Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder ZCG495BLK, Black

I have to update this review. Sadly, I returned the grinder. It performed as I described, but the third time I used it I noticed the hopper wobbling. I wrote Baratza and it took them 2 days to get back to me. They gave me instructions how to make sure it was seated properly, but it must have been defective. I wasn't upset with that. Me personally, I don't get people writing one star reviews because the received a damaged/defective product and just give up there. My issue was the time between communication from Baratza. We're talking multiple emails. I finally returned the item and a day later Baratza offered to exchange (they did not sell it to me, it was an Amazon vender). I decided not to buy another one. I ended up purchasing the Kitchen Aid KCG8433. I'm going to wait a little bit before I review it, but first impressions are it's quieter, but definitely bigger (footprint and height) than the Baratza. The size is not a problem for me. Also, they just reduced the price from $179 to $139.I just used it for the first time. A big upgrade from my previous grinder (Boudin Bistro). To be fair, I did coax the Boudin for 10 years, but I had to take it apart a few times to really clean it. Before that I had a Starbucks branded grinder which probably last around 10 years as well. After reading reviews for this grinder, I was expecting the same noise and static electricity as my old ones but it's not the case. I find the Encore ESP to be quieter. As for static electricity, I used to have to shut of the unit and let the grinds sit, tap the receiving cup, etc. to eliminate most of it. With this grinder, as soon as it was done, one tap of the receiving cup and everything emptied into the old coffee can I use for storage. I don't know if this is helpful, but I don't grind everyday. We're all on different schedules so I don't grind early in the morning when I wake up. I'll grind about 5 days worth of coffee at a time. This grinder is twice as heavy as my old grinders (that's not a negative, as it's not too heavy to lift, but rather a point about superior build). I definitely recommend this grinder.

I had been using a blade grinder (common from the supermarket or hardware store) to try and prep an espresso puck for my Breville Bambino Plus. After watching many coffee pro videos recommending a dedicated espresso grinder I settled on the Baratza Encore ESP, a conical burr system, and what a difference! The grinds-size for espresso settings is fine and consistent on each prep (there was no consistency of the particle size with the blade grinder). Extractions are more consistent from prep to prep and more importantly, they're consistent in taste as there are less bitter/sour shots with more even extraction / less water channeling through the puck. My only gripe is when I tried to clean the unit after 3 months of use, the lock-screw was put on so tight at the factory that I can't get it off to clean the lower burr (I used a wrench and it actually spun the motor assembly which is NOT supposed to happen, it should screw off with a hand-applied torque per Baratza's own cleaning video). Assuming my tight lock-screw issue is rare, I'd highly recommend this unit if your espresso maker doesn't have a built-in grinder.

I’m relatively new to espresso making but after a couple of months using this daily I’m fairly impressed so far. Easy to use and easy to maintain, although it does take a few minutes. (Check out the YouTube videos about break down for cleaning) I like to just tip mine upside down after removing the heavier burrs, but sometimes more precise tools seem helpful for handling the smaller pieces underneath. The good part about tipping it upside down is it helps to dump out the residual ground coffee (sometimes I use my little shop vac but before you do that make sure you have removed all of the washers - they are very thin and easy to vacuum up or lose).Besides that it seems to grind espresso beans consistently on the settings I have used (all were between 15 and 25). It looks great and the Baratza web site has many replacement parts for it. I just ordered an extra gasket for the top and extra paddle wheels with the felt - mostly for the felt which seems like it will be the first thing that may need replacing. The felt seems very delicate and I use a very delicate little brush to clean it.

works well. i am replacing an older model.this one has a much easier to remove burr grinder, which is really important in keeping it un-clogged. i like that i can also do espresso grinds as well as drip coffee.i do not like that it has a simple on/off switch, my older one had a timer knob.I also wish the bin to hold the ground coffee were completely clear, it is gray and harder to see thruso far, it works perfectly

Works great. If you're here, you probably know this is the best bang-for-your-buck if you want to grind fine for espresso at home. I bought an accordian-looking thing that goes between the lid and bean chamber that you can push on to blow air through the grinder and clear the excess grounds at the end of each use and that does a good job, too. My only issue with this machine is that there tends to be a lot of excess in the grinder if you don't buy an add-on like that to clear it, but that's a really small price to pay compared to hundreds more you would spend buying any grinder that would be better than this little workhorse.