Baratza Encore ESP review: an entry grinder that can finally do espresso

The Baratza Encore has been a go-to first burr grinder for years, but it was never really meant for espresso. The Baratza Encore ESP changes that, and this Baratza Encore ESP review looks at how well it handles both espresso and filter coffee in 2026. It keeps the familiar shape and simple controls, but adds sharper M2 burrs, a split grind range with finer steps for espresso, and a dosing cup that drops grounds straight into a portafilter.

Our assessment draws on Baratza's specifications and independent reviews from CoffeeGeek and Coffeeness, alongside owner reports. We look at grind quality, espresso ability, retention, noise and value, and compare it with the newer Encore ESP Pro and the Fellow Opus.

Design and build

The Encore ESP looks almost identical to the classic Encore: a compact plastic body, a 300 g bean hopper on top and a grounds bin at the front. You change the grind by turning the hopper. A front pulse button lets you grind on demand, and a side knob runs the grinder hands-free.

The biggest structural change is a metal adjustment system, which Baratza says is built for the daily wear of espresso grinding. CoffeeGeek praised the tight fit of the grounds bin and dosing collar, but found the hopper moved a little during grinding and the controls felt cheaper than on older models. Measuring 13 x 15 x 34 cm, it fits under most kitchen cabinets.

Grind settings: how the espresso range works

The Encore ESP has 40 numbered settings, split in two. Settings 1 to 20 move in much smaller steps, which is what espresso needs, because tiny changes in grind size make a big difference to shot time. Settings 21 to 40 use larger steps for pour-over, drip, French press and cold brew.

Baratza also includes shims. Adding them moves the fine range finer, removing them shifts it coarser, so you can tailor the grinder to your machine and beans. The quick-release burr lets you take the upper burr out without tools for cleaning.

Espresso performance: is the Encore ESP good enough?

For entry-level espresso machines, largely yes. CoffeeGeek reached its target shot at setting 11 and found the M2 burrs far more refined than the older M3 set, with a good share of particles in the target range. Coffeeness also rated its fine settings impressive for an entry-level grinder and noted that it ran faster and cooler than the old Encore.

It is not flawless. CoffeeGeek felt shots were less consistent than from Baratza's pricier Sette 270Wi, and espresso grounds came out clumpy enough to need a stirring tool. The included dosing cup is convenient, but Coffeeness found the workflow a little awkward because there is no timer: you weigh your dose first and grind it all.

• Works best with single-dosed, pre-weighed beans
• Suited to entry and mid-level espresso machines
• Clumping is easily fixed with a WDT tool

Filter coffee, retention and noise

For pour-over and drip, the Encore ESP remains a capable grinder, though CoffeeGeek was less impressed at very coarse settings for Chemex and French press. If most of your coffee is filter, the standard Encore or a filter-focused grinder may be just as good.

Retention is the main annoyance. CoffeeGeek reported that single dosing a cleaned grinder at espresso settings could leave around 2 g or more inside, and static cling from the plastic parts was noted by Coffeeness too. Baratza sells a single dose hopper accessory to help. Both reviewers also described the grinder as loud, with Coffeeness measuring around 80 dB.

Encore ESP vs Encore ESP Pro vs Fellow Opus

Baratza has since added the Encore ESP Pro, its first Encore with stepless adjustment, for buyers who want unlimited fine-tuning. It costs more, so the standard ESP remains the value choice in the range.

The Fellow Opus is the closest rival at a similar price. Coffeeness gave the Opus a slight edge for design and functionality, while CoffeeGeek highlighted Baratza's strong warranty service and parts support. Baratza's US page lists a one-year warranty; terms vary by country.

Who should buy the Baratza Encore ESP?

It is ideal for someone buying a first home espresso machine who also brews filter coffee, and who values easy repairs and replacement parts. It is less suited to people who want a timer, hands-off dosing or truly quiet grinding. CoffeeGeek scored it 83 out of 100 and suggested a timer would have pushed it higher, which sums up the product well: very good, with a few clear compromises.

Key specs

Burrs

40 mm conical steel (M2)

Grind settings

40 steps: 1-20 espresso, 21-40 filter, French press and cold brew

Motor

70 W, 550 rpm no-load burr speed

Grind speed

About 1.3 g/s (setting 10) to 2.2 g/s (setting 30)

Bean hopper

300 g

Grounds bin

120 g, plus dosing cup with 58 mm adapter

Dimensions (W x D x H)

13 x 15 x 34 cm

Made in

Designed in Seattle, manufactured in Taiwan

Alternatives to consider

• Fellow Opus: A similarly priced all-rounder that Coffeeness rated slightly better for design and features.
• Baratza Encore ESP Pro: Adds stepless adjustment for finer espresso dialling-in at a higher price.
• Baratza Encore: The cheaper original is enough if you only brew filter coffee.

Frequently asked questions

The Baratza Encore ESP delivers what many beginners wanted from the original Encore: a simple, repairable grinder that can handle both espresso and filter coffee. The M2 burrs and fine espresso range are real upgrades, while retention, noise and the lack of a timer are the trade-offs. If you are starting out with home espresso on a mid-range budget, it is a safe, sensible pick.

How we research: Reviews are based on the maker’s specifications, published independent tests and owner reports. Scores compare the product with others in its class.