Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder Review

The Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder is a versatile and well-engineered machine designed for home coffee enthusiasts. It attempts to address a common challenge among coffee lovers: finding a grinder that can deliver consistent grinds for both espresso and a variety of other brewing methods, from AeroPress to pour-over. In this blog post, we’ll explore its key features, performance, strengths, and areas where it could improve.

A Dual-Purpose Grinder for Espresso and Brew Coffee

One of the standout features of the Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder is its versatility. Unlike many grinders in its price range, the Encore ESP is specifically designed to handle both espresso and standard brew coffee. This ability comes from its innovative grind adjustment collar, which has two ranges: the espresso range (steps 1–20) and the filter coffee range (steps 21–40). Each step in the espresso range adjusts the grind by 20 microns, allowing for precise tweaking needed for espresso shots. In contrast, the brew coffee range makes larger adjustments, which is more suitable for drip and pour-over methods.

This design makes the Encore ESP one of the few grinders that can offer precise control over grind sizes needed for espresso while still delivering consistent grinds for other brew methods. The grind selection system allows users to fine-tune their grind size, which is crucial for achieving the perfect shot of espresso or a balanced cup of pour-over coffee.

The M2 Burrs: A Significant Upgrade

The Encore ESP features a high-quality M2 burr set, which significantly improves the grind consistency and speed compared to its predecessor, the original Encore. These burrs are particularly effective at minimizing the production of fines (small coffee particles that can lead to over-extraction and bitterness) when grinding for espresso. The faster grind speed is another benefit, allowing the machine to output around 1.5 grams per second for espresso, which is faster than many other grinders in the same category.

The M2 burrs also contribute to better flavor extraction, as evidenced by comparisons with other grinders in this price range. While conical burrs like those in the Encore ESP tend to produce a bit more variability in grind size, especially at coarser settings, this is not necessarily a drawback for those who prefer a richer body in their coffee.

Build Quality and Design

Baratza is known for producing well-built grinders, and the Encore ESP is no exception. The machine’s design is clean and functional, with a sturdy motor that has enough torque to handle light and dark roast beans alike. The grinder’s body is made from plastic, but it feels solid and durable, with a textured finish that adds a touch of elegance to its appearance.

The dosing cup that comes with the Encore ESP is a welcome addition, particularly for espresso enthusiasts. The dosing cup fits snugly into a 58mm portafilter, making it easier to transfer ground coffee without making a mess. It can also be used with 54mm portafilters by removing the silicone sleeve, further adding to its versatility. This is a significant improvement over the original Encore, which did not include such accessories, and it highlights Baratza’s focus on making the ESP more user-friendly for a variety of brewing methods.

One of the standout features of the Baratza Encore ESP is its environmentally friendly packaging. The grinder is shipped in a plain brown box with all components protected by cardboard and compostable materials. This is a welcome step in reducing plastic waste, and it sets an example for other companies in the coffee industry.

Espresso Performance

When it comes to espresso, the Baratza Encore ESP shines. Dialing in the perfect espresso shot requires trial and error, especially when using different beans or adjusting to changes in humidity. The Encore ESP’s fine adjustment capability makes this process easier. During testing, the Encore ESP consistently delivered well-balanced espresso shots after a few tweaks to the grind setting. Even though the grinder cannot grind directly into the portafilter, the dosing cup offers a clean and efficient workaround.

That said, the Encore ESP is not without its challenges. Some users noted that the grind retention could be frustrating, especially when grinding for espresso. During testing, it was found that up to 2 grams of coffee could remain stuck inside the grinder after use, which might not be ideal for those who prioritize freshness. However, using an aftermarket bellows system can help mitigate this issue by forcing out retained grounds.

Brew Coffee Performance

The Encore ESP also performs admirably when grinding for brew coffee methods like AeroPress, pour-over, and drip. The coarser settings are ideal for these methods, and the grinder produces a uniform grind size that leads to a well-balanced extraction. However, the consistency begins to drop off when grinding for very coarse methods like French press or cold brew. Some testers noted that the grind size variability at the coarsest settings could result in a slightly sludgy cup of French press coffee.

Despite this minor issue, the Encore ESP is still capable of producing high-quality grinds for most common brewing methods. The speed of grinding at coarser settings is also impressive, clocking in at around 2.3 grams per second for pour-over grinds. While the absence of a grind timer may make it harder to dial in specific quantities of coffee for larger brews, this can be mitigated by using a scale to measure the output.

Noise Level and Usability

One area where the Baratza Encore ESP falls short is noise. The grinder is noticeably loud, especially compared to some quieter models like the Lagom Mini or Breville Smart Grinder Pro. While not deafening, the noise level could be a minor annoyance for users who prefer a quieter kitchen environment.

The controls on the Encore ESP also feel stiffer than on previous models. The on/off dial is clunky, and the pulse button requires a firm press, which can make the grinder feel less responsive. However, these issues are relatively minor when weighed against the grinder’s overall performance and versatility.

Value and Service

At $200, the Baratza Encore ESP is priced competitively for a grinder that can handle both espresso and brew coffee. It offers excellent value for money, particularly when considering the quality of the burr set, the durability of the motor, and the thoughtful inclusion of accessories like the dosing cup. Baratza’s commitment to repairability further enhances the value proposition, as users can easily purchase replacement parts or upgrade the burrs in the future.

Baratza’s customer service is also highly regarded in the coffee community. The company provides detailed manuals, troubleshooting guides, and replacement parts at reasonable prices, which means that users can keep their Encore ESP running smoothly for years. This focus on repairability aligns with Baratza’s environmentally conscious packaging, making the Encore ESP a sustainable choice for coffee lovers.

Areas for Improvement

While the Baratza Encore ESP is a highly capable grinder, it is not without its flaws. The most significant drawback is the lack of a timer, which would make it easier to grind precise amounts of coffee without overshooting. In a world where even budget grinders include digital timers, this omission feels like a missed opportunity. A timer would not only improve the usability of the grinder but also help reduce coffee waste, particularly when grinding for larger batches.

Another area for improvement is grind retention. The fact that up to 2 grams of coffee can remain inside the grinder after use may be a dealbreaker for some users, particularly those who value freshness and want to avoid waste. While the use of bellows can help address this issue, it would be ideal if Baratza could reduce grind retention in future models.

Finally, the Encore ESP’s noise level could be reduced to make it more appealing to users who prefer quieter appliances.

Conclusion

The Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder is a well-rounded grinder that offers excellent value for home coffee enthusiasts. Its versatility, grind consistency, and thoughtful design make it a solid choice for anyone who enjoys both espresso and brew coffee methods. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as grind retention and the lack of a timer, its overall performance and durability make it a standout in its price range.

For those seeking an affordable all-in-one grinder that can handle everything from espresso to pour-over, the Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder is a worthy investment. With proper care and occasional part replacements, it could serve as a reliable companion in your coffee-making journey for years to come.