TLDR Review: Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder
Verdict
The Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder ZCG485BLK is an excellent choice for home baristas looking for a reliable and consistent coffee grinder. Its 40 grind settings, conical burr grinders, and quiet operation make it versatile for various brewing methods. However, potential buyers should be aware of its noise level and lack of certain advanced features. In summary, it offers great value for its price and is especially suitable for those who prioritize grind consistency and ease of maintenance.
- Top pro:
- Equipped with conical burr grinders for consistent grind quality.
- Top con:
- Some users have reported that the grinder can be noisy during operation, with 'high noise level' mentioned by multiple reviews.
Score
The Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder receives a positive overall score due to its exceptional grind quality and user-friendly operation, making it an excellent choice for coffee enthusiasts on a budget; however, some users have reported frustrations with static build-up, noise levels, and the less-than-ideal hopper design that can lead to spillage. Despite these concerns, its solid construction and ease of repair, coupled with support from the manufacturer, bolster its reputation as a reliable entry-level grinder.
Scores
Pros
- •Equipped with conical burr grinders for consistent grind quality.
- •Offers 40 different grind settings to cater to various brewing methods.
- •Operates quietly, making it suitable for home use without disturbing others.
- •Built with durability in mind, featuring replaceable parts ensuring longevity.
- •Easy to assemble and clean, with simple maintenance required.
- •Includes a pulse button for precise dosing when grinding coffee.
- •Capable of grinding up to 12 cups of coffee at once.
- •Provides consistent grind quality that meets coffee enthusiasts' standards.
- •Reasonably priced for the value and features it offers.
Cons
- •Some users have reported that the grinder can be noisy during operation, with 'high noise level' mentioned by multiple reviews.
- •Lacks advanced features found on more expensive models like programmable timing.
- •Some users find the grind adjustment steps to be too large, limiting fine-tuning.
- •The plastic housing may feel less premium compared to metal-bodied grinders.
- •No included bin or container for ground coffee, so you need your own receptacle.
- •Can be challenging to dial in the perfect grind size for certain brewing methods.
- •Users have noted that the grinder can sometimes struggle with more oily beans.
- •The initial assembly instructions are not very thorough and can be confusing.
- •Lacks weight and may move slightly during use if not anchored properly.
Product Score
Calculated by ShopSavvy from the professional reviews and customer ratings we collected for this product.
Why this score?
The Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder receives a positive overall score due to its exceptional grind quality and user-friendly operation, making it an excellent choice for coffee enthusiasts on a budget; however, some users have reported frustrations with static build-up, noise levels, and the less-than-ideal hopper design that can lead to spillage. Despite these concerns, its solid construction and ease of repair, coupled with support from the manufacturer, bolster its reputation as a reliable entry-level grinder.
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How we researched this
About this review: it summarizes the professional reviews and customer ratings ShopSavvy collected for this product, alongside prices from 7 retailers in ShopSavvy's price data, most recently seen Jun 15, 2026.
Where to Buy
| Retailer | Price | Last seen | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| $149.95 | Jun 15, 2026 may have changed | ||
| $149.95 | Sep 16, 2024 may have changed | ||
| $149.95 | Jul 10, 2025 may have changed | ||
| $149.95 | Jul 10, 2025 may have changed | ||
| $149.95 | Nov 29, 2024 may have changed |
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