The Baratza Encore ESP and the Breville Smart Grinder Pro are two of the best entry-level coffee grinders, but they are built for different users. The Encore ESP is an espresso-focused specialist with a robust, commercial-grade build and straightforward manual controls. In contrast, the Breville Smart Grinder Pro is a versatile, all-purpose grinder with a digital interface, 60 grind settings, and features designed for convenience across all brewing methods from espresso to French press.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the right grinder from Baratza or Breville for your home coffee setup.
Baratza Encore ESP
The Encore ESP is designed for the budding home barista whose primary focus is making great espresso. It strips away digital extras in favor of a heavy-duty build, consistent grind quality in the fine range, and simple manual operation. Known for its durability and reliability, the ESP is a workhorse that delivers professional-feeling performance without a steep learning curve or high price tag.
- What it is: A conical burr coffee grinder specially designed to produce fine, consistent grounds for espresso.
- Key features: M2 steel conical burrs, 40 precise grind settings with a dedicated fine-adjustment range (steps 1-20) specifically for espresso, simple on/off pulse button and turn-dial.
- Price: Around $199
- Style: Utilitarian and functional. It features a compact, classic design in matte black that prioritizes performance over aesthetics.
- Materials/Construction: High-quality plastic housing with commercial-grade conical burrs designed for longevity and minimal maintenance.
- Pros: Excellent grind consistency for espresso shots, built to last with a focus on durability, very easy to operate with manual controls, great value for an espresso-centric setup, includes a dosing cup.
- Cons: Less versatile for coarser brew methods like French press, lacks a digital-timed dosing feature, design is very basic and functional.
This grinder is for the espresso purist who wants a reliable, no-fuss machine and prefers tactile manual control over digital presets.
Shop this product: baratza.com/product/encore-esp/
Breville Smart Grinder Pro
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro is the all-in-one solution for the home barista who enjoys exploring various coffee brewing methods. Its main draw is the incredible versatility offered by 60 grind settings, all managed through a user-friendly digital LCD screen. This grinder brings precision, convenience, and a modern aesthetic to any kitchen counter, making it a go-to choice for those who want one grinder to do it all well.
- What it is: A versatile digital conical burr grinder designed for a wide range of brewing methods, from fine espresso to coarse French press.
- Key features: 60 precise grind settings, LCD display showing grind time and settings, "Dosing iQ" technology for consistent shot volumes, grinds directly into a portafilter or container.
- Price: Around $199
- Style: Sleek and modern. The brushed stainless steel finish and digital display give it a premium, contemporary look that complements other kitchen appliances.
- Materials/Construction: Stainless steel conical burrs housed in a sturdy body made of high-quality plastic and metal.
- Pros: Extremely versatile with enough settings for any brewing style, precise digital controls make it easy to replicate results, intuitive LCD screen simplifies operation, a modern design that looks great on the counter.
- Cons: Build quality is solid but not as heavy-duty as the Encore ESP, more complex with more potential for electronic failure over the long term, fine-tuning for espresso can be less intuitive than on a dedicated machine.
It's an ideal grinder for someone who switches between espresso, pour-over, and drip coffee and values digital precision and ease of use.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/coffee-grinders/bcg820.html
Baratza Encore ESP vs. Breville Smart Grinder Pro Comparison
Grind Range & Versatility
This is the most significant difference between the two grinders. The Breville Smart Grinder Pro is the clear winner in versatility. With 60 distinct settings, it capably handles everything from a very fine espresso powder to a coarse grind suitable for French press or cold brew. The digital interface makes switching between settings simple and repeatable.
The Baratza Encore ESP, while it has 40 settings, is truly optimized for espresso. The first 20 clicks offer tiny micro-adjustments perfect for dialing in an espresso shot. The upper 20 clicks can handle drip and pour-over, but the grinder struggles to produce a consistent coarse grind for methods like French press. It’s a specialist, not an all-rounder.
Build Quality & Materials
Both grinders are well-built, but they prioritize different things. The Encore ESP feels more like a piece of commercial equipment - it's sturdy and designed with longevity in mind, using high-torque motors and durable burrs meant to withstand years of use. Its construction is simple and mechanical, meaning there are fewer parts that can break down over time.
