Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder Review: Is It Worth It?
Hi, I'm Sam, and I make coffee all day. Since 2012, when Baratza brought out the Encore, I have seen coffee grinders change fast.
The Baratza Encore is an electric conical burr coffee grinder for home brewing. Baratza designs it in Seattle, and Breville has owned the company since 2020. It sells in black as the ZCG485 and in white as the ZCG484 for $149.95. It suits people moving up from blade or hand grinders.
The Encore grinds evenly enough for filter coffee and makes few fines. Its settings cover 250 to 1,200 microns, and Baratza sells every part. Chaff, some noise and no timer are the drawbacks. The grinder is not a true espresso model, and the Encore ESP costs $50 more for that job.
The Encore lasts seven to ten years with monthly cleaning. It is worth buying for anything but espresso. Readers learn how to set it, how to clean it, and whether it fits their brewer. Espresso drinkers and timer fans learn which grinder to pick instead. My view on grind settings, espresso limits and cleaning comes with no brand money.
What Is the Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder?
The Baratza Encore is an electric conical burr coffee grinder for home brewing. Baratza sells it as the entry model of its range, in black as the ZCG485 and in white as the ZCG484.
Its entry-level place suits people who are moving up from blade or hand grinders. The Encore grinds for pour over, drip, AeroPress, French press and cold brew.
The controls are minimal. A switch on the side runs the grinder until it is turned off. A pulse button on the front runs it only while held.
The grinder has no timer, no screen and no dose control. Because of this, the user stops each batch by hand.
Who Makes the Baratza Encore and Where Is the Encore Built?
Baratza, an American grinder company, makes the Baratza Encore, and the Encore is built in Taiwan. Founded in 1999, the company designs the grinder in Seattle, Washington.
Spec listings say the Encore is manufactured and assembled in Taiwan. Seattle handles the design and the customer support.
Baratza builds its grinders to be repaired. The company sells parts and a repair program directly to owners.
The company itself now belongs to a larger firm. Breville, an Australian appliance maker, bought Baratza in October 2020 for about US$60 million. Baratza still designs and supports the Encore from Seattle.
Etzinger, a burr maker in Liechtenstein, manufactures the burrs. The Encore's 40 mm (1.6 in) conical burrs are made in Europe.
How Does the Baratza Encore Grind Coffee?
The Baratza Encore grinds coffee by pushing beans from the hopper through a set of steel burrs. Twisting the hopper changes the gap between the burrs, and the grounds fall into a removable bin.
Setup takes minutes. The user attaches the hopper, adds beans, picks a number and presses a button.
Speed depends on the setting. Baratza lists 1.3 g (0.05 oz) per second at setting 10 and 2.2 g (0.08 oz) per second at setting 30.
Those two rates show how long a batch takes. A 20 g (0.7 oz) dose takes roughly 9 to 15 seconds across those two settings.
The gap also creates a risk when it is changed. Baratza says to change the setting only while the grinder runs or sits empty. Turning the hopper with beans trapped between the burrs can damage the grinder.
How Many Grind Settings Does the Baratza Encore Have?
The Baratza Encore has 40 grind settings that run from fine at 1 to coarse at 40. The range covers roughly 250 to 1,200 microns (0.01 to 0.05 in).
Baratza suggests setting 8 for espresso, 12 for AeroPress and 15 for a Hario V60. It suggests 18 for an automatic brewer, 20 for a Chemex and 28 for French press.
Baratza Starting Settings:
| Brewer | Setting |
|---|---|
| Espresso | 8 |
| AeroPress | 12 |
| Hario V60 | 15 |
| Automatic brewer | 18 |
| Chemex | 20 |
| French press | 28 |
Owners run a V60 near 18 and cold brew at 30 to 35. Roast level, recipe and taste shift every number, so treat each one as a starting point.
Forty settings spread over the whole range means each step covers a wide slice of grind size. Filter brewers therefore find fewer fine adjustments than on grinders with smaller steps.
The numbers are clear, and the dial clicks at every step. That makes a chosen setting easy to repeat.
A burr calibration system gives each grinder the full range. Owners can recalibrate the grinder if needed.
Which Burrs and Motor Does the Baratza Encore Use?
The Baratza Encore uses 40 mm (1.6 in) conical steel burrs and a high-torque DC motor. The burrs sit on a threaded mount and come out without tools.
Baratza upgraded the gearbox in 2012 to the GB 2.0. The gearbox passes the motor's power to the burrs. The change made the grinder sturdier and quieter.
The motor that drives this gearbox turns slowly. A low speed keeps heat and noise down. It also lets beans feed smoothly through the burrs.
An automatically resetting thermal cutout stops the motor when it runs too long. The grinder is built for home use and not for a busy shop.
The Encore draws 70 W. Baratza lists a 100 to 120 V version and a 220 to 240 V version.
What Are the Benefits of the Baratza Encore?
