Why we tested the Baratza Encore
The Encore has been the default recommendation in coffee forums for over a decade, and we wanted to see whether the 2026 version still earns that reputation against a flood of newer competitors. We brewed two cups daily for six months on V60, Chemex, and a French press.
What we liked
Grind consistency held up across the entire filter range. The cup tasted clean on light Ethiopian beans and full bodied on darker Sumatran roasts. The bin pulls out without a fight, and the burrs come apart for cleaning with a single screw.
What could be better
Static is a mild annoyance, especially on dry winter mornings. A quick spritz of water on the beans before grinding solves most of it. The plastic body looks utilitarian next to fancier grinders, but that is part of why the price stays reasonable.
Value
At $169 the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder is the right Home & Kitchen in 2026.
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder vs. the competition
| Product | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Fellow Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2 | Upgrade - Flat burrs give cleaner cups but cost twice as much. |
| OXO Brew Conical Burr | Alternative - Built in timer is nice, grind quality is a step behind. |
| Krups GX5000 | Skip - Blade grinder, inconsistent particle size for pour over. |
| Baratza Virtuoso Plus | Upgrade - Same burrs with digital timer and finer settings. |
Full specifications
| Burr Type | 40mm conical steel |
| Grind Settings | 40 stepped |
| Hopper Capacity | 8 oz |
| Motor | DC, gear reduction |
| Dimensions | 4.7 x 6.3 x 13.8 in |
| Weight | 7 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year |
See full details on Amazon →
Should you buy the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder?
The Baratza Encore is the grinder we recommend to almost every new pour over drinker. After half a year of daily use it has been quiet, consistent across drip and French press, and remarkably easy to clean. The 40 grind settings hit a sweet spot of simplicity, and the conical burrs deliver noticeably better cup clarity than any blade grinder near this price. It is not built for espresso, but for filter coffee at home it is the most rewarding $169 we have spent.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Encore pull espresso?+
No. Even at setting 1 it cannot grind fine enough for a proper 9 bar shot. Pick the Eureka Mignon or a similar espresso grinder instead.
How loud is it?+
Around 70 dB at the spout, quiet enough for a morning routine without waking a partner in the next room.
Does it work for cold brew?+
Yes, the highest settings produce a coarse grind that suits 18 hour cold brew without over extraction.
📅 Update log
- May 14, 2026Six month long term review published.
