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Is the Baratza Encore worth it?

Yes, if you brew drip, pour-over or French press: the Encore grinds consistently, is simple to use and can be repaired with parts Baratza sells. It isn’t worth it for espresso; for that, look at the Encore ESP or the Fellow Opus.

The Encore (ZCG485BLK) has 40 mm conical steel burrs, 40 grind settings, a removable hopper and one on/off switch plus a pulse button. Its main advantage over cheaper burr grinders is repairability: worn parts can be replaced instead of replacing the grinder.

By AlexUpdated 4 sources citedHow we choose

Based on Specialty Coffee Association · Baratza · OXO +1 more

black coffee maker
Photo: Crew / Unsplash

Which one should you buy?

Worth it for filter coffee

Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

40 mm conical burrs, 40 settings, parts sold.

  • 40 settings
  • Repairable
  • Drip to French press
Check price on AmazonRead why ↓
If you want espresso too

Fellow Opus Conical Burr Grinder

41 settings plus fine adjustment, espresso to cold brew.

  • Espresso-capable
  • Anti-static
  • 41 settings
Check price on AmazonRead why ↓

We don't list prices because they change daily; Amazon shows the current price and stock when you click. We earn a commission on purchases, which never decides a pick. How we choose.

The short answer: Worth it for filter coffee drinkers who want a grinder that lasts. Choose the OXO Brew if you want a timer and a lower price, or the Fellow Opus if you also make espresso.
This is a focused guide. For the full category with every pick, read the best coffee grinder.

Baratza Encore vs the alternatives

Swipe the table sideways to see all three →

SpecWorth it for filter coffeeBaratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee GrinderCheaper with a timerOXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee GrinderIf you want espresso tooFellow Opus Conical Burr Grinder
Burrs40 mm conical steel40 mm conical stainless40 mm conical stainless
Settings4015 (+ micro)41 (+ inner ring)
Grind rangeDrip to French pressDrip to French pressEspresso to cold brew
EspressoNo (use Encore ESP)NoYes
RepairabilityParts soldLimitedSome parts
Best forDrip & pour-overBudget dripOne grinder for everything
Price & stockCheck priceCheck priceCheck price
Worth it for filter coffee

Why pick Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder?

A burr grinder is the single biggest upgrade for home coffee, and the Encore is the long-lived version of that upgrade. Its 40 settings cover drip, pour-over and French press, and the controls are as simple as they get.

Baratza sells replacement parts, so a worn burr or broken switch doesn’t mean a new grinder. That is what you pay extra for compared with budget models.

Great if you
  • Brew drip, pour-over or French press
  • Want a grinder that can be repaired
  • Like simple, one-dial controls
Skip it if you
  • Want espresso; get the Encore ESP or Opus
  • Want a timer or dosing scale
  • Need the cheapest option

Key specs

Burrs
40 mm conical steel
Grind settings
40
Hopper
Removable
Controls
Pulse button and on/off switch
Model
ZCG485BLK
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee GrinderOpens Amazon; the live price and stock are shown there.
Check price on Amazon
Cheaper with a timer

Why pick OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder?

The OXO Brew gets you consistent burr grinding for drip coffee at a lower price, and its timer makes daily doses repeatable.

Parts and repairs are more limited, so it is less likely to last a decade.

Great if you
  • Want a burr grinder on a budget
  • Like a timer for repeatable doses
  • Brew drip most mornings
Skip it if you
  • Want espresso
  • Plan to keep it a decade
  • Want fine control over settings

Key specs

Burrs
40 mm conical stainless steel
Settings
15 plus micro-adjustments
Hopper
12 oz
Controls
One-touch timer
Colors
Silver, matte black
OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee GrinderOpens Amazon; the live price and stock are shown there.
Check price on Amazon
If you want espresso too

Why pick Fellow Opus Conical Burr Grinder?

The standard Encore can’t grind fine enough for espresso. The Opus can, and it still handles filter coffee and cold brew.

It is more complex to dial in than the Encore’s single dial.

Great if you
  • Make espresso and filter coffee
  • Want less static mess
  • Like a compact, modern design
Skip it if you
  • Only brew drip
  • Want the simplest controls
  • Need a black finish in stock (check availability)

Key specs

Burrs
40 mm conical stainless steel
Settings
41 plus fine adjustment
Range
Espresso to cold brew
Design
Anti-static
Color
Matte white (black often unavailable)
Fellow Opus Conical Burr GrinderOpens Amazon; the live price and stock are shown there.
Check price on Amazon

How to decide if the Encore is worth it

Start with how you brew. Filter-only drinkers get the most value from the Encore.

Brew method

Drip, pour-over and French press suit the Encore; espresso needs the Encore ESP or the Opus.

Longevity

Replaceable parts are the Encore’s main advantage.

Convenience

The OXO’s timer is handy for repeatable doses; the Encore is on/off or pulse.

Budget

The OXO is cheaper if you won’t keep a grinder for many years.

Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee GrinderOpens Amazon; the live price and stock are shown there.
Check price on Amazon

Is the Baratza Encore worth it? Common questions

Is the Baratza Encore good for espresso?

No. The standard Encore is built for filter coffee. Baratza makes the Encore ESP for espresso.

How many grind settings does the Baratza Encore have?

40.

Can you repair a Baratza Encore?

Yes. Baratza sells replacement parts, which is a big part of its value.

Baratza Encore or OXO Brew?

Encore for longevity and repairability; OXO Brew for a lower price and a timer.

How we judged value

We compared Baratza, OXO and Fellow specifications and the sources on our main coffee grinder guide, as of October 2026.

We have not hands-on tested these products; we compare published specifications, independent measurements and manufacturer documentation, and we update this page when models change. Read the full methodology.

What sources did we use?

  1. Baratza: Encore product and support pages (accessed October 23, 2026)
  2. OXO: official site (accessed October 23, 2026)
  3. Fellow: Opus grinder (accessed October 23, 2026)
  4. Specialty Coffee Association (accessed October 23, 2026)

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