The Baratza Encore ESP is a sub-$200 conical burr grinder built specifically for home baristas who need one machine to handle both espresso and everyday filter coffee. Based on cross-referenced expert measurements, independent lab-style tests, and long-term user feedback, it delivers true espresso fineness, solid pour over results, and acceptable coarse grinding for French press and cold brew. It is not perfect, but it punches well above its price in the areas that matter most for daily home use. Here is everything you need to know before buying.
Key Takeaways
- The Baratza Encore ESP is an affordable conical burr grinder with 40 mm M2 burrs and a dual-range 40-step grind collar that concentrates resolution in the espresso zone, making it one of the strongest budget options for both espresso and filter coffee in 2026.
- It grinds fine enough for espresso with medium and darker roasts, pulls solid pour over and drip results, but shows more particle scatter at very coarse settings for French press and cold brew.
- Key trade-offs include stepped adjustment (not stepless), clumping and static at fine settings, a primarily plastic build that feels less premium than metal-bodied competitors, noticeable noise around 92 decibels, and roughly 1.1 grams of retained coffee grounds after each use.
- Baratza’s exceptional customer support, readily available replacement parts, and repairable design make the Encore ESP a long-term investment rather than a disposable appliance.
- This is a researched editorial analysis, not a hands-on bench test. All performance data is drawn from verified specs, reputable third-party measurements, and expert consensus.
Affiliate Disclosure
Capitol City Coffee is an independent coffee editorial and affiliate publication. We may earn a small commission if you purchase through links in this article, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate relationships do not influence our rankings or conclusions. Our analysis is based on verified specifications, expert consensus, and documented user feedback.
Verdict: Is the Baratza Encore ESP Still the Go-To Budget Espresso-Capable Grinder?
Based on compiled expert measurements and third-party testing, the Baratza Encore ESP remains one of the strongest sub-$200 electric burr grinder options for both espresso and daily coffee in 2026. It is not the best grinder at any single task, but it is remarkably capable across the range that matters for most US home coffee lovers.
Here is the quick summary:
- 40 mm conical burrs (M2 Etzinger-manufactured design) deliver improved grind consistency over the original Encore
- Dual-range grind collar spans true espresso territory through French press, with each espresso-zone click adjusting grind size by roughly 20 microns
- Particle consistency is good in the espresso and medium-fine ranges but less uniform at coarse settings
- Typical issues include fines production, static, roughly 1.1 to 2 grams of retention at espresso settings, and clumpy ground coffee that benefits from WDT
Compared to the original Baratza Encore, this Baratza grinder is meaningfully better for espresso. Compared to the Breville Smart Grinder Pro, the Encore ESP often provides more precise espresso grind settings despite having fewer total steps. Against higher-end flat burr grinders like the Lagom Mini, it trails in clarity and uniformity but costs roughly $175 less.
In short: buy the Encore ESP if you want a capable multi purpose grinder for espresso and filter under $200. Consider upgrading if you chase ultra-light roast espresso or demand stepless fine tuning. Skip it if you only brew coarse immersion methods and never plan on pulling an espresso shot.
Where to buy: Seattle Coffee Gear · 1st in Coffee · Amazon (affiliate links). Check current price and availability before you buy.
Who the Baratza Encore ESP Is For
The Encore ESP targets home coffee lovers in the US who want one electric coffee grinder for both espresso and filter coffee without spending $300 to $600. It suits owners of entry-level espresso machines like the Breville Bambino Plus or Gaggia Classic Pro who want to pull consistent shots with medium roast or darker roasts.
It is a strong fit for households that brew coffee across multiple brew methods: V60 pour over, AeroPress, moka pot, drip coffee, and espresso. However, if your primary focus is coarse French press or cold brew, you may find the coarser grinds less precise than what a dedicated flat burr grinder offers.
Precision-obsessed espresso drinkers chasing ultra-light Nordic-style roasts may outgrow the Encore ESP relatively quickly. And it is not designed for commercial duty cycles or large households pulling dozens of drinks back-to-back each morning.
How We Researched This Baratza Encore ESP Review
This is a researched editorial analysis, not a hands-on bench test by Capitol City Coffee. We rely on cross-checked expert sources and documented user data to form our conclusions.
