Baratza Encore vs Encore ESP vs Virtuoso+: Which Coffee Grinder Should You Buy?
Baratza makes the gold standard entry-to-mid-range grinders. Here's how to choose between the Encore, Encore ESP, and Virtuoso+ for your brewing method.
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
- ~$169
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
- 40 macro + electronic micro-adjustment via dial
- ESP = "Espresso, Specialty, Pour-over"
- ~$199
What's New
The stepped adjustment plus a stepless fine-tuning dial 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.
Baratza Virtuoso+
Specs
- 40mm conical burrs (higher grade than Encore)
- 40 grind settings
- Built-in timer with 0.1-second precision
- ~$249
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.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Encore | Encore ESP | Virtuoso+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$169 | ~$199 | ~$249 |
| Burr size | 40mm | 40mm | 40mm (higher grade) |
| Grind settings | 40 macro | 40 macro + micro | 40 macro |
| Timer | No | No | Yes (0.1s) |
| Espresso capable | No | Marginal | No |
| Best method | Drip/French press | Multi-method | Pour-over/AeroPress |
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
At $30 more than the original Encore, 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.