Baratza Encore vs ESP
The Encore was the default entry burr grinder for a decade; the ESP is Baratza's redesign that finally handles espresso. Same brand, same price point, different burr sets and adjustment ranges. If you drink drip or pour-over, the classic Encore is enough; if espresso is in your future, the ESP's finer range and 40mm burrs make it the better buy.
Our top pick
Baratza Encore
The classic 40mm conical burr grinder for drip, pour-over and French press.
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Editorial note: this guide is compiled from published manufacturer guidance, general best practices, and aggregated owner experience — not hands-on testing. Always follow your machine’s official manual.
Quick comparison
| Pick | Why we like it | |
|---|---|---|
| Baratza Encore | The classic 40mm conical burr grinder for drip, pour-over and French press. | View → |
| Baratza Encore ESP | Espresso-tuned 40mm burrs, finer adjustment, stepless-ish range — the upgrade. | View → |
Baratza Encore
Editor’s PickThe classic 40mm conical burr grinder for drip, pour-over and French press.
- + Proven reliability
- + Cheap parts
- + Great for filter coffee
- + Huge community
- − Weak at espresso
- − Loud-ish
- − Plastic build
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Espresso-tuned 40mm burrs, finer adjustment, stepless-ish range — the upgrade.
- + Handles espresso
- + Same price
- + Finer grind range
- + Interchangeable burrs
- − Newer, fewer reviews
- − Still plastic
- − Not stepless
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Buying advice
Buy the standard Encore if you only brew drip, pour-over, or French press — the ESP's finer range is wasted and the classic Encore is cheaper when discounted. Buy the ESP if you might make espresso within the next year; its 200-1200 micron range covers both worlds. If espresso is already a daily habit, skip both and get a Sette 270 or a hand grinder like the 1Zpresso J-Max.
FAQ
What's the difference between Encore and ESP?
The ESP has redesigned 40mm burrs, a finer adjustment range (200-1200 microns vs ~250-1200), and espresso-first marketing. The base Encore grinds too coarse for proper espresso.
Can the standard Encore do espresso?
Poorly. It can choke an espresso machine with fines or produce channeling. The ESP was created to fix exactly this.
Which is better for pour-over?
They're equivalent — the burr geometry differences matter mainly at the fine end. Buy whichever is cheaper.
Is the ESP worth the same price?
Yes — same money for espresso capability plus all the Encore's filter strengths. Unless you find the classic Encore heavily discounted, get the ESP.
Can I upgrade a classic Encore to ESP burrs?
The burr sets are partially interchangeable in recent models, but the adjustment assembly differs — Baratza's official guidance is to buy the ESP. Don't rely on a DIY burr swap.
Ready to start brewing better?
Our top pick for this guide — check today’s price and clip any on-page coupon on Amazon:
Baratza Encore
The classic 40mm conical burr grinder for drip, pour-over and French press.
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