Baratza
Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder
- #1 in Best Coffee Grinders for Espresso 2026
- #2 in Best Coffee Grinders 2026
- #3 in Best Coffee Grinders Under $200
- Conical burr
- Espresso-capable grind range
- 40mm burr set
- Baratza support
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On this page
Is the Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder worth it?
Yes, if you want one grinder that can handle espresso and still grind for drip or pour-over. The Baratza Encore ESP adds fine-adjustment steps for espresso to the proven Encore design, and Baratza's repairability keeps it running for years. Dedicated espresso enthusiasts chasing the last bit of flavor will eventually want a premium flat-burr grinder.
Our take
The Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder, explained
The original Baratza Encore became the default entry-level burr grinder because it was dependable, easy to use and fixable. Its weakness was espresso: the steps between settings were too coarse to dial in a shot precisely. The Encore ESP was built to solve exactly that.
It keeps the familiar shape and one-dial operation, but splits the grind range into fine, closely spaced steps for espresso and wider steps for everything coarser. For anyone who drinks espresso some days and drip or pour-over on others, that combination is rare at this price.
Why a burr grinder matters more than your brewer
Blade grinders chop beans into a mix of dust and boulders. Fine particles over-extract and turn bitter while large chunks under-extract and taste sour, so the cup ends up muddy no matter how good the beans are. A burr grinder crushes beans between two cutting surfaces to a consistent size, which is the single biggest upgrade most home coffee setups can make.
Espresso raises the stakes further. Because water is forced through the coffee in about 30 seconds, tiny changes in grind size change the shot dramatically. That's why espresso needs fine, repeatable adjustment, the thing the ESP adds.
Espresso range versus everything else
The lower part of the dial is dedicated to espresso, with small steps that let you tighten or loosen a shot in controlled increments. The upper range covers AeroPress, pour-over, drip and French press with wider steps, which is all those methods need.
In practice, you will find your espresso setting once per bag of beans and nudge it a step or two as the beans age. Switching between espresso and drip is quick, though you'll want to purge a few grams of coffee after a big change so you aren't brewing leftover grounds.
Who should look elsewhere
If you only brew drip or French press, the standard Encore costs less and does that job equally well. If you are serious about espresso and own a high-end machine, a grinder with stepless adjustment and larger burrs will give you finer control and more clarity in the cup.
The Encore ESP also isn't designed for single-dosing, the practice of weighing exactly one shot of beans at a time, so a little coffee stays in the grinder between uses. That's normal for this class of grinder.
Getting the most from it
- Start espresso around the middle of the espresso range and adjust two steps at a time until a double shot runs in roughly 25 to 30 seconds.
- Purge 2 to 3 grams after switching between espresso and coarse settings.
- Clean the burrs every few weeks with a brush, and never run water through the grinder.
- Baratza sells replacement parts for its grinders, so a worn burr or broken part is a repair rather than a replacement.
Written by the BuyOnceRight research desk. Updated . Specifications are the manufacturer's; we don't claim hands-on testing we haven't done.
Specs that matter
Key features
- Conical burr
- Espresso-capable grind range
- 40mm burr set
- Baratza support
The trade-offs
Pros & cons
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
Fit check
Should you buy the Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder?
Buy it if you're…
- Shopping for espresso 2026
- Shopping for budgets under $200
- Shopping for beginners 2026
- Shopping for budgets under $500
Think twice if this matters to you
- 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
Where it ranks
Featured in 6 best-of lists
| List | Rank |
|---|---|
| Best Coffee Grinders for Espresso 2026· Best Overall | #1 / 11 |
| Best Coffee Grinders 2026· Best Espresso | #2 / 13 |
| Best Coffee Grinders Under $200· Best Espresso | #3 / 11 |
| Best Espresso Machines for Beginners 2026· Best Beginner Grinder | #10 / 11 |
| Best Espresso Machines Under $500· Best Grinder Pairing | #10 / 12 |
| Best Espresso Machines 2026· Best Grinder Pairing | #11 / 13 |
Cross-shop
Alternatives to the Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder
Products ranked near it in our research, each better for a slightly different buyer.
Head-to-head
Compared with
- Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Grinder vs Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder
- Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder vs Eureka Mignon Silenzio
- Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder vs Baratza Sette 270Wi Conical Burr Grinder
- Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder vs Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder
Buying advice: coffee grinders
- Burr grinders give consistent particle size. Blade grinders are cheap but uneven.
- Espresso needs fine, stepless or micro-step adjustment. Drip, pour-over and French press need fewer fine steps.
- Both work well. Build quality and alignment matter more than burr shape at most price points.
- Some grinders hold grounds inside or spray static. Single-dose designs and a quick spritz of water on beans help.
- Hand grinders offer excellent consistency for the price and suit one or two cups a day.
Answers
Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder: common questions
Can the Baratza Encore ESP grind for espresso?
Yes. That's its main purpose. The ESP adds finely spaced espresso settings to the Encore design, which the original model lacked.
Encore vs Encore ESP: which should I buy?
Buy the Encore ESP if you make espresso, even occasionally. If you only brew drip, pour-over or French press, the original Encore does the same job for less.
Is the Encore ESP good for pour-over?
Yes. Its coarser range handles pour-over, drip and French press well, so it works as an all-rounder for households that brew several ways.
Is the Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder worth buying?
Yes, for the right buyer. The Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder ranks #1 in our Best Coffee Grinders for Espresso 2026 list (best overall). Its biggest strength: the Encore ESP is purpose-built for espresso, its predecessor the Encore could not reach espresso-fine grinds. The main caveat: single-dose grinding is not as clean as stepless grinders at the same price.
Who is the Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder best for?
Based on our research it suits espresso 2026, budgets under $200, beginners 2026 and budgets under $500. It's ranked #1 of 11 in our Best Coffee Grinders for Espresso 2026 list.
What are the downsides of the Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder?
The main trade-offs owners and reviewers point to: 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.
What are the key features of the Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder?
Conical burr, Espresso-capable grind range, 40mm burr set and Baratza support.
What are the best alternatives to the Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder?
Worth comparing: Eureka Mignon Silenzio, Baratza Sette 270Wi Conical Burr Grinder and Breville Smart Grinder Pro BCG820BSS. Each ranks near it in our research for a slightly different buyer.
Where can I buy the Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder?
It's sold on Amazon. Prices and stock change often, so check the current listing before you buy, our link takes you straight to it.
Is the Baratza Encore ESP worth it over the standard Encore?
Yes, if you use espresso. The standard Encore cannot reach espresso-fine settings. The Encore ESP has an extended fine range that the standard Encore lacks. If you only drink filter coffee, buy the standard Encore. If you drink espresso, the ESP is the correct choice.
What espresso machines pair best with the Encore ESP?
The Breville Bambino Plus, Gaggia Classic Pro, Rancilio Silvia, and Delonghi Dedica are the correct pairings. These semi-automatic machines benefit most from the Encore ESP's range. The machine ceiling and the grinder ceiling are well matched at this price tier.
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