Baratza Encore ESP Electric Coffee Grinder
The Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder is engineered to meet the needs of beginner and intermediate home baristas. Built with a powerful DC motor and alloy steel burrs, it provides consistent grinds while maintaining longevity. Its modern design fits any kitchen aesthetic, while the easy-to-use grind adjustment allows for quick switching between espresso and coarser grind styles. The updated quick-release burr system simplifies cleaning and maintenance.
Product Highlights & Features:
- Award-Winning Design: Preferred by coffee professionals and recommended by review sites like Wirecutter.
- Dual Range Grind Adjustment:
- Micrometric steps (#1-20) for espresso precision.
- Macro steps (#21-40) for filter and coarse brewing.
- Quick-Release Burr System: Simplifies cleaning and burr maintenance without tools.
- Single Dose Ready: Includes a single-dose cup for more precise dosing.
- High-Quality Construction: Hardened alloy steel burrs manufactured in Liechtenstein and a powerful DC motor.
- User-Friendly Operation:
- Simple twist-to-adjust grind size.
- Front-mounted pulse button and ON/OFF switch for ease of use.
- Compact Modern Design: Sleek, black finish complements kitchen counters.
- Durable Plastic Body: Lightweight yet sturdy.
- Supports Multiple Brew Methods: From espresso to French press.
Technical Specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Baratza |
| Model Number | ZCG495-120V |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Plastic (body), Alloy Steel (burrs) |
| Grind Settings | 40 (20 fine, 20 coarse) |
| Dimensions | 5.91″ L x 5.12″ W x 13.39″ H |
| Item Weight | 5.56 lbs (2.52 kg) |
| Burr Size | 1.575 inches (40mm) |
| Motor Power | 150 Watts |
| Voltage | 120V |
| Capacity | 120g |
| Recommended Usage | Espresso, Pour-over, French Press |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty (details on site) |
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
✅ 40-step precision grind settings for espresso and coarse brewing.
✅ Award-winning performance and build quality.
✅ Durable alloy steel burrs ensure consistent grind size.
✅ Easy to clean with a quick-release burr system.
✅ Compact design saves counter space.
✅ Excellent for beginners and intermediate home baristas.
✅ Single dose capability with included cup.
✅ Well-built motor and smooth operation.
Cons:
❌ Noisy during operation (~85 dB).
❌ Some retention and static issues (grounds can stick).
❌ Markings for grind settings may misalign slightly out of the box.
❌ Plastic body, though sturdy, lacks the premium feel of metal builds.
Final Verdict:
The Baratza Encore ESP is a high-performance coffee grinder designed to satisfy both espresso lovers and general coffee enthusiasts. It offers a wide range of grind settings, consistent performance, and easy maintenance—all at a competitive price. While it may produce some noise and slight static, its precision, versatility, and thoughtful design make it one of the best grinders in the sub-$200 range. A solid investment for anyone looking to upgrade their coffee experience without venturing into the commercial-grade price range.
N-Waterman –
Works great
It’s not as noisy as I thought it would be. I’m using it for espresso and ground around 18 seems to be the right consistency. Didn’t notice any static. Size is perfect for me. Taste great first try. appearance is great, like a well made machine that will last.
Tara Castelletti –
Gets the job done, no frills just results
Perfect for what I needed and works great. Improved my espresso game tremendously!
allan hide –
My little daily work horse! Love it! Quality. Worth every penny!
Very well made (motor is strong) and is my daily work horse. Love it! Don’t worry about noise as the level is really not loud. Yes. It makes a grinding noise but no more that one would expect from the sound of coffee beans being crushed for 10 seconds! Easy to adjust the expresso and grinding settings and is smaller and prettier than I expected on my countertop. Definitely a no nonsense tool for its purpose. The plastic top jiggles a tiny bit but maybe designed to do so to make sure all beans go down into the grinder. Get this dedicated grinder (which is specifically designed for grinding fine for expresso but can also handle regular grinding with ease) rather than a lesser-quality grinder that is built in to an expresso machine.
5 people found this helpful
M. Hess –
Solid grinder, basic features
Replaced a bodum bistro grinder that burned out in less than 2 years. this one has a similar cheap-feeling plastic exterior, but the motor is noticeably more capable and can grind more finely. unfortunately it is lacking an adjustable timer so you have to stay with it during the grind. overall, good first impression. if it lasts over the long haul, it’s a great product for the money.
Dan K. Anderson –
Wonderful Grinder
Ease of use/adjustment of grind is fantastic. Prior grinder was a Fellow Opus. After 6 hours and two pounds with the Opus I gave up. Had the ESP “dialed in” after three attempts in 5 minutes. Difference is like night and day. Save the frustration, get this machine.
Marcus vinicius Josy Nogueira –
Very good
I used as soon arrived and it works very good
Deepak –
best in this price range
I was checking the other lower ratings and yes what they are saying is true.1. This thing is noisy – yes, its a grinder and its crushing coffee beans and there is a electric motor spinning, its not doing yoga :)2. The grinds are all over the place – yes, this is true, I just put the dosing cup or portafilter closer to the outlet to avoid the mess. Yes there are clumps if you use a darker roast, I believe that is because the beans have let out quite a bit oil.3. The grind setting are done by rotating the hopper, wish this was done differently, if you are like me who doesn’t remember which setting you had before removing the hopper, its time try the grind settings again from scratch !!I don’t know why the heck these grinders are so expensive !! Its just a motor spinning the burrs !!For some reason, the other brands are not able to get the consistency and this one does !!I have poured through various review videos on Youtube and all reviews pointed towards this machine. In summary, this does the job and its consistent at it !!
2 people found this helpful
Stanley Y. Furukawa –
excellent grinder
performed as advertised
Quigleypuff –
Works Great for Espresso and French Press
Kinda spendy, but boy am I happy with this grinder. Love the fact that I can use it for both espresso and French press. It processes ~20g of beans in the time it takes me to preheat my portafilter & cup, so it’s perfect for my workflow. I upgraded the hopper to a single dose bellows and that has solved any retention issues.
