Best Entry-Level Espresso Grinder
Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder
$160–$200The go-to recommendation for anyone getting into espresso, the Encore ESP offers 40 grind settings, consistent dosing, and award-winning build quality at an approachable price. Serious Eats and Wirecutter both rank it as the top entry-level pick.
what experts say
- >“We recommend the Baratza Encore ESP to people just getting into espresso—and we have for years.”— Serious Eats
- >“It took us a respectable five tries before we achieved a well-balanced shot at level 14, and we were duly impressed with how consistent the next four shots were, with each one weighing between 38.2 and 38.9 grams.”— Serious Eats
- >“Baratza grinders are preferred by coffee professionals and tops the list of review sites like wirecutter.”— Slickdeals community
- >“Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon based on over 355 customer reviews.”— Slickdeals community
pros & cons
[+] what's great
- +40 grind settings covering espresso through pour-over
- +Consistent dosing: shots weighed between 38.2–38.9g in back-to-back pulls
- +Quick-release burr for easy cleaning without tools
- +40mm hardened alloy steel burrs made in Liechtenstein
- +Specialty Coffee Association award winner, preferred by coffee professionals
[-] what's not
- -Not enough espresso-specific micro-settings for advanced users
- -Shots slightly drier than higher-end Baratza models
- -Only 1-year limited warranty
- -70W motor is less powerful than premium grinders
