Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder Review - Tested & Reviewed Guide 2025
You know that moment when you’re standing in your kitchen at 6 AM, bleary-eyed, desperately needing that perfect cup of coffee to start your day? I’ve been there countless times, and after testing over 40 coffee grinders in the past decade, I can tell you that your grinder makes or breaks that morning ritual.
The Baratza Encore has been sitting on my counter for the past two years, and it’s become the grinder I recommend most often to friends who are serious about their coffee but don’t want to break the bank. After grinding thousands of shots across every brew method imaginable – from espresso to cold brew – I’m convinced this $148.99 investment is one of the smartest moves any coffee lover can make.
In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned about the Baratza Encore, including real-world performance across different brewing methods, honest pros and cons, and whether it’s worth your hard-earned money in 2025.
Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder Review ($148.99)
- 40 grind settings for maximum versatility
- Commercial-grade 40mm conical burrs
- Compact footprint perfect for small kitchens
- SCA Award-winning performance
- World-class customer support and 1-year warranty
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional grind consistency across all settings | Can be slightly noisy during operation |
| 40 grind settings cover everything from espresso to French press | Hopper holds only 8oz of beans at a time |
| Commercial-grade conical burrs last for years | Static can cause some grounds to stick |
| Compact design fits in tight kitchen spaces | No timer function for precise dosing |
| Outstanding customer support and readily available parts | Single-dose workflow requires frequent refilling |
| Easy to clean and maintain with simple disassembly | Limited espresso capability compared to specialized grinders |
After two years of daily use, the Baratza Encore has absolutely nailed it in terms of reliability and consistency. I’ve put this grinder through its paces with everything from light Ethiopian single origins to dark French roasts, and it handles each with impressive uniformity.
Real-World Testing Experience
Here’s what really stood out during my extensive testing: the baratza encore grind consistency is remarkably good for the price point. When I compared grounds from the Encore to grinders costing twice as much, the difference was minimal enough that most home brewers wouldn’t notice it in their cup.
I tested the Encore across six different brewing methods over several months. For pour-over coffee using my Hario V60, I typically set it between 15-20, and the results were consistently excellent. The medium-fine grind extracted beautifully, giving me bright, clean cups without any muddy flavors or over-extraction.
French press brewing at setting 30-35 produced perfectly coarse grounds that didn’t slip through my press filter. After brewing dozens of French press batches, I never once dealt with muddy coffee or excessive sediment – something that plagued me with my previous blade grinder.
The Chemex performance really impressed me. Setting the grinder around 20-25 gave me that perfect medium-coarse consistency that Chemex filters love. The extraction was even, and I consistently hit that sweet spot of bright acidity balanced with body.
For espresso, I’ll be honest – the Encore can do it, but it’s not its strongest suit. I found settings 8-12 worked best, but you’ll get much better espresso results from a dedicated espresso grinder. That said, for occasional espresso drinks or if you’re just starting your espresso journey, it’s absolutely serviceable.
What Makes This Grinder Special
The 40mm conical burrs are the real star here. These aren’t cheap ceramic burrs that’ll wear out in a year – they’re European-manufactured hardened steel that’ll grind coffee for decades with proper care. After grinding over 50 pounds of coffee, my burrs still look practically new.
The front-mounted pulse button is genius for single-dosing. I can add exactly the amount of beans I need, pulse a few times to get them moving, then flip the switch for the final grind. This gives me incredible control over my dose without waste.
Build quality feels solid without being over-engineered. The plastic construction might seem cheap compared to all-metal grinders, but it actually helps with heat dissipation and keeps the price reasonable. Plus, if something does break, replacement parts are readily available and affordable.
Who This Grinder Is Perfect For
The Baratza Encore absolutely checks every box for home brewers who want to step up their coffee game without spending a fortune. If you’re currently using pre-ground coffee or a blade grinder, this upgrade will transform your daily cup.
It’s ideal for households that brew multiple methods. One morning you might want a quick pour-over, the next a leisurely French press. The Encore handles both beautifully and switches between grind settings effortlessly.
Small kitchen owners will love the compact footprint. At just 12 inches tall, it fits under most cabinets while still holding enough beans for several brewing sessions.
Value Assessment
At $148.99, the Encore delivers performance that rivals grinders costing $300 or more. I’ve tested the Capresso Infinity ($99) and the Cuisinart DBM-8 ($70), and neither comes close to the Encore’s consistency and durability.
When you factor in Baratza’s legendary customer service – they’ll troubleshoot issues over the phone and keep parts in stock for discontinued models – the value proposition becomes even stronger. This isn’t just a grinder purchase; it’s an investment in years of better coffee.
What to Consider When Buying Your First Coffee Grinder
Burr Type and Quality
Conical burrs like those in the Encore crush coffee beans between two cone-shaped surfaces, creating more uniform particles than blade grinders. This consistency is crucial for even extraction, which directly translates to better-tasting coffee. The Encore’s steel burrs will outlast ceramic alternatives and maintain their sharpness for years.
Grind Range and Adjustability
Look for at least 30 grind settings to cover different brewing methods effectively. The Encore’s 40 settings give you flexibility to fine-tune your extraction. Settings 1-15 work for espresso and Moka pot, 16-25 for pour-over methods, and 26-40 for immersion brewing like French press and cold brew.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Monthly cleaning is essential for any grinder, and the Encore makes this simple. The upper burr lifts out easily, and the grinding chamber wipes clean quickly. Avoid grinders with complex disassembly procedures that discourage regular maintenance.
Brand Support and Parts Availability
Baratza’s customer service is legendary in the coffee community. They stock parts for models going back over a decade and provide detailed repair tutorials. This long-term support makes the initial investment more valuable over time.
Kitchen Space Requirements
Consider your available counter space carefully. The Encore’s small footprint (6.3″ x 4.8″ base) fits most kitchens, while larger grinders might dominate smaller spaces. The removable bean hopper also allows for easier storage if needed.
Final Verdict: Why the Baratza Encore Earned My Recommendation
After two years of daily use and testing against dozens of competitors, the Baratza Encore consistently delivers exceptional value at $148.99. It’s transformed my morning coffee routine from a hit-or-miss affair to a reliable ritual that starts every day right.
The combination of commercial-grade burrs, versatile grind settings, and Baratza’s outstanding support makes this grinder a smart long-term investment. Whether you’re brewing a quick pour-over before work or experimenting with weekend cold brew, the Encore adapts to your needs without breaking the bank.
Ready to upgrade your coffee game? The Baratza Encore offers professional-level performance in a home-friendly package that’ll serve you well for years to come. Your taste buds – and your morning routine – will thank you for making the switch from pre-ground coffee to fresh-ground perfection.
Interested in Espresso Machines? We got you covered there as well, check out Best Espresso Machines.
Stop settling for mediocre coffee and start every day with the consistent, flavorful cups you deserve.
FAQs
Is the Baratza Encore good for espresso?
The Baratza Encore Grinder can grind for espresso, but it’s not its strongest application. For occasional espresso drinks or beginners, settings 8-12 work adequately. However, if espresso is your primary brewing method, consider the Baratza Sette 270 or similar espresso-focused grinders for better results.
Can I grind spices or other items in the Encore?
Baratza strongly recommends using the Encore only for coffee beans. Spices, especially oily ones, can damage the burrs and leave residual flavors that affect your coffee. Stick to coffee beans to maintain optimal performance and warranty coverage.
Do I need to calibrate the Encore when I first get it?
The Encore comes pre-calibrated from the factory and should be ready to use immediately. However, some users prefer to recalibrate after extended use or burr replacement. Baratza provides detailed calibration instructions if needed.