Carlos Fraginals –
Magnifico Soporte Tecnico
Me comuniqué con el Soporte Tecnico y me dieron magnifica atencion solucionando mi problema de forma rapida y eficiente.Recomiendo estos Molinos Baratza 100%
Tony W. –
Quieter than expected
I’m not a huge coffee person but I bought this for my wife. I’ll comment on it’s noise because I’ve seen a lot of reviews on youtube commenting on how noisy it is compared to other grinders. Compared to the bladed grinder we upgraded from this was a welcome change. This grinder is loud but in the lower toned range. Our previous grinder sounded like 3 cats fighting in the middle of the night.
Josh Matotek –
Killer Grinder
Love it. Does exactly what it’s supposed to do and recently found out you can further calibrate it, so I’m going to go down the rabbit hole and grind espresso so fine that it can fill the cracks in my heart.
Sabrina –
Great grinder!
Great entry level grinder! Seller was helpful when I didn’t receive the rubber gasket and sent it right away. Very happy, thus far 🙂
Roy Q –
Very satisfied…please watch my video for important info
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I did a LOT of research before purchasing the Encore ESP grinder. I guess I am now officially down the coffee rabbit hole. So why did I end up with the Encore ESP?1) Baratza reputation which is excellent throughout the coffee lover’s community2) Customer service. I couldn’t find a negative comment regarding Baratza customer service. (See video for more info regarding my customer service experience)3) Capabilities. Able to grind all the way from espresso to cold brew4) Price. For someone just beginning to expand their coffee experience beyond buying pre- ground coffee I didn’t want to spend too much up front. However, I wanted something durable and capable of grinding a wide range of quality ground sizes.5) Longevity. I wanted the grinder to last! Everything I read about Baratza grinders was they last and last. And if they break, Baratza actually WANTS to help get the grinder fixed!Pro’s:1) Easy to use2) Easy to clean. No tools needed. Easy to remove ring burr and clean inside.3) Compact but easily capable of grinding anywhere from a single dose of grounds to a 12 cup coffee maker’s load of grounds.4) Wide range of grind sizes. And, based on reviews by people who know a lot more than I do about coffee grinding, grind sizes are very consistent.5) Fresh ground coffee smell. Could be the best smell in the world.6) Customer service, customer service, customer service!Con’s:1) I wish I could have afforded to buy the Barazta Forte BG. Well, maybe someday.Post purchase suggestions:1) Watch my video! Make sure you check your quick release knob. If you have the old version contact Baratza and they will send you the new style for free. Why? The original quick release knob has a tendency to work its way loose during grinding. This may cause your grind sizes to be very inconsistent.2) If you don’t own a coffee scale yet, get one! Trust me, you really shouldn’t be grinding coffee and not own a scale. You can but I’ll bet you will want one.3) Get yourself an Atomizer Sprayer. Spraying your beans before grinding will all but eliminate static. It takes very little water so don’t go overboard.4) Regret not buying the Encore ESP a long time ago.That’s about it, I hope you found something helpful in this review. I truly believe you won’t regret your purchase. There’s nothing about this grinder that shouldn’t last for years to come. And if by chance you need to replace the burrs or something else wears out, Baratza offers all of the parts on their online store. You can pretty much rrebuild this ground from the frame up. Most importantly, enjoy the smell of fresh ground coffee, better tasting coffee and the experience of grinding your own beans!
126 people found this helpful
Christian –
BEANS to DUST!
This thing will grind down your beans like it was made for it. Will use to grind beans again. Would recommend.
Foodog –
Great budget grinder
This grinder is built like a tank, and will last for a very long time. I also have a Sette 270 at another location but did not want to spend as much money, so sacrificed the timer function for manual levers with this grinder. I use the espresso catch container which works really well for the portafilter. The only thing to be know is that some grinds will miss the container and collect on the base of the stand. This is not an issue on the Sette 270 since the container docks directly on the grind exit port.
Y. LAI –
Consistent, clean grind
Having always used bladed grinders to grind our coffee beans I decided to upgrade our grinder to something better to accommodate our Espresso machine. Having read the reviews and finally using this grinder for a couple of months, I can safely say that this blends accurately, consistently and with little mess. The adjustment dial to finely tune the grind is so simple to use. I hope it is durable, as this product does a great job.
Maya Papaya –
Great budget grinder
I needed a grinder to use with my Breville Infuser. I did a lot of research. Breville makes a grinder that’s about the same price as this one but didn’t have great reviews. There are lots of cheaper grinders but a few people commented that this ESP is about the cheapest one available that will allow you to make good quality espresso. I think that’s right. I considered more expensive grinders, mainly ones that claimed to be quieter. I was worried about how loud this one would be but didn’t find it to be that loud.I really like the single dosing cup and how well it fits my 54mm filter basket. It also comes with an adapter to fit a 58mm filter basket. I can use this without making much of a mess. There’s no timer and no scale but it grinds at a quality that lets me make really good espresso at home.
2 people found this helpful
Dieter –
Great entry level grinder
This grinder is great for the price! And if you can find it on sale then even better! Even tho it is relatively cheap in comparison to more high end grinders, it does the job exceptionally well. Grind size is a number between 1-30, 10-13 is great for espresso and 30 is best, IMO, for cold brew or pour over.It’s not too loud, the sound disapates after 5 feet or so, assembly is super easy with the instructions, and it’s easy to clean. Definitely recommend for anyone looking for a great quality grinder
10 people found this helpful
Nathan –
So far so good
It’s doing a great job so far.
