# Encore ESP vs J-Max: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Encore ESP (Baratza) and J-Max (1Zpresso) among coffee grinders. J-Max is the cheaper of the two at $199.

## Side by side

| Spec | Encore ESP | J-Max |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $199.95 | $199 |
| Brand | Baratza | 1Zpresso |
| Released | 2022 | — |
| Type | electric | manual |
| Burr type | conical | conical |
| Burr size (mm) | 40 | 48 |
| Grind settings | 40 stepped (steps 1-20 espresso at 20µm/click, 21-40 filter at ~90µm/click) | 90 clicks per rotation (8.8 µm/click), external dial |
| Hopper capacity (g) | 227 | 40 |
| Best for | espresso | espresso |
| Weight (lb) | 7 | 1.7 |

## Key differences

- Type: Encore ESP electric vs J-Max manual
- Burr size (mm): Encore ESP 40 vs J-Max 48
- Grind settings: Encore ESP 40 stepped (steps 1-20 espresso at 20µm/click, 21-40 filter at ~90µm/click) vs J-Max 90 clicks per rotation (8.8 µm/click), external dial
- Hopper capacity (g): Encore ESP 227 vs J-Max 40
- Weight (lb): Encore ESP 7 vs J-Max 1.7

## What reviewers say

**Encore ESP** — Only one whitelisted tester ran a full hands-on test of the exact base Encore ESP: Tom's Guide, which calls it a great-value, no-learning-curve entry grinder that 'lives up to its hype' but grinds unevenly and can't reach espresso-fine. Wirecutter's 2026 grinder roundup mentions the base Encore ESP only in passing, now deeming it a superseded 'prototype' next to its ESP Pro pick. Both sources verified as literal, on-model; nothing dropped. (2 sourced reviews.)

## Sources

- Encore ESP: https://www.baratza.com/en-us/product/encoretm-esp-zcg495 (baratza.com, verified 2026-06-19)
- J-Max: https://1zpresso.coffee/j/ (1zpresso.coffee, verified 2026-06-19)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/coffee-grinders/baratza-encore-esp-vs-1zpresso-j-max/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Encore ESP ($199.95) vs J-Max ($199) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/coffee-grinders/baratza-encore-esp-vs-1zpresso-j-max/
License: CC BY 4.0.