Baratza Encore Overview

The Baratza Encore is beloved among coarse brew method enthusiasts everywhere; widely hailed as the best burr grinder in its class. Its modern engineered materials and precision manufacturing methods make the Encore reliably deliver consistent grounds at an incredible value.

Features and Performance

The Encore features a weighted base, 40 degrees of fineness, a second generation gearbox, efficient DC motor, and a combination of electric and gear speed reducers to slow the burr revolutions to 450 RPM keeping the grounds cool and avoiding static build up. The updated gearbox is designed to be robust, quiet, and safe, as the Encore will automatically trigger a thermal cut-off switch if foreign objects enter the burrs.

Its 40mm conical burrs are held in place with a precision mounting system to provide a steady platform for accurate grinding from coarse all the way to fine. The new burrs are so efficient that even at the low rotating speed of 450 RPM, they grind a typical espresso dose in 7 seconds. Plus, they’re removable with no tools, making cleaning them very easy. As a grinder that runs the gamut of brew methods at an unbeatable price, the Baratza Encore easily comes out on the top of the heap.

Using the Baratza Encore is simple. The grind can be adjusted within a range of 250 to 1200 microns by turning the 8 oz hopper. Once it’s dialed in, grinding can be done either by holding the button on its face, or turning the dial on and off once the desired amount of grounds are reached. The Encore’s motor spins the burrs at a low speed of 450 RPM to ensure there is no heat or static build up while grinding. Grounds are dispensed directly into the 5 oz container with no spillage at all, a wow feature on any grinder.

If you’re grinding for espresso, an optional portaholder is available for grinding directly into a portafilter. If you’d prefer even greater precision, the Encore can be fitted with the Baratza Esatto scale, which turns it into a dose-by-weight grinder, capable of accurately dispensing a preset weight within +/- 0.2 grams.

Why You Should Get It

The Baratza Encore is an excellent coarse brew method coffee grinder, or entry level espresso grinder for a single boiler or pressurized portafilter espresso machine. If you like the Encore, but want a step up in aesthetics and functionality, the Virtuoso features metal accents and timed grinding; for electronic controls, espresso-focused grinding, and a serious style upgrade, take a look at Baratza’s Sette line.