Flyguy –
Great basic grinder that does it all
I recently bought a GCP espresso machine so my timemore c2 was no longer cutting it. I needed a grinder for both filter and espresso. I wanted one with a simple hardwired on/off switch to the motor. No fancy LCD displays or buttons with integral circuit boards and timer features, ect. That’s just more things to break in my opinion. I narrowed it down to this or a used Rocky. I ended up choosing this due to the excellent customer service (should I ever need it) and the availability of replacement parts. However, now that Breville has acquired Baratza we’ll see if that changes. People have had their original Encore for 10+ years so I’m betting I’ll get my moneys worth out of this.As for the grinder. I’m very happy. It doesn’t feel cheap at all. It has a tiny bit of static but not terrible. It also has some retention when switching between espresso to filter. Tapping the sides helps a little but a bellows would be better. My biggest complaint is the clumps when grinding espresso. There are tons. I have to WDT the docing cup and again the portafilter to get them all.Also, the hopper lid falls off when tapping the sides of the grinder. I’m planning on getting the single dose hopper which also sort of works as a DIY bellow.
6 people found this helpful
ArgenteensArgenteens –
Great all-around grinder + 1 important tip
FInally! an affordable AND capable grinder for espresso, aeropress, pour-over, drip and even french press methods. I have been using this Baratza Encore ESP grinder for a few months am very happy with it, BUT I wasn’t initially because it wouldn’t grind FINE ENOUGH.Here’s the TIP on how to solve that problem: INSTALL THE 2 SHIMS that are included with the grinder packaging. I had to communicate with Baratza tech support to figure out A) how to solve the “not fine enough” coffee grounds problem I encountered with lighter roasted beans and B) what the included additional shims were for (“B” solves “A”). There are Youtube videos show how to install the extra shims (it took about 5 minutes). I ended up purchasing 2 extra shims and added 1 one them for a total of 3 extra added shims. Even with medium-light roasted extra hard Ethiopian or Kenyan coffee beans, I can grind fine enough at 10 on the dial.PROs: Affordable, great value (with added shims it grinds as well as $800 grinders), quieter than the original Baratza Encore, single dose cup included, easier to clean and maintain because they improved the burr housing system.CONs: as of October 2023 there was not documentation about how to make the stock Baratza Encore ESP grind finer, even though they included 2 extra shims they did not include information as to what the shims were for or how to install them to make the grinder grind even more finely (note: i was told by Baratza support that they were aware of this oversight, so hopefully they will remedy it)
55 people found this helpful
ruiner –
Espresso!
I bought this as more affordable alternative to the $500+ espresso grinders to see if it could stack up to the rest. Overall, I have been really impressed with the level of detail/fineness of the grind settings. It can grind beans fine enough to choke out my espresso machine so that it won’t even pull a shot. It can also grind more coarse so that you can do pour-over and drip coffee as well. Retention levels are on the lower end and are about on par with other grinders that are 2-3x the price.The parts are easily replaceable if a pieces fails as well. Baratza customer support is some of the best out there. I highly recommend this machine and use it 2-3x day to make various espresso drinks.
Amazon Customer –
Hint: wait 1 minute after grinding for static to dissipate
I think the main reasons to buy this grinder are the longevity and replaceable parts, which you can read more about in professional reviews. I’m writing because the first few times I used the grinder there was a lot of static charge which led to a mess of coffee grounds. Then I found a hint somewhere that you simply need to wait 1 minute after grinding before pouring out your coffee and the static will have dissipated. It worked, no more mess, so I’m passing on that hint to you.
One person found this helpful
Alphahawk –
Works
Returned a Fellow Opus for this. Able to easily dial in for espresso. Not much retention at all…..did buy a bellows for this.
Ivan Farkas –
Great grinder
I like to make coffee using different techniques like espresso, aeropress, stove top Bialetti, French press, and even cold brew. This grinder makes it all possible. I like the feature for espresso and finer grind. Maybe one day I’ll make Turkish coffee. (Or Greek coffee, for my Hellenic friends.) to make sure that all the coffee has been removed after grinding, I suggest you consider buying a silicone coffee hopper bellow to complement this excellent grinder.
Robert AhoRobert Aho –
Works great!
I’ve only had it a month, but I’ve used it for drip coffee, cold brew, and espresso. It works great for all of them. You have to play with it a bit to get the grind just right, but I imagine that’s true for any grinder. It is so much easier than using even a good hand grinder. It is sort of noisy but it only takes a few seconds to grind all the beans. It does retain a tiny bit of grinds but not enough to affect the taste of the coffee. It looks nice sitting on the counter, too.
One person found this helpful
MunbrobearMunbrobear –
Finely Tuned Grinding Bliss
This is my first real grinder, and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve had the product for several months now and feel it appropriate to leave a review.Initially I was torn initially between the Fellow Opus and this one, but after dozens of hours of research and internal debate, due to customer service and ease of cleaning, disassembly, reassembly, I chose this Baratza.The grinding process has never been simpler, as I’ve dialed in the grind for my homemade pour overs and all it entails now is measuring the grams, pouring the beans in, turning it on, and wallah. The grind is very quick, and it’s easy to tell when the grind is done. I get the same grind each time, so it is consistent. It looks incredible, it’s doesn’t feel cheap or look cheap.However, there WILL be grind dust. I purchased a push bellow to hold the lid so I can clear debris from the chute, and that increases longevity. This, coupled with the natural grind dust means it requires some minor cleaning after each use, mainly the area around the machine.That doesn’t diminish from its quality, however.There is static on the catchment container but I find it I grind ahead of time and don’t immediately dump into the pour over, it dissipates. Typically I’ll start my boil first, measure out the beans, grind, pull the catchment and set it beside my pour over system, then wait for the water to come to temp, wet the filter, and the static has dissipated by then.Altogether, if I had to go back and choose an entry-level grinder all over again, it would be this one.I don’t do espresso, even. But eventually intend to. This will be a machine to serve for years to come!
8 people found this helpful
Judy Rothmeyer –
Great Support
Love the grinder. It’s easy to operate and does a great job. Shook my head at those who complained it is noisy or the hopper vibrates. It’s a grinder! And it really isn’t particularly noisy and the hopper only vibrates a little occasionally (why does it matter?). But the best part is the support. I broke a paddle wheel (my fault). Baratza Support responded immediately to my e-mail request for a support ticket, did a superb job of diagnosing the problem, and promptly sent the part at no cost to me. How often do you get that level of support and service! They’ve earned my loyalty!
