Getting your morning routine just right can feel like a quest, and the heart of a great cup is often the grind. If you’re stepping up from pre-ground, the baratza encore coffee grinder is where your journey really begins. It’s that crucial first piece of gear that bridges the gap between basic and brilliant, promising consistency without the intimidating price tag of pro models.
You’ve probably heard the hype, but what’s it actually like to use every day? We put it through it’s paces to see if it lives up to the reputation. Let’s unpack what makes this grinder a kitchen counter staple for so many and whether it should be on yours.
Product Comparison Table: 11 Best Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
 |
Cuisinart Coffee Grinder, Electric One-Touch Automatic Burr Coffee Grinder…
|
9.9 |
Read Review |
 |
OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder – Silver, Stainless…
|
9.7 |
Read Review |
 |
OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder – Matte Black, Stainless…
|
9.5 |
Read Review |
 |
Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder ZCG485BLK, Black
|
9.3 |
Read Review |
 |
Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder ZCG484WHT, White
|
9.1 |
Read Review |
 |
KIDISLE Conical Burr Coffee Grinder, Electric Coffee Bean Grinder…
|
8.9 |
Read Review |
 |
Breville BCG820BSS Smart Grinder Pro for Coffee and Espresso,…
|
8.7 |
Read Review |
 |
Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder ZCG495BLK, Black
|
8.5 |
Read Review |
 |
Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder ZCG495WHT, White
|
8.3 |
Read Review |
 |
Fellow Opus Conical Burr Coffee Grinder – All Purpose…
|
8.1 |
Read Review |
 |
Ollygrin Burr Coffee Grinder, Electric Conical Coffee Bean Grinder…
|
7.9 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 11 Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder
Cuisinart Coffee Grinder, Electric One-Touch Automatic Burr Coffee Grinder with 18-Position Grind Selector, Cup Size Selector for 4 – 18 Cups, DBM-8P1, Black Stainless
The Cuisinart DBM-8P1 Black Stainless Electric Burr Coffee Grinder is designed to put control over your morning cup directly in your hands. It starts with the beans and the grind, which is where this grinder truly shines. Unlike blade grinders that chop beans unevenly, this model uses a flat burr system. This method crushes beans for a consistent particle size, which is crucial for even extraction and avoiding bitter or weak coffee.
You have precise control over that consistency with an 18-position slide dial. Whether your prefered method is espresso, which needs a fine powder, or a French press that calls for coarse grounds, you can dial it in exactly. This consistency is what helps you achive the optimum flavor from your favorite beans every single time. Operation is straightforward and built for convenience. The one-touch power bar is seperate from the main unit, making it easy to press and start the grinding cycle.
An internal timer handles the rest, automatically shutting off when done so you don’t have to stand and watch it. The grinder is also smart about quantity. A cup size selector lets you choose how much coffee you need to make, from a small pot of 4 cups up to a larger batch of 18 cups. The removable grind chamber holds all those fresh grounds, so you can grind exactly what you need for your brewer without making a mess or having to grind multiple times.
OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder – Silver, Stainless Steel Burrs, One-Touch Automatic Smart Grind
The OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder in Silver is designed to be a reliable, user-focused tool for your daily routine. It centers on a core principle: better, more consistent grounds lead to a better cup of coffee. At its heart are the stainless steel conical burrs. This precision grinding system is key, as it crushes beans uniformly rather than chopping them.
That uniform grind size means water flows through your coffee evenly during brewing, which is essential for extracting a rich and balanced flavor without unwanted bitterness or weak spots in your cup. You have a lot of control over that final result. With 15 primary grind settings plus micro-adjustments, you can fine-tune your grind for any brewing method. Dial it fine for a potent espresso, find the middle ground for a drip machine, or go coarse for a French press or cold brew.
The grinder remembers your last setting, so you can just press the one-touch start button to begin. No need to reset it every morning, which is a real convenience when you’re not fully caffeinated yet. The large, removable hopper holds up to 12 ounces of whole beans, and its UV-blocking tint helps protect those beans from sunlight, helping to preserve their freshness right up until you grind. Practical design touches make the process cleaner and simpler.
OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder – Matte Black, Stainless Steel Burrs, One-Touch Automatic Smart Grind
The OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder in Matte Black is designed for coffee drinkers who want control and consistency without the fuss. At its heart are durable stainless steel conical burrs. This precision grinding system is key; it crushes beans uniformly rather than chopping them, which creates even grounds for a richer, more balanced flavor in your cup, whether your brewing espresso or a french press.
