Baratza Encore ESP vs DF64 Gen 2 Single Dose Grinder
Baratza Encore ESP (#1, best overall) vs DF64 Gen 2 Single Dose Grinder (#2, best premium): in our Coffee Grinders scoring the Baratza Encore ESP totals 9.3/10 and the DF64 Gen 2 Single Dose Grinder 9.1/10.
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TopsFive comparison scores
Side by side
| Baratza Encore ESP | DF64 Gen 2 Single Dose Grinder | |
|---|---|---|
| Burrs | 40mm conical steel | 64mm flat |
| Settings | 40 grind settings | — |
| Hopper | 8 oz | — |
| Speed | 450 RPM | — |
| Adjustment | Stepped | Stepless |
| Retention | — | <0.3g |
| Motor | — | 250W |
| Upgrades | — | SSP burrs compatible |
| Price | Check price → | Check price → |
How they differ in real use
Built from our coffee grinders scoring, each product's published specifications, and verified owner feedback — not hands-on testing.
Both the Baratza Encore ESP and the DF64 Gen 2 Single Dose Grinder made our Top 5 Coffee Grinders, at #1 (best overall) and #2 (best premium). The upgraded Encore handles espresso to French press: 40mm conical burrs with user-serviceable design and excellent Baratza support. 64mm flat burrs with near-zero retention at half the price of established competitors. The home espresso community's darling.
We score coffee grinders on Grind Consistency (40%), Grind Range (25%), Retention (15%), Build Quality (10%) and Value (10%). On that basis the Baratza Encore ESP totals 9.3 out of 10 and the DF64 Gen 2 Single Dose Grinder 9.1. The widest gap is Grind Consistency, where the Baratza Encore ESP scores 10 against 9 for the DF64 Gen 2 Single Dose Grinder: particle uniformity. Retention also separates them: 10 for the DF64 Gen 2 Single Dose Grinder versus 8 for the Baratza Encore ESP.
On paper, the specifications that actually differ: Burrs: 40mm conical steel on the Baratza Encore ESP versus 64mm flat on the DF64 Gen 2 Single Dose Grinder; Adjustment: Stepped on the Baratza Encore ESP versus Stepless on the DF64 Gen 2 Single Dose Grinder.
Check current pricing at the merchant links below. Owners praise the Baratza Encore ESP for espresso-capable grind range and 40mm conical burrs; the most common complaint is not true espresso grinder. Owners praise the DF64 Gen 2 Single Dose Grinder for 64mm flat burrs and near-zero retention; the most common complaint is QC can vary.
Baratza Encore ESP
- Espresso-capable grind range
- 40mm conical burrs
- Excellent consistency
- User-serviceable
- Not true espresso grinder
- Retention higher than premium
- Stepped adjustment
DF64 Gen 2 Single Dose Grinder
- 64mm flat burrs
- Near-zero retention
- Great value
- SSP burr upgradeable
- QC can vary
- Needs alignment check
- Clumpy stock
Which should you buy?
The Baratza Encore ESP is the better fit for espresso beginners and those wanting one grinder for all methods; it is the higher-scoring pick here, chiefly for Grind Consistency and Value. The DF64 Gen 2 Single Dose Grinder is the better fit for single-dose home espresso and value-seekers, and the stronger choice if Retention matters more to you than the overall score. The Baratza Encore ESP is a poor fit for serious espresso enthusiasts; the DF64 Gen 2 Single Dose Grinder is a poor fit for set-and-forget users.
Choose the Baratza Encore ESP if
- Espresso beginners
- Those wanting one grinder for all methods
- Value seekers
Skip it if
- Serious espresso enthusiasts
- Commercial use
Choose the DF64 Gen 2 Single Dose Grinder if
- Single-dose home espresso
- Value-seekers
- Those comfortable modding
Skip it if
- Set-and-forget users
- Those wanting premium support
Common questions
Is the Baratza Encore ESP better than the DF64 Gen 2 Single Dose Grinder?
In our Coffee Grinders ranking the Baratza Encore ESP scores higher overall, 9.3 to 9.1, with the biggest advantage in Grind Consistency. The DF64 Gen 2 Single Dose Grinder is stronger on Retention, so it is the better pick if that matters most to you.
What is the main difference between the Baratza Encore ESP and the DF64 Gen 2 Single Dose Grinder?
The headline spec difference is Burrs: 40mm conical steel on the Baratza Encore ESP versus 64mm flat on the DF64 Gen 2 Single Dose Grinder. In use, the gap that matters most is Grind Consistency (10 vs 9 in our scoring): particle uniformity.