Wayne –
Updated Review
I have to update this review. Sadly, I returned the grinder. It performed as I described, but the third time I used it I noticed the hopper wobbling. I wrote Baratza and it took them 2 days to get back to me. They gave me instructions how to make sure it was seated properly, but it must have been defective. I wasn’t upset with that. Me personally, I don’t get people writing one star reviews because the received a damaged/defective product and just give up there. My issue was the time between communication from Baratza. We’re talking multiple emails. I finally returned the item and a day later Baratza offered to exchange (they did not sell it to me, it was an Amazon vender). I decided not to buy another one. I ended up purchasing the Kitchen Aid KCG8433. I’m going to wait a little bit before I review it, but first impressions are it’s quieter, but definitely bigger (footprint and height) than the Baratza. The size is not a problem for me. Also, they just reduced the price from $179 to $139.I just used it for the first time. A big upgrade from my previous grinder (Boudin Bistro). To be fair, I did coax the Boudin for 10 years, but I had to take it apart a few times to really clean it. Before that I had a Starbucks branded grinder which probably last around 10 years as well. After reading reviews for this grinder, I was expecting the same noise and static electricity as my old ones but it’s not the case. I find the Encore ESP to be quieter. As for static electricity, I used to have to shut of the unit and let the grinds sit, tap the receiving cup, etc. to eliminate most of it. With this grinder, as soon as it was done, one tap of the receiving cup and everything emptied into the old coffee can I use for storage. I don’t know if this is helpful, but I don’t grind everyday. We’re all on different schedules so I don’t grind early in the morning when I wake up. I’ll grind about 5 days worth of coffee at a time. This grinder is twice as heavy as my old grinders (that’s not a negative, as it’s not too heavy to lift, but rather a point about superior build). I definitely recommend this grinder.
ahatzz11ahatzz11 –
Great grinder for $200
Overall, this is a great grinder for the $200 price point! It is awesome to see companies get closer to the budget range for well built espresso grinders. The 20 steps of small adjustments for espresso are great, and the ability to jump into coarse grinds for filter coffee is also nice to have. It definitely isn’t amazing at any particular thing, but it does a good job across the board for those looking to get into grinding their own beans!The Good & Notable UpgradesGetting this grinder over the original is worth the $50.- Super easy adjustments – The first 20 steps are very small and are meant for dialing in espresso. Once you hit step 21, the thread changes and each step becomes larger which allows for a lot of options between 21-40. Twisting the bean hopper to change grind size is super great.- Single-dose cup – The included single dose cup as well as the full bin is a nice touch.- Easy cleaning – This version allows the entire burr set to be removed for cleaning, which is a major improvement over the original where the bottom burr could only be removed if you tore most of the grinder apart. This will definitely help with longevity.The BadI’ve got two main complaints about this grinder:- Noise – True to the Baratza name, this grinder is very loud. Those who live with you will definitely know you’re making coffee.- Retention – This grinder has a notable amount of retention on the first grind, I measured ~0.7g of the bean I was using. This isn’t a huge issue on its own, but I’ve found it can end up causing grounds to fall out and make a mess. I’ve gotten used to rocking the unit back and forth a couple times which helps, but I still seem to end up with grounds on the bottom quite often. I’ve found that the 3rd party single dose hopper with the bellow (~$40) almost completely solves for this issue.
67 people found this helpful
Peter Nobel –
Great product!
Excellent espresso grinder
Jess –
Simple and functonal
Baratza had worked flawlessly for 3 months now. Once you have dialed in the coarseness/fineness of your grind it’s just a matter of adding the beans and flicking the switch.The beans are ground before the water is boiling so the grinder is fast enough and not very noisy.You will need to spritz water on the beans or there will be static cling and coffee grinds all over your counter pretty quickly.
One person found this helpful
kavena –
Very pleased with the purchase
It was a bit tricky to set up but a youtube video and some materials provided on the company’s site helped. Now that it’s set up, I’m happy to have it in the kitchen – it’s easy to use, the recommended grind has made my Aeropress coffee taste much better, and I’m finally ready to buy an espresso machine. Can’t believe I waited all these years to get a real coffee grinder.
F T –
Quieter and faster than the old entry level version.
It’s so much quieter and faster than the encore. I also like you can switch burrs without completely taking the thing apart.
White Crow –
Awesome
Normally would say ignore 5 stars cause a large portion aren’t real. But I’m real hehe, and gave this 5 stars.It’s not super loud compared to a cheaper one’s motor. It grinds incredibly fine and if it’s on a level, stable surface it doesn’t really move around.I got it to make dust for my own “instant” coffee where id just mix the dust with water, but since a good grinder is the first acrually expensive part of good coffee, I thought I may as well get one of those cheaper mokapots and my life has been changed haha.I’ve been whipping up 2-4 pots every single day of really great tasting coffee ever since.The 1 negative that isn’t a deal breaker for me is the weird “dosage cup” system. I like the rubber ring (removable for different sizes) and size so you just flip it into the screen, but it causes grounds to spill everywhere since they’re so fine.I find it best to just use rhe basket, OR hold thr dose cup up against thr chute where the grounds fly out and hold the pulse button until its full.But with my grind consistency, you can’t really efficiently just set the cup there on thr little tray and fill it up.I love this thing
Jenni Conrad –
Works well and easy to clean
Works well for cold brew and espresso and is not too loud 🙂 I’ve had it for about a year and no issues so far
One person found this helpful
PAULO R. –
excellent
This grinder is simply perfect, if you have an espresso machine, look no further. Perfect grind
Melba Toast –
A huge upgrade from my Breville built-in espresso grinder!
I have had a Brevilla Barista Pro for years and years and the grinder finally conked out. I decided to buy a better grinder and wait a bit before replacing the espresso machine component and after a lot of video watching I landed on this one for price, reliability, and availability of customer service and replacement parts. Right out of the box I could taste the difference this grinder makes to my daily latte experience. Easy to dial in with the espresso range grind adjustments and I no longer have to hand grind coffee when I feel like using the AeroPress – this can do it all!
