Main trade-off
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder
Its forty-step range does not offer the close control expected for unpressurized espresso.
Head-to-head
Baratza Encore vs Encore ESP: ESP makes smaller espresso adjustments, neither weighs your dose
The short answer
Choose the Encore for a filter-only routine if its current offer is meaningfully cheaper. Choose the Encore ESP when espresso is part of the plan. Its lower 20 settings make smaller grind changes, and the supplied cup transfers into common 54 mm and 58 mm baskets. Neither model weighs or times the dose for you.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
Forty settings are not equivalent
ESP uses one adjustment pitch for espresso and a coarser pitch for filter.
What this is based on
The manual divides settings 1 to 20 from 21 to 40 and explains that the lower range uses smaller changes.
Main trade-off
Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder
The hopper and internal path retain more coffee than a purpose-built single-dose grinder.
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder
- Choose it for
- You only make drip, pour-over or French press.
- You prefer the original simple controls and have no espresso requirement.
- Main trade-off
- Its forty-step range does not offer the close control expected for unpressurized espresso.
Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder
- Choose it for
- You make espresso as well as filter coffee.
- You want the included 54 mm cup and 58 mm adapter.
- Main trade-off
- The hopper and internal path retain more coffee than a purpose-built single-dose grinder.
About this comparison
Baratza Encore vs Encore ESP compared for filter coffee and espresso. See why 40 settings mean different things and how the dosing cups change use.
Choose the Encore for a filter-only routine if its current offer is meaningfully cheaper. Choose the Encore ESP when espresso is part of the plan. Its lower 20 settings make smaller grind changes, and the supplied cup transfers into common 54 mm and 58 mm baskets. Neither model weighs or times the dose for you.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
I make filter coffee only
Both cover filter brewing. The ESP's finer espresso range provides less extra value if you never use an espresso machine.
- Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder
- Good
- Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder
- Good
I need finer espresso adjustment
The ESP concentrates finer adjustment in its espresso range. The standard Encore's wider steps make dialing in an unpressurized basket less precise.
- Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder
- Depends
- Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder
- Better fit
I use a 54 mm or 58 mm basket
The ESP includes a dosing-cup setup for common 54 mm and 58 mm baskets. The standard Encore's grounds-bin workflow requires a separate transfer step.
- Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder
- Depends
- Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder
- Better fit
I want automatic gram dosing
Neither grinder weighs a dose automatically. Use an external scale if a target weight is part of your recipe.
- Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder
- Not suitable
- Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder
- Not suitable
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
Forty settings are not equivalent
ESP uses one adjustment pitch for espresso and a coarser pitch for filter.
How we reached this conclusion
The manual divides settings 1 to 20 from 21 to 40 and explains that the lower range uses smaller changes.
One included cup covers two common baskets
Remove the adapter for 54 mm, use it for 58 mm.
How we reached this conclusion
The Encore ESP manual specifies both transfer configurations.
An espresso upgrade still needs a scale routine
ESP improves grind control but does not decide how many grams to grind.
How we reached this conclusion
Its controls remain an on/off switch and a pulse button, without timed or weight-target dosing.
Choice A
Baratza, ZCG485BLK
Encore Conical Burr Grinder
A straightforward filter grinder with a broad hopper, clear numbered dial and a serviceable design that has earned a long life on home counters.
- Best matched use
- Filter drinkers who value simple controls and accessible replacement parts
Checked facts
- 40 mm conical steel burrs
- 40 grind settings
- 300 g bean hopper
- Front pulse button and side on or off switch
Choice B
Baratza, ZCG495WHT
Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder
The familiar Encore format gains a finer espresso zone and a useful cup system while retaining an approachable filter range.
- Best matched use
- First-time espresso owners who also brew regular filter coffee
Checked facts
- 40 mm M2 conical burrs
- 40 settings with an espresso-focused range from 1 through 20
- Includes a 54 mm dosing cup and a 58 mm adapter
- Quick-release burr supports routine cleaning
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder | Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjustment range | 40 stepped settings | 40 settings split into two pitches | The total count hides the ESP's smaller espresso adjustments. |
| Espresso zone | No dedicated two-pitch zone | Settings 1 to 20 | ESP devotes half its numbered settings to finer espresso changes. |
| Filter zone | Broad brew-oriented range | Settings 21 to 40 | The ESP still covers filter coffee with larger moves between steps. |
| Basket transfer | Grounds bin | 54 mm dosing cup with 58 mm adapter | ESP includes a transfer route for two common basket sizes. |
| Dose automation | Manual start and stop | Manual start and stop | The ESP upgrade does not add weighing or a programmable timer. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder
- Dosing is manual, with no timer or portafilter holder.
If you choose Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder
- There is no timed dose or active static-control system.
What matters in practice
How to make the call
Buy for the machine you actually use
The original Encore remains sensible for filter coffee. If an espresso machine is already on the counter or firmly planned, the ESP's adjustment design addresses that requirement directly.
Do not compare dial numbers literally
A setting of 15 on one grinder is not a transferable recipe for the other. Baratza's suggested settings are starting points that still depend on the beans and dose.
Keep the remaining manual steps visible
You still weigh, start and stop the grinder. The ESP's cup makes transfer tidier, but it does not turn the Encore platform into a grind-by-weight machine.
What this comparison cannot tell you
- Specifications describe the listed version. They do not establish a taste ranking or measured retention in your kitchen.
- Check the exact model, US electrical version where applicable, seller and included accessories before buying.
What the facts say
What the comparison shows
Useful conclusions from the current premium coffee grinders comparison, followed by the checked facts used to reach them.
Compared set
Only 7 of 39 models checked match every need here: “One grinder for espresso and filter”, “Precise adjustment for espresso”, and “Replaceable parts and long-term support”.
7 matching models from 39 checkedSee the checked facts and calculation notes
Match countThe count uses the current product-to-need assignments for “One grinder for espresso and filter”, “Precise adjustment for espresso”, and “Replaceable parts and long-term support”. A need with no documented match does not count.
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder |
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| Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder |
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Ready to choose?
Check the price. Read the owner reviews.
Open either model on Amazon to check the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder
You only make drip, pour-over or French press.
See price & reviews on AmazonBaratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder
You make espresso as well as filter coffee.
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.