The Baratza Encore has clear benefits, starting with a more even grind than blade or cheap hand grinders. Blade grinders chop beans into powder and chunks, while the Encore crushes them between burrs.
Main Benefits:
- Simple controls with no learning curve
- Anti-static grounds bin that cuts counter mess
- Compact body that fits under most kitchen cabinets
- Slow motor that keeps heat and noise down
The Encore stands about 13.8 in (35 cm) tall and weighs 7 lb (3.1 kg). A hand grinder saves money but costs effort every morning.
The grounds bin is anti-static. One owner says it takes about 40 seconds to work, which is enough time to fill a kettle.
The hopper holds 8 oz (225 g) of beans, and a Hopper Extender adds 250 g (8.8 oz). The grounds bin holds 120 g (4.2 oz) and has a fill line.
Does the Baratza Encore Grind Evenly?
Yes. The Baratza Encore grinds evenly enough for filter coffee and makes few fines. It beats blade grinders and cheap disc-burr models at this price.
Evenness is not the same at every setting. The coarsest settings show a few more fines than the middle of the range. Moving a couple of steps finer improves consistency.
A side-by-side brewing trial by a barista put the Encore in third place. The Maestro Plus and the Virtuoso Preciso finished ahead by narrow margins.
Owners who want a little more from the Encore can swap its burr. The $35 M2 burr from the Virtuoso+ fits the Encore. The part gives a faster grind and slightly more uniform particles.
Feeding is a separate limit. Large beans feed through the hopper less well than average ones. A few beans can stay behind.
Can You Repair the Baratza Encore?
Yes. You can repair the Baratza Encore with parts that Baratza sells directly. The store stocks burrs, gaskets, hoppers, grounds bins, lids and internal parts.
One owner of eight years needed only a gasket, which tore during cleaning. The part arrived in a few days at a modest price.
Baratza also refurbishes grinders in house for a fee. Some repairs on other models take patience and mechanical skill.
Serious Eats editors report more than 30 years of combined daily use with Baratza grinders. One editor revived over six units with less than $50 of parts.
What Are the Drawbacks of the Baratza Encore?
The Baratza Encore has four drawbacks: chaff mess, some noise, a slow pace and no dose controls. None of them stops it from working well for filter coffee.
Chaff is the fine bean skin that comes loose during grinding. It clings to the grinder and spills onto the counter. One owner finds about 0.5 g of it on the counter after a 30 g dose.
Waiting about 15 seconds after the grinder stops lets static fade. Rocking the grinder shakes the flakes into the bin. Lightly wetting the beans, known as the Ross Droplet Technique, also helps.
The Encore is somewhat noisy, but it runs only 10 to 20 seconds per dose. The short run time keeps the noise from lasting.
The Encore has no screen, timer or dose control.
The grind range has a limit too. No setting grinds fine enough for Turkish coffee. The motor also stops after heavy use, so the grinder does not suit a commercial counter.
Oily or flavored beans left uncleaned can clog the grinder. Grounds piled above the bin's fill line clog it too.
Can the Baratza Encore Grind for Espresso?
No. The Baratza Encore cannot grind for espresso reliably because its steps are too wide for dialing in shots. It can work with a pressurized portafilter.
Dialing in means changing the grind in small steps until the shot tastes right. The Encore jumps between settings in larger steps. Baratza suggests setting 8 as an espresso starting point. One barista pulled shots at 7, 8 and 9 and found the grind clumpy.
A pressurized portafilter solves part of this problem. It uses a dual-wall basket that builds pressure itself, so it forgives an uneven grind. Seattle Coffee Gear recommends the Encore with a pressurized portafilter and not with non-pressurized machines. The Portaholder accessory holds a portafilter for hands-free grinding.
The motor adds a second limit. One reviewer warns that the motor is not meant for espresso duty. The Encore ESP uses a grind range built for espresso.
How Does the Baratza Encore Compare With Other Grinders?
The Baratza Encore compares with other grinders as the simplest and cheapest in the Encore family. It costs $149.95, against $199.99 for the Encore ESP and $299.95 for the ESP Pro. The table shows how it differs from those two and from other grinders.
Grinder Comparison:
| Grinder | Best For | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Baratza Encore | Filter coffee | 40 steps, no timer |
| Baratza Encore ESP | Espresso and filter | Tighter steps on the fine end |
| Baratza Encore ESP Pro | Espresso | Stepless, timed grinding |
| Baratza Virtuoso+ | Filter coffee | Timer, upgraded burrs |
| Fellow Opus | Quiet espresso and filter | Compact, harder to adjust |
The Baratza Virtuoso+ adds a digital timer, upgraded burrs and a sturdier build. Burrs are the parts that crush the beans. The cup improves only slightly. Retail listings put the Virtuoso+ near $249.95.
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro sits near $199.95 in retail listings. It has a digital display, timed dosing and dozens of settings. These features help it handle espresso better. They also make it more complex.
