Baratza Encore ESP vs Timemore Chestnut C2
Side-by-side grinder comparison
| Specification | Baratza Encore ESP | Timemore Chestnut C2 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Baratza | Timemore |
| Price (MSRP) | $199 | $65 |
| Category | Conical Burr | Hand Grinder |
| Burr Size | 40 mm | 38 mm |
| Burr Material | Steel | Steel |
| Burr Type | 40mm conical | 38mm conical |
| Grind Speed | 550 RPM | N/A |
| Retention | 1.5 g | 0.1 g |
| Single Dose | No | Yes |
| Stepless | No | No |
| Hopper | 230 g | 25 g |
| Motor | 110W | N/A |
| Dimensions | 120 x 170 x 350 mm | 47 x 47 x 147 mm |
| Weight | 3.2 kg (7.1 lbs) | 0.4 kg (0.9 lbs) |
Expert Analysis
The Baratza Encore ($170) and Timemore Chestnut C2 ($65) represent electric versus manual grinding at the budget tier. The Encore uses 40mm conical steel burrs with stepped adjustment, a hopper, and 1.5g retention at 3.1 kg. The C2 uses 38mm steel burrs in a hand grinder format with stepped adjustment, zero retention, and weighs just 0.4 kg. The Encore is primarily designed for filter/drip coffee with 40 grind settings — it can do espresso but struggles with fine adjustments needed for dialing in. The C2 has finer steps in the espresso range, making it more capable for espresso despite being cheaper. The Encore's electric motor grinds a dose in 10 seconds; the C2 takes 60+ seconds of manual cranking. The Encore is vastly more convenient for daily use. The C2 is portable and requires no electricity. The C2's grind quality actually exceeds the Encore for espresso due to its more precise stepped adjustment at fine settings. For filter coffee, the Encore is more consistent. Verdict: The Encore is the practical daily driver for filter/drip coffee. The C2 is the budget champion for espresso quality — at $65, nothing electric can match its fine-grind capability.
Price: The Timemore Chestnut C2 is priced at $65, which is $134 less than the Baratza Encore ESP at $199. That's a 67% price gap.
Burr Size: The Baratza Encore ESP has larger 40 mm burrs compared to the Timemore Chestnut C2's 38 mm burrs. Larger burrs generally grind faster and produce less heat, preserving coffee flavor.
Retention: The Timemore Chestnut C2 retains only 0.1 g of grounds compared to 1.5 g for the Baratza Encore ESP. Lower retention means less waste and more consistent doses, which is especially important for single-dosing workflows.
Workflow: The Timemore Chestnut C2 offers single-dosing.
Build & Weight: The Baratza Encore ESP weighs 3.2 kg versus 0.4 kg for the Timemore Chestnut C2. A heavier grinder often indicates more robust build quality and better vibration dampening.
Our Verdict
The choice between the Baratza Encore ESP and the Timemore Chestnut C2 comes down to your priorities and budget. The Timemore Chestnut C2 is the more affordable option and offers great value. The Baratza Encore ESP, 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.