Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Baratza Encore ESP
Best OverallDF54 (Turin DF54)
Best Budget ElectricPrice
$200-$300
$230-$280
Summary
The go-to recommendation across Reddit's espresso community for consistent home shots. Upgraded 40mm conical burrs and espresso-focused grind range make it the easiest entry into serious espresso grinding.
James Hoffmann called it the best espresso grinder under £250, and Reddit agreed loudly. Well-designed 54mm flat burrs and single-dose workflow make it a standout value that punches far above its price.
Pros
- Upgraded 40mm conical burrs optimized for espresso grind range
- Stepless grind adjustment on the ESP Pro version for precise dialing
- 60-second digital timer for consistent dose-by-time grinding
- Baratza's legendary build quality and repairability
- Endorsed by James Hoffmann as best espresso grinder under £250
- 54mm flat burrs deliver flat-burr clarity and consistency at a budget price
- Single-dose design minimizes retention and waste
- Well-built and well-designed according to community consensus
Cons
- Hopper-based design means more retention than single-dose grinders
- Not ideal for those who switch between espresso and filter frequently
- ESP Pro version carries a steeper price premium
- Flat burrs require more warm-up shots to reach thermal stability
- Single-dose workflow requires weighing beans before each grind
- Less widely available than Baratza or Eureka in some markets
Our take
If you're just getting into home espresso and want one grinder that won't let you down, the Encore ESP is the answer — it's what the community keeps recommending to everyone from beginners to intermediate brewers.
When James Hoffmann endorses something and the Reddit espresso community piles on in agreement, you pay attention. The DF54 is the rare budget grinder that doesn't feel like a compromise.
Buy
