Encore™ ESP Pro

If you typically buy fresh roasted small batch coffee, especially single origin, I think you should look for something with more clarity like the DF54. It will deliver a more uniform grind size which helps flesh out the flavor profile. If you want something easy to dial in with a wider sweet spot for grind setting then the Encore ESP is a great choice, especially for a beginner. Maybe even step up to the ESP Pro which has a digital display and a more upscale look and feel. Personally I think it’s worth the extra cost over the regular ESP. If you think you’ll be into espresso as a hobby, you’ll probably end up with both a conical and flat burr grinder anyway as they each have their pros and cons.

If you are still at that stage then I think the workflow of the ESP pro would be a great fit. Like I said, even if you get more advanced, the ESP pro will still be useful for pour over and med to dark roast espresso or those times when you go back to cheaper beans.

Right. And don’t get confused with the naming. Bambino Plus is much better than Bambino. So Bambino Plus and (“plus” lol) whatever grinder floats your boat. Encore ESP is recommended, I had issues with the Pro version so maybe stay away from that. But I’ve seen many people content with just the all-in-ones, no shame in owning what makes you happy. I have a Moccamaster, Virtuoso+, Encore ESP Pro, and Bambino Plus. And I still sometimes use my Stagg kettle and Acaia scale to make pour over, or my hand grinder when someone wants decaf. Such is life.

Right. And don’t get confused with the naming. Bambino Plus is much better than Bambino. So Bambino Plus and (“plus” lol) whatever grinder floats your boat. Encore ESP is recommended, I had issues with the Pro version so maybe stay away from that. But I’ve seen many people content with just the all-in-ones, no shame in owning what makes you happy. I have a Moccamaster, Virtuoso+, Encore ESP Pro, and Bambino Plus. And I still sometimes use my Stagg kettle and Acaia scale to make pour over, or my hand grinder when someone wants decaf. Such is life.

You want to get an espresso focused grinder and a reputable brand under $300. I have three good options. In order of preference considering (grind/burrs, retention, user experience, durability) 1.) Varia VS3 ($270) changeable burr options & quiet 2.) 1Zpresso J Ultra ($199) hand grinder with great accuracy and flavors 3.) Baratza Encore ESP Pro ($299) old faithful but the Varia looks better and quieter with many burr options I’m sorry but I don’t recommend the DF54. Too many complaints and user issues. Turin has a lot of fans though, I’m just not one of them 🤷‍♂️🤠

Same here. Going on 13yrs for the grinder and 6 years in the M2 burrs (didn’t need replacement just thought it was a worthwhile upgrade)

I think so? Been a while but I think I remember grinding some beans before and after to get an idea of fines and particle consistency and don’t remember regretting it.

If you can find a fellow ode on sale that’s a good option. DF54 is great for the $, but you’re buying from basically an oem manufacturer so very limited support. Also, Baratza encore is reccomended a lot for a reason. You can get a single dose hopper for it too, but it’s loud as hell. For $300 you can get the ESP Pro which is a great value imo, will give you espresso capability if you want down the road, and they have amazing support

Encore in general is loud, but I have heard in the ESP pro they did some extra sound dampening. If I was buying a grinder for $300 that’s probably what I’d go for tbh

Baratza ESP Pro. $300 at launch in August. I really feel it’s the ESP Pro/ESP and Df54 in the 300 and under range for electric grinders. I like that the pro had a lot of quality upgrades (stepless, digital display, construction, auto stop) over the standard ESP. I chose the Baratza over the df54 due to access to domestic customer support/repairability. Paired with a regular bambino. Dreaming of a Mazzer Philos one day!

Baratza ESP or ESP Pro, no question. Avoid the SGPs. They are old designs, barely suitable for dark, oily roasts of dubious origins; perhaps a step up from a blade grinder. Apologies to contented users of these; mainly I am irate at the gall of Breville's inflated pricing for them. Baratza Encore has very capable Etzinger burrs that do a great job across roast levels and brew methods, and are probably held back by the...frugal build of the Encore. But for the price, they're great. Get the Pro if you can swing it (for the quality of life/workflow improvements), but don't feel like you're missing out if the regular Encore ESP is within easier reach. Baratza service is still excellent, despite its recent acquisition by Breville.