Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Baratza Encore ESP
Best OverallEureka Mignon Libra
Best for Grind-by-WeightPrice
$200-$300
$600-$750
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.
The Libra adds a built-in scale for grind-by-weight precision — the most accurate way to dose espresso. The updated version now sports 65mm burrs, making it one of the most capable grinders under €700.
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
- Built-in scale enables grind-by-weight for precise, repeatable dosing
- New version upgraded to 65mm burrs for improved grind quality
- Under €700 / ~$750 price point for a feature-rich grinder
- Compact Mignon form factor fits most home espresso setups
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
- Scale can be finicky and may require calibration
- More expensive than non-scale grinders at similar burr quality
- Mignon series has moderate retention compared to single-dose grinders
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.
If you care about shot-to-shot consistency and don't want to fuss with a separate scale, the Libra's integrated weighing system is a genuine game-changer that serious home baristas love.
Buy
