Why we love it
The Baratza Encore has been the default recommendation for beginner coffee grinders for years, and it's earned that spot. It has 40 grind settings that cover everything from fine (Aeropress, Moka pot) to coarse (French press, cold brew), with a sweet spot in the drip and pour over range. It won't win espresso competitions — the steps are too wide in the fine range for serious dialing in — but if you're making pour over, drip, or French press, it's the best grinder under $200, period. Baratza's customer service is legendary: they sell individual replacement parts and publish repair guides, so this grinder can last you a decade if you take care of it. If you want the espresso-focused version, look at the Encore ESP above.
Pros
- 40 settings covering every non-espresso brew method
- Proven reliability — this design has been around for years
- Baratza's repair program means it lasts for years
- Simple, intuitive operation — one button, one dial
- Great price for the quality you get
Cons
- Not ideal for espresso — grind steps are too wide in the fine range
- Plastic body feels less premium than some competitors
- No timer — you grind by weight or time manually
- Can be a bit loud at coarser settings