Our sources include detailed technical reviews with independent lab measurements of grind distribution and retention, long-term user reports from reputable forums and retailers, and manufacturer specifications from Baratza’s official product page. We looked for consistent findings on burr type, grind range, particle consistency, fines, retention, static, noise, speed, and workflow across multiple independent reviewers.
Performance figures cited in this review, such as grams per second, microns per step, and decibel levels, are drawn from those third-party tests and rounded for clarity. We also compared the Baratza Encore ESP grinder directly to alternatives like the Breville Smart Grinder Pro, the original Baratza Encore, and other conical burr competitors.
Design, Build, and Burr Type
The Baratza Encore ESP has a sleek and modern aesthetic design with a compact footprint that fits comfortably on most kitchen counters. The upper housing is primarily plastic, while a cast-metal base provides stability during use. A side-mounted grind collar, front pulse button, and an included dosing cup round out the physical layout.
Inside, the Encore ESP uses 40 mm conical burrs in an M2 geometry, manufactured by Etzinger using hardened steel. The M2 burr set represents a meaningful upgrade in grind quality over the standard Encore’s M3 burrs. The motor runs at approximately 550 RPM, a deliberately low speed designed to reduce heat buildup and preserve aromatics during grinding.
The burr housing is reinforced compared to the original Encore, and the all-metal grind adjustment collar handles the stress of fine-grind loads better than plastic alternatives. The grinder is primarily made of plastic, which affects build quality perception, especially when compared to metal-bodied machines at higher price points. But Baratza’s widely praised repairability and parts availability offset that concern for most buyers.
Testers consistently note a few tactile quirks: the pulse button can feel somewhat stiff, the bean hopper is light enough to bounce slightly during grinding when nearly empty, and the grinder feel is more utilitarian than luxurious. None of these issues affect coffee quality, but they shape the day-to-day experience.
Grind Adjustment, Range, and Micron Steps
The Encore ESP features a dual-resolution grind adjustment system with 40 total grind settings. Settings 1 through 20 are dedicated to the espresso range, while settings 21 through 40 cover brew methods like pour over, drip coffee, and French press.
This dual-range approach is what sets the ESP apart from most coffee grinders at this price. In the espresso zone, each click adjusts grind size by approximately 20 microns, according to review data from EspressoVerdict. That level of grind resolution makes it feasible to dial in a 25- to 35-second espresso shot without jumping between drastically different extraction profiles.
The coarser zone uses wider steps of roughly 80 to 90 microns per click. This simplifies switching between brew methods but gives less granular control for fine tuning a specific V60 or Chemex recipe. For most filter coffee drinkers, the broader steps are adequate. For obsessive pour over optimization, you may occasionally wish for a half-step between settings.
The ESP also includes a shim kit that allows users to shift the entire grind range finer. This is useful for lighter roasts that demand settings at or below the collar’s minimum, though using shims can slightly increase retention and clumping as a trade-off.
Particle Consistency, Fines, and Extraction Quality
Consensus from lab-style tests, including those from TheTestedHub’s long-term review, indicates good particle consistency in the espresso and medium-fine ranges. At very coarse settings, the characteristic conical burr “long tail” of fines and scatter of boulders becomes more pronounced.
The M2 burrs produce fewer fines than the original Baratza Encore at fine settings, which translates to a noticeable improvement in flavor clarity when pulling espresso. However, the Encore ESP still generates more fines than many flat burr grinders designed exclusively for filter coffee.
How does this affect what ends up in your cup? At espresso settings, the fines contribute body and a chocolatey intensity that many home baristas enjoy. For large-batch French press or cold brew, the wider particle distribution can translate to a slightly muddier, more rustic cup compared with premium flat burrs.
The Lagom Mini outperforms the Encore ESP in blind taste tests, particularly for clarity and uniformity. But the Encore ESP is priced lower than the Lagom Mini by approximately $175, which puts the performance gap into perspective. Against similarly priced conical burr competitors, the Encore ESP consistently scores well for balanced, nuanced flavor across both espresso and filter.
For most home baristas, the grind quality here is more than adequate, especially if you primarily drink espresso and pour over rather than large-batch immersion brews.
Speed, Noise, Static, and Retention
The Encore ESP grinding speed is roughly 1.3 to 2.2 grams per second depending on grind size. At espresso fineness, it produces a grind speed of approximately 1.5 grams per second. At medium-coarse settings, throughput climbs to around 2.2 grams per second. That makes it faster than the original Encore and competitive with the Breville Smart Grinder.
