Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder vs Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr
Both made our Best Coffee Grinders Under $200 shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder if you want the most widely used entry-level burr grinder, proven over many years of production. Choose the Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder if you'd rather have the Encore ESP is purpose-built for espresso, its predecessor the Encore could not reach espresso-fine grinds. Overall we rank the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Coffee Grinders Under $200 list.
Winner overall: Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder vs Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 11 in Best Coffee Grinders Under $200 | #3 of 11 in Best Coffee Grinders Under $200 |
| Pick label | Best Value | Best Grinder Pairing |
| Brand | Baratza | Baratza |
| Key features | 40 grind settings; Conical burr; Simple design | Conical burr; Espresso-capable grind range; 40mm burr set |
| Biggest strength | The most widely used entry-level burr grinder, proven over many years of production | The Encore ESP is purpose-built for espresso, its predecessor the Encore could not reach espresso-fine grinds |
| Main trade-off | Cannot reach espresso-fine settings, the Encore ESP is the correct upgrade for espresso | Single-dose grinding is not as clean as stepless grinders at the same price |
| Best for | value-focused buyers who want the most for their money | Most buyers |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick · Best Value
Choose the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder if…
- The most widely used entry-level burr grinder, proven over many years of production
- 40 grind settings cover drip, pour-over, and French press correctly
- Baratza repair program, the most repaired and supported entry-level grinder
Best for: value-focused buyers who want the most for their money
Prefer the alternative? See the Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder section.
#3 pick · Best Grinder Pairing
Choose the Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder if…
- The Encore ESP is purpose-built for espresso, its predecessor the Encore could not reach espresso-fine grinds
- 40mm conical burr set produces consistent particle size at espresso settings
- Baratza provides replacement parts and repair support, the most serviced grinder brand
Prefer the alternative? See the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder section.
Pros and cons of each
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder
Pros
- The most widely used entry-level burr grinder, proven over many years of production
- 40 grind settings cover drip, pour-over, and French press correctly
- Baratza repair program, the most repaired and supported entry-level grinder
- The correct first burr grinder for anyone upgrading from a blade grinder
Cons
- Cannot reach espresso-fine settings, the Encore ESP is the correct upgrade for espresso
- Timer not included, dose by eye or by weight with a separate scale
Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder
Pros
- The Encore ESP is purpose-built for espresso, its predecessor the Encore could not reach espresso-fine grinds
- 40mm conical burr set produces consistent particle size at espresso settings
- Baratza provides replacement parts and repair support, the most serviced grinder brand
- The correct entry-level espresso grinder to pair with a Breville Bambino Plus or Gaggia Classic Pro
Cons
- Single-dose grinding is not as clean as stepless grinders at the same price
- Not suitable for filter coffee at the finest end of its range
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder vs Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder: common questions
Which is better, the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder or the Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder?
Choose the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder if you want the most widely used entry-level burr grinder, proven over many years of production. Choose the Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder if you'd rather have the Encore ESP is purpose-built for espresso, its predecessor the Encore could not reach espresso-fine grinds. Overall we rank the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Coffee Grinders Under $200 list.
What is the difference between the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder and the Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder?
The Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder stands out because the most widely used entry-level burr grinder, proven over many years of production, while the Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder stands out because the Encore ESP is purpose-built for espresso, its predecessor the Encore could not reach espresso-fine grinds. The trade-offs differ too: the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder's main caveat is that cannot reach espresso-fine settings, the Encore ESP is the correct upgrade for espresso, and the Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder's is that single-dose grinding is not as clean as stepless grinders at the same price.
Is the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder worth it over the Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder instead if cannot reach espresso-fine settings, the Encore ESP is the correct upgrade for espresso is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder instead of the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder?
The Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder suits buyers whose priorities match its strengths, while the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder is best for value-focused buyers who want the most for their money.