One person found this helpful
beau fulton –
Pretty good grinder for espresso
I’ve used the Baratza ESP grinder for a few months now and I would definitely recommend it for the price. First, it feels very solid and and the fit and finish are excellent. Some reviews mention the noise but honestly it’s not that bad. Once it’s dialed in correctly it is very consistent with grinding and makes great espresso. However, I have noticed that if using oily beans it can get clumpy, so I would recommend staying away from super oily beans if possible. The only real negative I have noticed is sometimes excess grinds will come out of the bottom of the unit and it can get a little messy, but this only happens sometimes. Overall this is a solid grinder that can make some really good espresso.
One person found this helpful
Ballet Belly –
Baratza Encore ESP > Fellow Opus
I’m a beginner in making espresso at home. Five months ago, I was choosing between Baratza Encore ESP and Fellow Opus. I watched a bunch of reviews and decided to go with the Opus for more grind settings and ionizer. But man, that was a bad decision. Opus is slow, has high retention, makes grounds fly everywhere. It also stops itself in the middle of the grind when the hopper isn’t sitting right. I couldn’t stand it anymore and went ahead to try Baratza. I was choosing between the Encore ESP and the 30. Some reviews compared the ground distribution of both models, and Encore ESP is clearly the winner when it comes to the cost, versatility, and ease of use. I ordered the Encore ESP yesterday, and it just arrived this morning. I pulled two shots of espresso at grind setting 11. My gosh… it is the best shots I’ve ever pulled myself. The only downside, as mentioned by others here, is clumps. Others deal with clumps with WDT; not sure if it’s just me, but that didn’t work very well. I had to break them by pressing onto them with a small spoon. I don’t normally write reviews, but it’s worth writing for people like me who is looking for company in the same journey.
16 people found this helpful
Brett Johnson –
Love this thing.
Did a lot of research, and this rates highly with everyone. It grinds beans very well for any kind of coffee.Negatives that really aren’t: I was worried that I would hate that it doesn’t stop on its own, or that it clumps. Both are true, but neither bothers me. It grinds a little slowly, but that gives you time to do other things. The clumping is real, but not that big of deal. (Must use WDT) It does retain some coffee. I ordered a silicone bellows with the grinder. (It works, but you have to use it while the grinder is running). It’s also a little loud, but that ensures you won’t forget to turn it off.Positives: It’s well built and substantial. You can just tell it’s quality, and is likely to work for a long time. Reviews say good customer service and easy to get parts. 2) It’s very quick and easy to adjust, and works well for espresso and regular drip. (Only adjust with no beans in it, or when it’s running). This is my first real espresso grinder, and I LOVE it.Bottom Line: If you want to spend a lot, you can get a quieter grinder, or one that shuts off at various points, or has no retention, or all of that perhaps. But you will likely spend a LOT more, and probably won’t have distinguishably-better espresso/coffee. If you want a workhorse that grinds beautifully for every occasion, for a great price, look no further.
32 people found this helpful
M S Lawhorn –
great coffee grinder
Enjoying better espresso now that we have a good grinder!
Miss fancy yoga pants –
Love it
This was recommended as a budget option but I don’t see how because this grinder is a powerhouse. I love how easily it is to adjust the dial to change the grind size. My only frustration is that the hopper does not stay fully in place becase it only has 2 points that hold it down and it dances a little when grinding 🙁
One person found this helpful
tanker24 –
Baratza grinder
Make sure you get this one if you are grinding for espresso. No timer, you press the button. So make sure you use a scale. Or at least a leveler.But overall, once you settle on a bean and dial it in, consistent results. A little noisey, but it’s a coffee grinder.
Maria Alejandra Arroyave Duque –
It meets the expectations
We’re really happy with this coffee grinder! It delivers precise grinds, making a noticeable difference in our coffee. As others say, it is a bit loud, however, it’s practical, easy to use, and offers great value for its price. Plus, it looks sleek on our coffee station. Highly recommended!
D. Bureau –
So far so good.
I have no complaints.Setting 22 is just right for a Moka Pot.
Sandy K S –
Smooth operator!
This grinder purrs. Comparing it to my Cuisinart grinder, this is heavier and grinds do not fly everywhere when removing the filled bin. It grinds consistently every time. Do not fill above the line or grinds will clog shoot. I did that, because it doesn’t automatically shut off. I had to watch a YouTube video on how to unclog. But, I would recommend!
Edgar UrdanetaEdgar Urdaneta –
Increíble.
Fácil de usar y con muy buena molienda para preparar café espresso. Recomendado para uso en casa.
One person found this helpful
LadyDancer –
Absolutely Worth It!!
I love this grinder!! Previously I had a blade grinder and didn’t have any issues with it but had always wanted a burr grinder. At that time I made French Press and Moka Pot coffee. I had no issues with the blade grinder but this burr grinder has leveled up my coffee game. I’ve now added a Hario pour over to my repertoire. Haha! You get such a large variety of grind sizes and the manual included has some suggestions for different brews which I follow. For those wondering, for my medium roast beans, I use setting 18 for Moka Pot as they don’t mention that in the guide. I also haven’t run into any grind issues. The plastic container the coffee dispenses into is a teeny-tiny bit staticky but you just need to tap it to get the rest of the coffee out. Well worth it!
Santiago Giraldo –
Molino Baratza
Es una mejora al modelo original y tiene mas controlo en la molienda aparte de una mejora en el diseño de algunas piezas y en la carcasa que ahora tiene una silueta mas redondeada. Lo uso princimalmete para moliendas medias.
Josh S. –
I am not an expert, but this grinder works great for my espresso
I bout this after I bought an expresso machine and found out that my “good enough” grinder was not. My old grinder said it was for espresso, but I found out that hard way it was not. I needed a finer grind than it was capable of even thought it was a bur grinder (cheap). After watching a bunch of YouTube reviews, I decided to give this grinder a try and I am glad I did. This one seems great for the price and offers a fairly fine adjustment to dial in your espresso for a good price.
