The Baratza Encore and Breville Dose Control Pro are two of the best entry-level burr grinders available, but they cater to very different users. The Baratza Encore is a straightforward, reliable workhorse known for its consistent grind and durability at a lower price point, while the Breville Dose Control Pro offers digital precision, programmable dosing, and a modern design for those who want more control over their brew.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right grinder for your home coffee setup from Baratza or Breville.
Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder
The Baratza Encore is widely considered the gold standard for anyone just starting with home coffee brewing on a budget. It's a no-frills, highly consistent grinder that focuses on one thing: producing a quality grind. Its simple operation, durable construction, and reputation for longevity have made it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts for years.
- What it is: An entry-level conical burr grinder designed for a wide range of brew methods from French press to espresso.
- Key features: 40 individual grind settings, front-mounted pulse button for on-demand grinding, high-quality 40mm steel conical burrs, powerful DC motor for slow, cool grinding.
- Price: Around $149
- Style: Utilitarian and functional with a simple, matte black plastic finish. It's built for performance, not flashy looks.
- Materials/Construction: Durable plastic body houses the hardened alloy steel burrs. Baratza is known for its repairability and the availability of replacement parts.
- Pros: Excellent grind consistency for the price. Simple to use and maintain. Wide range of 40 grind settings is great for pour-over, drip, and French Press. Known for its durability and Baratza's excellent customer support. More compact size is ideal for smaller countertops.
- Cons: Lacks some of the features of pricier models like a timer or scale. The plastic body can create static and retain some grounds. Not as ideal for dialing in precise espresso shots without modification.
The Encore is ideal for the coffee drinker who values reliability and consistent performance for manual brewing methods and wants a grinder that will last for years without needing complex features.
Shop this product: baratza.com/encore
Breville Dose Control Pro Grinder
The Breville Dose Control Pro is a step up in functionality, designed for the home user who desires greater precision, especially for espresso. It combines a sleek, modern design with digital controls that allow you to program grind time in one-second increments, giving you repeatable, consistent doses every time.
- What it is: A conical burr grinder with electronic timer controls for precise dosing and a wider range of fine adjustments.
- Key features: 60 grind settings, precision electronic timer for dosing (1-second increments), stainless steel conical burrs, two portafilter cradles for hands-free grinding (50-54mm & 58mm).
- Price: Around $229 - $249
- Style: Sleek stainless steel and black finish gives it a premium, contemporary look that fits well in modern kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: Sturdy metal and plastic construction with stainless steel conical burrs. The digital interface and mechanics feel solid and well-engineered.
- Pros: Programmable dosing provides excellent shot-to-shot consistency for espresso. More grind settings offer finer control over grind size. Includes portafilter cradles for convenient, hands-free operation. Sturdy and has an attractive modern design.
- Cons: More expensive than the Encore. Its larger size takes up more counter space. The extra features can be overkill if you primarily brew French press or drip coffee.
The Dose Control Pro is perfect for the home barista who is serious about espresso and wants digital precision and a more automated workflow without breaking the bank for a professional-grade machine.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/coffee-grinders/bcg600.html
Baratza Encore vs. Breville Dose Control Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
Choosing a grinder often comes down to counter space. The Baratza Encore is noticeably more compact, measuring about 13 inches tall by 4.7 inches wide. Its smaller footprint makes it a great choice for kitchens with limited room or for those who don't want their grinder to dominate the countertop.
The Breville Dose Control Pro is larger in every dimension, standing at around 14 inches high and 7 inches wide. This added size accommodates the digital interface and internal mechanics for dosing, so you'll need to dedicate a bit more surface area to it.
Quality & Materials
Both grinders use high-quality hardened steel conical burrs designed for durable and consistent performance. The main difference lies in the body construction. The Baratza Encore has a body made primarily of durable plastic, which is robust but feels less premium. Baratza’s design philosophy prioritizes easy repair and parts replacement, adding to its long-term reliability.
