ProductViper · Head-to-head · Coffee & Espresso Grinders
Baratza Encore ESP vs Smart Grinder Pro
Same $199.95 price, eight points apart. The choice is Baratza's simple dual-range dial and tool-free burr versus Breville's timer, LCD and 60 settings.
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Breville Smart Grinder Pro
Which one should you buy?
Buy the Baratza Encore ESP if you want simple controls and a repairable grinder. Buy the Baratza Encore ESP if you are starting on espresso, weigh your beans on a scale anyway and want to pull the burr for cleaning without tools.
Buy the Breville Smart Grinder Pro if you want timed dosing and the most control for the money. Buy the Breville Smart Grinder Pro if you want to grind straight into a portafilter and prefer a 2-year warranty.
Side-by-side specs
| Baratza Encore ESP | Smart Grinder Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (Amazon, Sept 2026) | $199.95 | $199.95 |
| ViperScore | 77 · Fair Buy | 85 · Strong Buy |
| Amazon rating | 4.0 stars (1,389 ratings) | 4.5 stars (7,002 ratings) |
| Burrs | 40mm hardened alloy steel conical, made in Liechtenstein | Stainless steel conical |
| Grind settings | 40: micro-steps 1-20 for espresso, macro-steps 21-40 for filter | 60 |
| Dosing | Pulse button plus on/off switch | Dosing IQ timer in 0.2-second steps |
| Display | None | LCD: setting, grind time, shots or cups |
| Bean hopper | 8 oz | 18 oz |
| Portafilter support | Dosing cup fits 54mm and 58mm with adapter ring | Cradles for 50-54mm and 58mm portafilters |
| Burr removal | Quick-release, no tools | Removable upper burr |
| Motor | DC motor | 165 W |
| Weight | 5.56 lb | 6.39 lb |
| Warranty | 1-year limited | 2-year limited |
Where each one wins
Why the Baratza Encore ESP still makes sense
- Twenty micro-steps set aside for espresso give fine control where it matters, with 20 more for filter.
- The quick-release burr comes out for cleaning without tools, and Baratza sells replacement parts.
- Simpler controls: twist the hopper to adjust, then press the pulse button.
Why the Smart Grinder Pro scores higher
- Higher Features (92 vs 78): 60 settings, a 0.2-second Dosing IQ timer, an LCD and portafilter cradles.
- Higher Value (90 vs 80) and Satisfaction (90 vs 80) at the same price, from 4.5 stars across 7,002 ratings.
- Better Warranty (66 vs 55): 2 years against 1, plus an 18-oz hopper against 8 oz.
ViperScore breakdown
| Baratza Encore ESP | Smart Grinder Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Value (25%) | 80 | 90 |
| Quality (20%) | 80 | 82 |
| Features (15%) | 78 | 92 |
| Reliability (15%) | 76 | 82 |
| Satisfaction (15%) | 80 | 90 |
| Warranty (10%) | 55 | 66 |
| ViperScore | 77 | 85 |
Higher number highlighted. Weights: Value 25%, Quality 20%, Features 15%, Reliability 15%, Satisfaction 15%, Warranty 10%. How we score →
Questions buyers ask
Can both grinders make espresso?
Yes. The Encore ESP reserves settings 1 to 20 for espresso. The Smart Grinder Pro covers espresso at the fine end of its 60 settings, though some owners move the upper burr to grind finer.
Which grinder has a timer?
Only the Breville. Its Dosing IQ timer adjusts in 0.2-second steps; the Baratza uses a pulse button and an on/off switch.
Which has the longer warranty?
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro carries a 2-year limited warranty. The Baratza Encore ESP carries 1 year.
Prices are live Amazon prices from Sept 24 2026 and change often; Amazon shows the current price. ProductViper is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
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