Breville Smart Grinder Pro VS Baratza Encore | The BEST Budget Coffee Grinder for Home?

[@KyleRowsell]

I hope you're doing well today! I'd really appreciate if you hit that Subscribe and like button if you haven't already! And let me know which you would decide out of these two?!

[@bubbagump1306]

You don’t need to beg. Subscribers will come with good content.

[@n67637]

You know the coffee world can get expensive when Breville is in the "budget" category.

[@KyleRowsell]

Unfortunately this is the truest comment today.

[@just_me6128]

I know, and when you live in a country where its so difficult to find this coffee stuff 💔💔💔

[@lordw9609]

Yup. Funny how this guy thinks almost $200 coffee grinder fits into the budget/ beginner category 😬

[@EliB200]

@@lordw9609 funny but true

[@FreeNomad88]

@@lordw9609 well it is if this is the cheapest you can go for a decent and relatively consistent grind size for espresso. Fine grinds like that require more torque that more common cheap motors that rely on speed to grind can.

[@79woodie]

Best budget Espresso grinder then if these two are not up to the task?

[@ChPetru]

Vario+?

[@riccaregio]

Iberital MC2

[@shaunaisaJellyBean]

The level of adaptability and ease of repair and availability of parts really sold me on the Baratza

[@spamcan9208]

I'm thinking of going with them too because they believe in repairing not replacing. They had a whole thing about it on their site. Our culture is so disposable now. If it breaks we throw it away. I've saved time and money just by opening up a device and fixing simple things that most people would have sent to a landfill. tl;dr I think I'll buy an encore because it's serviceable lol

[@QuickQuips]

@@spamcan9208 yep. And the M2 Burr upgrade makes it quieter, faster, and more efficient with grounds retention.

[@Youaintdown0]

Awesome review! Finally a review that’s not telling you to spend a million dollars to start your coffee Journey and I’ve been looking at both of these!

[@KyleRowsell]

Glad it helped!

[@MXG000]

I found one said if you want espresso you have to pay $4000 to get good espresso or stay at pour over .

[@bcb777]

On the Breville Smart Grinder there is also internal coarse adjustments of the burrs. This changes the 0-60 scale range.

[@nickostergard47]

Came here to say this I believe in total its 600 settings

[@Sportfanaat]

Is the internal adjustment fine enough for espresso

[@MrSteamDragon]

@@SportfanaatI have the Breville. I use it mainly for moka and espresso using a manual lever machine. Yes i get a really good consistent espresso grind. I use mine daily. The big plus for me on this grinder is that you can make very small incremental adjustments on the grind to really dial in your personal preference. You can also adjust the outer burr to give you either a more coarse or finer grind setting. There are better grinders on the market of course, but at this price point I have no regrets at all. Hope this helps ☕️

[@dominater]

I have both these grinders as well as an Ascaso isteel 1. I originally first started grinding coffee beans with the Encore and quickly found that it could not do espresso and so I got the Breville SGP. It was much better. Much better. I then got a deal on the Ascaso isteel 1 from a friend who bought it new but couldn't stand the fussy workflow required to do single dose (he replaced it with a Sette 270). So, I find the Breville SPG is a great espresso grinder and not bad overall, even at the coarser settings. In fact, I now use it for French press (occasional) and Aeropress (regular) while the Encore now sits in the cupboard gathering dust. So, the Ascaso I use for Espresso only, but if I didn't have it, I would happily use the Breville SPG for all grinding duties. I do know that a lot of folks report inconsistent grinds with the Breville SPG, while others are very happy with the grinder. I have a theory as to possibly why that may be. On my SPG, the outer burr carrier has to lock (i.e. snap) into place after removal for cleaning. I was not doing that at first and I was getting very poor and inconsistent grinds. Then I finally realized my error and snap locked it into place. Thereafter, the grinds improved tremendously. Also, I think there may be a lot of variability in build quality with the SPG. I have seen some (in other videos) that have a lot of lateral and vertical play with the inner burr. Mine has virtually none. So that may be another factor in final results. Definitely though, the SPG does not have great parts availability from Breville. So, if the gears or motor go south, it probably can't be repaired and would have to be binned.

