# Encore ESP vs Smart Grinder Pro: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Encore ESP (Baratza) and Smart Grinder Pro (Breville) among coffee grinders. Encore ESP is the cheaper of the two at $199.95.

## Side by side

| Spec | Encore ESP | Smart Grinder Pro |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $199.95 | $199.95 |
| Brand | Baratza | Breville |
| Released | 2022 | 2014 |
| Type | electric | electric |
| Burr type | conical | conical |
| Burr size (mm) | 40 | 40 |
| Grind settings | 40 stepped (steps 1-20 espresso at 20µm/click, 21-40 filter at ~90µm/click) | 60 stepped |
| Hopper capacity (g) | 227 | 454 |
| Best for | espresso | all |
| Weight (lb) | 7 | 6.4 |

## Key differences

- Grind settings: Encore ESP 40 stepped (steps 1-20 espresso at 20µm/click, 21-40 filter at ~90µm/click) vs Smart Grinder Pro 60 stepped
- Hopper capacity (g): Encore ESP 227 vs Smart Grinder Pro 454
- Best for: Encore ESP espresso vs Smart Grinder Pro all
- Weight (lb): Encore ESP 7 vs Smart Grinder Pro 6.4

## 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 Wirecutter's 2026 grinder roundup mentions the base Encore ESP only in passing, now deeming it a superseded 'prototype' next to its ESP Pro pick.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.)

**Smart Grinder Pro** — One whitelisted source survived verification: NYT Wirecutter's 'Best Coffee Grinder' guide (updated 2026-01-14). It evaluated the Breville Smart Grinder Pro hands-on as a competition-section entry and dismissed it, citing a complicated digital interface, an overwhelming abundance of settings, and too many fines in the grounds. No measured or lab metrics were captured. This is a single-source, entirely negative verdict. (1 sourced review.)

## Sources

- Encore ESP: https://www.baratza.com/en-us/product/encoretm-esp-zcg495 (baratza.com, verified 2026-06-19)
- Smart Grinder Pro: https://www.breville.com/en-us/product/bcg820 (breville.com, verified 2026-06-19)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/coffee-grinders/baratza-encore-esp-vs-breville-smart-grinder-pro/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Encore ESP ($199.95) vs Smart Grinder Pro ($199.95) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/coffee-grinders/baratza-encore-esp-vs-breville-smart-grinder-pro/
License: CC BY 4.0.