The Baratza Encore is one of the most recommended entry-level burr grinders for good reason. It’s reliable, user-friendly, and delivers solid performance for drip, pour-over, French press, and even some espresso-adjacent uses. Thousands of home baristas start their coffee journey with it and love it.
But after roughly two years of regular use, a surprising number of owners begin searching for upgrades. This isn’t because the Encore suddenly becomes “bad.” It’s because their coffee habits have evolved, and the grinder’s limitations become more noticeable.
In this Baratza Encore review and upgrade guide, we’ll explore why so many owners upgrade after two years, what specific problems appear, how the Encore ESP fits into the picture, and the best upgrade paths in 2026. Whether you’re wondering “is the Baratza Encore still worth it” or actively looking for the “best grinder after Baratza Encore,” this post will help you decide.
The Baratza Encore as a First Grinder
For most people, the Encore is the perfect introduction to burr grinding. At its price point (typically $150–$170), it offers:
- 40+ grind settings
- Consistent enough results for filter coffee
- Simple, intuitive operation
- Legendary Baratza durability and customer support
- Easy cleaning and maintenance
It’s the grinder that turns “I just want better coffee than pre-ground” into “I’m now obsessed with pour-over and single-origin beans.” Many owners happily use it daily for 1–3 years without complaints.
What Changes After Two Years
Coffee skills tend to grow quickly once you start. After two years you’ve probably:
- Upgraded your brewer or espresso machine
- Started buying fresher, more expensive beans
- Become sensitive to subtle flavor differences
- Developed stronger preferences (e.g., brighter pour-overs, balanced espresso, etc.)
At this stage, small inconsistencies that were once “fine” start standing out. This is when the Encore’s limitations move from background noise to noticeable bottlenecks.
Common Reasons Encore Owners Upgrade
Here are the real-world triggers I see most often:
1. Grind Consistency & Particle Uniformity The Encore’s 40mm conical burrs do a respectable job, but they produce more fines and boulders than higher-end grinders. As you dial in lighter roasts or precise pour-over recipes, you notice more channeling, uneven extraction, and muted flavor clarity.
2. Espresso Limitations This is the #1 upgrade driver. The Encore can grind fine enough for espresso, but it struggles with repeatability at the finer settings. Many owners report:
- Difficulty finding the sweet spot
- Excessive retention and static
- Inconsistent shots day-to-day
If you’ve moved (or want to move) to a decent espresso machine, the Encore often feels like the weak link.
3. Static Buildup & Mess Static becomes more annoying over time, especially with darker roasts or drier beans. Grounds fly everywhere during transfer.
4. Speed & Noise At ~550 RPM it’s not the fastest or quietest grinder. When you’re making multiple cups every morning, those extra seconds and decibels add up.
5. Desire for Better Flavor Separation Experienced users often crave clearer cup profiles — brighter acidity, cleaner finish, better sweetness. Higher-tier burrs and more uniform grinds deliver that.
Encore vs Encore ESP
Baratza released the Encore ESP specifically to address these pain points. Key differences:
- Redesigned 48mm burr set (M2 burrs) optimized for espresso and filter
- Better particle distribution with fewer fines
- Improved low-end grind range for espresso
- Slightly better build and workflow
Verdict: If you love everything about your Encore but want better espresso capability and overall grind quality, the ESP is the most logical and affordable upgrade (usually $200–$230). Many owners describe it as “the Encore but noticeably better.”
However, if you’re already deep into espresso or chasing competition-level filter coffee, even the ESP may eventually feel limiting.
Best Upgrade Paths After the Encore
Here are the most popular next steps in 2026:
Budget-Friendly (~$200–$300)
- Baratza Encore ESP (best direct upgrade)
- Baratza Sette 270 (faster, great for espresso)
Mid-Range Step-Up ($400–$600)
- Baratza Sette 270Wi or Vario W+
- Fellow Ode Gen 2
- DF64 or similar single-dosing grinders (with SSP burrs)
Premium Long-Term Investment ($700+)
- Baratza Virtuoso+ or Specialita
- Niche Zero
- Lagom P64 / DF83
- Weber EG-1 or Kafatek
Simple Burr Upgrade Route Many owners extend the life of their original Encore by installing the M2 burr upgrade or SSP burrs. It’s a cost-effective way to improve consistency without buying a whole new grinder.
Who Should Keep the Encore in 2026?
The Encore is still an excellent grinder if:
- You mainly brew pour-over, drip, or French press
- You’re happy with “very good” results rather than chasing perfection
- You value simplicity and reliability over marginal gains
- Your budget is tight or you’re not ready for single-dosing workflows
If your daily cup still tastes great and the Encore isn’t frustrating you, there’s no need to upgrade just because time has passed.
Final Thoughts
The Baratza Encore earns its reputation as a fantastic first grinder. It introduces countless people to the joy of fresh grinding and better coffee. But after two years, many owners have simply outgrown it — not because it failed, but because their standards and setup have improved.
That’s the beautiful thing about the coffee hobby. The Encore gets you started. For many, it eventually becomes the stepping stone to something even better.
So the real question isn’t “Is the Baratza Encore still good?” It’s “Does the Encore still match where I am in my coffee journey right now?”
If you’re feeling those upgrade itches — inconsistent espresso, muddy pour-overs, or just general curiosity — it might be time to explore the next level.
What’s your current setup and how long have you had your Encore? Drop it in the comments — I read every one and am happy to give personalized upgrade suggestions.
Happy grinding!