You have plenty of room to find your perfect grind with 15 main settings plus micro-settings in between. This range lets you dial in the right consistency for any brew method, from a fine powder for espresso all the way to a coarse grind ideal for cold brew. The one-touch start feature makes your morning routine smoother. The grinder remembers your last setting, so you just press the button to go—no need to re-select each time, which is a real time-saver when your not fully awake yet.
The large, removable hopper holds up to 12 ounces of beans, great for brewing for a crowd or just less frequent refills. It has a UV-blocking tint to protect your beans from light, helping them stay fresh in sunlit kitchens. A clever trap door prevents beans from escaping when you take the hopper off, keeping your counter tidy. Grounds are collected in a static-fighting stainless steel container.
Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder ZCG485BLK, Black
The Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder ZCG485BLK is a foundational tool for anyone serious about there morning coffee at home. It’s not just another appliance; it’s an award-winning model recognized by the Specialty Coffee Association, which tells you it meets a professional standard. This black version, along with its white counterpart, is Baratza’s best-selling grinder for good reason—it offers pro-level performance in a compact, user-friendly package that fits perfectly on a kitchen counter.
What really sets the Encore apart is it’s grind consistency and range. Inside, it uses 40mm commercial-grade conical burrs made from hardened alloy steel in Europe. These burrs, combined with a powerful DC motor, are the heart of the grinder. They crush the beans instead of chopping them, which creates uniform grounds and minimizes bitter fines. This consistency is crucial because it directly effects the flavor extraction in your cup. You get 40 distinct grind settings to play with.
That means you can dial it in for a fine espresso, a medium grind for your Aeropress or pour-over like a Hario V60, or a coarse setting perfect for a French Press. It truly covers the entire spectrum of manual and automatic brew methods. Using the grinder is straightforward. There’s a simple on/off switch and a convenient pulse button on the front for when you need just a little more coffee or want precise control.
Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder ZCG484WHT, White
The Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder ZCG484WHT in White is a foundational tool for your home coffee setup. It’s widely recognized as the go-to entry level grinder for good reason. With its compact size, it fits easily on any countertop without taking up to much space. This model is available in a clean white finish, offering a bright alternative to the classic black.
At its heart, the Encore features commercial-grade 40mm conical burrs made from hardened alloy steel.
These burrs are manufactured in Europe and are the key to its performance. They create a consistent grind across a wide range of settings, which is far more reliable than any blade grinder you might be used to. A powerful DC motor drives these burrs, ensuring they work effectively and durably for years.
This build quality is a big part of why Baratza grinders have earned a reputation for longevity and are even award-winning by the Specialty Coffee Association.
You have a lot of flexibility with 40 individual grind settings. This extensive range means you can dial in the right coarseness or fineness for virtually any brew method you prefer. Whether you use an Aeropress, a Hario V60 pour-over, a classic French Press, or even an automatic drip machine, the Encore can handle it.
KIDISLE Conical Burr Coffee Grinder, Electric Coffee Bean Grinder for Precise Grinding, 35 Settings, 2–12 Cup Selector, Anti-Static Design for Home Use, Black
The KIDISLE Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is an electric grinder built for precision and consistency in your daily routine. Its core is a premium conical burr mechanism that crushes beans rather than chopping them. This method produces uniform coffee grounds, which is the secret to balanced flavor extraction and a cleaner, more flavorful cup every time you brew. You won’t get the inconsistent powder and chunks that blade grinders often create.
You have significant control over your grind with 35 precise settings. This range lets you dial in the perfect texture, from a fine powder for espresso to a coarse grind for a French press. Whether you use a drip machine, pour-over, or AeroPress, this grinder adapts to your prefered method. Selecting the grind size is straightforward with the intuitive dial on the front, making it easy to experiment and find your sweet spot.
Planning for one person or a whole group? The integrated 2–12 cup selector takes the guesswork out of dosing. You simply choose how many cups you want, and the grinder adjusts the bean quantity accordingly. This feature, combined with the large transparent bean hopper, helps you monitor your coffee levels and avoid waste. The grounds container is also clear, so you can see the results of your settings. Cleaning is simplified thanks to its thoughtful design.
Breville BCG820BSS Smart Grinder Pro for Coffee and Espresso, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville BCG820BSS Smart Grinder Pro is a precision tool designed to give you complete control over your coffee’s grind, which is the most important step in brewing. This brushed stainless steel conical burr grinder is built to be the reliable heart of your home coffee station, moving you beyond the inconsistent results of blade grinders or pre-ground coffee. At its core are 60 individual grind settings.
