Baratza Encore vs Encore ESP
Short answer: Buy the classic Encore for $50 less if you will only ever brew filter coffee; buy the Encore ESP if espresso is even a possibility, because its fine adjustment is not something you can add later. Baratza gives both the same 40mm conical burr size, 300 g hopper, 120 g grounds bin and 40 settings. The ESP changes the dial, with settings 1 to 20 as micro-steps for espresso and 21 to 40 for filter, adds a burr that comes out without tools, and uses M2 burrs where the classic has M3. Neither is a high scorer on Amazon: on 2026-11-01 the Encore stood at 4.1 from 16,662 ratings and the ESP at 3.9 from 1,437.
Get the Baratza Encore$149.95
for filter coffee only · largest owner base
Get the Baratza Encore ESP$199.95
for espresso · grind consistency
Updated
Part of our guide to the best coffee grinders.
Head to headHighest overall score: Baratza Encore ESP (7.5 vs 8.1) — but pick by how you brew.
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 7.5/ 10 | 8.1/ 10 Higher |
| Price | $149.95approx.Checked 2026-10-21 | $199.95approx.Checked 2026-10-21 |
| Get it for | filter coffee only, largest owner base | espresso, grind consistency, taking the burr out to clean |
| Burrs | 40mm conical steel (M3) | 40mm M2 conical steel, quick-release |
| Settings | 40, stepped | 40 stepped: 1–20 espresso micro-steps, 21–40 filter |
| AmazonFull review of Baratza Encore | AmazonFull review of Baratza Encore ESP |
Prices are approximate; use the listing for the current offer.
What the extra money buys — The Encore ESP costs $50 more than the classic Encore. That buys the dual-range dial with 20 espresso micro-steps, a quick-release burr, and a 54mm dosing cup with a 58mm adapter. If nobody in the house will pull a shot, the burr size, hopper and brew range are the same, so the classic keeps the money.
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Baratza Encore vs Encore ESP: which wins for you
It covers drip, pour-over, AeroPress and French press for $50 less. Both score 84 for brew range here, and Baratza labels this one brew-focused.
Baratza reserves settings 1 to 20 for fine micro-steps. It scores 80 for espresso range here against the Encore's 55.
It scores 82 here against the Encore's 78, though Baratza itself recommends the classic for filter.
The burr is quick-release. The classic Encore's is threaded and needs tools, and the ESP scores 80 for workflow here against 76.
On 2026-11-01 it had 16,662 Amazon ratings averaging 4.1, against 1,437 averaging 3.9 for the ESP.
Baratza Encore vs Encore ESP: score by dimension
BrewSift sub-scores for grinders. The longer bar wins each row; equal scores are both highlighted.
Baratza Encore vs Encore ESP: specs side by side
Baratza Encore vs Encore ESP: the bottom line
Buy the classic Encore for $50 less if you will only ever brew filter coffee; buy the Encore ESP if espresso is even a possibility, because its fine adjustment is not something you can add later. If you just want the stronger all-rounder, the Baratza Encore ESP edges it on our overall score (7.5 vs 8.1).
More comparisons in coffee grinders
Other matchups we have run side by side, same scoring, same spec sheet.
Common questions
What is the difference between the Baratza Encore and the Encore ESP?
The dial and the burrs. The ESP splits its 40 settings in two, with 1 to 20 as micro-steps for espresso and 21 to 40 for filter, French press and cold brew. It also uses M2 burrs in a quick-release mount and ships with a 54mm dosing cup and a 58mm adapter. The classic Encore has M3 burrs in a threaded mount. Burr size, hopper, grounds bin and motor speed are the same, per Baratza.
Can the classic Encore grind for espresso?
It can reach an espresso grind, and Baratza calls it espresso-capable, but it has no micro-steps for dialling in a shot. That is why it scores 55 for espresso range here against the ESP's 80. If you plan to pull shots, buy the ESP.
Is the Encore ESP worse for filter coffee?
On balance, Baratza says so. Its 2022 comparison sheet recommends the classic Encore for filter and gives it 5 stars for filter brewing against the ESP's 3, while noting both grind well across methods. The ESP's settings 21 to 40 still cover filter, French press and cold brew, and they tie at 84 for brew range here. If filter is all you make, the classic is the better fit and the cheaper one.
Is the Encore ESP worth $50 more?
Only if you will use what the money buys. That is the espresso half of the dial, the quick-release burr and the dosing cup. The scores are close on value, 90 for the ESP and 88 for the Encore, but a household that only brews filter is paying for micro-steps it will never touch.
Should a 3.9-star rating put me off the Encore ESP?
It is below the 4.3 we usually hold picks to, and it is the lower of these two, so it deserves a look before you buy. The ESP's sits on far fewer ratings than the classic's. Baratza's parts and repair support is the case for buying either one despite the number.
Is one quieter or less messy than the other?
Not by our scores. They tie at 70 for noise and 74 for retention here, and Baratza lists the same 550 RPM motor speed on both. Both are hoppered grinders, so neither suits someone who changes beans for every cup.