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The American designed and engineered Baratza Maestro grinders have been proving themselves in coffee lovers’ kitchens since 2001. And since its introduction Baratza listened to feedback from its users and improved the Maestro with significant changes in 2003, 2007, and 2010.
Now, with the introduction of modern engineered materials and precision manufacturing methods, Baratza has designed the all new Encore grinder incorporating all of the great features and qualities of the Maestro series along with the feedback from users and new materials to make it an even better, quieter, and more efficient coffee grinder with an enhanced range of grind fineness.
Features like a weighted base, 40 individual grind settings, a new 2nd generation gearbox (GB2.0), efficient DC motor, and a combination of electric and gear speed reducers to slow the burr revolutions to 450 RPM keeping the grounds cool and avoiding static build up, make the Encore a wise choice for the at-home Barista. Oh, and the price is still the best in its category for a true burr type espresso grinder that can produce drip grind and French press grind! The Encore is a truly versatile all-around grinder for the coffee lover.
The Encore is equipped with a new design of durable 40mm conical burrs precision manufactured in Liechtenstein. The burrs are held in place with a precision mounting system to provide a steady platform for accurate grinding. The Encore now grinds fine enough for espresso and is adjustable for all other brewing needs all the way to a coarse French press grind. The new burrs are so efficient that even at the low rotating speed of 450rpm, they grind a typical espresso dose in 7 seconds. The burrs are removable with no tools, making cleaning very easy.
The Encore also features the next generation of gearbox design that along with a redesigned drive shaft and motor mounting plate and bushings incorporates a new drive gear made of 15% glass filled thermo plastic which is quieter than the prior metal gear, wears better and is more shock resistant. This creates a very robust yet quieter grinding performance. The new design includes safety features stopping the grinder and triggering the automatically-resettable thermal cutout if foreign objects enter the burrs.
The high-torque, direct-current motor results in seamless operation; since the burrs are operated at about 450 RPM, heat transfer and static are kept to a minimum. In addition to heat and static reduction, the low RPM lets the grinder remain quiet and unobtrusive. The motor also features an automatically resetting, thermal cut-off switch for safe operation.
With unique speed control, the Encore uses a combination of gear and electronic speed reduction to control the rotation of the burr to 450 RPM. The electronic speed controller is adjustable from 405 to 495 RPM in the event that specific user conditions require modification of the speed. This slow speed reduces heat, noise, and static generation in the grinder. It also ensures that the beans feed smoothly into the burrs.
This Baratza model has an 8-ounce bean hopper and a 5-ounce anti-static grounds container. Both are tinted to reduce light exposure.
The Baratza Encore has 40 stepped grind adjustments from fine for espresso to coarse for French Press. Alternating between the different grind settings is easy; simply turn the bean hopper. The grind range is from 250 to 1200 microns.
An innovative burr calibration system ensures that each grinder has the full range of grind. If necessary, the Encore can be user calibrated.
To maximize freshness, the Encore minimizes the ground coffee left in the grinder.
Esatto: An accessory that transforms your Encore into a grind by weight grinder. Set the weight you want, the Esatto does the rest, weighing the ground coffee to within +/- 0.2g, while grinding, and stopping automatically.
The Baratza Maestro PortaHolder gives your arm a little rest when making espresso by eliminating the need to stand and hold a portafilter in place throughout the grinding process. Simply insert the PortaHolder™ into the grounds bin slot, insert a portafilter and operate the grinder.
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I always applaud those manufacturers who stay close to their product consumers and listen to feedback and suggestions on how to improve or enhance their offerings and communicate with customers as if they are talking to a friend. Too many times I have witnessed products that seem to have a great promise or purpose fail in the marketplace because the maker doesn’t communicate with the user and follow-up and correct or remake the product to fit the needs of the consumer.
That is why I am genuinely happy that Whole Latte Love carries the outstanding line of coffee grinders from the Baratza Company of Bellevue, Washington. This American design and engineering company is focused on making affordable coffee grinders for home-baristas that have professional grade characteristics. Kyra Kennedy and Kyle Anderson, co-founders, have surrounded themselves with a team of employees that is an extension of their collective vision of continuous product improvement and innovation, world-class service, and focus on listening to customers. They have created a socially responsible company that fulfills its corporate citizenship role passionately.
While providing outstanding product support, they have continued to listen to users and have enjoyed phenomenal success as a result. For example, they 
introduced an affordable home-use burr grinder, the Maestro in 2001. They continuously analyzed customer feedback, and made changes and improvements to the Maestro grinders in 2003, 2007 and 2010. This pattern of continuous improvement and listening to users is the rock-solid key to product success and market dominance.
