Baratza Encore ESP Review
In a world of £1,000 coffee grinders that look like they were built by NASA, the Baratza Encore ESP is a refreshing, plastic reality check. It isn't trying to be a "lifestyle statement." It isn't trying to be a piece of art. It’s a grinder. It grinds coffee. And it does it for a price that won't make you want to weep into your empty wallet.
The original Encore was the undisputed king of entry-level filter grinding for a decade. The "ESP" (Espresso) version is Baratza finally admitting that people might actually want to make a latte without spending their inheritance.
The "Budget" Miracle
The ESP takes the familiar Encore body and swaps out the internals for something that can actually handle the pressure of espresso. It features the "M2" conical burr set, which is a significant step up from the standard Encore.
But the real magic is in the adjustment ring. It has 40 settings, but the first 20 are "micro-steps" specifically designed for dialing in espresso. It’s not "stepless" (the holy grail of the truly obsessive), but it’s close enough that you can actually find a setting that doesn't result in either a volcanic eruption or a slow, agonizing drip.
The Plastic Fantastic
Let's be honest: it’s made of plastic. A lot of plastic. If you’re looking for something that feels "premium" and "weighty," this isn't it. It feels like a piece of office equipment from the 1990s. But here’s the thing—Baratza plastic is legendary. It’s tough, it’s durable, and if it does break, you can actually fix it.
Baratza’s "Don’t Dump It, Fix It" philosophy is the only sensible thing in an industry obsessed with planned obsolescence. You can buy every single part of this grinder on their website for the price of a sandwich. That, frankly, is worth more than any fancy aluminum chassis.
The Versatility Trap
The ESP claims to be an "all-rounder." And it is. You can go from espresso to French press in a single turn of the hopper. But be warned: like any "all-rounder," it’s a master of none. It’s great at espresso for the price, and it’s great at filter for the price, but it isn't going to beat a dedicated specialist in either category.
Suitability
For the Morning Zombie
Absolutely. It’s loud, yes—it sounds like a small, angry lawnmower—but it’s incredibly simple. You fill the hopper, you turn the timer, and you get coffee. There are no "plasma generators" or "integrated scales" here. It’s just raw, mechanical grinding.
For the Home Barista Snob
They’ll scoff at it. They’ll point out the plastic build and the stepped adjustment. But then they’ll realize that for £200, it’s producing shots that are 90% as good as their £800 Niche Zero, and they’ll suddenly feel very quiet about their life choices.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Incredible value for money. | It’s made of plastic and feels cheap. |
Actually grinds for espresso (unlike the original). | It is quite loud. |
Legendary repairability and customer support. | Hopper-fed design leads to some retention. |
Technical Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
Burr Type | 40mm M2 Conical Steel Burrs |
Grind Range | Espresso to Cold Brew |
Weight | 3.2 kg |
Dimensions | 120 x 350 x 160 mm |
Price Point | £180 / $199 |
Final Thoughts
The Baratza Encore ESP is the grinder for the "sensible" person. It isn't flashy, it isn't quiet, and it won't win any design awards. But it will grind your coffee correctly every morning for the next decade, and if it breaks, you can fix it with a screwdriver and five minutes of your time.
Final Verdict: Buy it yourself. If you are just starting your espresso journey and don't want to descend into financial ruin, this is the only grinder you should be looking at.