The Smart Grinder Pro is also well-made with stainless steel conical burrs and a solid body. However, its sophisticated digital components, like the LCD screen and internal timer, introduce more points of potential failure compared to the ESP's analog system. It feels like a high-quality home appliance, whereas the ESP feels like a tool built for a single, demanding job.
Ease of Use & Features
For sheer convenience and features, the Breville Smart Grinder Pro takes the lead. The backlit LCD screen shows your grind size, grind time, and number of shots. The 'Dosing iQ' feature lets you adjust the grinding time in 0.2-second increments, giving you total control over your dose. You can also grind hands-free directly into a portafilter using the included cradle, making it very user-friendly.
The Encore ESP is simpler by design. You turn a dial to your desired grind setting and press a button to start grinding. It’s easy, but it's entirely manual. Dosing requires an external scale, as there is no built-in timer. This manual process appeals to purists but is less convenient than Breville’s automated approach.
Price & Value
Both grinders are typically priced around $199, so the decision comes down to what you value more. The Encore ESP offers incredible value for an espresso-focused user. The quality of its fine grind rivals that of much more expensive machines, making it a smart investment for those prioritizing shot quality above all else.
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro provides value through its versatility and feature set. Getting a grinder that performs well across all brew methods, with digital timing and precision, for under $200 is an excellent deal. It saves you from needing separate grinders for different brewing styles.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both are fantastic grinders at this price point, but they serve different home baristas.
Choose the Baratza Encore ESP if:
- Your primary (or only) brewing method is espresso.
- You want a robust, reliable grinder built for long-term durability.
- You prefer a simple, tactile, manual workflow and don't need digital timers.
- Grind quality for espresso is your absolute top priority.
Choose the Breville Smart Grinder Pro if:
- You enjoy multiple brewing methods, from espresso to pour-over and French press.
- You appreciate the convenience of a digital interface, presets, and a timed dosing system.
- Ease of use and repeatable results programmed by a machine are important to you.
- You want a modern-looking appliance that matches a contemporary kitchen aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the Encore ESP and Smart Grinder Pro?
The core difference is specialization versus versatility. The Encore ESP is a specialized espresso grinder with superior fine-grind consistency and a durable, mechanical build. The Smart Grinder Pro is a versatile, all-in-one grinder with digital controls and 60 grind settings suited for a wide range of coffee styles.
Which grinder is better for espresso?
The Baratza Encore ESP is generally considered better for espresso. Its specialized grind settings (1-20) allow for very fine micro-adjustments that are critical for dialing in perfect espresso shots. It delivers exceptional consistency in the finer range.
Which is better for French press or drip coffee?
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro is much better for coarser grinds required for French press and drip. Its wider range of 60 settings ensures you can get a consistent coarse grind, an area where the Encore ESP tends to produce more fines (smaller coffee dust particles).
Is the Breville’s digital screen worth it?
Whether the screen is worth it depends on your workflow. If you want to easily set a specific grind time to get a consistent dose of coffee every morning with the press of a single button, then yes, it's absolutely worth it. If you prefer to weigh your beans every time and only grind what you need, the screen offers little advantage.
Which one is easier to clean?
Both are relatively easy to clean. The upper burr on both units can be removed without tools for periodic cleaning. The process is straightforward for each, involving removing the hopper, taking out the burr, and using a brush to clear out any old coffee grounds.
Can you grind directly into a portafilter with both?
No. A key feature of the Breville Smart Grinder Pro is its portafilter cradle system, which allows for hands-free grinding. The Baratza Encore ESP includes a 54mm dosing cup and an adapter for 58mm portafilters, but it does not support hands-free operation, you have to hold it in place.
Which one is more beginner-friendly?
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro is more beginner-friendly. The digital interface, preset recommendations, and timer function simplify the process of achieving consistent results. The Encore ESP is also simple to operate, but figuring out dosing and timing relies entirely on the user.
Which grinder is built to last longer?
The Baratza Encore ESP is generally thought to be built for a longer lifespan. Its simple, mechanical design has fewer potential points of failure than the digital components in the Breville. Additionally, Baratza has a reputation for great customer support and providing replacement parts, encouraging repair over replacement.
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