Head to head
Baratza Encore vs. OXO Brew Grinder (2026)
Baratza Encore vs. OXO Brew: settings, simplicity, and value in the budget electric grinder showdown.
#1 in our rankings · Best overall
Baratza Encore
Best for: Brew-method drinkers (pour over, drip, French press) who want a proven workhorse.
#4 in our rankings · Best budget electric
OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder
Best for: Drip and pour-over drinkers who want push-button simplicity.
Our recommendation
Choose the Baratza Encore if grind range and long-term repairability matter. Choose the OXO Brew if you want the simplest possible experience and a lower price. Both serve drip and pour-over drinkers well; the Encore is the enthusiast's pick, the OXO the pragmatist's.
Settings
The Encore's 40 settings give noticeably more control than the OXO's 15 plus micro adjustments. If you brew multiple methods, the Encore's range is more useful.
Simplicity
The OXO wins on approachability: one-touch timer with memory and fewer decisions. The Encore asks slightly more of you and rewards it.
Long-term value
The Encore's parts support makes it cheaper over a decade. The OXO costs less today and is a fine appliance, but it is not designed to be repaired.
Choose Baratza Encore if…
- You brew several different methods
- You want a grinder that lasts a decade
- Maximum grind control matters
Choose OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder if…
- You want the simplest possible grinder
- Lower upfront price is the priority
- You brew one method consistently
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Spec | Baratza Encore | OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder |
|---|---|---|
| Price tier | Mid-range | Budget |
| Grind settings | 40 | 15 plus micro adjustments |
| Burrs | 40mm conical steel | 40mm stainless steel conical |
| Hopper capacity | 8 oz | 12 oz |
| Adjustment | Stepped | — |
| Timer | — | One-touch with memory |
| Best for | Brew-method drinkers (pour over, drip, French press) who want a proven workhorse. | Drip and pour-over drinkers who want push-button simplicity. |
| Skip if | You brew true espresso and need fine, stepless adjustment. | You brew espresso or want maximum grind range. |
Strengths and limitations
Baratza Encore
Strengths
- 40 grind settings cover every brew method except fine espresso
- Conical steel burrs produce consistent grounds
- Legendary repairability with available spare parts
Limitations
- Stepped adjustment limits espresso dialing-in
- Plastic-heavy build feels basic
- Can be messy with static-prone beans
OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder
Strengths
- 15 settings plus micro adjustments are easy to learn
- One-touch timer remembers your dose
- UV-blocking hopper keeps beans fresher
Limitations
- Grind range tops out before true espresso
- Fewer settings than the Baratza Encore
- Hopper lid fit can be finicky
How they fit the wider field
- Baratza Encore: ranked #1 (Best overall) in The Best Coffee Grinders. Read the full Baratza Encore review.
- OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder: ranked #4 (Best budget electric) in The Best Coffee Grinders.
Neither one quite right? The full rankings cover 10 picks matched to different buyers.
Questions, answered
Is the OXO Brew good enough for pour over?
Yes, its grind quality is solid for pour over and drip. The Encore offers more settings and consistency, but the OXO is not far behind.
Which is quieter?
Both are typical electric burr grinders in noise. Neither is quiet; the Timemore C2 is the quiet option.