2 people found this helpful
J PaulJ Paul –
Effective Espresso Coffee Grinder
This grinder is focused on grinding coffee. The only option is how fine you want to grind – easy to operate including the grind size selection. I only use this for grinding decaffeinated coffee for my super automatic espresso machine, “pre-ground coffee for the bypass chute.” The coffee grind is consistent. I added an aftermarket smaller hopper and bellows reducing the overall grinder size and aiding with purging coffee remains post grinding. All in I’ve been using this for a month this machine does its job well. I would recommend this as an entry level espresso grinder. There are 20 settings for espresso coffee grind size. I find the espresso grinds to be consistent and powdery. There is some clumping that is easily managed with a simple WDT which most people that make espresso would have. I prefer this vs having an integrated ionizer which can be one more thing that could potentially fail. The machine can also grind more coarse coffee for drip, pour over and French press coffees making it highly versatile.The machine has some heft for its size. The fit and finish are good. All in this is an effective coffee grinder and I would recommend it.
8 people found this helpful
Christopher –
Makes all the difference
I make better coffee at home now than any cafe. Get it. It’s worth it.
Steven Sims –
Average Joe converted to the hype
I decided to delve in to espresso recently and just starting out I jumped in with a fairly low end Gevi espresso machine. It comes with just pressurized baskets and honestly the espresso I was getting out was not all that great. I was using a conical burr grinder, but one made more for drip coffee. It does have an “espresso” grind setting, but only one and obviously it gave me no control over the grind. Still I thought it looked fine, like an espresso grind, I had decided I was going to have to upgrade the machine, maybe to a Gaggia or a Bambino (which I still might do down the road, just because)Anyway, after watching a bunch of youtube videos I realized to have any control over the extraction I was going to need more control over the grind, so I ponied up for this Baratza grinder (it had good youtube reviews and is “affordable” compared to a lot of options.)Honestly, I can’t believe the difference. I still want to upgrade my espresso machine down the road, (for the cool factor, you know “the espresso experience” but for now I’m getting fantastic espresso our of my inexpensive Gevi with this new grinder. I’ll be honest, I didn’t know if I was believing all the hype from the aficionados about the importance of the grind, but it is seriously night and day. This is a great grinder and unless you are James Hoffman or some insane espresso guru, it might be all you will ever need. I love it.
2 people found this helpful
Megan –
10/10
Bought for husband, 10/10
Bryce –
Great Starter Grinder
I’ve had this for a year now and it still works great! Super easy to clean, consistent grind size, it is very noisy though (but what would you expect).
Elmer Lopez –
Excellent quality coffee grinder
This coffee grinder grinds excellent espresso coffee, and can also be used to grind coffee for different coffee methods.
One person found this helpful
KUReviewDude –
Great Customer Service!
I spazzed out cleaning it and lost a bunch of pieces but Baratza, even tho folks were concerned cause they got bought by Breville, who I guess are “villilans” so anyways they were very nice and got me the pieces I needed to put it back together.OTOH I took it apart cause the screw on teh top broke which is a bit of a design flaw, but since they didn’t charge me anything, I say, Hey, Baratza is great. I actually have 2 now. I use one for ESpresso and one for v60 aeorpress etc
Fantastic Jay –
Most affordable grinder for espresso lover
I recently picked up the Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder in black (model ZCG495BLK), and I must say, I’m thoroughly impressed. This thing packs a punch for its price point – it’s surprisingly affordable yet grinds with the power you’d expect from a more expensive model. It’s perfect for espresso, delivering a consistent grind that really elevates my morning shot. Plus, it’s compact, so it doesn’t hog counter space, and the design keeps things clean with no mess to clean up afterwards. All in all, if you’re looking for quality without breaking the bank, this grinder is a solid choice
ArmedEstate –
5 stars
Great coffee grinder for both drip and espresso
jmd –
Excellent design and easy to use
The Baratza Encore ESP lives up to it high ratings and recommendations from a number of sites. It does a fast and accurate job of grinding coffee, with a very uniform consistency for the generally fine (expresso, moka and drip) grinds I use. I’ve not yet tried it for a coarse (cold brew) grind, which for me will wait until summer. As some reviews have noted, one minor issue is that the bean hopper jiggles around a lot while the machine is grinding; you should hold it with your hand if you are trying to grind more than a single serving. But that’s not enough to cost it a star IMHO. It is easy to clean, too.
GG –
Great value
Nice consistent grind, easily adjustable, and very quiet. If you’re making just one cup at a time, I would recommended getting the Cafemasy single-dose hopper with bellows, which makes it simple to get all of the grind out of the machine. and keeps any mess to a minimum. The build is “plasticky,” and I’m not sure how long it will last, but so far so good.
JB –
Working as expected
Purchased this to replace my blade grinder. I wanted the most versatile grinder that has easy to purchase replacement parts. I do espresso maybe twice a year, the rest is aeropress and fresh press. I use the Hoffman methods for brewing and finally saved up for a consistent grinder. This is quieter over my blade grinder, but not many much. I measure my beans before adding to the hopper, so I purchased the bellows attachment to reduce the residual grinds and get as close to a zero retention grinder as possible.First few aeropress brews came out great and adjusting the grind settings brings some fun to making the coffee. Used settings 22 and 23 seems good.Will be doing French press soon and will update, but I’m sure it’ll come out great.
Diode –
Life changing experience!
The versatility of this burr grinder allows me to go from espresso (setting 19) to a Mr. Coffee (30) to a French Press (38) with a twist of the dispenser. But the real shocker was the change of taste with evenly ground coffee. If you have a blade grinder, I would strongly recommend switching to this quality burr grinder. It enhanced my life!
