Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder Review: Would Owners Buy It Again?
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test this grinder in person. This verdict comes from expert and enthusiast reviews listed at the end. We found no lab-style durability study, so longevity claims are reviewer reports. Our method.
A reliable, repairable first burr grinder for non-espresso brewing
Reviewers consistently call the Encore one of the best entry-level grinders for drip, pour-over, French press, AeroPress and cold brew. Praised points are consistent grinds, simple operation, easy cleaning and the availability of replacement parts, with one reviewer reporting a single part needed in eight years. Drawbacks are noise, chaff and static (reported to different degrees), no dosing aids and a poor fit for espresso. For filter coffee we say repeat.
Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.Buy it again if you…
- brew drip, pour-over, French press or AeroPress
- want a first burr grinder
- like repairable gear with available parts
- want simple numbered settings
Skip it if you…
- make espresso
- need timed dosing
- grind in a quiet household early in the morning
- grind large cold-brew batches daily
The Baratza Encore (ZCG485) is an electric conical burr grinder with 40 grind settings and a hopper you twist to adjust. It is a long-running entry-level model that brewing guides often use as a reference point.
Reviews are consistent in tone, but independent long-term data is thin, so we flag that below.
What owners say, at a glance
Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.
The key specs
| Burrs | Stainless steel conical |
|---|---|
| Settings | 40, adjusted by turning the hopper |
| Motor | 70 W |
| Best for | Drip, pour-over, French press, AeroPress, cold brew |
| Not for | Espresso (the Encore ESP is the espresso variant) |
What owners love
What owners complain about
How it holds up over time
Reports are positive: one reviewer has used it daily since 2018 with one replacement part, and another says a well-kept Baratza could last 10 years or more. These are individual reports, not a measured study.
Tips from reviewers
- Grind only what you brew rather than storing beans in the hopper.
- Tune settings finer for French press if the suggested one is too coarse.
- Lightly wet beans or wait a few seconds to reduce static and chaff.
Pros and cons
What owners love
- Consistent grind for filter methods
- Simple 40-step adjustment
- Parts available for repairs
- Easy to clean
- Compact
What owners complain about
- Loud
- Not suited to espresso
- No timer or dosing aids
- Chaff reported by some owners
Other options owners compare
These grinders are often compared with the Encore.
| Model | Style | Consider it if… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baratza Encore (this review) | Conical burr | You want a simple, repairable filter-coffee grinder | See on Amazon |
| OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder Read our review | Conical burr | You want a different design from the same price tier | See on Amazon |
| Breville Smart Grinder Pro | Conical burr, timed dosing | You want more settings and timed grinding | See on Amazon |
Ready to upgrade from blade grinding?
Check current options on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Encore make espresso?
Reviewers say no. The finest settings are too coarse and inconsistent. The Encore ESP is the espresso version.
Is it loud?
Yes, reviewers call it noisy, but it runs only for seconds.
Can I repair it?
Low Key Coffee Snobs says Baratza sells parts for nearly every component.
Does it have a timer?
No, reviewers list no timer or dosing aids.
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Sources we analyzed
- Low Key Coffee Snobs: Baratza Encore review — repairability, chaff, noise
- Coffeeness: Baratza Encore review — specs, grind quality, espresso limits
Figures reflect each source as of October 21, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.