Both are strong grinders; Breville adds features, Baratza nails consistency and simplicity.
I used both the Breville Smart Grinder Pro vs Baratza Encore every morning for months. You know that drag of inconsistent coffee? These grinders fix that. The Breville Smart Grinder Pro feels feature-rich and fast. The Baratza Encore feels steady and built to last. I tested grind ranges, espresso shots, and drip coffee side-by-side and will share what worked for me so you can pick the right one for your routine.
Is Breville Smart Grinder Pro Good?
Yes — for hobbyists and busy kitchens. The Breville Smart Grinder Pro is great when you want many settings, a timer, and quick access to dose control. It fits people who like to tweak grind times and try different recipes. It is not the quietest, but it is very versatile. If you want a machine that can serve espresso, pour-over, and drip with easy dialing, this one often hits the mark.
I learned to trust it when I chased a perfect double espresso. I dialed the dose, changed the grind by a notch, and the crema improved. One weekend I made filter coffee for friends and used the timer to pull consistent shots all morning. Those little wins made the extra features feel worth it. I used the Breville Smart Grinder Pro every day for months and it held up well to daily use.
Breville BCG820BSS Smart Grinder Pro, 18 oz Coffee Bean Capacity, Brushed Stainless Steel
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 60 grind settings from fine to coarse for espresso to French press.
- Digital timer with 0.2-second dose increments for precise shot timing.
- Conical stainless-steel burrs (40mm) for speed and consistent particle size.
- Hands-free portafilter cradle and adjustable grind amount by time or dose.
- Large 18 oz bean hopper and angled burr hopper for steady feed.
What I Like
- Really flexible: many settings let me tune espresso and pour-over quickly.
- Timer is accurate; I repeat doses easily for guests.
- Portafilter cradle makes dosing hands-free and less messy.
- Large hopper means fewer refills during busy mornings.
- Feels modern and intuitive once you learn the menu.
What Could Be Better
- Can be a bit noisy during long grinds.
- More features means a steeper learning curve for casual users.
- Occasional static cling of grounds when grinding very fine.
My Recommendation
If you love dialing shots and want a feature-packed grinder, choose Breville. It’s widely available and offers solid value for feature lovers.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Home baristas who tweak settings | Wide grind range and digital dosing |
| Busy kitchens | Large hopper and quick grind speed |
Is Baratza Encore Good?
Yes — for people who want consistent grinds and simple use. The Baratza Encore is built for steady performance. It has fewer bells than Breville but it excels at repeatable results. If you want a reliable everyday grinder that is easy to maintain, the Baratza Encore is a strong pick.
I used the Baratza Encore for weeks when I wanted fuss-free coffee. I ground beans for drip and French press and noticed consistent cups every morning. Once, I left the grinder set for a week and still got stable results. The Encore proved reliable when I needed consistent grounds for pour-over practice and when I wanted a no-nonsense setup.
Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder ZCG485BLK, Black
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 40 grind settings covering espresso to French press basics.
- 40mm conical burrs designed for consistent particle distribution.
- Simple pulse button and timed switch for easy dosing.
- Compact footprint and replaceable parts for long life.
- Quiet motor compared to many home grinders.
What I Like
- Very consistent for pour-over and drip coffee.
- Simple controls make it fast to use in the morning.
- Easy to clean and maintain; parts are serviceable.
- Quiet enough to use without waking the whole house.
- Sturdy build gives a sense of long-term value.
What Could Be Better
- Less fine control for espresso compared with Breville.
- No digital timer; dosing is manual or with a separate scale.
- Smaller hopper means more frequent refills for big households.
My Recommendation
Choose Baratza if you want consistent daily coffee with minimal fuss. Great value and durable for everyday use.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Casual brewers and pour-over fans | Consistent, fuss-free grinding |
| Budget-conscious buyers | Great performance for the price |
Breville Smart Grinder Pro vs Baratza Encore: Side-by-Side Test
I lined up the Breville Smart Grinder Pro vs Baratza Encore to test grind range, consistency, controls, speed, noise, and value. Below are clear, short comparisons from my hands-on testing.
Grind Settings & Range: Which Offers More?
Both grinders offer multiple grind sizes. Breville has finer control. Encore gives a solid, simpler range.
| Feature | Breville Smart Grinder Pro | Baratza Encore |
|---|---|---|
| Number of settings | 60 | 40 |
| Fine grind (espresso) | Yes, very fine | Limited |
| Coarse grind (French press) | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustability ease | Detailed, digital feedback | Simple and quick |
Breville Smart Grinder Pro – 9/10 | Baratza Encore – 8/10
“Breville wins for range and fine control; Encore is simpler but covers most needs.”
