Baratza Encore ESP Coffee and Espresso Grinder

Baratza Encore ESP Overview
The Baratza Encore ESP is the long-awaited update to the much loved Encore coffee grinder. Featuring performance improvements both as an espresso grinder and single-dose grinding, the Encore ESP is truly an all-purpose grinder with the specs and accessories to prove it. Using the same M2 40mm conical steel burrs as the Virtuoso+ and refined precision adjustment for espresso grinding, the Encore ESP aims to usher in a new generation of home baristas.
Features and Performance
Designed as both an espresso and brewed coffee grinder, the Encore ESP features a number of improvements over the original Encore, all aimed at improving its performance for espresso grinding and workflow. The most important change is the update to the burrs and the espresso grind range. The ESP in its name comes from the update to the stepped adjustment between settings 1-20 which now significantly restrict burr movement to help when dialing in espresso. Baratza has also replaced the Encore’s traditional burrs with the conical M2 40mm steel burrs found in the Virtuoso+ to improve grind size distribution. Further aiding in espresso grinding workflow is the inclusion of a portafilter dosing cup in addition to the standard coffee catch bin. The dosing cup includes an adapter for both 54 and 58mm portafilters and comes with a fitted base that can be installed in the grinder to hold it in place while grinding. The Encore ESP features the same gear reduction motor found in the standard encore to help regulate grinding speed at 550 RPM to reduce heat and static buildup while operating. Coffee is dispensed between 1.5 – 2.4g/sec depending on the grind setting. For easy maintenance, the bean hopper and top burr are easily removed for cleaning access and the motor is equipped with thermal overload protection to cut grinding in the case of overheating.In the bothe Baratza Encore ESP grinder includes the following accessories:Bean Hopper, Bean Hopper Lid, Portafilter Dosing Cup, 58mm Dosing Cup Adapter, Dosing Cup Base, Ground Coffee Bin, Burr Cleaning Brush, Burr Shims
Why You Should Get It
If you’re looking to break into home espresso brewing but need a grinder, the Encore ESP is a great place to start. The refined fine grinding adjustment offers a wide range of suitable settings for espresso without sacrificing the original Encore’s flexibility as a brewed coffee grinder. Its refined silhouette looks sharp on the counter and added niceties like the portafilter dosing cup and its fitted base give the Encore ESP all the makings of a modern classic.Refined Espresso Adjustment: Like the original Encore, the ESP features 40 grind settings that range from extra coarse for French press to espresso fine. For settings 21-40, the stepped adjustment features refined burr movement which allows for more precise espresso grinding. Single-Dosing: White not a single-dosing grinder per say, the Encore ESP has incredibly low grind retention thanks to its conical burrs and includes a portafilter dosing cup that can be fitted to both 54 and 58mm baskets. It’s also perfect for measuring small doses for single-dose grind cycles. Updated Housing: Compared to the original Encore, the ESP has been slimmed down with a more modern and sleek design. The grinding switch now features clearly delineated on/off positions while the on-demand grinding button finds renewed purpose when teasing out the last gram of a small espresso dose. Speed Control: Using a combination of gear reduction and electronic motor control, the Encore ESP grinds at a steady 550 RMP. The reduced speed in turn reduces static, heat, and noise as beans are gently fed into the burrs and ground.