Baratza Encore vs Baratza Encore ESP
The Encore ESP is the Encore + an espresso-capable burr redesign for an extra $30. For households making only filter coffee, the original Encore stays the better value. For anyone who might want espresso later, the ESP earns the upgrade. This is the cleanest within-family comparison Baratza ships.
Quick verdict
Baratza Encore
Best for: pour over, drip coffee, french press
Baratza Encore ESP
Best for: espresso shots, pour over, drip coffee
Key differences
Specs where the two products diverge. Full spec list is below.
| Spec | Baratza Encore | Baratza Encore ESP |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $169 | $199 |
| Espresso Adjustment | — | Yes |
| Primary Use | filter | espresso + filter |
Show full specs (8 shared specs)
| Spec | Baratza Encore | Baratza Encore ESP |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Baratza | Baratza |
| Burr Size Mm | 40 | 40 |
| Burr Type | Conical steel | Conical steel |
| Hopper G | 227 | 227 |
| Motor Watts | 100 | 100 |
| Price tier | mid | mid |
| Step Count | 40 | 40 |
| Stepless | No | No |
Baratza Encore
Pros
- Reference standard for entry-level filter coffee grinding
- Excellent parts availability and service network in the US
- Replaceable burrs at low cost extend lifespan to a decade-plus
- Quiet enough for morning use without waking the house
Cons
- Not designed for espresso — too coarse and inconsistent at fine settings
- Stepped adjustment (no stepless dial)
- Plastic body shows wear over years of daily use
Baratza Encore ESP
Pros
- First Baratza Encore with a usable espresso range
- 20 dedicated espresso steps plus 20 filter steps
- Same parts and service ecosystem as the classic Encore
- Under $200 — cheapest credible dual-use espresso grinder
Cons
- Still not at dedicated espresso grinder consistency at the fine end
- Stepped adjustment limits fine-tuning between settings
- Slow grind speed compared to flat-burr alternatives
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Baratza Encore better than the Baratza Encore ESP?
Neither is universally better — they target different users. The Baratza Encore is best for pour over and drip coffee. The Baratza Encore ESP is best for espresso shots and pour over.
What's the price difference?
The Baratza Encore retails around $169; the Baratza Encore ESP around $199. Price difference: $30.
Which one is better for milk drinks?
Look at the steam-related features in the spec table. Tags help too — products with 'milk-drinks' or 'dual-boiler' tags handle milk better. Baratza Encore tags: filter-coffee, pour-over, beginner-friendly, best-seller. Baratza Encore ESP tags: espresso, dual-use, filter-coffee, budget-espresso.