Consistency & Particle Size: Which Is More Reliable?
Consistency matters for extraction. I tested both across several brews.
| Metric | Breville Smart Grinder Pro | Baratza Encore |
|---|---|---|
| Particle uniformity | Very good | Excellent |
| Burr size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Clumping/static | Some static fine | Less static overall |
| Best use | Fine-tuned espresso and filter | Filter and drip excels |
Breville Smart Grinder Pro – 9/10 | Baratza Encore – 9/10
“Encore edges out for steady daily consistency; Breville equals it with careful tuning.”
Speed & Noise: Which Is Quieter and Faster?
Speed helps in mornings. Noise matters for family.
| Aspect | Breville Smart Grinder Pro | Baratza Encore |
|---|---|---|
| Grind speed | Faster | Moderate |
| Noise level | Louder | Quieter |
| Best for quick dosing | Yes | Good for calm mornings |
Breville Smart Grinder Pro – 9/10 | Baratza Encore – 8/10
“Breville is faster; Baratza is quieter. Choose speed or peace.”
Controls & Display: Which Is Easier to Use?
Controls shape the daily experience. I used both for weeks.
| Control | Breville Smart Grinder Pro | Baratza Encore |
|---|---|---|
| Digital display | Yes | No |
| Ease of repeat dosing | Very easy with timer | Manual or pulse timing |
| Learning curve | Higher | Lower |
Breville Smart Grinder Pro – 9/10 | Baratza Encore – 8/10
“Breville offers more control. Encore keeps things simple and fast.”
Build Quality & Maintenance: Which Lasts Longer?
I took both apart a few times for cleaning. Both felt serviceable.
| Aspect | Breville Smart Grinder Pro | Baratza Encore |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of cleaning | Moderate | Easy; parts replaceable |
| Serviceability | OK, parts available | Very service-friendly |
| Perceived durability | Good | Excellent |
Breville Smart Grinder Pro – 8/10 | Baratza Encore – 9/10
“Baratza is built for longevity and easy service; Breville is solid but more complex.”
Value for Money: Which Gives More Bang for Buck?
Cost matters. I compared features to price in real use.
| Factor | Breville Smart Grinder Pro | Baratza Encore |
|---|---|---|
| Price range | Higher | Lower |
| Features per dollar | High | Very high |
| Long-term cost | Moderate | Low |
Breville Smart Grinder Pro – 8/10 | Baratza Encore – 9/10
“Baratza is the best value for steady users; Breville offers more features if you need them.”
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro wins if you want granular control and fast dosing. It’s great for tinkerers who brew many styles. The Baratza Encore wins if you want steady, simple, long-term performance at a lower cost.
If you value features and digital dosing, get the Breville. If you want consistent daily coffee with little fuss and a lower price, pick the Baratza. Both are excellent; choose based on how you brew and how much tinkering you enjoy.
FAQs Of Breville Smart Grinder Pro vs Baratza Encore
Which grinder is better for espresso: Breville Smart Grinder Pro vs Baratza Encore?
Breville Smart Grinder Pro is better for espresso. It offers finer settings and a digital timer. Baratza Encore can do espresso-ish grinds but lacks the fine control for true espresso shots.
Which is quieter: Breville Smart Grinder Pro vs Baratza Encore?
Baratza Encore is generally quieter. Breville grinds faster but makes more noise. If noise matters, pick the Encore.
Which grinder is easier to maintain: Breville Smart Grinder Pro vs Baratza Encore?
Baratza Encore is easier to service. Its parts are simpler and widely supported. Breville needs more careful cleaning and has more small parts.
Which offers better value: Breville Smart Grinder Pro vs Baratza Encore?
Baratza Encore offers the best value for most users. Breville offers more features but at a higher price. Choose Encore for steady value.
Can both handle pour-over and French press: Breville Smart Grinder Pro vs Baratza Encore?
Yes. Both handle pour-over and French press well. Breville adds finer adjustment for more precise tuning. Encore is straightforward and consistent.
If you want more hands-on tips about dialing either model for your coffee style, tell me what brewer you use and I’ll help you tune the grind.
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Liora Pennings is a seasoned chef and kitchen enthusiast with a passion for turning everyday cooking into an effortless experience. With years of hands-on culinary expertise, she specializes in practical techniques, ingredient know-how, and smart kitchen solutions that help home cooks elevate their meals. At KitchFlair.com, Liora shares her best tips, time-saving tricks, and honest product reviews to guide readers toward a more efficient, enjoyable, and inspired cooking routine. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home chef, Liora’s friendly, knowledge-packed insights make every visit to the kitchen a little easier—and a lot more delicious.
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