Independent coffee benchmarks · No sponsored winners · Est. MMXXVI
Baratza Encore ESP
Baratza Researched

Encore ESP

The grinder most people should buy first — it does espresso and filter, and Baratza will fix it forever.

First grinderEspresso + filterLegendary support
8.1
BrewSift Score
Excellent
$200

Approximate — verify the latest price

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Should you buy it?

Buy it if

  • First grinder
  • Espresso + filter
  • Legendary support
  • Genuine espresso + filter range

Skip it if

  • Stepped adjustment (not stepless)
  • A bit of retention
  • Not silent

Not for you? Consider the Fellow Opus 2 — or see all coffee grinders .

The verdict

An espresso-capable update to the beloved Encore: 40mm conical burrs, a finer adjustment range that reaches true espresso, and Baratza's legendary parts-and-repair support. The best balance of price, performance, and longevity for a first real grinder.

BrewSift Score breakdown

Scored across the dimensions that matter for grinders. The overall is a weighted average — see the formula.

Grind consistency8.2
Espresso range8.0
Brew range8.4
Low retention7.4
Quiet operation7.0
Workflow8.0
Value9.0

Pros & cons

What we like

  • Genuine espresso + filter range
  • Baratza repair/parts support
  • Best all-round value

Watch-outs

  • Stepped adjustment (not stepless)
  • A bit of retention
  • Not silent

Specifications

Burrs
40mm conical
Range
Espresso → French press
Settings
Stepped

What owners say

Praised as the grinder you buy once; espresso users sometimes upgrade burrs later.

From the journal

Where the Encore ESP comes up in our guides.

Complete your setup

The gear that pairs with the Encore ESP to make a complete, working setup.

Add a scale
Hario V60 Drip Scale (VST-2000B)
Hario

V60 Drip Scale (VST-2000B)

Weighing your dose and yield is what makes a good cup repeatable, shot after shot.

$59Buy
Keep beans fresh
Fellow Atmos Vacuum Canister
Fellow

Atmos Vacuum Canister

An airtight, opaque canister protects the beans you just bought from going flat within days.

$40Buy
Add a kettle
OXO Brew Adjustable Gooseneck
OXO

Brew Adjustable Gooseneck

A variable-temperature gooseneck gives the controlled pour and exact water temperature that pour-over and manual brewing need.

$120Buy

Compare it head-to-head

Alternatives to consider

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Fellow Opus 2
8.1
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
Fellow Ode Gen 2
7.9
Fellow Researched

Ode Gen 2

The best filter-only grinder: 64mm flat burrs, near-zero retention, and an exceptionally clean cup.

Filter coffee onlyClean cup
DF / Turin DF54
8.5
DF / Turin Researched

DF54

Single-dose 54mm flat-burr performance at a price that undercuts the establishment.

Budget single-dose espressoUpgradable burrs