Baratza Encore vs Fellow Opus

Side-by-side grinder comparison

Specification	Baratza Encore	Fellow Opus
Brand	Baratza	Fellow
Price (MSRP)	$170	$195
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	550 RPM
Retention	1.5 g	1.0 g
Single Dose	No	No
Stepless	No	No
Hopper	230 g	110 g
Motor	110W	120W
Dimensions	120 x 170 x 350 mm	120 x 190 x 320 mm
Weight	3.1 kg (6.8 lbs)	3.2 kg (7.1 lbs)

Expert Analysis

The Baratza Encore and Fellow Opus are entry-level grinders that many coffee enthusiasts start with. The Encore at $170 has a 40mm conical burr with proven reliability. The Opus at $195 features a 40mm conical burr with 41 settings, anti-static lid, and modern design. Both are primarily for filter coffee but work with pressurized portafilters. The Encore has a slight edge in grind consistency. The Opus has modern design and anti-static technology. The Encore has proven longevity with excellent Baratza support. Neither is ideal for serious unpressurized espresso. Choose the Encore for proven reliability and Baratza support. Choose the Opus for modern aesthetics and anti-static technology.

Retention: The Fellow Opus retains only 1.0 g of grounds compared to 1.5 g for the Baratza Encore. Lower retention means less waste and more consistent doses, which is especially important for single-dosing workflows.

Our Verdict

The choice between the Baratza Encore and the Fellow Opus comes down to your priorities and budget. The Baratza Encore is the more affordable option and offers great value. The Fellow Opus, 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

Baratza Encore

Pros:

Solid grind quality for its price

Cons:

Stepped adjustment
Not single-dose optimized

Fellow Opus

Pros:

Solid grind quality for its price

Cons:

Stepped adjustment
Not single-dose optimized

Baratza Encore Details Fellow Opus Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, the Baratza Encore or the Fellow Opus?

The Baratza Encore at $170 is more affordable than the Fellow Opus at $195. With grinders, higher price generally correlates with better grind consistency, which directly impacts espresso quality.

How do the burrs compare between the Baratza Encore and Fellow Opus?

The Baratza Encore has 40mm Steel burrs while the Fellow Opus 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 or the Fellow Opus for espresso?

Both grinders can produce espresso-quality grinds. Choose the Baratza Encore if you value affordability. Choose the Fellow Opus if you prefer affordability. Remember, the grinder is arguably the most important piece of your espresso setup.