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Review: Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder

Published on 03/05/2024 · 3 min readCurated Expert, Will K, has tested this product to give you their unbiased, definitive take.
Will K, Coffee Expert
By Coffee Expert Will K
9 photos
Photo by Will K

The Curated Take

3.8/5

The Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder is ideal for coffee enthusiasts looking for a durable and versatile grinder for various brew methods except espresso. Its easy-to-adjust grind settings and straightforward cleaning make it user-friendly. The grinder's robust construction ensures longevity, and its large motor easily handles even dense beans. Although it's not the quietest and can't grind fine enough for reliable espresso, its consistency in grind size and ease of use makes it a valuable investment for home coffee brewing.

Ideal for
  • Built like a tank and will last longer than most coffee grinders
  • Easy to clean and reassemble
  • Easy to adjust between grind settings, ideal for switching between multiple brew methods
Not ideal for
  • Not the quietest grinder available
  • Cannot grind fine enough for reliable espresso
Ease of Cleaning
Will K, Curated Expert
With the Encore, little of the machine comes in contact with the coffee, making cleaning a breeze. Every few weeks, I rinse all plastic parts and blow out the grinds...Read more
Dose Consistency
Will K, Curated Expert
If users want an exact dose of coffee every time, the Encore may not be the best fit. There is no grind timer on the machine, so users may need...Read more
Durability
Will K, Curated Expert
Baratza focused on the Encore's durability. It's like having a huge motor and a well-built grind adjustment system. I have never had issues with mine, and it never seems to...Read more
Grind Consistency
Will K, Curated Expert
I wouldn't suggest the Encore for espresso (go with the Encore ESP version), but for drip, French press, and all other brew methods, the Encore does a great job consistently...Read more
Consistency
Will K, Curated Expert
One of the weak points of coffee grinders is an undersized motor. Eventually, they will burn out. This is not the case with the Encore. Baratza built it tough and...Read more
Noise Level
Will K, Curated Expert
While it is not ear-piercing in volume, the Encore is not the quietest grinder out there. If someone plans on making coffee near a sleeping, noise-sensitive partner, they may want...Read more
Grinding Speed
Will K, Curated Expert
The Encore is the Toyota of coffee grinders. It won't be the fastest or slowest grinder on the road, but it will outlast every other grinder out there. The grinder...Read more
Grind Size Control
Will K, Curated Expert
The Encore has a stepped grind adjustment, meaning it has a nice click for each grind size "number." This allows me to swap between grind settings easily and reliably. There...Read more
Versatility
Will K, Curated Expert
The Encore base model is a coffee grinder, not an espresso grinder. It does a great job at the larger grind settings, but if someone tries to grind as fine...Read more

Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
About the espresso equipment
  • Model: Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder
Test conditions
  • When I bought this: 2019
  • Where I’ve used it: Home
  • How many times I've used it: 998

Expert Reviews of the Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder

 The Baratza Encore and an AeroPress were the first setup that sent me down the coffee rabbit hole. I focus on buying things that will last me forever, and the Encore fits that criteria perfectly. While it cannot grind fine enough for espresso, it shines in all other brewing methods and is so easy to adjust the grind setting. Cleaning the grinder is also a cakewalk and only takes a few minutes every month or so. The reliability is also great, and I have never had issues grinding any sort of roast. Even though I usually drink espresso, which requires a different grinder, the Encore lives on my counter for all other coffee needs and will forever hold its spot in my coffee equipment quiver.

Product Specs

Housing materialPlastic
Grinding methodConical Burr
Burr diameter (mm)40
Bean hopper capacity (oz)8
Grounds bin capacity (oz)5 oz
Depth (in)6.29

Review Ratings

Ease of Cleaning

5/5
 gave 5 of 5 stars. With the Encore, little of the machine comes in contact with the coffee, making cleaning a breeze. Every few weeks, I rinse all plastic parts and blow out the grinds chute. Just make sure to let the plastic hopper dry before reattaching it.

Dose Consistency

3/5
 gave 3 of 5 stars. If users want an exact dose of coffee every time, the Encore may not be the best fit. There is no grind timer on the machine, so users may need to count in their heads or use single-dose pre-weighed bean amounts, which is what I do, and it works well.

Durability

5/5
 gave 5 of 5 stars. Baratza focused on the Encore's durability. It's like having a huge motor and a well-built grind adjustment system. I have never had issues with mine, and it never seems to struggle with a grind, even when I toss some really dense beans in it that other grinders would struggle with.

Grind Consistency

3/5
 gave 3 of 5 stars. I wouldn't suggest the Encore for espresso (go with the Encore ESP version), but for drip, French press, and all other brew methods, the Encore does a great job consistently dispensing a uniform grind that will lead to even extraction. The stepped adjustment also makes it easy to swap between grind settings.

Consistency

5/5
 gave 5 of 5 stars. One of the weak points of coffee grinders is an undersized motor. Eventually, they will burn out. This is not the case with the Encore. Baratza built it tough and simple so nothing will break, and it will consistently perform.

Noise Level

2/5
 gave 2 of 5 stars. While it is not ear-piercing in volume, the Encore is not the quietest grinder out there. If someone plans on making coffee near a sleeping, noise-sensitive partner, they may want to steer clear. 

Grinding Speed

3/5
 gave 3 of 5 stars. The Encore is the Toyota of coffee grinders. It won't be the fastest or slowest grinder on the road, but it will outlast every other grinder out there. The grinder will slow down as the grind size gets finer, but it is manageable and gives me some time to get my coffee gear ready and start the water boiling.

Grind Size Control

5/5
 gave 5 of 5 stars. The Encore has a stepped grind adjustment, meaning it has a nice click for each grind size "number." This allows me to swap between grind settings easily and reliably. There are no small dials I need to fiddle with or squint to see; simply twist the bean hopper on top, and all the grind setting numbers are visible.

Versatility

3/5
 gave 3 of 5 stars. The Encore base model is a coffee grinder, not an espresso grinder. It does a great job at the larger grind settings, but if someone tries to grind as fine as possible to work for espresso, it will be inconsistent, and they will get some very mediocre espresso shots.

FAQs

What do you love about this product?

The number one reason I love my Encore is its durability. Baratza built this tough, and I expect it to be on my counter for years to come. The motor is huge, and it has no problem grinding the densest of beans.

What was your favorite moment with this gear?

I have been buying Encores for family over the past few years and one of my favorite moments was seeing my parents convert to coffee snobs once they tasted the improvement over their blade grinder that they had been using for years.

Why did you choose this product?

I'm a chronic researcher and firmly believe in "buy nice or buy twice." Luckily, the Encore is affordable, built tough, and well-regarded after way too much research.

What is the value for the money versus other options?

This is by no means a small investment but it is definitely an investment because the machine will last years. Cheaper options from some of the major appliance manufacturers do okay for a couple of years but are underpowered and fail in grind uniformity and durability, areas that the Encore shines.

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