Which is cheaper, the Baratza Encore ESP or the Timemore Chestnut C2?

The Timemore Chestnut C2 at $65 is more affordable than the Baratza Encore ESP at $199. 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 Timemore Chestnut C2?

The Baratza Encore ESP has 40mm Steel burrs while the Timemore Chestnut C2 has 38mm Steel burrs. Larger burrs generally grind faster with less heat. The burr material affects longevity and flavor profile.

Which grinder is better for single dosing?

The Timemore Chestnut C2 is specifically designed for single dosing with only 0.1g retention. The Baratza Encore ESP uses a more traditional hopper-fed workflow.

Should I buy the Baratza Encore ESP or the Timemore Chestnut C2 for espresso?

Both grinders can produce espresso-quality grinds. Choose the Baratza Encore ESP if you value affordability. Choose the Timemore Chestnut C2 if you prefer affordability, single-dose workflow, portability and silence. Remember, the grinder is arguably the most important piece of your espresso setup.

Should I get a hand grinder (Timemore Chestnut C2) or electric (Baratza Encore ESP)?

Hand grinders like the Timemore Chestnut C2 offer better grind quality per dollar, are silent, and portable. Electric grinders like the Baratza Encore ESP are faster and more convenient for multiple drinks. If you make 1-2 drinks daily and don't mind the effort, go hand. For convenience or multiple drinks, go electric.

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.

Pros & Cons