[@blacksmith67]

I am looking to replace a 30 year old blade grinder (I realize how primitive that must seem) and only found out about burr grinders yesterday. I wanted to bump your comment since it has good firsthand information that is really useful to someone like me.

[@Min-fe2zp]

I know this comment is from a while ago, but wanted to say thank you for sharing this info! It's great to know this as I felt the user friendliness of sgp is a great plus for the entry level user like myself but I couldnt make up my mind because of the inconsistency reviews.

[@dominater]

Hey, espresso is a fun rabbit hole. Here's an update on my personal experience. I acquired another grinder nearly a year ago. A Ceado E5SD. A very well made grinder and it's NSF rated. And it costs X 4 as much as the Ascaso iSteel 1. So it should be better. Right? Well, my experience is that the Ascaso does just as well in the cup. It may not last as long as the Ceado (honestly, the Ceado seems bomb proof), but it only costs a fraction as much. Outside of a cafe it is more than adequate. The lesson, I think, is that the equipment is secondary to the skill. I gotta try to remember that and stop chasing after better equipment.

[@dominater]

Also, the SGP is doing very well as my Aeropress grinder. After 5 years, it looks and runs just as new.

[@Min-fe2zp]

@@dominater Wow, thank you for the update. I did not know about Caedo since it was wayy out of my budget range, looks fancy now that I look it up. But yes I agree with you, just gonna start with one small step to this long journey. I am super excited to pick up my SGP tomorrow and pair it up with my new bambino. Hopefully I can build my palette and skills along with the equipment that fits me!

[@JamesdeChrist]

The first 20 steps on the Baratza Encore ESP(the white one you have there) are espresso fine and very precise. The Baratza Encore ESP is specifically engineered for optimised espresso.

[@MOAB-UT]

Everyone knows this son.

[@wright.boy_]

I use the Encore for espresso with the Flair. I did a couple things to be able to use it: 1. Change the calibration to allow finer grinds. Baratza has instructions for this on their KZbin channel. It just shifts the position of the burr. With this finer grind, I grind for V60 around 22, and espresso around 9. 2. Swapped in the M2 burr from the higher end virtuoso. It was a $30 upgrade that had significant shot quality improvements. The Baratza is still just barely usable for espresso - the adjustments are very large snd it’s tricky to dial in, but I have made some very tasty shots while saving up for a Niche, what I see as the high end Encore.

[@KyleRowsell]

Thanks for sharing this. I haven’t heard of this before surprisingly. But this is good information.

[@iamseevi]

How far did you calibrate for the finer grinds? I have a Preciso and recently calibrated to the finer side after getting the adjustment ring replaced and I still need to go in the 2-3 range for my flair pro 2.

[@annagrier]

Same. I recently compared the espresso extract time for a similarly prepared puck on my Flair Classic for the #3, #2, and #1 grind sizes on my Baratza Virtuoso. The #3 pulled in

[@TerrapinSuite]

Thanks for this video! My first and current grinder is the Breville Smart Grinder Pro. I only make pour over coffee (V60). At the time I considered the Encore as well. I had a store credit where they offered the Breville and it was also on sale so I went with the Breville. I have been happy with the Breville, but I am looking to moderately upgrade my home grinder. I plan to stick to pour over coffee and do not plan to do espresso. Are there grinders you would recommend at the next price level? Thank you!

[@rubendariobatistabocharel7561]

I can really feel you do want to help people out there, that you do love coffee and you are totally down to earth explaining all the information, this is why I liked and Subscribed. Saludos desde Panamá 🇵🇦 if you ever want to try any of our great coffees, let me know!

