The Baratza Encore is the grinder coffee people recommend when someone asks where to start. It is a 40mm conical burr grinder with 40 stepped grind settings, a plain plastic body and a reputation for consistency, easy repairs and great filter coffee. At roughly £140 to £160 in the UK it is not the cheapest burr grinder, so this review looks at whether it is still worth buying.
Prices are approximate and change often, so check the live listing before you buy.
How the Encore compares to the alternatives
Budget burr grinders in the £80 to £120 range are the obvious rivals. Many of them grind acceptably, but they tend to produce more fine dust, feel less solid and are usually not designed to be repaired when something wears out. Single-dose grinders at around £200 waste less coffee and are lovely to use, but cost noticeably more. The Wilfa Svart Aroma is the closest direct rival for filter brewing at a similar price; see our Wilfa Svart review for the head-to-head detail.
The Encore’s pitch is simple: a dependable, well-supported hopper grinder that does filter coffee very well, is easy to keep clean and can be repaired for years. If that describes what you want, it is hard to beat at the price.
Grind quality and consistency
We used it for V60, AeroPress, cafetiere and moka pot, and filter brewing is where the Encore shines. The grind is even with relatively little fine dust, which gives clean, sweet cups from a V60 and a clear, unmuddy cafetiere. Moving between methods is quick, as the 40 settings run from fine to coarse in clear steps and you soon learn your favourite numbers for each brewer.
It is a fast grinder for a domestic machine, and the timer-free push-button operation makes it easy to use. You weigh the beans into the hopper, grind, and you are done.
Can the Encore do espresso?
Technically yes, but it is not what it was designed for. The stepped adjustment is frustratingly coarse for espresso dialling in: the gap between one step and the next can be the difference between a gushing and a choking shot, and there is no way to make micro-adjustments. If espresso is your main interest, look at the Encore ESP, which has a finer range of steps, or another grinder made for the job. If you only make the occasional shot with a pressurised basket, it will cope.
Living with it: noise, retention and cleaning
- Noise: it is not silent. Expect a moderate, mechanical whirr for the short time it runs.
- Retention: grind retention is low, so you are not left with a lot of stale coffee stuck in the chute.
- Cleaning: straightforward. The upper burr and hopper lift out, and a brush and a wipe do most of the job. A weekly tidy keeps it running well.
- Static: like most grinders it can produce some static, especially in a dry kitchen, which a light spritz of water on the beans helps with.
- Footprint: compact enough for most worktops, though the hopper is tall, so check clearance under wall cupboards.
Repairability and long-term value
This is the Encore’s strongest argument. It is built in a modular way, and spare parts are available, so a worn burr set or a failed motor does not mean throwing the whole machine away. Older units can often be restored to close to their original performance rather than replaced. In an age of sealed, disposable appliances, that longevity is a real reason to pay a little more than the cheapest option.
Is the Baratza Encore worth it?
Yes, if you mainly make filter coffee (V60, AeroPress, cafetiere, moka pot) and want a grinder that will last. It is the sensible, low-drama choice, and it is one of the easiest recommendations in the category. If espresso is your priority, the coarse steps mean you should consider the Encore ESP or a dedicated espresso grinder. If you only brew occasionally and have a tight budget, a cheaper burr grinder will do a decent job for less.
On Amazon.co.uk the Encore was in stock at about £140, rated 4.2 out of 5 from a small number of UK reviews at the time of checking. Check the live listing for current price and availability.
Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder
The Encore has 40mm conical burrs, 40 grind settings, a simple on/off switch and a modular design that is easy to service.
FAQ
Is the Baratza Encore good for espresso?
It can be used for espresso, but the stepped adjustment is too coarse to dial in properly. It is a much better filter grinder.
What is the difference between the Encore and the Encore ESP?
The Encore ESP is the espresso-oriented version with a finer range of adjustment steps, which makes it a better choice for espresso and still capable for filter.
How long does a Baratza Encore last?
Because it is modular and spare parts are available, many owners keep them running for years by replacing worn parts rather than the whole grinder.
Is the Baratza Encore better than a budget burr grinder?
For grind evenness, cleanliness and repairability, generally yes. For pure price, a budget grinder is cheaper.
Is the Baratza Encore worth the money?
For filter coffee lovers who want a durable grinder, yes.
New to home espresso? Start with our first home espresso setup guide.
