BaratzaEncore ESP Coffee Grinder ZCG495BLK, Black

Overall, this is a great grinder for the $200 price point! It is awesome to see companies get closer to the budget range for well built espresso grinders. The 20 steps of small adjustments for espresso are great, and the ability to jump into coarse grinds for filter coffee is also nice to have. It definitely isn't amazing at any particular thing, but it does a good job across the board for those looking to get into grinding their own beans!The Good & Notable UpgradesGetting this grinder over the original is worth the $50.- Super easy adjustments - The first 20 steps are very small and are meant for dialing in espresso. Once you hit step 21, the thread changes and each step becomes larger which allows for a lot of options between 21-40. Twisting the bean hopper to change grind size is super great.- Single-dose cup - The included single dose cup as well as the full bin is a nice touch.- Easy cleaning - This version allows the entire burr set to be removed for cleaning, which is a major improvement over the original where the bottom burr could only be removed if you tore most of the grinder apart. This will definitely help with longevity.The BadI've got two main complaints about this grinder:- Noise - True to the Baratza name, this grinder is very loud. Those who live with you will definitely know you're making coffee.- Retention - This grinder has a notable amount of retention on the first grind, I measured ~0.7g of the bean I was using. This isn't a huge issue on its own, but I've found it can end up causing grounds to fall out and make a mess. I've gotten used to rocking the unit back and forth a couple times which helps, but I still seem to end up with grounds on the bottom quite often. I've found that the 3rd party single dose hopper with the bellow (~$40) almost completely solves for this issue.

Very well made (motor is strong) and is my daily work horse. Love it! Don’t worry about noise as the level is really not loud. Yes. It makes a grinding noise but no more that one would expect from the sound of coffee beans being crushed for 10 seconds! Easy to adjust the expresso and grinding settings and is smaller and prettier than I expected on my countertop. Definitely a no nonsense tool for its purpose. The plastic top jiggles a tiny bit but maybe designed to do so to make sure all beans go down into the grinder. Get this dedicated grinder (which is specifically designed for grinding fine for expresso but can also handle regular grinding with ease) rather than a lesser-quality grinder that is built in to an expresso machine.

The media could not be loaded. The Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder is a fantastic pick for anyone looking to up their coffee game without breaking the bank. With 40 grind settings, it can handle everything from espresso to French press like a pro. The conical burrs deliver a consistent grind that keeps your coffee flavorful, and its sleek black design fits nicely into any kitchen setup (even mine that's super cramped!). It's easy to use and great for espresso lovers, though the grind adjustment could be more intuitive. The only negative aspect I have for this grinder is the noise - but overall, it’s a solid, reliable grinder for its price. ☕️Pros:✅ 40 grind settings for all brewing styles✅ Consistent, flavorful grinds✅ Compact, sleek design✅ Affordable and durableCons:❌ Kinda loud (~85 db)❌ Some static in the grounds container

It is a little noisy. It does have some static. But there is a great variety of grind size options and I pulled great shots every time. Espresso taste is consistent with a good grind quality. It is easy to use. Design is good except noise & static. Sometimes it makes a little bit of mess.

Did a lot of research, and this rates highly with everyone. It grinds beans very well for any kind of coffee.Negatives that really aren't: I was worried that I would hate that it doesn't stop on its own, or that it clumps. Both are true, but neither bothers me. It grinds a little slowly, but that gives you time to do other things. The clumping is real, but not that big of deal. (Must use WDT) It does retain some coffee. I ordered a silicone bellows with the grinder. (It works, but you have to use it while the grinder is running). It’s also a little loud, but that ensures you won’t forget to turn it off.Positives: It's well built and substantial. You can just tell it's quality, and is likely to work for a long time. Reviews say good customer service and easy to get parts. 2) It's very quick and easy to adjust, and works well for espresso and regular drip. (Only adjust with no beans in it, or when it's running). This is my first real espresso grinder, and I LOVE it.Bottom Line: If you want to spend a lot, you can get a quieter grinder, or one that shuts off at various points, or has no retention, or all of that perhaps. But you will likely spend a LOT more, and probably won’t have distinguishably-better espresso/coffee. If you want a workhorse that grinds beautifully for every occasion, for a great price, look no further.

I’ve been using the Baratza Encore ESP daily for a few months, and it’s completely transformed my coffee routine. Adjusting the grind size is super simple with the one-handed hopper twist, and I love how consistent the grind is whether I’m making espresso or using a pour-over. Cleaning is also a breeze thanks to the quick-release burr system, which saves time and hassle. Overall, it’s a durable, easy-to-use grinder that delivers great coffee every time.