Baratza Encore Review: Still the Default Filter Grinder
Buy it if you brew pour over, drip, French press or AeroPress and want a grinder that will still be running in eight years. Skip it if espresso is on the menu at all, because the settings are spaced for filter and the Encore ESP exists for exactly that reason.
Forty settings, 40mm conical burrs, and a repair network that outlives the grinder.
Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder ZCG485BLK
Under $250
Baratza's best selling grinder: 40mm commercial-grade conical burrs, 40 settings and a small footprint.
Check price on AmazonSpecifications
| Burrs | 40mm commercial-grade conical, hardened alloy steel made in Liechtenstein |
|---|---|
| Settings | 40 grind settings |
| Brew methods | Espresso, AeroPress, Hario V60, Chemex, French press and automatic brewers, per Baratza |
| Controls | Front mounted pulse button and on/off switch |
| Motor | DC motor |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Specifications above come from Baratza's published product specifications. Treat pricing as approximate, since Amazon pricing moves.
What it does well
- It is the grinder that made burr grinding normal at a sane price, and the reason is consistency across every filter method.
- Parts are available and cheap, and Baratza's service reputation is why these grinders get repaired rather than binned.
- Small footprint, so it fits next to a machine rather than competing with it.
- Simple to use with nothing to configure. Anyone in the house can operate it.
- The step from pre-ground coffee to an Encore is the single biggest cup improvement most people ever make.
Where it falls short
- Baratza lists espresso among the methods, and the practical reality is that the 40 settings are spaced for filter and dialling in espresso on them is frustrating. The Encore ESP exists because of this.
- No timer, no scale, no dosing by weight.
- Retention in the chute is real, and a few taps are part of the routine.
- It is loud, and the plastic body transmits more of that noise than a metal one would.
- 40mm conical burrs will be outclassed by any 64mm flat burr grinder on clarity, which is what you are paying for at under $500.
What owners report
Very long ownership reports are the norm here, with people describing seven and ten year old units still in service after a burr replacement. The consistent praise is reliability and support. The consistent complaints are static, noise and the espresso limitation. It is the grinder most often recommended by people who own more expensive ones, which is the most useful signal in this category.
If there is any chance espresso enters the picture, read Encore vs Encore ESP before ordering, because $50 now is much cheaper than a second grinder later. For method choices the Encore serves, V60 vs Chemex and the brew ratio calculator are the practical next steps.
Who it suits
- Filter coffee drinkers of every method who are moving off pre-ground.
- Households wanting one simple grinder anyone can use.
- Anyone who values repairability over specification.
- Buyers pairing it with a Moccamaster, Precision Brewer, Chemex or AeroPress.
Who should skip it
- Espresso drinkers, who want the Encore ESP for more.
- Light roast pour over drinkers chasing clarity, who will want a 64mm flat burr grinder.
- Anyone who needs quiet, since a hand grinder is the quiet option.
Alternatives worth considering
Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder ZCG495BLK
Under $250
The same grinder with a dual range adjustment that adds real espresso micro steps. A small premium now versus a second grinder later.
Check price on AmazonFellow Ode Gen 2 64mm Flat Burr Coffee Grinder
Under $500
64mm flat burrs, single dosing and a much more even filter grind. The upgrade a serious pour over drinker eventually makes.
Check price on Amazon1Zpresso X-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder
Under $250
Similar money, better grind quality per dollar and silent. You turn the handle, and capacity is one cup at a time.
Check price on AmazonKeep reading
- Baratza Encore vs Encore ESP
- Conical vs flat burr grinders
- Brew ratio calculator
- Best espresso grinders
- Baratza Encore ESP review
- Fellow Ode Gen 2 review
This review draws on published specifications, manufacturer figures and the consensus of verified owner reviews. We have not tested this product ourselves, and we say so rather than implying otherwise. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Baratza Encore grind for espresso?
Baratza lists espresso among its brew methods, and in practice the 40 settings are spaced for filter, which makes espresso dial-in coarse and frustrating. If espresso matters at all, buy the Encore ESP, which adds micro steps specifically for it.
Is the Baratza Encore still worth buying?
Yes, for filter. Nothing at under $250 beats it on the combination of grind consistency, parts availability and service. Newer grinders beat it on grind evenness at higher prices, and none of them beat it on the odds of still working in a decade.
Encore or a $60 burr grinder?
The cheap burr grinders produce a much wider particle distribution, which tastes like simultaneous bitterness and sourness in the cup. The Encore is the price at which a burr grinder starts doing the job it claims to do.
How do you clean a Baratza Encore?
Brush the burrs and the chute regularly, and take the top burr out periodically for a proper clean. Baratza publishes instructions and sells the parts, which is a large part of why these grinders last.
How we choose: we compare published manufacturer specifications, verified owner reviews and published barista guidance. We do not test gear in person. Espresso machines run mains electricity, pressurised water and steam above boiling point, so follow your manufacturer's manual and leave electrical or boiler work to a qualified technician. Everything here is researched guidance, not professional advice.