The Breville Dose Control Pro features a more solid-feeling construction with prominent metal and stainless steel elements. It feels heftier and more substantial, reflecting its higher price point and tech-focused design.
Price & Value
The price difference is a key deciding factor. The Baratza Encore, at around $149, delivers incredible value by focusing purely on grind quality and consistency. For many coffee drinkers, its performance is more than enough for excellent daily brews, making it a smart investment.
The Breville Dose Control Pro typically costs between $229 and $249. The extra cost gets you significant feature upgrades, mainly the electronic timer for precision dosing and the additional grind settings. If you’re making espresso regularly, the value of that repeatable dosing can easily justify the higher upfront investment.
Style & Versatility
Aesthetics can play a big role in a kitchen appliance you use daily. The Baratza Encore's style is functional and understated. Its matte black, no-frills design doesn't draw attention and fits into nearly any kitchen décor without looking out of place. Its versatility is in its wide grind range, capably handling everything from coarse French Press to fine Aeropress.
The Breville Dose Control Pro is designed to be noticed. Its brushed stainless steel finish and modern silhouette complement contemporary kitchens and other high-end appliances. Its functional versatility leans heavily towards espresso, with 60 settings and dosing features that give users precise control for dialing in shots, though it still performs well for other methods.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both are excellent grinders that serve different coffee brewing habits and priorities.
Choose the Baratza Encore if:
- You're just starting your home coffee journey and want a reliable, high-quality grinder without a big investment.
- You primarily brew pour-over, drip, French press, or AeroPress coffee.
- You value simplicity, durability, and a machine that is easy to repair.
- You have limited counter space and need a more compact appliance.
Choose the Breville Dose Control Pro if:
- You are focused on making espresso at home and need shot-to-shot consistency.
- You prefer a digital interface with programmable, timed dosing.
- You appreciate a modern, stainless steel aesthetic that matches other kitchen appliances.
- You want more settings for micro-adjustments to fine-tune your grind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Baratza Encore and Breville Dose Control?
The main difference is functionality. The Baratza Encore is a straightforward, high-quality grinder with manual controls, focused on reliability and consistency. The Breville Dose Control Pro adds digital, timed dosing, which provides precise and repeatable amounts of coffee, a feature especially useful for espresso.
Which grinder is better for espresso?
The Breville Dose Control Pro is generally better for espresso. Its 60 grind settings allow for finer adjustments, and the precision dosing timer ensures consistent pucks every time. While the Encore can grind fine enough for some machines, the Breville provides much more control for dialing in the perfect shot.
Which is a better grinder for a beginner?
For most beginners who are exploring different brew methods like pour-over or French press, the Baratza Encore is the better choice. It is less expensive, durable, simple to use, and delivers fantastic grind quality for the price.
Is the Breville grinder worth the extra money?
If your end goal is espresso, yes, the electronic dosing feature on the Breville makes it worth the extra money. The convenience and consistency it provides will significantly improve your espresso workflow and results. For non-espresso brewing, the extra features may not be necessary.
How many grind settings does each one have?
The Baratza Encore has 40 distinct grind settings. The Breville Dose Control Pro offers 60 settings, providing more subtle steps between grind sizes.
How durable are these grinders?
Both are considered very durable for home use. Baratza is renowned for its build quality and parts accessibility, meaning the Encore can often be repaired for years of service. Breville also builds robust appliances, and the Dose Control Pro is solid and well-engineered.
Which one is easier to clean and maintain?
Both grinders are relatively easy to clean. The hopper and burrs can be removed on both models for occasional deep cleaning. The Encore's design is slightly more simplistic, which can make disassembly and reassembly a bit quicker for some users.
Which grinder is better for drip or pour-over coffee?
Both are excellent for drip and pour-over, but the Baratza Encore is often preferred for these brew methods. Its 40 grind settings cover the medium-to-coarse range perfectly and its reputation for consistency in this range is exceptional for its price.
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