Simple Operation - Auto or Manual
The Baratza Encore conical burr coffee grinder features simple controls for fast and easy grinding. Instead of the timer dial which was present on the Encore's now discontinued predecessor, the Maestro Plus, Baratza went with an On/Off knob for automatic grinding this time around. If you need just a bit more grounds or are grinding directly into a portafilter, the manual pulse grinding button on the front is the way to go. This allows you to grind in short bursts for as long as the button is depressed.
Upgrades from the Maestro Plus to the Encore
- Improved Burrs for Finer Grinding
- New 2nd Generation Gearbox (GB2.0)
- Timer Switch Replaced with On/Off Switch
Improved Conical Grinding Burrs
Baratza upgraded the conical burrs formerly on the Maestro Plus, extending the Encore's grinding range into a greater degree of fineness. With the improved burrs, users can now have grinds fine enough for pressurized and for some, non-pressurized portafilters. For just an entry-level grinder, the Baratza Encore conical burr coffee grinder has been known to work well with some traditional espresso machines with non-pressurized portafilters, but results may vary. For serious espresso enthusiasts, a Baratza Grinder more dedicated to espresso may be suitable. The 40 mm burrs are precision manufactured in Europe and hardened into the cone shaped grinding wheel assembly. Conical burr grinders, in additional to being tougher and longer lasting than other types of grinders, are exceptional at producing consistent grinds from very fine to very coarse.
Forty Fineness Settings from Press to Espresso
With 40 grind settings from coarse for French presses to a fine powder for espresso, the Baratza Encore has more than enough versatility to grind for any application you could desire. The burrs will consistently transform your coffee beans into a new grainy state, relieving you the annoyance of clumping grounds. A new triple-supported seating structure with a redesigned base for stability allows for ultimate grinding precision at any setting. When you need to adjust the grind size, simply twist the extra-large 8 oz bean hopper into the desired fineness setting.
Clean, Static-Free Grinding
Static build-up and a lack of containment in the grinding chamber are the usual suspects when it comes to excessive grinds. No matter how tidy your grinding method, it seems like coffee grounds always wind up where you don't want them: on the counter, on the floor, or - what's worse - inside the grinder's sensitive components. The improved tightly sealed grinding delivery assembly ensures that coffee grounds go where they are supposed to: into the grounds collection container. Additionally, the collection container itself is made of an anti-static material.
Grind Directly into Portafilter
Another favorite feature of the Encore is the option to grind into the coffee bin OR directly into your portafilter if you're using a pump espresso machine. The Encore was actually designed with these such machines in mind. The ground coffee collection bin removes easily to reveal a curved portafilter access area. Grind directly into the portafilter from the anti-static grinding chute.
New 2nd Generation Gearbox (GB2.0)
Baratza has updated their gearbox as well, increasing the strength and durability of the drive transmission which in turn decreases the noise. Along with the newer drive shaft, Baratza added a new motor plate, bushings, and a drive gear made of 15% glass filled thermo plastic. This change reduces noise compared to the previous metal gear, wears better, and is more shock resistant.
Quiet, Cool Running Motor
The Baratza Encore grinder contains a DC converter to power a potent 240 watt DC motor, grinding at just 450 RPM. The slower grinder delivers the quietest, coolest grind in its class, thanks to the special gear reduction which keeps it from seizing on extra fine grinds while protecting the flavor of your coffee. The new circuitry also incorporates an automatically resetting thermal cut-off switch for optimal performance.
Customer Service and Support
The Baratza Encore grinder comes with a one year manufacturer's warranty. If the grinder has a problem, Baratza offers technical support by phone or email. They will promptly send a replacement grinder and a prepaid shipping label for return of the old grinder if the grinder is defective. You don't pay for the repair! The Baratza Encore is also backed by J.L. Hufford's 30 Day Satisfaction Policy.