In-depth review
Baratza Encore Review (2026)
Baratza Encore review: grind quality, settings, durability, and value assessed from specs and published reviews.
Baratza Encore
The entry-burr benchmark for a decade.
Our verdict
The Encore earned its reputation the hard way: years of consistent grinding, a settings range that covers every non-espresso brew method, and a company that actually sells spare parts. It looks plain and its stepped adjustment cannot properly dial in espresso, but as the default first burr grinder it remains the benchmark.
What we like
- 40 grind settings cover every brew method except fine espresso
- Conical steel burrs produce consistent grounds
- Legendary repairability with available spare parts
What to watch out for
- Stepped adjustment limits espresso dialing-in
- Plastic-heavy build feels basic
- Can be messy with static-prone beans
Who it is for
Pour-over, drip, and French press drinkers buying their first serious grinder.
Design and build
The Encore is function over form: a tall plastic body with a simple on/off and pulse switch. The 8-ounce hopper suits daily brewing. What sets it apart is serviceability: Baratza sells replacement burrs, hoppers, and motors, so a decade of use is realistic.
Grind performance
Forty stepped settings run from fine enough for moka pot through coarse French press. Consistency is excellent for the class, with the 40mm conical steel burrs producing uniform particles. Espresso is the one gap: the steps are too coarse for proper dialing-in.
Value
Mid-tier pricing buys top-tier longevity. Factor in repairability and the Encore becomes one of the cheapest grinders per year of ownership, which is why it keeps its recommendation year after year.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Owners report a decade or more of use
- Easy to repair with spare parts from Baratza
- Simple, reliable controls
Common complaints
- Grind consistency is uneven for some brew methods
- Not fine enough for real espresso
- Grounds can clog the chute and need regular cleaning
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Key specifications
- Grind settings
- 40
- Burrs
- 40mm conical steel
- Hopper capacity
- 8 oz
- Adjustment
- Stepped
Also consider
Breville Smart Grinder Pro
60 settings and timed dosing with an LCD.
- Grind settings: 60
- Burrs: Stainless steel conical
Timemore Chestnut C2
Hand-powered precision for the price of dinner.
- Burrs: 38mm stainless steel
- Body: Aluminum alloy
Research-based assessment. ThePickLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Is the Baratza Encore good for espresso?
Only with pressurized portafilters. For proper unpressurized espresso you need finer, smaller steps than its 40 settings provide.
How long does the Encore last?
Many owners report 5 to 10 years. Baratza sells spare burrs and parts, which extends life far beyond sealed competitors.
Is the Encore loud?
Moderately. It is a typical electric burr grinder: noticeable but brief, far quieter than blade grinders.