The Baratza Encore and OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder are two top entry-level grinders, but they cater to very different users. The Encore is an enthusiast-grade grinder from Baratza, prized for its precise grind control and durable build, while the OXO is a user-friendly, budget-conscious option that excels in simplicity and value.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right coffee grinder for your morning routine.
Baratza Encore
The Baratza Encore is widely considered the gold standard for anyone serious about getting into specialty coffee at home. It skips fancy features in favor of a robust motor, high-quality steel burrs, and a wide range of grind settings, delivering consistent results that can improve any brewing method from drippers to French press.
- What it is: A professional-caliber entry-level conical burr grinder for coffee enthusiasts.
- Key features: 40 individual grind settings, 40mm hardened alloy steel conical burrs, powerful DC motor, front-mounted pulse button.
- Price: Around $169 to $199.
- Style: Sleek, minimalist, and functional with a matte-black finish that looks professional on a dedicated coffee bar.
- Materials/Construction: Features high-quality hardened steel burrs and a sturdy thermoplastic and metal body designed for longevity and regular use.
- Pros: Excellent grind consistency for the price, 40 settings allow for precise brewing adjustments, built to last with a reputation for durability, repair-friendly design with available replacement parts.
- Cons: More expensive than the OXO, has a larger countertop footprint, the primarily plastic body may feel less premium to some.
The Encore is ideal for the coffee lover who wants to experiment with different brew methods and values the precision and durability needed to get the most out of their beans.
Shop this product: baratza.com/product/encore
OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder
The OXO Brew grinder brings the brand's signature user-friendly design to the world of coffee grinding. It's a simple, reliable, and affordable machine perfect for those upgrading from a blade grinder who want better coffee without a steep learning curve or high cost. It simplifies the grinding process with a one-touch timer and clear settings.
- What it is: A simple and affordable conical burr grinder for daily coffee drinkers.
- Key features: Stainless steel conical burrs, 15 main grind settings with micro-settings in between, one-touch start timer that keeps your last setting, large 12-oz bean hopper.
- Price: Around $80 to $120.
- Style: Compact and modern with a clear hopper and simple dial control, fitting easily into most kitchen aesthetics.
- Materials/Construction: Utilizes stainless steel conical burrs with a body made primarily of plastic for a lightweight design.
- Pros: Very budget-friendly, extremely easy to use, compact design saves counter space, timer function makes the morning routine simple.
- Cons: Less grind precision than the Encore, plastic construction is less durable, may produce more static and fines (coffee dust).
This grinder is an excellent choice for casual coffee drinkers who want a consistent grind for their daily drip coffee or French press without a lot of complexity.
Shop this product: oxo.com/oxo-brew-conical-burr-coffee-grinder.html
Baratza Encore vs. OXO Brew Grinder Comparison
Grind Quality & Performance
The core difference between these two grinders lies in their performance and precision. The Baratza Encore features 40 distinct grind settings, allowing users to make tiny adjustments to fine-tune their grind for specific brewing methods like pour-over or Aeropress. Its hardened steel burrs produce a remarkably consistent particle size with minimal fines, which is key for a balanced extraction. This level of control makes a noticeable difference for coffee aficionados.
The OXO grinder, while still a major step up from a blade grinder, offers less precision. It has 15 main settings, which cover the basics from coarse for French press to fine for drip. While its stainless steel burrs are capable, they tend to produce more fines and less overall consistency than the Encore. For an auto-drip machine or a daily French Press, the OXO performs well, but it doesn't give hobbyists the micro-adjustment capability they often seek.
Materials & Build Quality
The Baratza Encore is built with longevity in mind. Its robust internal components, including a powerful motor and durable steel burrs, are engineered for years of use. While the exterior casing is mostly plastic, it feels dense and sturdy. More importantly, Baratza is renowned for its commitment to repairability, offering easy access to almost every replacement part.
The OXO grinder is built more for accessibility and affordability. Its construction is primarily lightweight plastic, and while its stainless steel burrs are durable enough for daily use, the overall machine isn't designed with the same long-term, heavy-use philosophy as the Encore. It's perfectly adequate for a daily coffee routine but may not withstand the demands of a high-volume coffee enthusiast over many years.
Dimensions & Footprint
Space is a key consideration in any kitchen. The OXO Brew Grinder has a clear advantage here, with a compact design that measures approximately 11 inches high by 7 inches deep. Its smaller footprint makes it an easy fit for kitchens with limited counter space.
The Baratza Encore is a taller and slightly bulkier machine at around 14 inches high. It has a more substantial presence and is better suited for users who have a dedicated coffee station or ample room on their countertop.
Price & Value
Price is one of the biggest differentiators. The OXO grinder typically costs around $100, making it an incredible value for anyone who wants to improve their coffee with a conical burr grinder without a significant investment. For the performance it offers, it is one of the best budget-friendly options available.
At around $170 or more, the Baratza Encore represents a different kind of value. It's an investment in precision, consistency, and durability. For a coffee hobbyist, the improved cup quality and lifespan of the machine easily justify the higher upfront cost.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both grinders are excellent choices, but they are built for different people and priorities.
Choose the Baratza Encore if:
- You view coffee as a hobby and want to experiment with different beans and brew methods.
- Grind consistency and the ability to make micro-adjustments are your top priorities.
- You are looking for a long-term investment and appreciate the ability to repair your machine.
- You want to explore pour-over, Aeropress, or other manual brewing methods that benefit from precision.
Choose the OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder if:
- You are on a budget and want the best performance you can get for around $100.
- You primarily drink drip coffee or French press and don't need obsessive precision.
- Simplicity and ease of use are more important to you than having dozens of settings.
- You have limited counter space and need a more compact appliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Baratza Encore and OXO grinder?
The key differences are grind precision and build quality. The Baratza Encore offers 40 settings for fine-tuned adjustments and is built for longevity and repair. The OXO Grinder is simpler with 15 settings, focusing on ease of use and affordability for daily coffee drinkers.
Which grinder is better for a beginner?
The OXO Brew Grinder is better for a beginner. Its one-touch operation, forgiving nature, and low price point make it an accessible entry into better coffee without being overwhelming.
Can the Baratza Encore or OXO grind for espresso?
Neither is a dedicated espresso grinder. The Encore can technically grind fine enough for some entry-level, non-pressurized portafilters, but it lacks the micro-adjustments needed for a properly dialed-in shot. The OXO grinder cannot grind fine or consistently enough for espresso at all.
How easy are they to clean?
Both are relatively easy to clean. The outer burr on both models can be removed without tools for brushing out old coffee grounds. Both have hoppers that can be removed for simpler access.
Which one is more durable?
The Baratza Encore is significantly more durable. It's designed with higher-quality internal components and a philosophy of repairability, meaning it's intended to last for many years. The OXO is built for regular use but is not engineered for the same long-term lifespan.
What makes the Baratza Encore so popular among coffee enthusiasts?
Its popularity comes from offering professional-level grind consistency at a consumer-friendly price. For years, it has been the go-to starting point for home baristas because it delivers reliable performance that makes a tangible improvement in coffee quality.
Is the OXO grinder good enough for pour-over coffee?
For someone starting with pour-over, the OXO is adequate. However, as you become more experienced, you will likely notice the limitations of its grind settings. The Encore provides the much-needed precision to truly dial in a pour-over recipe for optimal extraction.
Which grinder is quieter?
Both grinders are relatively loud, as are most coffee grinders. The Baratza Encore's robust motor gives it a lower-pitched, grinding noise, while the OXO can be a bit higher-pitched. There is no significant difference in noise levels for most users.
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