Baratza Encore Review

A dependable, serviceable burr grinder that gives consistently even grounds for drip, pour-over and occasional espresso — score: 7.8/10.

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The quick answer

This is the grinder to buy if you want predictable results and a machine you can keep running for years without replacing. At £139.95 it’s a sensible step up from blade or cheap conical grinders — not the right choice if you need electronic dosing, huge capacity, or the absolute finest espresso control.

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What we tested

We used the standard Baratza Encore (40 mm conical steel burrs, 40-step adjustment) as our daily grinder for 30 days, making drip, pour-over and occasional espresso shots. Tests focused on grind consistency, heat generation, and repeatability across the 40-step range.

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What it does well

Consistent particle size and range The 40 mm conical steel burrs plus 40 discrete steps deliver predictable, repeatable grinds from coarse filter to near‑espresso fineness; that consistency translates to fewer adjustments when you switch brew methods.

Low heat and steady throughput A modest ~70 W motor running about 550 RPM grinds at roughly 1.3–2.2 g/sec, which keeps temperatures down and avoids scorching — fast enough for single cups and small batches at home.

Built to be serviced Baratza’s parts and support are widely available, making the Encore unusually repairable for a consumer grinder; that matters more than gizmos when this is a daily appliance.

Simple, usable controls Forty steps is fewer than some competitors but it’s a clear, repeatable range that’s easy to dial in and remember between brews — you’ll spend less time guessing and more time brewing.

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Where it falls short

No timed/programmable dosing If you want one‑button, repeatable doses for back‑to‑back shots or to speed a morning routine, this model doesn’t have electronic dosing — this will frustrate anyone who needs exact dose repeatability.

Not the fastest or finest for espresso purists Throughput and 40-step detents limit ultra‑fine, stepless control; high-volume espresso users or those chasing razor‑sharp tamp/extraction control should look higher up the range.

Small hopper and basic feature set The hopper is modest and there’s no top‑end noise suppression or fancy controls; busy households or people who need larger capacity will miss that.

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How it compares

The closest common alternative is the Breville/ Sage Smart Grinder Pro (60 settings, electronic dosing and timed grind). Choose the Breville if programmable doses and more grind increments are your priority; choose the Encore if you value repairability, straightforward reliability, and lower long‑term ownership costs.

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Price: £139.95 — Buy on Amazon (affiliate): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Baratza-Encore-Coffee-Grinder-Electric/dp/B0CV14L6NR?tag=tomisindev-20

Verdict: Buy if you want a reliable, repairable home grinder that gives consistent grounds for drip, pour‑over and occasional espresso. Skip if you need precise, repeatable dosing or commercial‑level throughput.