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. At $200 versus $390, the Baratza Encore ESP costs $190 less.
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TopsFive comparison scores
Side by side
| Baratza Encore ESP | DF64 Gen 2 Single Dose Grinder | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $200 | $390 |
| 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 |
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.
Pricing as of February 1, 2026: $200 for the Baratza Encore ESP and $390 for the DF64 Gen 2 Single Dose Grinder, a $190 difference in the Baratza Encore ESP's favor. 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. Since the Baratza Encore ESP is both the higher scorer and $190 cheaper, the DF64 Gen 2 Single Dose Grinder only makes sense for single-dose home espresso. 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.
How much more does the DF64 Gen 2 Single Dose Grinder cost than the Baratza Encore ESP?
$190 more as of February 1, 2026: $390 for the DF64 Gen 2 Single Dose Grinder against $200 for the Baratza Encore ESP. Prices move, so the merchant page shows the current figure.
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.