[@natanmilikowsky4797]

Thanks Kyle. I just got the smart grinder pro as a present. How do I single does with it? to just put in the exact weight of beans into the hopper? Is there some specific technique?

[@EsotericArctos]

Great review. The Dose Control Pro is the same grinder virtually, minus the electronic screen. These are all still available now, 4 years later, and both these machines (as well as the Dose Control Pro) are very well regarded at the price point. Although Breville does now own Baratza, the Smart Grinder Pro does not have Baratza burrs, so they are a bit different, but both will be awesome for great coffee at home on a budget. Not sure if Baratza had it when this video was released, but for Espresso, Baratza have the Encore ESP model, which can grind a lot finer.

[@Sara-fp6xr]

These are the exact two grinders I was considering after a lot of sifting. Your video really made the decision. I'm making espresso. So the breville it is! Thank you!

[@Smittenmocha]

I find this video even more relevant as the Encore has gone up in price, bringing it only $30 behind the Breville. Its a tough call between the two grinders, I prefer the look of the Breville but the Encore has a great legacy. If I could throw the Follow Ode into the mix, I would be even more indecisive. As a daily V60 or Chemex drinker, I am not sure what grinder would be best in 2022. Thoughts?

[@falcon81701]

So what do you suggest for an espresso machine and a stove top Moka? I was considering Breville but open to better suggestions.

[@ManBearPiggy]

Have recently fallen down the coffee enthusiast rabbit hole since being bought an espresso machine for Christmas and have been thoroughly absorbed into this passion, must have watched about 100 videos so far in January. Am I the only one who thinks that the price of these grinders is insane?? After coming to the conclusion that the grinder I got with the machine is practically garbage, I thought I'd invest in a better one thinking £100 would get me a pretty decent grinder. Nope... more hours of research later and realise even £200 only gets me an "entry" level espresso grinder! Only talking about some conical burrs being driven by a motor, think these companies are having a laugh at our expense haha Great video by the way!

[@ross4]

Yes, quite an expensive hobby. That's for sure.

[@carlose6010]

True, just buy the basics and be happy as many things in life. :)

[@fivestar2227]

The Breville has 600 grind settings (10 main positions right on the burr set x 60 fine movements on the knob) and good luck finding a competing grinder for $200 that can fully dial in a shot.

[@muratozt]

Great video. Would you consider making a comparison video with Smeg grinder? I really would like to know the difference between breville and smeg

[@eveeg5]

Yes to smeg vs breville

[@deborahpharaoh4505]

I recently purchased the Breville Smart Pro. We use a french press and are loving the flavour of our coffee. It's quick and easy to operate and easy to clean. Very happy with our purchase.

[@joeshort2443]

Great video. Does anyone know how to turn off the Sage grinder? And I don’t mean just switch it off at the wall I mean how to turn it off in between uses? I know it auto turns off after 5 minutes but I want to know how to turn it off manually? Thanks

[@moviemaster00000]

Actually the Smart Grinder has SIX HUNDRED grind settings when you include the burr settings as well that you can modify 10 levels

[@dalemartin89]

Hi Kyle! I have the smart grinder pro. I appreciated what you said about it being a gate to simply getting into espresso at home. If you can't afford a good grinder, you can't afford a good grinder, and you can hide bad espresso well enough in milk drinks, especially when your palate isn't well trained. I have paired this grinder with the gaggia classic, and my biggest beef is that when grinding fine enough for the classic it's really clumpy with most coffees and oily coffees clog it completely. I use a straightened paper clip to declump a bit, but it still channels pretty badly most of the time. Definitely itching for an upgrade! Until then, any distribution tools available here in Canada you're aware of that could help get a little more mileage out of this grinder?

[@jaredwatterson4190]

This video came at a perfect time for me, I've been bouncing back and forth trying to decide between these two machines. Decision made - Baratza Encore. Thanks!

[@KyleRowsell]

Glad that this helped!

