Baratza - Encore

I have two grinders... A modded Mazzer Super Jolly for espresso and a non-esp Encore for drip. I think the ESP will handle everything you want to do.

I used timemore C2 for a year and later moved to Baratza encore since I was brewing 6-8 cups a day Now when I’m back to brewing 2 cups - I prefer the manual grinder

This part! Disgusting Kuerig coffee is what led me to researching and finding out about AP in the first place. Even cheap grocery store coffee tastes 100X better. Of course, 1 Baratza Encore and much better beans later, coffee is the highlight of my day…lol!

Could you expound on why that is, because I’ve been wondering? I only discovered the AP about 6 months ago and am obsessed. I got a Baratza Encore for Christmas which I love. However, my favorite coffee so far is a Lavazza (Opera Intenso) that doesn’t come in whole beans but is still absolutely amazing.

The steps are too large to get any sort of precision IMO, if you are lucky you may be able to pull a decent shot with the right beans but I wasn’t

The Baratza Encore is the one to get. Ive had mine for going on 6 years. Set and forget so long as you stick to the same beans. I like to tinker, so if i swap beans i play with the settings, which is easy, and no problem to swap back to your settings for your day to day bean. For the price point its well built, sturdy, simple, and functional, easy clean, best in its class; but the materials arent the nicest if you are looking for coffee countertop bling.

The Baratza encore is a great entry level burr grinder. Ive had mine for about 6 years. Its never let me down, used daily, easy to clean. Not the flashiest thing to sit on the counter; but is a work horse. https://a.co/d/48PjdUg

Yes! Bought mine from there also, it was $99 then. Too bad costco doesn't carry it, they would never have to deal with returns!

I give the grinder a bonk on the counter and it settles all the grounds. No issues when i use the bonk.

ESP is more towards espresso > Aeropress > Pourover, the regular encore is more Aeropress > Pourover > chemex > French Press.

I can't comment--I've never had an Opus. I have had a Baratza Encore (still do), which is in the same ballpark and it had too many fines for my liking for pour-over/filter brews. Additionally, for everything I've read/watched regarding the Opus, the reviews have never left me feeling like I'm missing out on anything.

Killer deals on Facebook Marketplace for their variant prior to the ESP around $100 USD

I’ve had mine for 3+ years and set my grind to a 6 or 8 depending on the size of the bean. Using breville bambino and I’m LOVING the quality of shots

If you are using a pressurized basket then almost any grinder makes something that tastes half decent. If you want to move away from a pressurized basket (which you should) but want to stay under 100 on the grinder, look for any reputable grinder on FB market place used for cheap. I got a Baratza Encore not ESP model for $60 and with some adjustments I can make great espresso with a medium to dark roast bean.

I agree with you besides the fact that I got it for $60 and with adjustments the last 3-5 ticks can make espresso for dark to medium roast. I wouldnt be buying a brand new one for espresso, i would even consider buying something other than the esp for espresso if there are options. Used something is better than someone never getting into a hobby just because they cant get the best of the best though.

If you want to stay on the cheap setup train, used Baratza Encores go for like $60 online and with some simple adjustments they can grind great espresso for the price you pay. I’ve been rocking an adjusted Encore for 6 months and a buddy of mine has one that isn’t adjusted and it works great for his La Pavoni.

I bought the Barraza encore and I’m on my second one. They only lasted me six months and now the second one is broken so I wouldn’t suggest that one.