Breville Smart Grinder Pro vs Baratza Encore (2021): Which Entry-Level Grinder is Better?

One truth that every coffee enthusiast knows is this: freshly ground coffee is the best. While pre-ground coffee tastes good, it does quite match the flavor of freshly ground beans. Once coffee beans are ground, they immediately release aromas that affect how your cup of coffee tastes. This is why it’s crucial to get a coffee grinder if you want to experience the best coffee at home.

There is a wide variety of coffee grinders to choose from, whether you are an expert barista or a beginner. When it comes to grinders, two entry-level models that people often purchase are the Breville Smart Grinder Pro and the Baratza Encore. Manufactured by two of the biggest coffee machine brands, these grinders are quite promising. Let’s see what makes these machines exceptional and which one will be better for you.

Breville Smart Grinder Pro vs Baratza Encore Comparison Chart

Grinding Mechanism

Both models use an efficient conical burr grinding mechanism.

Both the Breville Smart Grinder Pro and the Baratza Encore are conical burr grinders. While blade grinders chop the coffee beans, burr grinders crush the beans. This allows for a more consistent grind and better taste. Conical burrs also produce less heat, preventing the beans from losing flavor while grinding. Although burr grinders tend to consume more power, they are also known to be more durable than blade grinders.

Design and Accessories

The Breville Smart Grinder Pro features a stainless steel design with programmable controls while the Baratza Encore comes in a minimalist, easy-to-use design.

The Breville Smart Grinder Pro comes in a compact stainless steel design, which easily fits any kitchen counter. Its bean hopper has an 18-ounce capacity and a locking system that allows you to detach the hopper from the machine. It has 40mm stainless steel conical burrs designed to efficiently reduce grinding heat to protect the quality of the beans. The grinder also has several knobs and buttons for programming the grind size and amount to fit your brewing needs. The controls appear on the LCD screen at the front of the machine. The grind container comes with a lid and a sealing cap for storage. The unit also comes with small (50-54mm) and large (58mm) portafilter cradles so you can directly release the grind into your portafilter. It also includes a cleaning brush for the conical burrs.

On the other hand, the Baratza Encore comes in a minimalist all-black plastic design with an on-off switch at the side and a pulse button in front. It is slightly smaller than the Breville Smart Grinder Pro and has less bean hopper capacity at 8 ounces. It also has 40mm conical burrs that produce a more consistent grind. A hopper extension and a portaholder are available to be purchased separately.

Features

The Breville Smart Grinder Pro allows more control while the Baratza Encore is simple and easy to use.

The Breville Smart Grinder Pro allows you to have more control over grinding your coffee beans while giving you consistent results. It is very convenient for starting baristas, especially those who want to give espresso a shot. It has four controls: a knob at the side for adjusting grind size, a knob in front for adjusting the amount to be ground, a button for the number of shots, and a start/cancel button. It offers 60 grind settings, from the coarsest French press to the finest espresso grind. It also allows you to do manual grinding. The top burr is adjustable to calibrate it beyond the default machine settings, allowing you to produce a coarser or finer grind.        

Meanwhile, the Baratza Encore is more straight to the point. It lacks the digital aspect of the Breville Smart Grinder Pro. However, it is ideal for beginners looking for an affordable grinder that does the job. With 40 grind settings, the Baratza Encore is a great alternative, plus it’s easy to use. You can adjust the grind size by rotating the hopper in its place. It also has a pulse button in front and an on-off switch to the side.

Verdict

The Breville Smart Grinder Pro is ideal for practicing baristas while the Baratza Encore is great for beginners looking for an affordable grinder.

The Breville Smart Grinder Pro and the Baratza Encore are great choices for entry-level coffee grinders. While the Breville Smart Grinder Pro has more features and produces a more consistent grind than the Baratza Encore, it is also significantly more expensive. Having more grind settings and programmable controls, the Breville Smart Grinder Pro is ideal for practicing baristas who want to experiment with different kinds of brews. It also gives a good espresso grind for an entry-level machine. On the other hand, the Baratza Encore is not as powerful and consistent as the Smart Grinder Pro, but it is ideal for beginners who are still exploring. For those who find the Smart Grinder Pro a bit pricey, the Baratza Encore is an affordable alternative that can get the job done.

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