Baratza Encore ESP vs Breville Smart Grinder Pro
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Same price, both conical burr grinders that can grind for espresso. The Encore ESP is simpler, with a dial split into 20 espresso steps and 20 drip steps. The Smart Grinder Pro has 60 settings, timed dosing and a display, and reviewers rate its consistency higher, but its controls divide opinion.
Specs and prices from Baratza's and Breville's US websites, checked Nov 1, 2026. Each point under "Reviewers agree" is made by at least two of the linked reviews. We don't own or test these grinders; see how we choose.
The short answer
Get the Encore ESP if
you want the simplest controls, brew drip as often as espresso, and value Baratza's US repair support.
Get the Smart Grinder Pro if
you want timed doses straight into a 54 mm or 58 mm portafilter and the most consistent grind at this price.
Side by side
| Baratza Encore ESP | Breville Smart Grinder Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $199.95 | $199.95 |
| Burrs | 40 mm steel conical (M2) | Stainless steel conical |
| Settings | 40: 1–20 espresso, 21–40 filter | 60 |
| Dosing | Manual on/off; dosing cup | Timed, 0.2-second steps; display |
| Portafilter | Dosing cup fits 54 mm and 58 mm | Cradles for 50–54 mm and 58 mm |
| Hopper | 300 g | 18 oz (about 510 g) |
| Warranty | 1 year (US and Canada) | 1 year |
Reviewers agree
Baratza Encore ESP
- It is simple to use, with almost nothing to learn. (Tom's Guide, Coffee Chronicler, CoffeeGeek)
- Grounds clump at espresso settings, so stirring them (WDT) helps. (Coffee Chronicler, CoffeeGeek)
- With lighter roasts it can struggle to go fine enough. (Tom's Guide, Coffee Chronicler)
- The body is mostly plastic. (Tom's Guide, Coffee Chronicler, CoffeeGeek)
Breville Smart Grinder Pro
- Grind consistency is excellent for the price. (Coffee Review, TechGearLab, Home Coffee Expert)
- It grinds fine enough for espresso, with many settings in that range. (Coffee Review, TechGearLab, Home Coffee Expert)
- It is less consistent at coarse settings such as French press. (TechGearLab, Home Coffee Expert)
- Reviewers split on its controls: one found them easy (TechGearLab), two found the timing and override clumsy. (Coffee Review, Home Coffee Expert)
How to decide
- Do you also brew French press or cold brew? Reviewers note the Smart Grinder Pro is weaker at coarse settings. The Encore ESP covers the coarse end with its own half of the dial.
- Do you want timed doses? Only the Smart Grinder Pro has a timer and portafilter cradles.
- Do you want to fix it yourself later? Baratza sells replacement parts (Tom's Guide) and its US support is well regarded. (Coffee Chronicler)
If you can spend more
- DF54 (about $229–275): flat burrs, stepless, near-zero retention, single dose.
- Eureka Mignon Specialità ($599 US list): quiet, stepless, timed dosing.
Full details: Baratza Encore ESP · Breville Smart Grinder Pro · Best espresso grinder