Which is cheaper, the Baratza Encore ESP or the Breville Smart Grinder Pro BCG820?

The Baratza Encore ESP at $199 is more affordable than the Breville Smart Grinder Pro BCG820 at $249. With grinders, higher price generally correlates with better grind consistency, which directly impacts espresso quality.

How do the burrs compare between the Baratza Encore ESP and Breville Smart Grinder Pro BCG820?

The Baratza Encore ESP has 40mm Steel burrs while the Breville Smart Grinder Pro BCG820 has 40mm Steel burrs. Larger burrs generally grind faster with less heat. The burr material affects longevity and flavor profile.

Should I buy the Baratza Encore ESP or the Breville Smart Grinder Pro BCG820 for espresso?

Both grinders can produce espresso-quality grinds. Choose the Baratza Encore ESP if you value affordability. Choose the Breville Smart Grinder Pro BCG820 if you prefer affordability. Remember, the grinder is arguably the most important piece of your espresso setup.

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.

Pros & Cons