This wide range is the key to its versatility, allowing you to dial in the perfect texture for any brew method you prefer. Whether you need the ultra-fine powder for a dense espresso puck or the coarse, chunky grounds for a clean French press, the Smart Grinder Pro has a dedicated setting for it. The machine even comes with intelligent, pre-programmed settings to help guide you towards precise results from the start, taking some of the initial guesswork out of the process.
Precision dosing is handled by the DOSING IQ technology. You can program the grind time in incredibly fine, 0.2-second increments using the clear LCD display. This means you can consistently get the exact amount of coffee you need for one shot, two shots, or even multiple cups of drip coffee, minimizing waste and ensuring your brew strength is repeatable every single day. The display clearly shows your grind setting, time, and dose count. Flexibility is another major advantage.
Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder ZCG495BLK, Black
The Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder ZCG495BLK is designed for one specific purpose: to be the single grinder that can expertly handle both espresso and your daily filter coffee. If you’ve ever felt limited by a grinder that can’t quite dial in a shot or one that’s only good for pour-over, this model addresses that core challenge head-on.
Its key innovation is the Dual-Range Adjustment System. Instead of one long, confusing scale, it has two dedicated ranges.
You use the fine, micro-steps from settings 1 to 20 for high-resolution espresso adjustments, where a single click can be the difference between sour and balanced. Then, for methods like drip, Aeropress, or French press, you switch over to the macro-steps from 21 to 40. This separation makes it much more intuitive to find and return to your perfect grind for any brew method, something that’s often a stuggle with all-purpose grinders.
Operation is refreshingly straightforward.
You adjust the grind size with a simple one-handed twist of the hopper. To grind, you either use the front pulse button for total control or flip the side switch for hands-free operation. Maintenance is also simplified thanks to the Quick-Release Burr. You can remove the burr for cleaning in seconds without needing any tools, which helps ensure your coffee always tastes fresh and there’s no old grounds affecting flavor.
Inside, the quality is built to last.
Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder ZCG495WHT, White
The Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder ZCG495WHT is a purpose-built tool designed to give you pro-level control at home, especially if you enjoy both espresso and other brew methods. It’s not just another grinder; it’s an evolution of the classic Encore, specifically engineered to meet the precise demands of espresso without sacrificing versatility for your pour-over, French press, or drip coffee.
What sets the ESP apart is its innovative Dual-Range Adjustment System.
This is the key to its flexibility. The fine, micro-steps from settings 1 to 20 give you the high-resolution control needed to dial in that perfect espresso shot, allowing for tiny adjustments that make a big difference in flavor. Then, with a simple twist, you move to the macro-range from 21 to 40, which is optimized for all your filter brewing methods. It’s like having two dedicated grinders in one compact unit, making it incredibly user friendly.
Changing the grind size is as simple as a one-handed twist of the hopper, and operation is just a push of the front pulse button or a turn of the switch.
Consistency is where this grinder truly shines, thanks to its quality parts. It’s equipped with durable 40mm hardened alloy steel burrs and a powerful DC motor. This combination ensures a uniform grind particle size, which is the most critical factor for extracting the best flavor from your beans.
Fellow Opus Conical Burr Coffee Grinder – All Purpose Electric – Espresso Grinder with 41 Settings for Drip, French Press, & Cold Brew – Matte Black
The Fellow Opus Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is an all-purpose electric grinder designed to be the only grinder you need on your counter. It tackles the full spectrum of brewing methods, from fine espresso to coarse French press, with over forty-one distinct settings. This means you can confidently switch between your morning drip coffee, an afternoon pour-over, or a weekend cold brew project without needing seperate equipment.
The goal here is verastility without compromise, giving you the control to match your grind precisely to your brewer. At its heart are professional-grade 40mm stainless steel conical burrs. This six-blade burr set, driven by a powerful motor, is what ensures consistency. Uniform particle size is crucial because it leads to even extraction and, ultimately, a cleaner, more flavorful cup of coffee no matter how you choose to brew.
The grinder’s design minimizes heat transfer during grinding too, which helps protect those delicate coffee oils and aromas that define a great tasting experience. Fellow designed the Opus in San Francisco with a keen eye for both form and function. It sports a minimalist, matte black aesthetic that fits seamlessly into modern kitchens, but every detail has a purpose. The volumetric dosing lid helps you measure beans for up to twelve cups.