[@lawnmowerman2199]

You made the perfect decision!! To much electronic gadgets on the Brevil that may last 1-2 years at best.

[@commonempowerment]

Great video Kyle! I was trying to decide between the two and this review showed me exactly what I needed to know. Cheers mate

[@cr9389]

Love your videos! Thank you so much for this info. We are just starting out, and spent our money on our actual machine. It’s good to know we can use this as a starter grinder.

[@Mudig]

Are these just as good as the 4-$500 grinders?

[@MasonRorapaugh]

“Do you think that’s consistent?!” Haha I love the cameo from the little guy

[@MasonRorapaugh]

Also, I should mention that I really enjoyed this comparison. I’ve been curious about those Breville grinders and if they’re worth recommending to friends. I’ve used an Encore for five years and it has served me really well. Thanks for the video!

[@KyleRowsell]

Haha. Had to put the little guy in. Glad it helped!!

[@nomadsolos]

@@MasonRorapaugh I have used the Breville Smart Grinder Pro for five years as well. and I love it !

[@TLOH7]

Ma' son...seat and learn... from the "little guy".

[@blakedeacon3628]

Along with the Breville 60 stops you can adjust the burrs further when you take the hopper off.

[@KyleRowsell]

Very true!

[@haberdashery314]

@@KyleRowsell If you do what @B.Deac suggests, would it be suitable for espresso?

[@juanmanuelnunezsoto1911]

Which one would you recommend for a good espresso with bottomless portafilter?

[@ortiztino]

Sub… thanks for the info. What grinder would you recommend for espresso? Since none of these are not on your list.

[@Odpei]

I have also a Encore and can't complain anymore for the price. Your Coffee table equipments are almost what I want! Lelit Biaca is my next dream to be come true hopefully in next 3 years. But for now I can live with my Moccamaster and Encore, Even I love to drink espresso, Nespresso just do it for price and convenient for now. Can't afford a espresso machine 3 years ago but 80 euro Nespresso. Thank you for sharing your idea and experience. Nice to hear someone have some same thought!

[@KyleRowsell]

Thanks for the response!

[@Jim-s4k4d]

Hi Kyle- I enjoy all your videos- thank you. Can you please recommend a burr grinder primarily for pour over, French press and moka pot that isn’t too loud or messy? I don’t mind paying more for high quality. I’m considering a Virtuoso but am concerned it might be too loud and messy. Thanks in advance.

[@ericthomas9899]

Great video, Kyle! The baratza encore actually can be recalibrated for espresso! It does need to be taken apart though. Baratza has a video on how, as well as my “Baratza Encore Optimization” video. Love the content, bud!

[@gsm156]

I'm based in the UK and got the Sage grinder same as the Breville. I think it's an excellent grinder and have made very tasty espresso with it. Haven't yet experienced the clumping as described. I just wonder how much better my coffee will taste with a more expensive brand.

[@Stereodeliparts]

As someone who’s been wanting to upgrade for some time, this video helps a lot. Thank you! I’ve come to the conclusion the best setup is one grinder specifically set for filter coffee, v60 being my preferred method, as well as another dedicated grinder that’s purpose built for espresso. Encore in white for me.

[@KyleRowsell]

You’re very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@ianyorke2617]

Any recommendations for where to set the upper burr adjustment for espresso. Stock it is set to 6 but what is your recommendation for espresso and what limit on other methods would this setting limit you to?

[@robdonaldson7580]

Great and simple review which I appreciate. You didn’t mention using these for French Press coffee, I assume the Breville would be the choice for that, since you would want a coarse grind for French Press. After many reviews, I purchased the Breville for French Press and espresso purposes since I’m just starting out.

[@isidorsiskos2598]

At 7:20 you have some amazing looking footage. Whats your camera and lens? 😅 Everyone's here talking about grinders and coffee and I'm like, what's your camera setup 😅

[@fixall4ever]

Hi. I got Covid a month ago and since then I can’t drink espresso anymore even latte. Do I have to sell my whole setup and go drip. I have syncronika and atom 75 and cube temp. What do you recommend for best drip machine and grinder. Is there something that does fully automated drip Tks

[@retro1333]

Ty for the review. Which one do u think grind better and even for filter coffe, comandante hand grinder or encore ?