This month Whole Latte Love is participating in launching the Baratza Encore which is the next generation of coffee grinder replacing the Maestro series. It is very apparent that they have retained all of the best operating characteristics of the Maestro series, while introducing improvements in under-the-hood design, engineered materials and precision manufacturing methods from around the globe. The grinder is designed and engineered in USA, the burrs are precision machined in Liechtenstein, and more parts are manufactured in Taiwan along with final assembly of the grinder.
The major changes included in the Encore include:
The shape and appearance of the Encore is barely changed from the Maestro, and the popular existing accessory enhancements like the Baratza Portafilter holder and the Baratza Esatto grind control scales will also fit the Encore.
Important features that migrated to the new design unchanged include a weighted base, 40-step grind settings (although they grind finer at the low end), and an efficient DC motor that still rotates the burrs at a slow 450 RPM for cool static-free grinding. Perhaps the aspect that will be most appreciated is that even with all of the changes and enhancements the price of the Encore is still the same as the Maestro.
I am confident that those who purchase the new Encore will be very satisifed with the performance of the grinder, and pleased with the Baratza company culture and customer interface.
| Misc Data | |
| Manufacturer | Baratza |
| Model | 485 |
| Specifications | |
| Dimension - Width (Inches) | 4.72 |
| Dimension - Height (Inches) | 13.7 |
| Dimension - Depth (Inches) | 6.3 |
| Weight (lbs) | 7 |
| Watts | 240 |
| Volts | 120 |
| Usage | |
| Grind Selection | French press to light espresso |
| Recommended Applications | Home |
| Components | |
| Grinding Method | Burr |
| Drive System | Gear Reduction |
| Burr Type | Conical |
| Burr Material | High-Grade Steel Stainless Steel |
| Burr Size (Millimeter) | 40 |
| Housing | |
| Clearance Height for Portafilter (Inches) | 2.5 |
| Built-In Tamper | No |
| Housing Materials | Steel/ Plastic |
| Bean Hopper Material | Tinted Plastic |
| Removable Hopper | Yes |
| Ground Coffee Container Material | Tinted Plastic |
| Frame | Steel |
| Capacity | |
| Bean Hopper Capacity (Oz) | 8 |
| Ground Coffee Container (Oz) | 5 Stars |
| Dispensing | |
| Dosing Options | Container or Doserless |
| Portafilter Compatibility | All |
| Controls | |
| Number Of Grind Settings | 40 |
| Programmable Grinding | No |
| Programmability type | Manual |
| Controls | Timer Knob |
| Grind Setting Controls | Stepped |
| Performance | |
| RPM (Burrs) | 450 |
| Maintenance | |
| Easy Access To Burrs | Yes |
| Cleaning Products For Burrs | Urnex Grindz |
| Details | |
| Warranty (Years) | 1 |
| Country Of Manufacture | Taiwan |
| NSF Certified | No |
| Recommended Applications | Home |
| Service provided | |
| Repairs By | Baratza |
| Contact Number | 877-701-2021 |
5 out of 5
(3 Customer Reviews)
Rated 5 out of 5
Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover
I purchased the Solis Maestro in 2002. This machine is the same grinder, just a different name. The grinder is still working properly after 11 years which is amazing. This would be considered by anyone to be an incredible value for the money!
More than 1 year
very well built
wait about 5 minutes after grinding because of severe static electricity.
Coffee Lover
Lavazza, Starbucks, Peets,
adding a coarse grind setting would be nice, maybe it has one now.
Rancillo Rocky
Rated 5 out of 5
Has owned for:
1 - 6 months
Ability Level:
Beginner
This is one hell of a grinder! It has done everything we need from drip grinds to espresso for our Gaggia Baby Twin. If you've got any maintenance questions, check out the Baratza web site. The photos are great and the directions are simple. We got the removable burr in wrong and a quick check of this web site and I fixed the problem easily. The web site has instructions for just about anything you might want to do with this grinder.
1 - 6 months
simple cleaning and disassembly
If it doesn't seem to be doing the grind right, see the web manufacturers site
Beginner
Mostly Fair Traded from Central and South America. We get it at Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, a Colorado based company.
Change the holder for the removable burr so it can only be installed with the "red tab" at 11:00 o'clock.
Quisinart grinder. Cheap and durable, won't grind espresso. Ours wore out in ten years.
