Baratza Encore ESP vs Breville Smart Grinder Pro BCG820
Side-by-side grinder comparison
| Specification | Baratza Encore ESP | Breville Smart Grinder Pro BCG820 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Baratza | Breville |
| Price (MSRP) | $199 | $249 |
| Category | Conical Burr | Conical Burr |
| Burr Size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Burr Material | Steel | Steel |
| Burr Type | 40mm conical | 40mm conical |
| Grind Speed | 550 RPM | 450 RPM |
| Retention | 1.5 g | 2.0 g |
| Single Dose | No | No |
| Stepless | No | No |
| Hopper | 230 g | 450 g |
| Motor | 110W | 165W |
| Dimensions | 120 x 170 x 350 mm | 160 x 235 x 395 mm |
| Weight | 3.2 kg (7.1 lbs) | 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) |
Expert Analysis
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro ($249) and Baratza Encore ($170) are popular entry-level electric grinders. The Smart Grinder Pro uses 40mm conical steel burrs with 60 stepped settings, timed dosing, and an LCD display at 2.5 kg. The Encore uses 40mm conical burrs with 40 settings and simple on/off dosing at 3.1 kg. The Smart Grinder Pro has more adjustment steps — useful for espresso fine-tuning that the Encore's wider steps struggle with. The Smart Grinder Pro includes a timed dosing system with programmable portions. The Encore's manual button requires holding or timing yourself. The Encore has Baratza's legendary parts availability and repair program — replace any component at home. Breville doesn't offer the same repair ecosystem. Both have similar retention around 1.5-2g. The Smart Grinder Pro's LCD and programming feel more modern. The Encore is simpler and more intuitive. Verdict: The Smart Grinder Pro is better for espresso with its finer adjustment steps and timed dosing. The Encore is better for filter coffee and long-term ownership thanks to Baratza's repair support.
Retention: The Baratza Encore ESP retains only 1.5 g of grounds compared to 2.0 g for the Breville Smart Grinder Pro BCG820. Lower retention means less waste and more consistent doses, which is especially important for single-dosing workflows.
Build & Weight: The Baratza Encore ESP weighs 3.2 kg versus 2.5 kg for the Breville Smart Grinder Pro BCG820. A heavier grinder often indicates more robust build quality and better vibration dampening.
Our Verdict
The choice between the Baratza Encore ESP and the Breville Smart Grinder Pro BCG820 comes down to your priorities and budget. The Baratza Encore ESP is the more affordable option and offers great value. The Breville Smart Grinder Pro BCG820, while pricier, may justify the investment with superior grind quality and features. Both grinders are capable of producing excellent espresso grinds when properly dialed in.