[@KyleRowsell]

Comendante hands down!

[@lisamitchell9725]

I've got a cheap Bodum burr grinder which was recommended to me when I first started out. I've now upgraded my espresso machine, despite it not being perfect would a smart grinder pro give me noticeably better espresso/filter coffee than the cheap bodum? Or am I better off saving the cash until I can get something a bit better?

[@KyleRowsell]

It absolutely would improve your espresso from the Bodum.

[@michaelbradley7208]

I’m confused on your sifting test. If the majority of the beans are going to be in the course end of the test, >800 microns, I would assume you set the grinder to too coarse a setting? Surely wherever the majority of the grinds end up is where you’re grinding at? If the goal was majority of grounds between 400 and 800 then why not set both grinders to a finer setting until the majority of grounds would fall between 400 and 800?

[@lita8451]

If you mainly use moka pot, French Press, cold brew. What grinder do you recommend?

[@louisd95714]

You left out one of the most important features on the SGP is that the upper burr can be adjusted to different settings, totaling 600 different grind settings.

[@ralph9987]

when you say "espresso" do you include the coffee from the stove top bialetti 6cup?

[@JBGreeneyes17]

Thank you Kyle. Love your presentations. You're the best!!

[@miata1370]

These are two of three grinders I'm considering for my first burr grinder; the third being the Capresso Infinity. How does the Capresso compare to either the Breville SGP or the Baratza Encore? Many thanks for the info presented.

[@RS-ec6ik]

Dude you’re the coolest presenter I’ve ever seen. Hope you have a great 2021!

[@KyleRowsell]

Thanks Rob! Appreciate it! Happy new year.

[@darioplazas1007]

I HAVE A GAGGIA CLASSIC PRO, WHICH GRINDER DO YOU RECOMMEND BETWEEN THESE 2, ENCORE ESP OR SMART GRINDER PRO FROM BREVILLE

[@crisgarenas]

Kyle I only have the breville and just getting into V60. I understand is not the best for the job, but at the moment I don’t want to spend more money on another grinder (ok, maybe $100 TOPS). Can you suggest me the best grinding setting for V60 on the smart grinder pro or a decent manual grinder under $100 that can do the job better? Thanks so much in advance!

[@thehairlesspersian3273]

Thanks for the review dude, how would you compare the Breville to capresso infinity plus?? I brew using a French press, moka pot and Turkish coffee at home and want one that can do it all as I’m tired of using my Turkish hand grinder for larger quantities needed for moka and French press. Much appreciated!

[@grant88889]

I’ve got the Breville smart grinder but it’s clumpy and feels inconsistent. Is the crema that much better on your $750+ grinders?

[@enyceofnyc]

Does the Smart Grinder pair well with a prosumer espresso machine? If not, what is a good grinder to use with a machine like ECM Synchronika?

[@Drift-yf4rn]

I've got the Breville smart grinder pro, bought it maybe 6 or 7 years ago, I've moved on since, but it is a stepless grinder. Did Breville change that at some point?

[@drtamiherman8324]

Good morning Kyle. Do you happen to know if upgrading the Encore with the M2 burrs will change the taste profile of the coffee? I like sweet, sweet coffees and am wondering if the M2 burrs will decrease the sweetness of the brew. (Much like using flat burrs will.) Thanks so much for your time. Love your videos!

[@glleon80517]

Yeah, but how does the Breville do for espresso grinds?

[@jimharris3889]

I was thinking of buying the Cuisinart grinder for 1/3 the price of these , please explain how these are more beneficial ?

