Baratza Encore vs Encore ESP [2026]
By Marvin Smit
Disclosure: The Kitchen Gear Lab is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you. Picks come from cited independent tests, official specifications and owner feedback; we do not run an in-house lab and rankings are never paid for. How this works.
The short answer
Baratza Encore ESP wins. Our choice is the ESP when espresso is part of the plan. Choose the standard Encore for filter-only brewing. This is a recommendation based on intended use, not a claim that the ESP wins every taste comparison.
Baratza Encore
Drip, pour-over and French press without espresso plans.
$$
Baratza Encore ESP
A first separate grinder for a Bambino or similar espresso machine.
$$
Side by side
| Spec | Baratza Encore | Baratza Encore ESP |
|---|---|---|
| Our recommended use | Filter-only brewing | Espresso, with filter capability too |
| Adjustment priority | Filter brewing | Dedicated fine adjustment range |
| Workflow | Grind into the grounds bin | Included dosing cup for transferring to a portafilter |
| Grind settings | 40 settings across the full range, from coarse to fine | 40 settings: #1–20 with smaller steps for espresso; #21–40 for filter, French press and cold brew |
| Burrs and mount | 40 mm conical steel burr (M3), threaded mount | 40 mm conical steel burr (M2), quick-release mount |
| Size and capacity | 13 × 15 × 34 cm (W × D × H), 300 g (10.6 oz) bean hopper, 120 g (4.2 oz) grounds bin | 13 × 15 × 34 cm (W × D × H), 300 g (10.6 oz) bean hopper, 120 g (4.2 oz) grounds bin |
| Evidence limits | No in-house taste, noise or retention measurements | No in-house taste, noise or retention measurements |
The buying decision
Choose around the coffee you make now. A filter-only household can start with the Encore. An espresso setup is a reason to choose the ESP. You do not need to pay for an imagined future hobby if you are happy with drip coffee.
Baratza positions these models differently. The sources below document their intended use; we do not assume that similar-looking grinders share every internal part.
For espresso
Our pick is the ESP when shopping for a machine with a non-pressurized basket. Fine adjustment matters when dialing in. Pressurized baskets are more forgiving, but using one does not make two grinders equivalent.
Start with the manufacturer’s recommended range and your coffee recipe. Check dose and yield with a scale, then adjust by taste. We do not promise a specific shot time from either grinder. Baratza lists #1–20 as the ESP’s espresso range; adding shims shifts it finer, while removing them shifts it coarser.
For filter or mixed brewing
Choose the Encore if filter is its only job. We have not established that it tastes better than the ESP in a controlled comparison.
Choose the ESP if one grinder must serve espresso and filter. Record a setting for each method and expect to readjust as beans change. For other workflows, compare the Opus 2 and Smart Grinder Pro in our buying guide.
Already own an Encore?
Keep it if it meets your filter needs. If you want to add espresso, first identify your basket and the adjustment limits you actually encounter.
Do not assume an ESP adjustment assembly converts an Encore into an ESP. We have not verified an approved conversion for your model. Check exact part compatibility with Baratza before ordering; a shared brand or housing is not proof of interchangeability. Baratza lists different burrs (M3 vs M2) and burr mounts (threaded vs quick-release) for the two models.
What this comparison does not measure
We have not run a direct taste, noise, speed or retention test. Measurements from the ESP Pro or another brand’s grinder cannot establish how the standard Encore performs. Check the exact model name when reading outside reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Which should I buy: Encore or Encore ESP?
Encore for filter-only brewing; ESP when standard-basket espresso is part of your setup. Our recommendation is about intended use.
Source: Baratza — Encore, Baratza — Encore ESP
Can I convert an Encore into an ESP?
We have not verified an approved conversion. Do not order an adjustment assembly on the assumption that all internal parts match. Ask Baratza about your exact model first.
Source: Baratza — Encore, Baratza — Encore ESP
What are the listed spec differences between the Encore and Encore ESP?
The Encore has a 40 mm conical steel M3 burr with a threaded mount; the ESP has a 40 mm conical steel M2 burr with a quick-release mount. The ESP has #1–20 with smaller steps for espresso and #21–40 for filter, French press and cold brew. Both measure 13 × 15 × 34 cm (W × D × H), with a 300 g (10.6 oz) bean hopper and a 120 g (4.2 oz) grounds bin.
Source: Baratza — Encore, Baratza — Encore ESP
Is the ESP Pro the same as the ESP?
No. Treat the ESP Pro as a separate model. Its measurements and features should not be attributed to the ESP or standard Encore.