Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Espresso Grinder

The Encore ESP is Baratza’s answer for home baristas who want real espresso grind quality without crossing the $200 threshold. Built in the USA around 40mm M2 conical steel burrs; the same burrs found in the higher-end Virtuoso+,  it produces uniform particle distribution with minimal fines for balanced extraction.

A dual-range adjustment system sets it apart from the regular Encore. Rotate the hopper to the espresso side and you get 20 micro steps with tight spacing for meaningful shot-to-shot dialing. Rotate it 180 degrees to the filter side and you get 20 broader macro steps for drip, pour-over, and immersion. No other grinder at this price offers this level of espresso-focused adjustability.

The 70W motor runs at approximately 450 RPM, slower than premium grinders, but sufficient for home use. Noise is moderate, not silent, not deafening. Retention averages roughly 1.55% of dose weight, or about 0.3g on an 18g dose. The included low-static dosing cup fits 54mm and 58mm portafilters, reducing mess and simplifying transfer.

At 7 pounds and roughly 5 inches wide, the Encore ESP fits kitchens where space is scarce. The quick-release burr system lets you remove the hopper, twist the collar, and lift out the burrs for cleaning in under five minutes, no tools required.

If you are new to espresso, working within a strict budget, or need one grinder that can handle both morning espresso and weekend pour-over without dominating your counter, the Encore ESP is the benchmark entry-level choice. It is a starting point, not an endpoint, and as starting points go, it punches above its weight.

Key Features

Dual-Range Grind Adjustment

• 20 micro steps (1-20) with tight spacing for espresso dialing. 20 macro steps (21-40) with wider spacing for filter coffee. Switch ranges by rotating the hopper 180 degrees. This two-range system is unique at this price point and the primary reason the ESP outperforms the regular Encore for espresso.

40mm M2 Conical Burrs

• Hardened steel burrs shared with the Virtuoso+. Produce uniform particles with minimal fines for balanced extraction. Not as fast or consistent as 64mm flat burrs, but exceptional for under $200.

Low-Static Dosing Cup

• Included dosing cup with adapter for 54mm and 58mm portafilters. Reduces mess and simplifies transfer. Also works with the included grounds bin for filter brewing.

Manual Dosing

• No timer, no scale, no automation. Grind into the cup, weigh if desired, transfer to portafilter. Purely manual workflow teaches fundamental skills but requires attention.

Quick-Release Burr System

• Remove the hopper, twist the burr collar, and lift out the burrs for cleaning. No tools required. Maintenance takes under 5 minutes.

8 oz Bean Hopper

• Holds roughly 227 grams, enough for multiple doses before refilling. Removable for cleaning and bean changes.

Specification

What’s in the Box

• Baratza Encore ESP Grinder
• 8 oz Bean Hopper
• Low-Static Dosing Cup with 54mm/58mm Adapter
• Grounds Bin
• User Manual

Compare the Baratza Encore ESP

Who Should Buy the Encore ESP

• You are new to espresso and want affordable grind quality
• Your budget is under $200
• You want espresso capability without buying a second grinder for filter
• Counter space is limited
• You accept manual dosing and stepped adjustment
• You want a grinder that teaches fundamental skills rather than automating them

• You want timed or weight-based dosing, the Sette 30 or higher-end Baratza models offer this
• Noise is a major concern, the Eureka Mignon Notte or Turin DF54 are quieter
• You make multiple espresso drinks daily and want speed, the DF54 grind faster
• You want stepless precision or metal construction, the DF54 or Eureka Mignon Notte offer this
• Budget allows $300+, significant upgrades exist at that price point

FAQ

1. Is the Baratza Encore ESP good for beginners?
   Yes. It is widely considered the best beginner-friendly espresso grinder. Simple controls, consistent results, and an affordable price make it ideal for learning. The manual dosing workflow also teaches you to weigh your dose and pay attention to grind size, habits that transfer directly to premium grinders later.
2. What grind setting should I start on for espresso?
   Start at setting 10 in the espresso range (1-20) for a medium roast. If your shot pulls in under 20 seconds, go finer (lower number). If it chokes or takes over 45 seconds, go coarser (higher number). Dark roasts may need a slightly coarser setting; light roasts may need finer. Every bean is different, so expect to adjust.
3. Can it grind for pour-over and filter?
   Yes. Settings 21-40 cover drip, pour-over, and immersion. However, espresso is its primary strength. If you split time evenly between espresso and pour-over, the ESP handles both adequately. Dedicated filter grinders like the regular Encore or Ode perform better for pour-over, but the ESP is the better choice if you only want one grinder.
4. How do I switch between espresso and filter?
   Rotate the hopper 180 degrees. One side is labeled for espresso (settings 1-20), the other for filter (settings 21-40). Make sure the grinder is running or the burrs are not locked when you rotate. Always check that the hopper is seated properly before grinding.
5. How often should I clean the ESP?
   Remove the hopper and brush the burrs weekly. Wipe the dosing cup and exterior after each use. Perform a deep clean monthly by removing the burr collar and brushing out the chamber. The quick-release system makes this a five-minute job with no tools.
6. Should I buy this or save for something better?
   Buy the  Encore ESP if you are starting out and want to pull real espresso shots now rather than later. It is genuinely capable of café-quality grind at this price.
7. Is the Baratza Encore ESP in stock?
   We are an authorized Baratza dealer. Current availability is shown above. In-stock units typically ship within 1-3 business days.

The Baratza Encore ESP Grinder knows its role. It does not compete on speed, silence, or build quality. It delivers genuine espresso capability for under $200, a price point where most grinders fail.