The grinder measures approximately 92 decibels during operation. The sound character is hollow and fairly loud for an entry-level burr grinder, though grinding sessions are typically short (under 20 seconds for a double espresso dose). It is generally quieter than some high-speed espresso grinders like the Baratza Sette series but louder than many manual grinders or premium “quiet” flat burr models.
Static is a consistent minor annoyance. Chaff and fines tend to cling to the bin or dosing cup, influenced by humidity, bean freshness, and roast level. A light RDT spray (a single drop of water on beans before grinding) can reduce static significantly.
The grinder retains about 1.1 grams of coffee grounds after use under typical conditions. Retention can reach up to 2 grams when grinding at the finest espresso settings. This matters most to single dosing enthusiasts and those switching between beans frequently. Retention issues can occur when switching between brew methods, so purging a small amount after big grind changes is a practical habit worth adopting.
Metric | Espresso Setting | Medium-Coarse Setting |
|---|---|---|
Speed | ~1.3–1.5 g/sec | ~2.0–2.2 g/sec |
Retention | ~1.1–2.0 g | ~0.5–1.0 g |
Noise | ~92 dB | ~88–90 dB |
Clumping | Noticeable | Minimal |
Practical workflow tips: weigh your dose before grinding, gently tap the grinder or use optional bellows accessories to clear retained grounds, and consider a simple WDT tool to break up clumps before tamping.
Espresso Performance: Can It Really Handle Both Espresso and Coffee?
The central question for any Baratza Encore ESP review is whether this grinder produces coffee grounds fine enough for espresso. The answer, based on expert reviewers and documented testing, is yes, particularly with medium and darker roasts that represent the majority of specialty coffee and supermarket espresso blends available in the US.
According to multiple independent reviews, espresso grind settings roughly in the low- to mid-teens often serve as starting points for 18 grams in and 36 to 40 grams out, depending on machine pressure and roast level. The grinder performs well with darker roasts for espresso, producing shots with satisfying body and sweetness.
The nature of the espresso grounds deserves honest mention: the grinder produces relatively consistent but clumpy output at fine settings. Clumping occurs at fine settings, requiring the Weiss Distribution Technique for best results. Careful puck preparation, including WDT and even tamping, makes a meaningful difference in shot consistency.
The Encore ESP produces a noticeable improvement in flavor clarity compared to the original Encore. Shots are richer and easier to dial in. Compared to the Breville Smart Grinder Pro, the Encore ESP is more adjustable in the finer range. But compared to higher-end espresso-focused grinders, it offers less clarity and uniformity in the cup.
A note on lighter roasts: very light, dense beans may push the grinder to its finest settings or require shims, increasing retention and heat. If your primary focus is ultra-light Nordic-style espresso, a more powerful and higher-precision espresso grinder may serve you better.
Filter Coffee, Pour Over, and Cold Brew Performance
For households that brew coffee across methods, the Encore ESP handles drip coffee, Hario V60, Kalita Wave, Chemex, AeroPress, and moka pot with confidence. Grind quality for pour over and standard drip is generally clean and balanced, and some reviewers have noted favorable results even in blind comparisons against higher-end grinders.
Coarser ranges for Chemex, French press, and cold brew show more particle size spread, a natural characteristic of conical burrs that translates to a slightly less defined, more rustic cup. This is not a flaw unique to the Encore ESP; it is inherent to cone burr geometry across brands.
One practical advantage: coffee grounds become far less clumpy beyond the espresso range. Workflow for filter coffee is simpler. Most users only need a small shake of the dosing cup or bin to level out the bed before brewing.
Serious filter-only brewers, particularly those making large batches of cold brew or French press seeking maximum clarity, may be better served by a dedicated flat burr grinder. For the vast majority of home users who want good coffee from a single grinder across both espresso and filter, the Encore ESP delivers.
Workflow, Controls, and Included Accessories
The control layout is straightforward: a side on/off rocker for continuous grinding, a front pulse button for manual pulses, and a top-mounted numbered grind collar for quick visual reference of your current setting.
The Encore ESP comes with a 54 mm anti-static dosing cup and a 58 mm adapter ring for portafilter use. The dosing cup tucks under the chute and simplifies transfer into your portafilter. It works well for the most common basket sizes on entry-level machines.
Usability quirks noted by reviewers include the slightly stiff pulse button, a somewhat bouncy grinder hopper when it is nearly empty, and occasional grind spray if the dosing cup is not aligned properly under the chute.
