Fellow Researched
Opus 2
Fellow's all-rounder, now in its second generation: a wide espresso-to-cold-brew range and a design that earns its counter space.
Looks + rangeAll brew methods
Baratza Encore
Baratza's classic filter grinder — 40 settings from fine drip to French press, parts you can replace for years, and the cheaper Encore if you never pull espresso.
ResearchedFilter-only brewersFirst burr grinderRepairable for years
7.5
BrewSift Score
Good
$149.95
Approximate — verify the latest price
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Should you buy it?
Buy it if
- Filter-only brewers
- First burr grinder
- Repairable for years
- Covers drip, pour-over, AeroPress and French press
Skip it if
- No dedicated espresso micro-steps (that is the ESP's upgrade)
- Threaded burr needs tools to remove, unlike the ESP
- ABS plastic body
Not for you? Consider the Fellow Opus 2 — or see all coffee grinders .
The verdict
The original Encore (model ZCG485) is the grinder Baratza calls its best-selling, go-to entry-level model. It runs 40mm hardened steel conical burrs, listed as M3 in Baratza's own comparison chart, through 40 grind settings, with a 300g hopper, a 120g grounds bin, an on/off switch and a front pulse button. Baratza labels it brew-focused and espresso-capable: it will reach an espresso grind, but it lacks the Encore ESP's dual-range adjustment, where settings 1 to 20 are micro-steps reserved for dialling in shots. For drip, pour-over, AeroPress and French press it does the same job for less, with the same Baratza parts and repair support behind it. Rated 4.1 on Amazon from 16,647 ratings as of 2026-10-21, with 2,000+ bought a month; grinder ratings run low on Amazon, and few grinders have an owner base this large. Next check due 2026-11-21.
BrewSift Score breakdown
Scored across the dimensions that matter for grinders. The overall is a weighted average — see the formula.
Grind consistency7.8
Espresso range5.5
Brew range8.4
Low retention7.4
Quiet operation7.0
Workflow7.6
Value8.8
Pros & cons
What we like
- Covers drip, pour-over, AeroPress and French press
- Baratza parts and repair support
- The cheaper Encore if you only brew filter
Watch-outs
- No dedicated espresso micro-steps (that is the ESP's upgrade)
- Threaded burr needs tools to remove, unlike the ESP
- ABS plastic body
Specifications
- Model
- ZCG485
- Burrs
- 40mm conical steel (M3)
- Settings
- 40, stepped
- Baratza rating
- Brew-focused, espresso capable
- Hopper / bin
- 300g / 120g
- Controls
- On/off switch + pulse button
What owners say
Amazon owners average 4.1 stars across 16,647 ratings as of 2026-10-21, a very large owner base for a grinder.
From the journal
Where the Encore comes up in our guides.
Complete your setup
The gear that pairs with the Encore to make a complete, working setup.
Add a scale
Timemore
Black Mirror Basic 2
Weighing your dose and yield is what makes a good cup repeatable, shot after shot.
$55Buy
Keep beans fresh
Planetary Design
Airscape Coffee Canister
An airtight, opaque canister protects the beans you just bought from going flat within days.
$44Buy
Add a kettle
OXO
Brew Adjustable Gooseneck
A variable-temperature gooseneck gives the controlled pour and exact water temperature that pour-over and manual brewing need.
$115Buy
Compare it head-to-head
Read the rival's review:Baratza Encore ESP
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