Review: Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder

When asked about the best type of grinder for coffee beans, we'll always say burr. And when asked about the best burr grinder, many of us at Bean Box will say the Baratza Encore (as will many baristas and other coffee experts you meet).

Read on to see our Baratza Encore review—and why we believe it's one of the best burr coffee grinders, especially for beginners. You'll also find other helpful information about this conical burr grinder, from how to clean it to how much it costs. 

Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder: What Is It? 

The Baratza Encore is a burr coffee grinder, which means it pulverizes coffee beans between two burrs, typically made of ceramic or stainless steel. Burr grinders are known for their consistent grind, yielding a more balanced cup than you're likely to experience with a blade grinder (though there are plenty of great blade grinders on the market).

Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder: How Much Does It Cost?

The Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder can be purchased at Crate and Barrel and on Amazon. Many roasters also sell the Baratza Encore with free shipping. It costs roughly $140.

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Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder: How to Use It 

Baratza Encore Grind Settings

Start with these grind settings, as suggested by Baratza: 

• Chemex: 20
• Espresso: 8
• AeroPress: 12
• HARIO V60: 15
• Drip Machine: 18
• French Press: 28

Your favored settings may change based on personal preference and as the burrs age and are are taken apart and put back together. Start at a predicted grind size or factory suggestion and then move one tick higher (coarser) or lower (finer) to find your optimal setting. 

Baratza Encore Directions

Step 1: Turn the Baratza Encore on using the On/Off switch.
Step 2: Turn the base of the hopper to the desired setting on the dial, located below the hopper.
Step 3: Pour your beans into the hopper and grind. 

Wondering how much coffee you need? Use our coffee calculator to figure out the best coffee-to-water ratio. 

Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder: How to Clean It

The Baratza Encore comes with a small wire brush for cleaning. Baratza recommends using the brush to clean these parts of the grinder:

• Surface of the burrs
• Between the 'teeth'
• Grind chamber 
• Discharge chute 

Alternatively, you can use cleaning pellets. 

Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder: Pros & Cons

Baratza Encore: Q & A

How can I avoid static cling when using the Baratza Encore? 

Many Baratza Encore users complain of static and the mess it creates (a result of the burrs grinding), but here's a simple hack: "Take a metal spoon with just a drop of water on it, and stir the beans really well," suggests Chris Clemens, a coffee enthusiast and travel writer. "You don't want to use too much water because your grinds will come out wet, but use just enough to dampen them. It makes a huge difference." Coffee connoisseur, James Hoffman, recommends something similar, but instead uses the handle of the spoon, putting it under water for just a second before stirring the coffee beans. 

Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder: Comparisons 

Baratza Encore vs. Virtuoso 

Although the Baratza Encore and Baratza Virtuoso are quite similar, there are still a few key differences: 

• Speed: The Baratza Virtuoso grinds slightly faster than the Encore due to a difference in burr sizes. 
• Size: The Baratza Virtuoso is larger than the Baratza Encore in terms of weight and overall size, but is a bit shorter.
• Interface: The Baratza Virtuoso has a digital screen where you can see your grind settings, while grind settings are controlled via a dial on the Encore. 
• Operation: Thanks to a 40-second timer, the Baratza Virtuoso is somewhat of a hands-off device, allowing you to multi-task while you grind your beans. 
• Price: The Baratza Virtuoso is about $100 more than the Encore ($250). 

Baratza Encore vs. Capresso Infinity 

• Noise: The Capresso Infinity is much quieter than the Baratza Encore. 
• Size: The Infinity is smaller than the Baratza, making it easy to store in your kitchen cabinet or take along on vacation. 
• Settings: The Capresso Infinity has 16 settings and as such, limits your grind options. The Baratza Encore has 40, allowing more flexibility for you to find the best grind size for your preferences.