Switching between the dosing cup for espresso and the standard bin for filter coffee is quick but not instant. Labeling preferred grind settings for different brew methods (a piece of tape or a note on the collar) saves time during a busy morning routine. Weighing doses before grinding rather than relying on timed output improves consistency across all methods.
Ease of Use, Cleaning, and Maintenance
Cleaning the Encore ESP takes only a couple of minutes. Remove the grinder hopper, twist out the upper cone burr using the quick-release knob, brush the burrs and chute with the included cleaning brush, and reassemble. The Encore ESP’s burrs can be removed without tools, thanks to the quick-release knob for the cone burr. No wrenches, no disassembly frustration.
The updated grind chamber and quick-release design make the ESP easier to maintain than many competing conical burr grinders at this price. For typical home use, internal brushing every two to four weeks keeps things running cleanly. Daily wipe-downs of the exterior catch static-attracted chaff before it becomes a nuisance.
Baratza emphasizes serviceability and sells replacement parts for its grinders, including burrs, gaskets, hoppers, and bins. Baratza includes a cleaning brush with the Encore ESP. Regular cleaning and occasional burr replacement can materially improve grind consistency and keep the Encore ESP performing close to new after several years.
Durability, Reliability, and Warranty Support
Under normal home conditions with regular cleaning, the Encore ESP should last several years of daily use. The motor includes a built-in thermal cutoff that protects against overheating during back-to-back espresso grinding sessions, a thoughtful detail for users who pull multiple shots each morning.
Baratza’s customer support is well-known in the industry for its exceptional service. Their North American warranty covers defects, and their support culture emphasizes repair guidance, parts diagrams, and email assistance rather than pushing users to replace the grinder outright.
Common long-term wear points identified in user reports include impeller and burr wear, hopper or gasket degradation, and occasional static buildup on plastic surfaces. All of these parts are inexpensive and easy to replace. The Baratza Encore has a repairable design, enhancing its longevity far beyond sealed, non-serviceable grinders that may be cheaper upfront but shorter-lived overall.
This repair-forward philosophy is a genuine differentiator. When a $50 grinder breaks, you throw it away. When the Encore ESP needs a new burr set in year three, you spend a fraction of the original cost and keep going.
Strengths of the Baratza Encore ESP
- True espresso capability at a budget price: the M2 burr set grinds fine enough for espresso with 9-bar machines, something most other grinders under $200 struggle to deliver consistently
- Dual-range grind collar provides meaningful espresso grind resolution (~20 microns per click) while still covering filter, drip, and coarser brew methods
- Versatile enough to serve as a genuine “one-grinder” solution for apartments and small kitchens that cannot accommodate multiple coffee grinders
- Respectable grind uniformity in the espresso and medium ranges, producing balanced, good coffee across daily use
- Grinding speed is adequate for daily home use without long wait times
- Excellent parts support and repairability from Baratza, making it a long-term investment
- Relatively low learning curve compared with fully stepless prosumer grinders, making it approachable for first-time espresso owners
Limitations and Pain Points
- Stepped grind adjustment means some users will find settings too coarse or too fine with no in-between, especially with lighter roasts or very specific recipes
- Clumpy espresso grounds require WDT or a distribution tool for even extraction; you should budget for a simple needle tool
- Static and grind spray create minor mess, particularly in dry climates or with freshly roasted beans
- The Encore ESP has a noise level of around 92 decibels, loud enough to be disruptive in quiet apartments during early mornings
- Plastic construction affects the grinder feel and perceived premium quality, even though it does not necessarily affect coffee quality
- Coarser grinds for French press and cold brew lack the uniformity of flat burr grinders, resulting in less defined cup profiles
- Modest grind retention (1.1 to 2 grams) complicates single dosing and frequent bean switching
None of these are deal-breakers for most entry-level home baristas. But they are real trade-offs worth understanding before committing to a new grinder.
Value for Money and Ideal Use Cases
The Baratza Encore ESP typically sells for $199.95 MSRP, with US street pricing occasionally dipping into the mid-$180 range during sales. Compared to blade grinders or low-end burr models in the $50 to $120 range, its espresso capability and consistent grind performance represent a substantial upgrade. The Baratza Encore is praised for its value as an entry-level grinder platform, and the ESP variant extends that value into espresso territory.
