Baratza Encore ESP ZCG495
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An entry-level burr grinder that covers both espresso and drip. Its dial has 20 fine steps for espresso and 20 coarser steps for everything else. It is the usual first grinder to pair with a machine that has none.
Who it's for
Good fit if
you are buying a machine without a grinder, mostly drink medium or dark roasts or milk drinks, and also brew drip or French press.
Skip it if
you want to dial in light roasts for straight espresso, or want a metal-bodied grinder you will never outgrow.
Specs
| List price | $199.95 |
|---|---|
| Burrs | 40 mm steel conical (M2) |
| Settings | 40: 1–20 for espresso in small steps, 21–40 for filter |
| Grind speed | 1.3–2.2 g per second |
| Hopper | 300 g |
| Grounds bin | 120 g; dosing cup fits 54 mm and 58 mm portafilters |
| Size | 13 × 15 × 34 cm, about 5.1 × 5.9 × 13.4 in (as listed by Baratza) |
| Warranty | 1 year in the US and Canada, parts and labor |
From Baratza US's product page and official documents, checked Nov 1, 2026. List prices change often.
What reviewers agree on
Each point is made by at least two of the independent reviews linked after it. We don't own or test the products we cover; see how we choose.
- It is simple to use, with almost nothing to learn. (Tom's Guide, Coffee Chronicler, CoffeeGeek)
- Unlike the original Encore, it is designed to grind fine enough for espresso. (Coffee Chronicler, CoffeeGeek)
- The burrs come out easily for cleaning. (Tom's Guide, Coffee Chronicler, CoffeeGeek)
- Grounds clump at espresso settings, so stirring them in the basket (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)
Worth knowing
- Baratza sells replacement parts (Tom's Guide) and its US customer support is well regarded. (Coffee Chronicler)
Raised by one reviewer: grind uniformity tests showed a wide spread of particle sizes (Tom's Guide); it measured about 92 dB and sounded rattly (Coffee Chronicler); CoffeeGeek's notes are a first look based on early units (CoffeeGeek).
How it compares
- vs. Breville Smart Grinder Pro ($199.95): same price, 60 settings, an 18 oz hopper and portafilter cradles for 50–54 mm and 58 mm. Full comparison.
- vs. DF54 (about $229–275): a single-dose flat-burr grinder with stepless adjustment and very low retention. No hopper; you weigh beans for each shot.
- vs. Eureka Mignon Specialità ($599 US list): stepless 55 mm flat burrs, very quiet, timed dosing. Quiet and well regarded, at three times the price.
Machines it pairs with on our list: Breville Bambino Plus and Gaggia Classic Pro E24.