[@annasanabria4653]

Hi, I just subscribed because, although I have looked at other videos on this issue, it was only when I heard yours that I felt you said things that I needed to know. Anyway, I have a Breville dual boiler espresso machine and the burr grinder I was using is no longer working. So, I need recommendation to what to buy that would coincide with what I should get to match my machine's needs to make good coffee. I am not a professional, its just for me.

[@rAustinBall]

The encore can be recalibrated to go very fine. There are videos that show you how to do it. There’s a screw that just needs to be shifted to one side under the hood. If you take it too far (as I did years ago) you can make the burrs contact and then you need to replace a part lol.

[@UncleSkiBum]

Yeah I shimmed mine and was great when I had a gaggia classic. Still own my baratza encore and use it for my filter coffee

[@christianleduc8460]

@@UncleSkiBum what do you mean by « shim » the Baratza?

[@lorikoppa5323]

Would one of these grinders be good for an French press?

[@carmen6364]

What is filter coffee? I am using a perculator Is that filter coffee ?

[@sjorlando7282]

I have the SGP - need help with settings for v60, aeropress, falvors all over the place

[@deotatitlan]

Hi :) ¿Do you recommend the breville to grind coffee in a coffee shop or just to grind coffee in low demand to home? Thanks for the video is very instructional.

[@KyleRowsell]

Hey! The Breville is a home coffee grinder. I would not recommend this for a cafe.

[@danjv]

Thanks Kyle, we've got the Encore and it's great for filter coffee. Baratza's customer service is beyond compare. Their machines are practically user rebuildable. I'd never give it up. Recently got a Gaggia Classic Pro and you're mostly right saying it's not suited for espresso grinding. It gets fine enough but lacks the flexibility to dual in espresso. I've got my eye on the Eureka Mignon Facile to remedy my espresso and the Encore what I think is best for the money to grind filter coffee.

[@billinrio]

Great choice on the Eureka Mignon. You're going to love it!

[@framedman]

You shouldn't buy either if you have inconsistent grinds, no? Do you think that's an issue with the conical burr set at that price?

[@KyleRowsell]

I wouldn't say that. They are fairly consistent given the price. And they will brew delicious coffee. When it comes to filter brewing... consistency is less crucial than espresso.. so they will get the job done well.

[@framedman]

@@KyleRowsell yeah, well, given that, do you think the Eureka Mignon or Wilfa Uniform are worth the extra price for filter coffee? About a hundred more but with the flat burrs, once you're dialled in, you're getting a much better grind. Be good to see a video on those two if you can get your hands on them, just to see how the Encore measures up.

[@KyleRowsell]

@@framedman I think it comes down to what money is worth to you, and are you willing to spend extra? Does your budget allow? If so.. the Mignon is an excellent grinder. I haven’t used the wilfa personally

[@framedman]

@@KyleRowsell haha, yeah, I don't ever want to buy another grinder for at home filter coffee again and I'd always prefer to spend extra to get an acceptable and sustainable level of quality, so I think you've answered my question ☺️. Appreciate the advice and love your channel. Looking forward to more.

[@jclem2986]

Would you say that this Brevile grinder is about the same quality as the one already built inside the barista express from Brevile, or is it better ?

[@meltingtomato]

It should be the same, but with a different chassis.

[@agent4you2]

My Breville just came via UPS today. I wish I would have watched your video first. I only plan to use it espresso.

[@Nazareth434]

don't know if anyone mentioned it or not- but the encore you can calibrate it to grind even finer, more consistent i believe- it's a very easy thing to adjust- there are vids showing how- and you can even make it step-less if you want- and you can upgrade the burr if you wanna tear the machine apart to do so (It's a little bit of a chore, but there are videos that walk you through the process), and you can get parts for it and repair yourself- would like to see a comparison between the two after the calibration is made to it's finest setting- (without doing away with the step grind feature)

[@deviouslaw]

Where can I find the encore for $129 in the audio or $149 in the video? I see $169 everywhere

[@javierruizmarcos]

For all purpose coffee brewing, Breville or 1zpresso Jx-Pro?

