Baratza Encore vs Encore ESP (2026)
Why you can trust SteepDeals
We gather the consensus of specialist coffee reviewers, cross-check hundreds of verified buyer reviews, and compare current specs and features — then give you a straight answer. We only make money if you buy through our links, never in exchange for a verdict. See how we choose →
These two grinders look almost identical and share the same beloved Baratza DNA — but there's one difference that decides everything: espresso. The original Encore is a legendary filter grinder that can't quite do espresso. The Encore ESP is a redesign that grinds fine enough for espresso and handles filter. Here's how to choose.
Baratza Encore
Baratza Encore ESP
At a glance
| Encore | Encore ESP | |
|---|---|---|
| Burrs | 40 mm M3 conical | 40 mm M2 conical (sharper) |
| Grind settings | 40 steps | 40 steps (1–20 espresso, 21–40 filter) |
| Espresso capable | No | Yes |
| Filter / pour-over | Excellent | Excellent |
| In the box | Grinder | Grinder + dosing cup / portafilter holder |
| Best for | Filter-only brewers | Espresso + filter (do-it-all) |
| Price | Lower | A little more |
The real difference: espresso
This is the whole decision. The standard Encore was built for filter coffee, and its grind range simply doesn't get fine or consistent enough for a proper espresso shot — a long-standing complaint that Baratza set out to fix. The Encore ESP is that fix: it grinds the powdery fineness an espresso machine needs, while still doing everything the Encore does for filter.
Burrs and grind range
Both use 40 mm Etzinger conical burrs, but the ESP swaps the Encore's M3 burrs for sharper M2 burrs with a finer cutting angle. Cleverly, the ESP also re-maps its 40 steps into two zones: steps 1–20 are tight, high-resolution for dialing in espresso, and 21–40 open up for pour-over, drip, and French press. The original Encore spreads its 40 steps across the coarser filter range only — great resolution where it counts for filter, none for espresso.
For pour-over and filter, they're both great
If espresso isn't in the picture, you're not "settling" with either — both make excellent filter coffee, are famously easy to clean, and are fully repairable with cheap replacement parts and Baratza's legendary support. The Encore has earned its reputation as the first real grinder to buy.
Price and value
The ESP costs modestly more than the Encore. Given how small that gap is — and that it buys you espresso capability you may want down the road — the ESP is the smarter long-term buy for most people. The only reason to save the money on the plain Encore is if you're certain espresso will never be part of your setup.
The verdict
Buy the Encore if you only brew filter — pour-over, drip, French press — and want the proven, lower-cost benchmark grinder.
Buy the Encore ESP if you make espresso now, or think you might later. It does both jobs well, future-proofs your setup for a small premium, and comes ready for a portafilter out of the box. For most home coffee drinkers, it's the one to get.
Want more options? See our best coffee grinders under $200, and if you're weighing an espresso machine too, our Barista Express vs Bambino Plus comparison pairs perfectly with the ESP.
Frequently asked questions
Can the original Baratza Encore make espresso?
Not really — it's a superb filter grinder but can't grind fine or consistently enough for true espresso. For espresso, get the Encore ESP.
What's the difference between the Encore and Encore ESP?
The ESP uses sharper M2 burrs and splits its 40 steps into fine espresso settings (1–20) and coarser filter settings (21–40). The Encore uses M3 burrs tuned only for filter brewing.
Is the Encore ESP worth the extra money?
For most people, yes — it costs a little more but grinds for both espresso and filter, so it won't hold you back if you add an espresso machine later.
Which should I buy if I only make pour-over?
The original Encore. It's a benchmark filter grinder at a lower price, and you'd only be paying extra for espresso settings you won't use.
Prices and availability change frequently — check the current price via the links above. As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner, we earn from qualifying purchases.