Fellow Opus vs Baratza Encore ESP
Two sub-$200 grinders that both claim to dial espresso, both commonly paired with a Breville Bambino. The Encore ESP keeps the long-running Encore chassis and adds espresso-range burrs; the Fellow Opus is a modern single-dose with anti-static. Which is the better match for the Bambino specifically?
Quick verdict
Fellow Opus
Best for: espresso shots, pour over, drip coffee
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 | Fellow Opus | Baratza Encore ESP |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $195 | $199 |
| Motor Watts | 130 | 100 |
| Brand | Fellow | Baratza |
| Espresso Adjustment | — | Yes |
| Hopper G | 0 | 227 |
| Primary Use | all-purpose | espresso + filter |
| Single Dose | Yes | — |
| Step Count | 41 | 40 |
Show full specs (4 shared specs)
| Spec | Fellow Opus | Baratza Encore ESP |
|---|---|---|
| Burr Size Mm | 40 | 40 |
| Burr Type | Conical steel | Conical steel |
| Price tier | mid | mid |
| Stepless | No | No |
Fellow Opus
Pros
- First all-purpose conical from Fellow with usable espresso range
- Single-dose front loader with anti-static technology
- Sub-$200 price for a grinder that handles espresso and filter
- Design language matches the Fellow kettle and Ode ecosystem
Cons
- Espresso shots aren't as consistent as dedicated espresso grinders
- Stepped (41 macro positions) rather than truly stepless
- Slower grind speed than competitors at the price
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 Fellow Opus better than the Baratza Encore ESP?
Neither is universally better — they target different users. The Fellow Opus is best for espresso shots and pour over. The Baratza Encore ESP is best for espresso shots and pour over.
What's the price difference?
The Fellow Opus retails around $195; the Baratza Encore ESP around $199. Price difference: $4.
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. Fellow Opus tags: all-purpose, single-dose, espresso-capable, design-forward. Baratza Encore ESP tags: espresso, dual-use, filter-coffee, budget-espresso.