![]() It is also one of the few grinders in its price range that allows for calibration. The grind adjustment system is very easy and intuitive to use and does mean that you can easily switch between different grind sizes. So if espresso is your main game, then we would suggest giving the Baratza Encore a miss and instead opting for the Rancilio Rocky. So while you might be able to use the Encore with a pressurized portafilter, it is best labelled as a coffee grinder aimed for manual brewing methods. The reason is that espresso requires micro-adjustments that the Baratza Encore simply can’t provide. The general consensus for a while has been that the Baratza Encore should not be thought of as an espresso grinder and really struggles to pull off espresso. However, while this is true in a sense, it is also somewhat misleading. In fact, on their website Baratza claims that the Baratza Encore ‘provides consistent grinds for brew methods from espresso to French Press and everything in between.’ Basically, it has a wide enough range, at least in theory, to brew for virtually any brewing method. This naturally flows on to how wide the grind range is? So the Baratza Encore conical burr grinder has 40 different grinder adjustments that in technical terms range from 250 to 1200 microns. It really is superb grind quality for the price point, especially in comparison to most other entry-level grinders. So on grind consistency we give the Baratza Encore coffee grinder a big tick. This grind consistency is in large part due to the high quality European made 40mm steel burrs used in the Baratza Encore grinder. Of course it produces some fines (tiny dust-like coffee particles) like all grinders, but these are minimal especially considered to similarly priced grinders. These all require grind particle sizes anywhere from medium-fine to coarse and in these the Baratza Encore excels. That means Aeropress, V60, Chemex, drip coffee, cold brew, and French Press. While some claim that the Baratza Encore can grind fine enough for espresso, it really shines in manual brewing methods. Of course it will fall short if you are comparing it to a grinder worth $500-$800, but for the price this grinder is a steal! And this plays out in the consistent grind. So where does the Baratza Encore coffee grinder fit in? And the answer is that it is far superior than virtually anything else in this price range. If you remember that burr grinders can cost anywhere from $50 to $5000, you will realize that the quality of burrs can range dramatically. Many entry level grinders are made of low quality components, sub-par burrs, and in reality perform little better than blade grinders. It is often thought especially by those beginning the foray into coffee, that any burr grinder is automatically quality. What is less common knowledge is that many burr grinders are not actually much better. This is general knowledge for most coffee lovers these days. ![]() It’s not simply a matter of snobbery (although there may be traces of this), but instead it is because blade grinders cut the coffee beans rather haphazardly and thus produce highly inconsistent particle sizes. ![]() This is the reason that any coffee lover worth his or her salt will warn you that blade grinders are to be avoided at all costs. To summarize a lot of technical theory, basically the more consistent the particle sizes of the ground coffee the more even the extraction and the nicer the taste. The encore is small, accurate, well-built, and easily serviceable through Baratza.The single most important consideration in purchasing a coffee grinder is grind consistency. ![]() If you drink coffee regularly from a coffee pot or any other brew method but want more flavor clarity and control, investing in a coffee grinder is probably your next best move. The Encore is an incredible grinder for home use because of its range of settings and price point. Burr grinders produce extremely even particles, allowing water to extract the coffee grounds at the same rate. Pro Tips: A burr grinder with adjustable grind size settings is essential for perfecting a brew. Plus, you will look like a boss with it on your kitchen counter. Once you get this grinder, you won't need another one, like ever. The Encore has an accurate medium to coarse grind for the increasingly popular manual brew methods such as pour-over, Aeropress, Siphon, and Chemex. Featuring 40 individual grind settings, from fine to coarse, the Encore can please any palate with its gamut of accurate and repeatable grind settings. ![]()
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