Baratza Encore ESP vs Breville Smart Grinder Pro
Updated November 13, 2026
The biggest difference: the Breville Smart Grinder Pro has more grind settings (60 versus 40).
Baratza Encore ESP
Choose it if: Beginners who want an affordable, repairable grinder that can handle both espresso and filter coffee.
Skip it if: People who single-dose different beans every day or want precise stepless control for light-roast espresso.
- The lower half of the dial uses finer steps sized for dialing in espresso
- Strong repair support, with spare parts sold directly by Baratza
- Covers espresso through French press on one simple machine
- Stepped adjustment means you can't land between two settings
- Built around a hopper, so it holds more grounds than true single-dose grinders
Breville Smart Grinder Pro
Choose it if: Breville espresso machine owners who want programmable timed dosing straight into the portafilter.
Skip it if: Single-dosers or anyone who wants fine control for light-roast espresso.
- 60 settings with timed dosing adjustable in 0.2-second steps
- Includes 50-54mm and 58mm portafilter cradles for hands-free dosing
- A large hopper and an LCD that remembers your last grind make it convenient
- Steps in the espresso range are coarse compared with dedicated espresso grinders
- A hopper-fed, doserless design holds more grounds than single-dose grinders
Specs side by side
| Spec | Encore ESP (ZCG495) | Smart Grinder Pro (BCG820) |
|---|---|---|
| Burrs | conical, 40 mm | conical, 40 mm |
| Grind settings | 40 | 60 |
| Single-dose design | No | No |
| Fine enough for espresso | Yes | Yes |
| List price | $199.95 | $199.95 |
Highlighted cells mark the better figure where one is clearly better. Specs come from the manufacturers; we don't run hands-on tests. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Baratza Encore ESP and the Breville Smart Grinder Pro?
The biggest difference: the Breville Smart Grinder Pro has more grind settings (60 versus 40).
Is the Baratza Encore ESP or the Breville Smart Grinder Pro better?
Neither is better for everyone. Choose the Baratza Encore ESP if you want: Beginners who want an affordable, repairable grinder that can handle both espresso and filter coffee. Choose the Breville Smart Grinder Pro if you want: Breville espresso machine owners who want programmable timed dosing straight into the portafilter.