Jesús Mendoza –
Muy buena compra
Llevo casi un mes con el molino y en general funciona muy bien. Solo he tenido problemas de atasco de las muelas con un cafe bicentenario de costa rica en tostado muy ligero; cuando quise moler para expreso, pero para v60 o prensa drancesa molio muy bien. Con cafes peruanos en general ningún problema en moler desde expresso hasta prensa francesa.
no name necessary –
Excellent grinder, quiet operation
Having researched several grinders in detail, watched online videos comparing different models, I decided to purchase this one. It works exceptionally well. It’s true that much of its body is more “plasticky” overall than we’re used to, i.e., it’s not as solid to the touch as our previous burr grinder (which combined metal & plastic in the casing, and had been and still is about one-fourth of the price of this one and lasted twenty years!). Still, the Baratza ESP is very stable & handsome on the counter and, more importantly, much, much quieter, so I can grind coffee without worrying about waking the house.. My sense is that it produces a better grind, too, than our old one, but at a certain point, these kind of determinations start becoming pretty subjective. We use it for stovetop moka pot (expresso), not for an expresso machine, and thus probably don’t really need the dozens of different grind settings. But bought this one because the burr mechanism can be disassembled if it gets clogged up without dismantling almost the entire machine, which apparently is not the case with the earlier (non-ESP) model.
One person found this helpful
luva$ale –
Would recommend
I just started making my own espresso & after much research, decided on this grinder. I wanted a good product without having to spend a crazy amount. The main thing I was concerned about was the hopper because I want to use it as single cup v. leaving a bunch of beans in there. I added a bellows to the hopper & give a few pushes during the grind & after it’s stopped. I weigh beans before & after grind & there hasn’t been a big discrepancy which tells me there’s not much residual left in grinder. The cup fits nicely on my 58mm portafilter so transfer of grounds it quick & neat. Noise level is fine & it’s very stable as it’s grinding. It also fits nicely under cabinet, bellows and all. I love the white color. It’s a nice contrast to my black espresso machine.
Robert H –
The one and only!
Waited for a sale to appear and it finally did. Works great as stated, and my beans are processed in short order with good results. It has espresso setting but I don’t use it for that so I can’t comment, except to say my grinds look fantastic as I adjust them.I knew about one detail that i don’t like ( you can’t remove the hopper without removing the beans first ), but how often do you expect to do just that..? Not a deal breaker at all then. The plastic hopper also has a loose fit and is not an issue in operation, just noting that. There is an optional bellow made specifically for this grinder and I recommend it as a way to push all the coffee grinds out of the shute reducing cleanup and brushing.Since I do my own repairs it is great that parts are available for us when needed!RH-Tx
Amazon Customer –
Great Grinder
Super little compact grinder. We had a big professional one before. This one does as good a job with less mess and takes up less space. Coffee tastes great with lots of crema. We have an espresso machine.
Tom –
Great grind. Only downside is no timer
Upgrade from a Bodum grinder. The only thing I miss is not having a timed grind but I’ve moved to weighing my beans each time which is better anyway.Besides that as others have said the hopper is loosely attached and jiggles. But it doesn’t really matter I guess.
C –
Perfect
Perfect.Thanks.
P. Ferentchak –
Love it!
Read many reviews and poked around internet looking for a decent( basic) grinder. For our coffee drinking purposes it’s just what we need! Very happy with it & we now grind daily which makes a noticeable difference!
Justin –
Took a little getting used to.
I have been using this grinder for a little while now and I have to admit, it really has changed how we do coffee in our home. During any given week we use several different methods to make coffee. Some days it is drip coffee, others it is french press or pour-over. We use a moka pot for espresso esque drinks. All require a different grind, ranging from course to almost espresso grind. This machine does it all and does it pretty good. The ground coffee comes out very uniform and consistent. I can set it to a number and it will produce exactly what I expect. It has allowed us to use the same beans to produce very good very fresh and very consistent coffee. The coffee grind is just a step along the way, but it is a crucial step. Consistency in results along with adjustability set this grinder apart for me. It does make some noise, and does produce some fines (powder like coffee residue that stays in the machine) they can easily be removed by tapping on the side or getting a bellows for the top. I have noticed after using it for a little while the fines seem to be less, they stay in the machine and I remove them after remove my grounds so they stay out of the brewed coffee. There are many many videos on the internet that give very descriptive descriptions of the machine. I highly recommend this grinder, it will be a part of my coffee routine for many years.
4 people found this helpful
ErikGoBlue –
Works great for espresso and regular grind fineness!
We needed this to grind espresso beans as well as regular beans and no complaints. Also purchased this because of user replaceable parts if necessary.
UncleW –
Big improvement over Cuisinart
We’ve had a Gaggia espresso machine for a couple of years. Have been using a Cuisinart burr grinder. Was never 100% satisfied with the grind, but it did allow us to make brown caffeinated beverages. Got this on a whim and it’s been amazing. Consistent, fine grinding is key to getting good espresso I found out. Huge difference in taste and crema. Nice to be ableto dispense directly into the portafilter which saves a bunch of spilled coffee
One person found this helpful
DP4Duke –
Much better than earlier models
This is a great product for the everyday coffee drinker. It has multiple settings and will even give you an excellent grind for espresso. I purchased a much more expensive product several years ago from Seattle Coffee and I regret that decision due to the high cost and short life. This Encore upgrade is very reasonably priced and is a purchase that I have been extremely pleased with.
Amazon CustomerAmazon Customer –
Up Grade your cup of coffee with a burr grinder.
Grind consistency at an affordable price. Upgrading to this burr grinder has made a big difference in the quality of my brew. I used to grind using a blade grinder.(Pictured with bellow attached, sold separately)Consistency in the grind of your coffee beans matters. The price you pay for beans these days, they deserve to be enjoyed in a better way.Well-made grinder with steel M2 burr set excellent build quality. I have a feeling it will last for years. So far I’ve used this grinder for and can recommend it for the following methods (not attempted espresso):Pour overFrench PressCold brewI struggle to find Cons for this grinder. It doesn’t eliminate fines but it does reduce them. Maybe it’s a little loud? but aren’t the vast majority of grinder loud? yes. If you’re on the fence. Give this grinder a shot.
One person found this helpful
don –
excellent grinder
really grinds for expresso!
