~50 seconds for 18 g at an espresso setting) — Eric the Coffee Guy · ▶ Watch
  • Not the fastest grinder — speed is average (not a con for many but not standout) — ▶ Watch
  • Slower for espresso than pour-over (around 6–7 seconds per 10 g) — CoffeeGeek · ▶ Watch
  • Grinding speed is average (~1–1.5 g/s for espresso, ~2+ g/s for filter) — not especially fast — Lifestyle Lab · ▶ Watch
Features (2)
  • No lid/micro switch on ground container (container simply slides in) — Just A Dad Approved · ▶ Watch
  • Lacks premium finish, digital display, and advanced electronic features (no built-in weighing or sophisticated interface). — ▶ Watch
Overall (1)
  • No explicit cons mentioned in the transcript. — ▶ Watch
Design/Aesthetics (1)
  • Appearance is not modern or stylish — classic/simple rather than an angular kitchen ornament — Lifestyle Lab · ▶ Watch

Review sources

Frequently asked questions

Is the Baratza Encore ESP worth buying?

Based on 21 independent YouTube reviews, the Baratza Encore ESP scores 3.7/5 with 238 positive and 115 negative points mentioned by reviewers, placing it #7 in the Coffee Grinders category.

What do reviewers like most about the Baratza Encore ESP?

The most praised aspects are ease of use, grind quality, durability/build quality — Ease of Use (59 mentions), Grind Quality (53 mentions), Durability/Build Quality (34 mentions).

What are the most common complaints about the Baratza Encore ESP?

Reviewers most frequently criticize grind quality, ease of use — Grind Quality (33 mentions), Ease of Use (30 mentions).

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