Ollygrin Burr Coffee Grinder, Electric Conical Coffee Bean Grinder With 30 Adjustable Grind Settings For 2-12 Cups, Sliver & Black
The Ollygrin Burr Coffee Grinder is an electric conical burr grinder designed to give you control over your daily brew. It combines durable construction with precise settings to help you achieve a consistant, flavorful cup of coffee every time.
At its heart are 40-millimeter stainless steel conical burrs. These are key for uniform grinding, which is something blade grinders just can’t manage.
Uniform grounds mean even water extraction during brewing, which is essential for getting the full, optimal flavor from your beans. The motor uses a gear reduction system to spin these burrs slowly. This slow grinding action is a big deal because it produces less heat from friction.
Too much heat during grinding can actually cook the beans and compromise their delicate aromas and flavors, so this design helps keep everything intact.
You have a wide range of options with the 30 precise grind settings. Whether you need a super-fine powder for espresso, a medium grind for your drip machine, or a coarse grind for a French press, you can dial it in.
Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder Buying Guide
The Baratza Encore is a benchmark for home baristas. It’s teh grinder that consistently gets recommended when someone asks, “What should I buy first?” It’s reliable, easy to use, and makes a massive difference compared to pre-ground coffee. Let’s look at what makes it a top choice.
Grind Consistency & Range
This is where the Encore truly shines. Its 40mm conical burrs produce a consistent grind, which is the secret to balanced flavor. Are you tired of bitter, muddy coffee or sour, weak brews? Inconsistent particle size is often the culprit. The Encore offers 40 settings, from fine espresso to coarse French press. While it’s not an espresso-specialist, it handles everything from pour-over to cold brew with aplomb.
Ease of Use & Daily Grinding
You want a great cup, not a complicated ritual. The Encore gets this. It’s a simple, single-button machine. The large hopper holds plenty of beans, and the grounds bin is easy to remove and replace. It’s relatively quiet and fast for its class, grinding enough for your morning drip pot in about 30 seconds. Cleanup is straightforward, making it a practical partner for your daily routine.
Durability & Repairability
This is a huge factor that sets Baratza apart. Many grinders become disposable if they break. The Encore is built to last, and if something does wear out, you can fix it. Baratza sells replacement parts directly on their website, with guides on how to install them. This commitment to longevity is rare and means your investment is protected for years, not just months. It’s a workhorse designed for the long haul.
Value for Money
Is it the cheapest grinder? No. But it’s arguably the best value. You’re paying for proven performance, consistency, and that exceptional repairability. It sits at a sweet spot where price meets quality, offering pro-level features without a pro-level price tag. For most people starting their fresh-grinding journey, it’s the clear, smart choice that you won’t outgrow quickly. It simply makes your coffee taste like it should.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder
What makes teh Baratza Encore a good grinder?
It’s a fantastic entry into quality grinding. It gives you consistent grounds for many brew methods, from drip to pour-over. The grind quality is much better than a cheap blade grinder, which really improves your coffee’s taste.
Is it difficult to clean and maintain?
Not really! The upper burr ring is designed to be removed easily for cleaning. You just lift it out. Wiping out old grounds with a dry brush is usually all you need for daily care. It’s pretty straight forward.
How loud is the Encore grinder?
It’s not silent, but it’s not overly loud either. It makes a typical grinding noise that lasts for about 10-20 seconds for a single dose. It won’t wake the whole house, but you’ll definitely hear it.
Can I use it for espresso?
We don’t recommend it for true espresso. The Encore can get fine, but it lacks the precise micro-adjustments needed for dialing in espresso perfectly. It’s best for filter coffee methods.
Where is the best place to buy replacement parts?
Baratza is known for its great support. You can buy parts like burrs or the hopper directly from their website. This makes it easy to fix your grinder yourself if something wears out, which is a huge plus.
How many settings does it have?
The dial has 40 individual settings. This gives you lots of control to find the right grind size for your specific brewer. You can make small tweaks to get your coffee just how you like it.
Does it come with a warranty?
Yes, it does. Baratza offers a one-year warranty on the Encore. They are known for standing behind their products and providing helpful customer service if you have any issues.
One Last Look
Choosing a grinder is a big step for your coffee routine. You want something reliable that makes the process easier, not more complicated. It should fit your counter and your budget while giving you real control over your brew. The goal is to spend less time fussing and more time enjoying a great cup.
For a lot of people, that’s exactly where the baratza encore coffee grinder finds its place. It’s a straightforward tool that handles the daily grind with consistent results. It won’t complicate your morning, but it will reliably improve your coffee. If your looking for a solid foundation to build better cups at home, this grinder is a strong contender to consider.