The Encore ESP is priced lower than the Lagom Mini by roughly $175, yet delivers solid results for home use. Against higher-end flat burr grinders in the $300 to $500 range, it naturally trails in clarity and ultra-fine control, but the price gap is significant.
Its sweet spot is households that brew both espresso and filter on a daily basis. If you only make a single weekend pot of drip coffee, this is more grinder than you need. If you are an advanced barista who demands stepless micro-adjustment and switches between three different single-origin light roasts each week, you will eventually outgrow it.
For the single-grinder household that wants specialty coffee quality from both espresso and pour over without breaking the budget, the Encore ESP offers exceptional value.
Baratza Encore ESP vs Breville Smart Grinder Pro
This is the most common real-world comparison under $250 for US buyers. Both sit on retailer shelves side by side, and both promise espresso-capable grinding for home use.
Feature | Baratza Encore ESP | Breville Smart Grinder Pro |
|---|---|---|
Burr type | 40 mm conical, M2 geometry | 40 mm conical, standard geometry |
Grind settings | 40 (dual-range) | 60 (single range) |
Espresso step precision | ~20 microns/click | Wider jumps in fine range |
Controls | Analog (collar + pulse button) | Digital timer with digital display, memory presets |
Portafilter cradle | Dosing cup (54/58 mm) | Direct-to-portafilter with dosing forks |
Bean hopper capacity | ~300 g | ~450 g |
Repairability | Excellent (parts widely available) | Limited |
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro has 60 settings but less precision in the espresso range, according to comparison data from TheEspressoReport. The Breville smart grinder compensates with convenience features: a digital timer, memory presets for different brew methods, dosing forks, and an easy one-hand portafilter hold. The Smart Grinder Pro is the better choice for feature-loving users who prioritize a digital display, presets, and quick workflow.
The Baratza Encore ESP is typically the better pick for users prioritizing espresso precision, repairability, and long support lifecycles. Its tighter espresso grind steps and Baratza’s parts ecosystem give it an edge for owners who plan to keep their grinder for years.
Alternatives to Consider
If the Encore ESP is not quite right for your needs, here are alternatives worth researching:
- Fellow Ode Gen 2: A premium flat burr option with superior particle consistency for filter coffee and a striking design. It excels at pour over and drip but does not grind fine enough for espresso. Read our Fellow Ode Gen 2 grinder review for the full breakdown.
- Original Baratza Encore: For filter-only drinkers who never plan to pull espresso, the original Encore remains a solid choice. The Baratza Encore is suitable for manual brewing methods like drip and pour over, and it costs less than the ESP. The standard Baratza Encore is not ideal for true espresso due to its grind limitations.
- Baratza Encore ESP Pro: A more espresso-focused step up that adds stepless-style adjustment, a digital readout, and broader flexibility for users who want more control than the ESP. The Encore ESP Pro still works as an all-rounder, but it is better suited to buyers who want finer tuning across espresso and other brew methods.
- Compact manual espresso grinder (such as a Timemore or 1Zpresso-style hand grinder): For users who prioritize maximal espresso uniformity on a tighter budget and are willing to hand-grind each dose. These offer stepless adjustment and near-zero retention but require physical effort.
- Eureka Mignon series: For users willing to spend more ($250 to $350) on a dedicated espresso grinder with stepless adjustment and flat burrs. Superior for espresso-only households but less versatile for filter.
For a broader view, see all of our burr coffee grinder reviews to compare options by budget and brew method.
Baratza Encore ESP vs Original Baratza Encore
The Encore ESP evolved from the original Baratza Encore, sharing the same general chassis but focusing on espresso improvements. Here are the main differences:
Feature | Encore ESP | Original Encore |
|---|---|---|
Burr set | M2 (espresso-optimized) | M3 (filter-focused) |
Grind collar | Dual-range, espresso-focused | Single-range, broader steps |
Included dosing cup | Yes (54 mm + 58 mm adapter) | No |
Burr access | Quick-release, tool-free | Standard removal |
Espresso capability | True espresso grind | Too coarse for proper espresso |
The Baratza Encore ESP is better for espresso than the original Encore. The original Encore’s lower settings are too coarse, resulting in short, choked shots or gushers because the Baratza Encore cannot grind fine enough for proper espresso. The ESP re-collars the same size burrs so that settings 1 through 20 land squarely in espresso territory.
