Baratza Encore vs Encore ESP vs Virtuoso+: Which Coffee Grinder Should You Buy?

Baratza dominates the entry-to-mid-range grinder market for good reason: consistent grind quality, easy repairability, and solid value. But with three models at different price points, choosing the right one depends on how you brew.

Quick Answer

• Brew drip/French press/pour-over mostly? → Encore ESP
• Want the best burr set at mid-range? → Virtuoso+
• Budget is the priority? → Original Encore (if you can find it)

Baratza Encore (Original)

Specs

• 40mm conical steel burrs
• 40 grind settings
• 8–12 oz bean hopper

Best For

Filter brewing: drip, French press, pour-over. Not recommended for espresso.

Limitations

Only 40 macro-settings (no micro-adjustment). The ESP replaced it for good reason.

Baratza Encore ESP

Specs

• Same 40mm burrs as original Encore
• Dual-range adjustment: micro-steps from 1 to 20, macro-steps from 21 to 40 (per the Amazon listing)
• ESP = "Espresso, Specialty, Pour-over"

What's New

Amazon's listing describes a dual-range adjustment, with micro-steps for espresso grinding and macro-steps for filter brewing. That means you can now dial in espresso (sort of — it's still an entry-level grinder, but much better than the original).

Best For

Brewers who want one grinder for multiple methods including occasional espresso.

The Honest Caveat

For serious espresso, a dedicated burr grinder (Niche Zero, DF64) will outperform it. But for a home barista doing mostly filter with some espresso? The ESP punches well above its price.

The Encore ESP on Amazon

Per the Amazon listing, the Encore ESP (ZCG495BLK) uses 40mm hardened alloy steel burrs made in Liechtenstein and a DC motor. Grind size is set with a single-handed hopper twist, and the listing describes a front-mounted pulse button as well as an ON/OFF switch. The burr mounting is quick-release, which the listing says makes the grinder easier to clean and maintain without extra tools. Check the current price on Amazon.

Baratza Virtuoso+

Specs

• 40mm conical burrs (higher grade than Encore)
• 40 grind settings
• Built-in timer with 0.1-second precision

What's Better

The Virtuoso+ uses precision-calibrated burrs from the same set as Baratza's professional models. The grind consistency noticeably improves, especially for pour-over and AeroPress.

Best For

Serious pour-over brewers who want maximum consistency and the timed dosing feature.

The Tradeoff

No micro-adjustment like the ESP. If versatility matters more than peak consistency, the ESP may be the better pick.

The Virtuoso+ on Amazon

Per the Amazon listing, the Virtuoso+ (ZCG587BLK) has 40 grind settings with what it calls enhanced commercial-grade conical burrs, a 40-second digital timer adjustable to a tenth of a second, and an LED backlit grounds bin. The listing also describes European-manufactured hardened steel burrs powered by a DC motor, a sculptured metal top and base, and a 1-year warranty. Check the current price on Amazon.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Which Should You Buy?

Buy the Encore ESP if: You want versatility and occasionally make espresso.

Buy the Virtuoso+ if: You're a pour-over obsessive who values grind consistency above all else and wants the timed dosing feature.

Buy the original Encore if: You find it discounted and only need drip/French press coffee.

Bottom Line

The Encore ESP is almost always the right call — you get micro-adjustment at an entry-level price. The Virtuoso+ is worth the premium if your primary method is pour-over and you appreciate precision.

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