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Coffee Gear Scout

Baratza Encore vs Encore ESP

Both are Baratza entry-level grinders with 40 mm conical burrs and 40 settings. The difference is how those settings are spaced, and that decides whether you can make espresso.

By Coffee Gear Scout Editors · Specs checked · Researched from manufacturer specifications, not hands-on tested

Quick answer

Buy the Baratza Encore if you only brew filter coffee (pour-over, drip or French press). Buy the Baratza Encore ESP if you make espresso or might start: its settings 1–20 move in micro-steps fine enough to dial in espresso, while 21–40 still cover filter coffee.

Choose the Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder if…

  • You only make pour-over, drip or French press
  • You want the simplest entry-level burr grinder
  • You have no plans to make espresso
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Choose the Encore ESP Coffee Grinder if…

  • You make espresso, or plan to
  • You want one grinder for espresso and filter
  • You want a quick-release burr for easier cleaning
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Side-by-side comparison

Baratza Encore vs Encore ESP: side-by-side comparison
Attribute Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder (opens Amazon in a new tab) Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder Researched Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder (opens Amazon in a new tab) Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder Researched
Grind adjustment40 evenly spaced settingsDual range: micro-steps 1–20, macro-steps 21–40
EspressoNot designed for espressoYes, settings 1–20
Filter coffeeYesYes, settings 21–40
Burrs40 mm conical (made in Liechtenstein)40 mm conical (made in Liechtenstein)
ControlsOn/off switch and pulse buttonTwist the hopper to adjust
CleaningStandard burr removalQuick-release burr
Dimensions (W × D × H)130 × 150 × 340 mm130 × 150 × 340 mm
Weight2.53 kg2.52 kg
Voltage (US version)120V120V
MakesFilter coffeeEspresso, Filter coffee
MaintenanceLowLow
Learning curveBeginnerBeginner
Best forFilter coffee drinkers moving up from pre-ground coffee or a blade grinder.First espresso setups that also want one grinder for pour-over or drip.
Where to buy

$149.95 on Amazon

Price as of – Details

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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$199.95 on Amazon

Price as of – Details

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

View on Amazon.com (opens Amazon.com in a new tab, affiliate link)

Check the current price on the retailer's site. Affiliate link.

Which should you choose?

If espresso is anywhere on your horizon, the Baratza Encore ESP is the safer buy: it does everything the Encore does, plus espresso. If you know you'll only ever brew filter coffee, the Baratza Encore is all you need.

See all our picks in the best coffee grinders for home guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Baratza Encore and Encore ESP?

Both have 40 mm conical burrs and 40 settings, but the Encore ESP spaces its first 20 settings in micro-steps for espresso. The regular Encore's steps are too large to dial in espresso.

Can the Baratza Encore make espresso?

It isn't designed for espresso. Choose the Encore ESP if you want to make espresso.

Is the Encore ESP good for pour-over?

Yes. Settings 21–40 are macro-steps suited to pour-over, drip and other filter methods.

Do the Encore and Encore ESP use the same burrs?

Both use 40 mm hardened steel conical burrs made in Liechtenstein. The difference is the adjustment mechanism, not the burr size.

Which grinder pairs with the Breville Bambino Plus?

The Encore ESP, because the Bambino Plus needs a grinder that can grind fine enough for espresso.

Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder (view on Amazon.com, opens in a new tab, affiliate link) Encore ESP Coffee Grinder (view on Amazon.com, opens in a new tab, affiliate link)