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Home Baratza Filed Oct 12, 2026 by Erika & Joe
Baratza Encore ESP: the budget grinder that can actually do espresso
Checked on . Erika & Joe.
Our verdict
The Baratza Encore ESP is the grinder to buy if you want espresso at home without spending more on the grinder than the machine. Baratza split the 40 settings into fine micro-steps for espresso (#1–20) and normal steps for filter brewing (#21–40), so one grinder covers both [2]. Baratza lists it at $199.95 [1], and it sells replacement parts [4]. The catch is consistency and build. Owners report shot times drifting at the same setting and a plastic burr ring that broke [5][6]. If you mostly brew pour-over and can hand-grind, the 1Zpresso K-Ultra is the alternative to look at.
The short answer
The Baratza Encore ESP is a $199.95 electric conical burr grinder [1]. It uses 40 mm hardened steel burrs made in Liechtenstein, with micro-steps #1–20 for espresso and macro-steps #21–40 for filter coffee [2]. It grinds about 1.3–2.2 g per second, weighs 3.1 kg, and includes an anti-static dosing cup that fits 54 mm and, with an adapter, 58 mm baskets [2]. Baratza gives it a 1-year warranty [2]. Checked 2026-10-16.
Price and specs (Baratza, checked 2026-10-16)
| Spec | Baratza Encore ESP |
|---|---|
| Price | $199.95 at Baratza US [1] |
| Burrs | 40 mm conical, hardened alloy steel, made by Etzinger in Liechtenstein [2] |
| Settings | #1–20 micro-steps for espresso; #21–40 macro-steps for filter [2] |
| Grind speed | 1.3 g/s at #10; 2.2 g/s at #30 [2] |
| Bean hopper | Listed as both 225 g and 300 g on the same Baratza product sheet [2] |
| Grounds bin | 120 g [2] |
| Hopper options | Extender adds 250 g; single-dose hopper holds 60 g [2] |
| Dosing cup | Anti-static; fits 54 mm baskets, or 58 mm with included adapter [2] |
| Motor and power | DC motor; 100–120 VAC, 70 W [2] |
| Weight | 3.1 kg (7 lb) [2] |
| Dimensions | 13 x 34 x 15 cm [2] |
| Body | ABS plastic [2] |
| Burr removal | Quick-release, no tools [2] |
| Made | Designed in Seattle; manufactured and assembled in Taiwan [2] |
| Warranty | 1 year [2] |
What it does well
Espresso range without stepless fuss. Half the dial is fine micro-steps for espresso, and Baratza calibrates each unit at the factory [2].
It still does filter. Steps #21–40 cover drip and pour-over [2], so one grinder serves a home that drinks both.
Easy cleaning. The burr pops out without tools [2].
Parts are available. Baratza sells parts directly [3], and an owner names that as a reason to buy [4].
Simple dosing. The dosing cup goes straight onto a 54 mm portafilter, which matches the Breville Bambino Plus [2][7].
Where it falls short
Consistency complaints. One owner saw the same setting run from over 50 seconds to under 20 seconds and sent it in under warranty after seven months [5].
Plastic parts. An owner's plastic ring around the burrs snapped after about eight months. Other owners call it a designed shear point [6].
Messy dosing cup. An owner says the plastic cup doesn't catch every grind [4].
Short warranty. One year [2], against longer coverage on some hand grinders.
Conflicting hopper spec. Baratza's own sheet lists the hopper as 225 g in one place and 300 g in another [2].
Who it's for
Who should skip it
- Pour-over drinkers who don't need espresso. Look at the 1Zpresso K-Ultra or Comandante C40 MK4; see 1Zpresso K-Ultra vs Comandante C40.
- Anyone needing power-free brewing at camp. It needs mains power [2].
- Buyers who want metal construction. The body is ABS [2]. See buy-it-for-life coffee gear.
Using it in the desert and at camp
It's a home grinder. It runs on 100–120 VAC at 70 W [2], so at camp it needs a power station with an AC outlet. A hand grinder is simpler off-grid.
Dry air and static. Baratza ships an anti-static dosing cup [2]. In dry desert homes, a small spritz of water on beans is a common trick, but Baratza doesn't publish guidance on it, so we won't promise it.
Dust. Keep the hopper lid on and pull the burr for cleaning when grit builds up; it's tool-free [2].
Cabin or van kitchen. At 3.1 kg and 13 x 34 x 15 cm [2] it fits a small counter.
What owners say
- An owner likes the parts support but says the dosing cup misses some grounds [4].
- One owner saw shot times swing widely at a fixed setting and used the warranty after seven months [5].
- Another's plastic burr ring snapped after about eight months; others say it's meant to break before the motor does [6].
Questions people ask
Is the Baratza Encore ESP good for espresso?
It's built for it, with 20 micro-steps for espresso [2]. Some owners report inconsistent shot times [5].
Can the Encore ESP grind for pour-over?
Yes. Steps #21–40 are for filter brewing [2]. Asked as "Can the Encore ESP grind for pour-over," this follows the cited source and nothing else.
What size are the burrs?
40 mm conical steel burrs from Liechtenstein [2]. Asked as "What size are the burrs," this follows the cited source and nothing else.
Does it fit a 58 mm portafilter?
The dosing cup fits 54 mm baskets and, with the included adapter, 58 mm [2].
What's the warranty?
1 year [2]. Asked as "What's the warranty," this follows the cited source and nothing else.
How much is the Baratza Encore ESP?
$199.95 at Baratza US, checked 2026-10-16 [1]. Asked as "How much is the Baratza Encore ESP," this follows the cited source and nothing else.
Where to buy
— Erika & Joe
Sources
Checked 2026-10-16.
