Baratza Encore vs Virtuoso (2026)

The Encore and the Virtuoso are the two most-recommended Baratza grinders in the entry-level category. They’ve been on the market for over a decade. They use the same burr set. They look almost identical. They differ in motor, timer, and about $75 of price.

If you’re choosing between the two, the short version is this: the Encore is the right pick for pour-over and French press drinkers, the Virtuoso is the right pick if you ever want to pull espresso without buying a second grinder. Everything below is the longer version.

Quick comparison

Spec	Encore (ESP update)	Virtuoso+
Price (USD, typical)	~$170	~$245
Burr type	Conical, M2 steel	Conical, M2 steel
Burr size	40 mm	40 mm
Grind settings	40 (1-40 macro)	40 (1-40 macro)
Motor	DC, lower torque	DC, higher torque
RPM at load	~450	~450
Timer	None (manual on/off)	Digital, programmable to 0.1s
Speed-to-grind (drip)	~1.0 g/sec	~1.0 g/sec
Speed-to-grind (fine)	Slower at espresso range	Slower at espresso range
Hopper capacity	227 g	227 g
Weight	6.8 lb	8.1 lb
Warranty	1-year limited	1-year limited
Best for	Pour-over, French press, drip	Pour-over plus occasional espresso

The newest Encore (released 2024) updated the burr set to the same M2 used in the Virtuoso+, narrowing the gap that used to exist between the two on grind consistency. The biggest remaining difference is the motor and the timer.

How each one actually works

The Encore: the workhorse

The Encore is a simple, slow-speed conical grinder with 40 macro grind settings. The grind range runs from coarse (French press, cold brew) down to a fine that will pull espresso, though not comfortably.

The motor is a DC unit that produces less torque than the Virtuoso’s. In practice, that means the Encore bogs down more at the fine end of the range — you can hear the RPMs drop when you push into espresso territory. It still grinds, but it grinds slower, and you get more fine particle scatter in the cup.

For pour-over, drip, and French press, none of this matters. The Encore produces an excellent cup in those ranges, and it’s been the default recommendation for years because of it.

The Virtuoso+: the Encore with a better motor and a timer

The Virtuoso+ uses the same M2 burrs but a higher-torque motor. The result is consistent RPMs across the entire grind range, including the fine end. Where the Encore struggles at espresso settings, the Virtuoso maintains its speed.

The timer is a digital display on the front that you can program to 0.1-second increments. You push the button, it grinds for the programmed time, it stops. This sounds minor until you’ve been dosing by eye for six months and you realize your shots are inconsistent because your doses are inconsistent.

The Virtuoso+ is not a dedicated espresso grinder. At espresso settings, it still produces a coarser particle distribution than a proper espresso-focused grinder like the Baratza Sette or the Niche Zero. But for someone who wants a single grinder that can do pour-over in the morning and a passable espresso in the afternoon, the Virtuoso+ is the closest thing in Baratza’s entry-level lineup.

The Encore ESP: a third option worth mentioning

Baratza released the Encore ESP in 2023, which is essentially a Virtuoso+ rebranded for the espresso-adjacent market. It has the same motor upgrade and a redesigned grounds bin that catches fines better at fine settings. The price is between the Encore and the Virtuoso+. If you’re specifically choosing between the two because you want some espresso capability, the ESP is worth a look before committing to the Virtuoso+.

Who should buy which

Buy the Encore if:

You’re a pour-over, drip, or French press drinker and you don’t see yourself making espresso in the next year
You want the best dollar-for-dollar grind quality in the entry-level category
You’re happy to dose manually (you will, with no timer)
You want to leave room in the budget for a better espresso grinder later if you go that direction

Buy the Virtuoso+ if:

You want one grinder that does everything from French press to espresso, even if not perfectly
You want a timer so your doses are consistent day-to-day
You make 2-3 drinks a day and the time savings of the timer add up
You don’t want to think about upgrading for at least three years

Buy the Encore ESP if:

You’re specifically buying for occasional espresso and you want a slight edge in the fine range
You want something between the Encore’s price and the Virtuoso+’s price

Buy neither if:

You’re going to pull espresso daily. A proper espresso grinder (Sette 270, Niche Zero, Eureka Mignon Specialita) will save you six months of frustration.
You want flat burrs. Look at the DF64 or the Eureka Mignon Filtro instead.
You drink single-cup pour-overs occasionally. A hand grinder like the 1Zpresso JX will serve you fine for $30 less.

The bottom line

For most people reading this, the answer is the Encore. It’s been the default recommendation for over a decade for a reason, and the recent burr update narrowed the quality gap with the Virtuoso+ to almost nothing in the non-espresso range. Spend the $75 difference on better beans.

If you specifically need espresso capability from one grinder, get the Virtuoso+ or the ESP. If you only need pour-over, get the Encore.

Baratza Encore on Amazon · Baratza Encore ESP on Amazon · Baratza Virtuoso on Amazon

FAQ

Is the Virtuoso+ worth the extra $75? For pour-over only, no. For occasional espresso on the same grinder, yes.

Can the Encore pull espresso? Technically yes. Practically, the grind is too inconsistent and the motor bogs down at fine settings. Pulling espresso from an Encore is a frustrating experience that gets old fast.

What’s the difference between the original Virtuoso and the Virtuoso+? The “+” added the digital timer. The original Virtuoso (still available in some places) is essentially the same grinder mechanically.

How long do these grinders last? With reasonable care and Baratza’s customer service, 7-10 years is common. Baratza is known for supporting older models with replacement parts.

Is the Encore ESP just a renamed Virtuoso+? Almost. Same motor, similar burrs. The ESP has a different grounds bin design that’s better at fine settings. Worth comparing directly if you’re choosing between them.

Prices and availability last verified July 2026. GrindMinded earns a commission when you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure for details.