Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Grinder vs Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr
Both made our Best Coffee Grinders 2026 shortlist, at #1 and #2. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Grinder if you want 40mm steel conical burrs produce consistent particle size across filter and light espresso settings. 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 Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Grinder higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Coffee Grinders 2026 list.
Winner overall: Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Grinder
Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Grinder vs Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 13 in Best Coffee Grinders 2026 | #2 of 13 in Best Coffee Grinders 2026 |
| Pick label | Best Overall | Best Grinder Pairing |
| Brand | Baratza | Baratza |
| Key features | 40mm steel conical burrs; 40 grind settings; DC motor | Conical burr; Espresso-capable grind range; 40mm burr set |
| Biggest strength | 40mm steel conical burrs produce consistent particle size across filter and light espresso settings | The Encore ESP is purpose-built for espresso, its predecessor the Encore could not reach espresso-fine grinds |
| Main trade-off | Not capable of true espresso-fine settings, the Encore ESP is the correct espresso grinder from Baratza | Single-dose grinding is not as clean as stepless grinders at the same price |
| Best for | buyers who want the best overall package | Most buyers |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick · Best Overall
Choose the Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Grinder if…
- 40mm steel conical burrs produce consistent particle size across filter and light espresso settings
- Built-in timer for dose-by-time grinding, more consistent than counting by eye
- DC motor is quieter than AC motor grinders at the same price
Best for: buyers who want the best overall package
Prefer the alternative? See the Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder section.
#2 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 Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Grinder section.
Pros and cons of each
Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Grinder
Pros
- 40mm steel conical burrs produce consistent particle size across filter and light espresso settings
- Built-in timer for dose-by-time grinding, more consistent than counting by eye
- DC motor is quieter than AC motor grinders at the same price
- Baratza's repair program covers the grinder well past the warranty period, the most supported grinder brand
Cons
- Not capable of true espresso-fine settings, the Encore ESP is the correct espresso grinder from Baratza
- Timer dosing is less precise than weight dosing with a 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 Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Grinder vs Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder: common questions
Which is better, the Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Grinder or the Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder?
Choose the Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Grinder if you want 40mm steel conical burrs produce consistent particle size across filter and light espresso settings. 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 Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Grinder higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Coffee Grinders 2026 list.
What is the difference between the Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Grinder and the Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder?
The Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Grinder stands out because 40mm steel conical burrs produce consistent particle size across filter and light espresso settings, 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 Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Grinder's main caveat is that not capable of true espresso-fine settings, the Encore ESP is the correct espresso grinder from Baratza, 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 Virtuoso+ 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 not capable of true espresso-fine settings, the Encore ESP is the correct espresso grinder from Baratza is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder instead of the Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Grinder?
The Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder suits buyers whose priorities match its strengths, while the Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Grinder is best for buyers who want the best overall package.