The Baratza Encore performs as an entry-level grinder for non-espresso methods but has limitations in espresso performance. If you are planning to add an espresso machine to your setup, choose the ESP. If you are a brew-only household with no espresso ambitions, the original Encore may be all you need.
Both models share the same general durability and repair ecosystem, which is a key factor in long-term value.
Final Recommendation
The Baratza Encore ESP remains a smart recommendation for its core audience in 2026: home baristas who want a single, affordable grinder for both espresso and daily coffee.
- Excellent entry-level espresso capability paired with strong filter performance across most brew methods
- Outstanding repairability and customer support from Baratza
- Meaningful trade-offs in noise (92 dB), coarse grind uniformity, and the need for WDT at espresso settings
- Primarily plastic build that functions well but does not feel premium
Choose the Encore ESP if you own or plan to buy an entry-level espresso machine, drink medium roast or darker roasts, and want one grinder that also handles pour over and drip without compromise.
Skip or upgrade if you exclusively brew French press or cold brew, chase ultra-light roast espresso, or demand stepless micro-adjustment and near-zero retention from a single dose grinder.
If you are still exploring options, browse our full review index for grinder and espresso machine reviews that complement the Baratza Encore ESP. The right grinder depends on how you brew, what you drink, and how long you plan to keep it. The Encore ESP makes a strong case for being the one that lasts.
Our Encore ESP Picks
The ESP Pro this review is about, plus the classic Encore if you only brew filter coffee. Tap the image or the product name. Research-rated, not yet used in our kitchen.
Feeling espresso-capable: the ESP Pro
Our pick: Baratza Encore ESP Pro. Fine enough for espresso, coarse enough for drip, which is the job this review covers. Research-rated, not yet used in our kitchen.
Feeling filter-only: the classic Encore
Our pick: Baratza Encore. Skip the ESP if this review has you brewing pour-over or drip only. Research-rated, not yet used in our kitchen.
FAQs
These are the questions we see most often from US buyers considering the Baratza Encore ESP grinder for home use.
Can the Baratza Encore ESP handle oily dark roasts?
The low-RPM motor and conical burrs can grind dark, oily beans reliably. However, oily roasts create more residue in the burr chamber and chute, so plan on cleaning more frequently, roughly weekly instead of biweekly. Avoid extremely charred beans if longevity is a priority, but classic Italian-style espresso blends perform well. Performance with standard dark roasts is generally one of this grinder’s strengths.
Is the Baratza Encore ESP good for single dosing?
The Encore ESP can be single-dosed using the included dosing cup, the standard hopper, or an optional single dose hopper accessory. It was not designed as a zero-retention single dose grinder, so expect to purge a small amount (roughly 1 to 2 grams) when switching beans or brew methods. For most coffee lovers who stick to one bean at a time, the modest retention will not meaningfully impact daily taste. Aftermarket bellows can push retention lower if needed.
How loud is the Baratza Encore ESP in a small apartment?
The Encore ESP measures approximately 92 decibels during operation, which is loud enough to be noticeable in a quiet apartment. However, grinding a double espresso dose takes under 20 seconds, so the disruption is brief. Placing the grinder on a rubber mat or thick towel dampens vibration noticeably, and avoiding grinding right next to thin shared walls during early mornings is a practical compromise. It is louder than most compact manual grinders but quieter than some high-speed electric espresso grinders.
Do I need a separate grinder for cold brew if I buy the Encore ESP?
The Encore ESP can absolutely grind coarse enough for cold brew and large-batch immersion methods. Coarse grind uniformity will not match expensive flat burr grinders, but most home cold brew drinkers will be satisfied, especially when brewing strong concentrates diluted with water or milk. Only users chasing maximum clarity and sweetness in very large cold brew batches are likely to feel constrained by the coarser-range limitations of any conical burr grinder.
What’s the best upgrade path after the Encore ESP?
Many owners eventually move to the Baratza Encore ESP Pro as a next step, or to a higher-end flat burr espresso grinder, or adopt a dual-grinder setup with one grinder for espresso and one for filter coffee as their palate develops. Before upgrading, experiment with better beans, distribution tools, and puck preparation techniques to fully exploit the Encore ESP’s capabilities. Baratza Encore features consistent grind performance across various brewing methods, so the grinder itself may not be the limiting factor. When you are ready to explore next-level options, browse our grinder review hub for detailed comparisons by budget and brewing style.