Baratza Encore vs Encore ESP: Which Grinder Do You Actually Need?
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The Baratza Encore has been the default beginner burr grinder for years. The Encore ESP looks almost the same from the outside, so it's easy to assume they're interchangeable. They aren't. The difference comes down to one thing: how finely and precisely each one adjusts at the espresso end.
The short answer
- Buy the Baratza Encore if you brew drip, pour-over, AeroPress or French press, and never espresso.
- Buy the Baratza Encore ESP if you make espresso, or think you might, and still want to brew filter coffee sometimes.
Side-by-side
Specifications from Baratza’s product listings:
| Encore | Encore ESP | |
|---|---|---|
| Burrs | 40mm hardened steel conical (made in Liechtenstein) | 40mm hardened alloy steel conical (made in Liechtenstein) |
| Adjustment | 40 evenly spaced settings | Dual-range: micro-steps #1–20 for espresso, macro-steps #21–40 for filter |
| Motor | DC motor | DC motor |
| Controls | Front pulse button + on/off switch | Front pulse button + on/off switch |
| Burr removal | Standard | Quick-release for tool-free cleaning |
| Best for | Filter brewing | Espresso + filter |
Why the adjustment matters for espresso
Espresso is extremely sensitive to grind size. A small change can move a shot from sour and fast to bitter and slow. To dial in, you need small steps in the fine range.
The original Encore’s 40 settings are spaced evenly across its whole range. That’s great for filter, where small differences matter less. At the fine end, each step is a big jump for espresso, so owners often find one setting runs too fast and the next chokes the machine.
The Encore ESP’s dual-range system fixes this. Baratza gives the espresso range (#1–20) finer micro-steps, while the filter range (#21–40) uses larger macro-steps. You get more precise control exactly where espresso needs it.
Can the original Encore make espresso?
Technically, sometimes, especially with pressurized baskets, which forgive inconsistent grinds. Many home espresso machines include these baskets. For non-pressurized baskets and real dialing in, owner consensus is clear: the original Encore isn’t the right tool. That’s why Baratza made the ESP.
Can the Encore ESP brew filter coffee?
Yes. The #21–40 macro range covers drip and pour-over. Owners say it’s competent for filter, though switching between espresso and coarse filter settings takes a lot of twisting. If you switch every day, you’ll notice. If you mostly brew one style, it’s fine.
Pros and cons
Baratza Encore
- ✅ Simple, proven filter grinder
- ✅ Wide parts availability and Baratza’s well-regarded support
- ✅ Usually the lower-cost option
- ❌ Not suited for dialing in espresso
- ❌ Noisy, with some static on dry days
Baratza Encore ESP
- ✅ Real espresso range at an entry price
- ✅ Quick-release burr makes cleaning easier
- ✅ Still handles filter brewing
- ❌ Best with medium and darker roasts. Very light roasts can push it to its limit, per owner reports.
- ❌ Lots of turning to switch between espresso and filter
What about the Virtuoso+?
The Baratza Virtuoso+ is a step up for filter brewing. Baratza lists it with a 40-second digital timer adjustable to 0.1 seconds and a backlit grounds bin. It’s a nice upgrade for daily pour-over, but for espresso on a budget, the Encore ESP is the more targeted tool.
Tips for either grinder
- Single-dose if you can. Weigh just the beans you need. It keeps coffee fresher and helps cut retention.
- Fight static. A tiny bit of water stirred into the beans before grinding is a widely shared owner trick.
- Clean regularly. Brush out the burr chamber every couple of weeks. On the ESP, use the quick-release burr for a deeper clean.
- Calibrate when needed. Baratza publishes calibration and maintenance guides on its support site.
FAQ
Do the Encore and Encore ESP use the same burrs? Both use 40mm hardened steel conical burrs made in Liechtenstein, per Baratza. The key difference is the ESP’s dual-range adjustment mechanism and quick-release burr mount, not a dramatically different burr set.
Is the Encore ESP good enough for a Breville Bambino? It’s a common budget pairing. The ESP’s micro-step range gives the fine control a non-pressurized 54mm basket needs. Owners note it’s happiest with medium and darker roasts.
Will the Encore ESP work for French press? Yes, the coarse end of the macro range covers French press. Expect some fines, as with most entry conical grinders.
How loud are they? Both use the same DC motor design and are noticeably loud while grinding, as owners commonly mention. Grind time per dose is short, though.
Can I upgrade an old Encore into an ESP? Baratza has offered upgrade parts for some of its grinders over the years. Check Baratza’s support site for what’s currently available for your model before buying a whole new grinder.
Which one holds its value better? Baratza’s parts support helps both last a long time. The ESP’s broader capability makes it the safer long-term buy if your brewing might change.
Our verdict
This is one of the easiest decisions in coffee gear. If espresso is on your list at all, buy the Encore ESP. If you’ll only ever brew filter coffee, the original Encore is still an excellent, proven grinder that usually costs a little less.
Sources: Baratza product listings and support documentation; aggregated public owner reviews. Research-based. We have not hands-on tested these grinders.