Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Baratza Encore ESP
Best OverallOXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder
Best BudgetPrice
$170-$250
$90-$110
Summary
The most consistently recommended entry-level burr grinder across Reddit and expert sites. Handles drip, pour-over, and espresso with reliable grind quality and Baratza's legendary repairability.
CNET's top overall pick at $100, placing second in grind consistency among all tested grinders. Covers drip, French press, and even espresso in a pinch — the most versatile grinder at this price.
Pros
- Widely praised across r/espresso, r/Coffee, and r/Moccamaster communities
- Stepless grind adjustment with dedicated espresso range on ESP model
- Precise 60-second digital timer for consistent dosing without weighing
- Baratza's strong reputation for repairability and customer support
- CNET's best overall pick at the $100 price point
- Second-best grind consistency in CNET's full test group
- Can grind fine enough for espresso in a pinch
- Hits all grind sizes from espresso to French press reasonably consistently per Reddit users
Cons
- Not ideal for serious espresso dialing-in compared to grinders at $300+
- Grind retention can be an issue for single-dosing workflows
- ESP Pro version costs significantly more than the base Encore
- Grind consistency lags behind grinders at $200+
- Not a serious espresso grinder despite fine-grind capability
- Static can be an issue with some bean types
Our take
If you're buying your first serious burr grinder, the Encore ESP is the answer — it's the grinder every coffee subreddit points to when someone asks where to start, and for good reason.
At $100, the OXO is the grinder to beat — CNET tested it head-to-head against Baratza, Breville, and Capresso and it came out on top for all-purpose use at this price.
Buy