Rated 5 out of 5
Very quiet, excellent grind quality with almost no dust or static. We have tried very dry beans and very oily ones and both grind very nicely at the mid-range #16 setting we use for drip. Most of the cleaning process is well documented and simple to do but the drop chute between the grind chamber and the grounds container is a bit difficult to clean. Canned air works as does a pipe-cleaner, easy enough once you do it a couple times. The dis dis-assembly needed for cleaning is easily done with nothing but fingers and only takes a few seconds. This is a huge improvement over the other grinders I have tried. The power switch is something that should be imitated by a lot of other products! If the grinder is off you turn it one click either direction and it turns on, turn it one click either direction when on and it turns off. No more fumbling trying to remember which direction to turn it in the morning. The push-button momentary grind switch is handy too, the spring is a bit stiff and I was concerned about how stable the machine would be when using it, the weight of the machine is enough that it doesn't tip or slide making it a one-hand operation. I'd rate this Encore grinder head and shoulders above my other grinders due to the low noise, low dust and ease of cleaning. Comparing the grind quality of the Encore to the $300 grinder we are using for espresso there is no visible difference. The cleanup is a couple minutes versus a half hour in the garage with a handful of tools. Comparing the Encore to the Capresso grinder it was purchased to replace, it is much quieter, makes far less (almost none) dust and has a far superior grind quality. The cleanup is a couple minutes versus 15 minutes.
I like to make cold brew coffee with a coarse grind. I use a $20.00 krups grinder and the consistency of the coffee grinded is lacking. Would the Baratza give me consistency through out the whole grinded coffee? Would this be overkill and something less expensive would also serve this purpose?
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mjackson ♦ Darin,
This grinder would certainly be an upgrade and give you a very consistent grind. I would not consider it overkill as it would prove to be a good investment. If You are looking for something less expensive you may want to look at the Capresso Infinity Burr grinder. But I do think the Encore will make you happy for your ground coffee needs.
mjackson ♦ Michael,
It will work as the Gaggia now comes with both a traditional basket and a pressurized basket. So it will work with one of the baskets. Here is some more information on the pressurized baskets. http://www.wholelattelove.com/videos.cfm?playvidID=345. You will have a very good system for a reasonable amount of money.
I've been planning to upgrade my espresso equipment to Rancilio Silvia/Rocky duo. My not-too-coffee-savvy friends gave me an Encore as a surprise gift (if I knew, I would advise them not to do it). Would you suggest to try the Encore with Silvia, or should I definitely exchange it for a Rocky or Virtuoso level grinder, as Silvia would not perform appropriately with Encore? Thanks!
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mjackson ♦ Mark,
It is hard to say no to a gift. It may work. I would try it. It will work best if you don't use a dark oily bean. I say may and after you try it you may want to upgrade. The chances of working are not great and I also think you may be disappointed if you decide to keep it.
Quick question... I like to change my bean selection from day to day. With my current blade grinder, I just measure what I need for espresso (about two scoops) and then whirr away... I notice this product has a hopper. Think there will be any mechanical issue if I only load it up with the couple scoops that I need each day? Thanks!
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Michael Rosso ♦ David...Thank you for your interest in the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder. You should have no trouble putting a small amount of beans in the hopper a grinding daily. Thanks.
I just got a Rancilio Silvia. Do you think the Baratza Encore would be a good grinder to go with it? if not, would you recommend the new Virtuoso or the Precisio? Thanks.
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Michael Rosso ♦ Sofia...Thank you for your interest in the Baratza grinders. The Baratza Virtuoso Preciso Coffee Grinder will be by far the best choice to use with your Rancilio Silvia. Thanks.
Michael Rosso ♦ Guillaume...Thank you for your interest in the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder. We do sell this grinder, but are currently out of stock with a new shipment due in soon. You can pre-order the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder with us now and it will ship as soon as we receive them into stock. Thanks.
Does this grinder handle dark/oily types of beans well? Is it versatile for use for drip/french pressed/espresso coffees?
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mjackson ♦ Melanie,
It does work for all kinds of coffee. If you use a dark oily bean you may need to clean the grinder more often. I would suggest getting some Grindz by Urnex in order to keep it clean. I do like the grinder for the cost.
Are the burrs replaceable in this grinder? Every thing else about it seems to be about perfect for my Gaggia Baby Twin.
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Michael Rosso ♦ Jon...Thank you for your interest in the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder. Yes you can change the burrs in this grinder and it is great match for the Gaggia Baby Twin. Thanks.
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Whole Latte Love - 2200 Brighton Henrietta Townline Rd, Rochester, NY 14623
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A A Thank you for the review! Baratza certainly has fantastic service, a great site, and are absolutely stress free to work with.
01-03-2013 5:21pm |