[@fiddlestitch89]

Any chance you might review the Baratza Virtuoso+ vs. Fellow Ode? Looking to upgrade at some point and not sure which one to go with.

[@nathanielkeane8462]

Honestly, if you’re single dosing filter coffee and not planning on doing espresso, you’ll get way better consistency from a good hand grinder than this for around the same price. The 1Zpresso grinds 20g in like 30 seconds so it’s not even a lot of work and you get better grounds.

[@pushslice]

Exactly, that is my set up as well. I save my Sette for espresso but my cheaper hand grinder blows it away on grind quality for handbrews.

[@BibbusTV]

Great video man. Just a heads up theirs some kind of buzz coming from your mic? Unless its part of the music

[@KyleRowsell]

The song has some weird feedback noises in it. I realized this after export. Sorry about that.

[@Overskilled55]

What about the smart grinder pro vs. the one already mounted on the BBE?

[@meltingtomato]

It's effectively the same grinder, just with a different shell.

[@dowblab]

The exact comparison I was looking for. Very helpful!

[@KyleRowsell]

Glad it helped!

[@dowblab]

@@KyleRowsell Do you think the Breville would suffice for use with a pressurized portafilter? I'm using a Calphalon Temp IQ

[@falkmh]

What would you consider to be the next step up from the sage (as an espresso capable grinder)? There seems to be a bit of a lack of grinders in the 200-400 €/$ space.

[@KyleRowsell]

Check out my lagom mini video.

[@oliverdelacruz2366]

I owe the Smart Grinder Pro, rarely grind coarse, I mostly go for drip coffee and espresso. I think it does a great job overall for a house grinder, I differ in the consistency part but I am no expert in this subject

[@ToddParker]

I have baratza precisio and bought it years ago for the brew range while knowing that it did a better job in tests for pour over range than vario. what would you recommend that wont break the bank that might be better for espresso than precisio?

[@KyleRowsell]

Hey! I have a video for the best espresso grinder under 250 and it's the Sette 30! Be sure to give it a watch

[@pvtghost24]

As an owner of the Breville Smart Grinder Pro, I can definitely taste the difference in its inconsistent grinding. The brews from it's grinds lack depth and clarity, muddy flat coffee tone with very little distinction of the beans tasting notes. I noticed a couple years ago when I first got it, used it for poor over, and poor the coffee was. I then ordered a 1Zpresso JX (non-pro) after then having tried the TIMECORE Chestnut C2. From that end I can definitely say there was a difference in the cups of poor over coffee I made with my Kalita Wave. Now come around today, I used the Breville Smart Grinder Pro (collecting dust) as an excuse to get into espresso, and again I am met with inconsistency with its grinding in addition to it holding residual grinds at the base of the grind catch below the burrs. So, now I'm waiting for a 1Zpresso K-Ultra I just ordered to arrive here a couple days from this comment. P.S. You can use electric drills to attach to the shaft of hand grinders instead of doing it by hind.

[@aniou8126]

What’s a good grinder for espresso, and why aren’t these good for espresso?

[@Evokenau]

I am in exactly the position Kyle described in this video, was tossing up between these two. Local store had the Breville on special the day before xmas, not sure if I made the right decision now as I pretty much only drink filter, but it wokred out about $30 cheaper than I could get the Encore when you factor in shipping. It will do me until I can afford a higher quality grinder in a year or so.

[@KyleRowsell]

Right on! Thanks for the response!

[@ep911300]

have you tried a cheaper one? otherwise how can you tell?

[@alexch9007]

I Love this item. Works wonderfully and is a true space saver. Easy to use and clean.

[@Dancingmartian]

You mentioned a modification for the Encore? Where would you get that? Does this void the warranty?

[@Dancingmartian]

Ok I found the M2 on the Baratza site. www.baratza.com/shop/cone-burr-2 Would you happen to know how much better the grind is?