Which Is Better, the Baratza Encore or the Encore ESP?
The Baratza Encore is better for filter brewers, and the Encore ESP is better for anyone who may make espresso. The ESP costs $50 more.
The ESP splits its range in two. Settings 21 to 40 use large steps like the Encore. Settings 1 to 20 use a tighter thread pitch for espresso.
Both grinders are otherwise much alike. The ESP uses 40 mm M2 conical steel burrs and shares the Encore's motor and build. It adds an espresso dosing cup with an adapter ring for 54 mm and 58 mm portafilters.
The ESP adds nothing for pour over. A filter-only buyer saves $50 with the Encore.
Which Is Better, the Baratza Encore or the Fellow Opus?
The Baratza Encore is easier to adjust, and the Fellow Opus is quieter and more compact. The Opus looks newer and takes less counter space.
The Encore keeps everything on one adjustment dial.
The Opus splits the job in two. Fine changes need both the outer grind ring and an inner micro-adjustment. The Opus has enough grind range for espresso.
A reviewer points espresso buyers to the Encore ESP over the Opus. The ESP adjustment is easier to understand.
Price is the last difference. The Opus costs about $50 more.
How Long Does the Baratza Encore Last?
The Baratza Encore will last a long time, seven to ten years with monthly cleaning and timely burr changes. Owners report ten years or more.
One owner has ground almost daily since 2018. The only repair was a torn gasket.
Burrs wear after several hundred pounds of coffee. Replace them when the grind gets less consistent.
Three habits protect the grinder: grind only the dose to brew, keep beans out of the hopper, and keep the machine dry.
The one-year Baratza warranty covers defects in parts and labor in the US and Canada. It excludes normal wear, lack of cleaning and foreign objects in the beans.
Owners can register the grinder at baratza.com/register-your-grinder.
How Do You Clean the Baratza Encore?
You clean the Baratza Encore by unplugging it, lifting off the hopper and ring burr, and brushing out the grounds. Baratza recommends a brush-down about once a month with daily use.
Steps:
- Grind through any beans left in the hopper, then unplug the grinder.
- Turn the hopper fully counterclockwise to setting 40 and lift it off.
- Lift out the ring burr by its tabs and keep the hopper gasket.
- Brush out the grounds, then seat the ring burr and the gasket before reinstalling the hopper.
Hand wash the hopper, lid, gasket and grounds bin in warm soapy water. Keep them out of the dishwasher. Never let the ring burr get wet, because it rusts.
Oily or flavored beans call for grinder cleaning tablets such as Urnex Grindz. The tablets absorb oils, and Baratza says to grind nothing else to clean the internals. The Encore ships with a cleaning brush.
How Much Does the Baratza Encore Cost?
The Baratza Encore costs $149.95 in current listings. Retailer listings show prices from $149.95 to $169.95 by finish.
The grinder sold for $129 in 2012. One owner paid about $140 for a refurbished unit before the price rose to about $150.
Williams-Sonoma, Whole Latte Love, Seattle Coffee Gear and Amazon sell the Encore.
Encore Family Prices:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Baratza Encore | $149.95 |
| Baratza Encore ESP | $199.99 |
| Baratza Encore ESP Pro | $299.95 |
| M2 burr upgrade | $35 |
The $35 M2 burr is the main upgrade. The Encore ESP adds $50, and the ESP Pro costs $299.95.
Is the Baratza Encore Worth the Price?
Yes. The Baratza Encore is worth its price of about $150 for anyone who brews every week. The price is low among nice electric burr grinders and high among general grinders.
Blade and hand grinders cost less. An occasional coffee drinker should pick one of those.
For someone who brews often, the cost looks different. Home brewing costs far less per cup than coffee shop prices.
The money also stays protected after the purchase. Easy repairs and a steady parts supply protect the purchase over many years.
Is the Baratza Encore Worth It?
Yes. The Baratza Encore is worth buying for anything but espresso. Its strengths are reliable daily use, simple controls and easy repairs.
The grinder has weak points. It leaves some chaff, the small bits of bean skin, in the grounds. It runs a bit loud. It also has no timer, so the user must stop each grind by hand.
The Encore offers excellent value, but its precision is limited.
Buyers who want espresso should pick the Encore ESP. Buyers who want a timer and a sturdier build should pick the Virtuoso+.
Who Should Skip the Baratza Encore?
Espresso drinkers should skip the Baratza Encore and buy the Encore ESP or another espresso grinder. The standard Encore cannot dial in shots.
Three other kinds of buyers should also look elsewhere:
- Buyers who want a timer or dose control: The Encore lacks these features. The Virtuoso+ or the Breville Smart Grinder Pro fits them better.
- Turkish coffee drinkers: No Encore setting reaches the fineness this style needs.
- Occasional drinkers: A cheaper hand or blade grinder is enough for them.
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