Renaissance Man –
Replaced My Cheap Coffee Grinder
I replaced my now-useless Secura Burr Coffee Grinder with this. I read many reviews of grinders in the $50 – $200 price range. This one seemed the best for the money. Here’s my take on the Encore ESP: It is working wonderfully at this time. Granted, this is a bit soon to review; however, there is one point I want to make early on. The Secura was far, far noisier than the Baratza. After reading reviews of the Baratza I expected to experience some sort of ear drum-busting shrieking demon from Hell blasting at me from the grinder. Oh, come on now! This thing purrs compared to the Secura. ‘nough said.The Baratza came extremely well-packed and with easy directions for set up and use. First grind and first cup were just right.I believe the good reviews I’ve read. Time will tell. If this grinder fails to please (as some have reviewed) I will post updates. P.S. I could have purchased four Securas for this price. The Secura didn’t get much use in three years because I stopped drinking coffee for 18 months of that. I was reluctant to trust another Secura to grind as well as the ESP. Since the ESP is repairable I’ll bet it will last some time longer. That’s it for now.
7 people found this helpful
Nicholas James –
Great for Pour Over Coffee
I don’t grind my coffee beans that fine as I don’t own an espresso machine yet, but I have used this grinder for pour over coffee that I make on a V60. I’ve made several pour overs using the same brew method, water temperature and coffee and I am really amazed how different the coffee profile taste changes just by moving the grinder hopper just a few clicks. There’s a significant difference between a coarser grind setting around 30 versus a finer setting at 25.The grind consistency of the coffee looks really good at the settings above 20. There’s no weird clumping or excessive static build up. The build quality is pretty solid. I was expecting it to feel and look cheaper. The grinder looks much better in person than in photos or videos.I do have a few gripes, but they’re not that significant.I really wish the coffee grinder included the single dose hopper so I don’t have to use a separate cup to measure my beans on the scale. It’s kind of annoying that I have to buy this as an addition. The next issue has to do with the grind bin. I find it bit too snug and it doesn’t fit that easily into the slot. Hopefully it will get a bit easier after the grinder gets more use. The last little issue is about taking the burrs out to clean. The parts seem to have a mind of there own when taking them out of the grinder chamber. Fortunately, it’s not hard at all to put everything back in place.I really love this grinder so far I think it’s a great grinder especially for the price. For my needs, this grinder gets five stars.
7 people found this helpful
Bearh –
Quality grind
The construction quality is good, very easy to operate, and the espresso grind is actually for espresso compared to other general purpose grinders, I was worried this machine could be loud but it’s not, it doesn’t have a high pith noise as others, seems to have a powerful motor.
Amazon Customer –
Great grinder and awesome customer service.
The grinder works wonderfully and is extremely intuitive to operate. It’s very easy to service and clean. The grinder came with a slightly chipped hopper lid and customer service immediately sent out a replacement for free. This gives a lot of confidence that I’ll be able to grind for years to come.
mgp –
exceeded expectations
This is a great grinder that should last a long time. The last one from this company lasted 15 years. This one seems even better built. It’s impressive because most things are built worse now.
silvana b.silvana b. –
Use this ecellent Barattza grinder for the best expresso
Basil Argyros –
A fine home grinder
We have owned several Baratza units over the years, usually one level below this model. Our household runs a grinder over 2000 cycles per year. The older units didn’t die — they went to our workplaces, or to the households of younger family members. This model is an upgrade, both in terms of fine adjustment, lower noise level, and cleanability.
Jonathan M. Chuzi –
Excellent grinder
This grinder replaces my Baratza Encore of many years. The ESP appears to be constructed better but the main improvement is the ease of cleaning and/or replacing the bottom burr. It simply lifts out, unlike the Encore which requires disassembling the grinder to remove it. In addition, the gasket that fits around the upper burr is a better design. The Encore’s gasket trapped beans, which then did not go into the burr for grinding. I have not used it for espresso yet, but the infinite range of adjustments appears to be well thought out. Inclusion of a cup for accumulating espresso grinds is also a plus. As a company, Baratza is very responsive to inquiries and tech support.
Tyler –
Best Grinder for Beginner to Intermediate (at-home) Baristas!
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The Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder is a fantastic pick for anyone looking to up their coffee game without breaking the bank. With 40 grind settings, it can handle everything from espresso to French press like a pro. The conical burrs deliver a consistent grind that keeps your coffee flavorful, and its sleek black design fits nicely into any kitchen setup (even mine that’s super cramped!). It’s easy to use and great for espresso lovers, though the grind adjustment could be more intuitive. The only negative aspect I have for this grinder is the noise – but overall, it’s a solid, reliable grinder for its price. ☕️Pros:✅ 40 grind settings for all brewing styles✅ Consistent, flavorful grinds✅ Compact, sleek design✅ Affordable and durableCons:❌ Kinda loud (~85 db)❌ Some static in the grounds container
14 people found this helpful
Luis Alberto Hidalgo Tarazona –
Buen producto para métodos
Excelente molinillo, para moler espresso aún le falta mejorar mucho, pero en líneas generales para otros métodos es perfecto, lo uso diariamente y es muy bueno.
Bruce TeSelle –
Great Baratza Support
Encore ESCI had an issue with a small part and got an immediate response by email from Sicelo at Baratza. Communication was excellent and the issue resolved quickly. Such product support is rare these days and I am impressed. Great job Baratza.After owning a few other grinders I have only used the ESC for a few days and so far only on grinds for pour over but have yet to experience any static electricity at all and only negligible retention. Maybe these issues will arise after a period of time. If they do I will edit this response but it will have no bearing on the excellent support.I am more than satisfied with the grind quality but have so far only ground for pour over.Edit 02/26/2025After a couple months use I am still happy with the Baratza ESP. Noise level is actually less than I expected from reading reviews, certainly acceptable (to me). Static and retention? Only if you ignore common sense. 2 raps on the side after grinding – 2.2g in and 2.2g out. Also very consistent grinds.Yup, I’d buy it again.