[@KyleRowsell]

It creates slightly better results, but it won’t allow it to grind fine enough for espresso. If filter coffee is your need, I’d recommend trying it!

[@CrimFerret]

I had an Encore that finally gave up the ghost. It was ok I suppose, but I swear they picked the most static generating plastic available. Always a mess, always a pain to clean. If the output chute on that Breville would fit an Aeropress, it would be pretty much ideal.

[@heathersummers6815]

This may be a silly question but if I order coffee from say a small local roaster in an espresso grind or even Hawaii grower in small batch sent in a espresso grind size with quick delivery-- is the brew actually that much better to justify a $200 purchase? In today’s quick delivery options when does the grind start to go stale?! Or so stale to produce a bad cup? Asking for a friend....LOL

[@lyndaphillips9064]

I add three drops of water to my beans in the cone before grinding. Pours out of the drawer and into my French press without any spillage.

[@ricardomayorgab2333]

For filtered coffee at home, you should recommend a baratza encore or any other similar-priced hand grinder? Just thinking on the quality of the coffee

[@KyleRowsell]

More videos to come ☺️

[@hihi0208]

if you had to choose between the Niche and Encore to make a filter coffee (assuming price wasn’t a factor at play) which would you pick, purely from the perspective of grind quality? I’ve heard mixed reviews about the Niche for filter.

[@KyleRowsell]

I use the niche for filter coffee multiple times a day. I would chose the niche!

[@phyllisriley1013]

Can we get the niche in the US? Link??

[@maurodelgadoo]

Hi! great video! i have a breville smart grinder pro and i use it as my espresso grinder for my gaggia classic pro . Do you think that can i dial light roast beans with that grinder or maybe medium roast, or it could dial for dark roast? and sir, do you think that grinder could mantain the consistency using it as single dose grinder? thank you so much and merry christmas!

[@KallMeKG]

Just picked up the Baratza and love it

[@jamesbergquist4728]

Do you recommend a video on how to upgrade the burr grinder in this model to the m2 in the virtuoso?

[@HypAXis]

I would say the m2 burr upgrade is pretty well worth it; in the beginning, once you replace the burr, the first 20-30 grinds are pretty muddy, because the burr needs to break it in, after that, the burr is really consistent, less fines, less large pieces, quieter and faster.

[@sr_leche]

How much weight you can have on a single load?

[@norcross411]

Love your enthusiasm for coffee!

[@jeftesantiago]

Awesome! Thanks Kyle to think about in us, those that doesn’t have a lot of $$$!

[@KyleRowsell]

Budget grinders are an important category in this industry!

[@jeftesantiago]

@@KyleRowsell I have an appliance grade machine with no temp control, most of the time with a higher temp you want to brew. Do you recommend a grinder like this for a machine with non-pressurized basket?

[@KyleRowsell]

@@jeftesantiago the SGP is a decent entry level espresso grinder. It depends on your budget. But as I mention, it’s not the greatest espresso grinder ever.

[@jeftesantiago]

@@KyleRowsell So, what do you recommend to start at the espresso game?

[@KyleRowsell]

@@jeftesantiago great question. Eureka just released a grinder called the facile. It’s a no frills flare burr grinder. Check it out!

[@edc629]

Which one is a better grinder? The Breville Smart Grinder Pro or the built-in grinder in Breville Barista Express? Thanks in advance Kyle

[@KyleRowsell]

They're the same grinder but the SGP offers more adjustments to the burr. So I'd go with SGP.

[@edc629]

@@KyleRowsell Thank you for your quick response. Much appreciated.

[@jamescanderson1302]

WHAT SETTING DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR DRIP FOR THE BARATZA ??

[@staglite]

I just bought a Solis Scala Plus as my expresso/filter coffee grinder. Really hoping it's up to the Job

[@sebas9504]

I’d be interested in some Baratza Encore mods videos, if you’d be willing to do that