Grinders
Illustrative photograph of an electric burr grinder — not this specific product.
GrindersBaratzaStarting out

Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder

The long-standing default recommendation for a first electric burr grinder. 40 mm conical steel burrs and 40 grind settings covering French press through to drip and pour-over. Baratza publish parts diagrams and sell replacement burrs, so it is repairable rather than disposable.

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What it does

  • 40 mm conical steel burrs
  • 40 grind settings
  • Repairable, parts published
  • Filter range, not espresso

Who it suits

  • anyone still using pre-ground coffee, where the upgrade is larger than any other single change
  • a first or second grinder, where consistency matters more than the last few percent

Who should skip it

  • anyone who only drinks instant or pods, where a grinder has nothing to do
  • espresso, unless the listing explicitly states it steps fine enough

The thing worth knowing

Burr geometry and step consistency matter more than motor wattage. A hand grinder at this price usually out-grinds an electric one at the same money, at the cost of a minute of your morning.

Suits these methods

EspressoPour-overFrench pressAny method

What we have not done

We have not independently tested this product. The description above is compiled from the manufacturer’s published specification and from what the category demands, and it is written to tell you who the equipment suits rather than to sell it. Where we have no first-hand experience, we say so rather than inventing a star rating.