Baratza Encore ESP vs DF64 Gen 2: Which Espresso Grinder?

Both are strong sub-$300 espresso grinders. The Baratza Encore ESP is the logical first standalone grinder for a Bambino-class machine: capable and affordable. The DF64 Gen 2 is a flat-burr single-doser with stepless dialing and an SSP-burr upgrade path, the better long-term pick if you want more in the cup and room to grow.

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At a glance

Spec	Baratza Encore ESP Check price	DF64 Gen 2 Single Dose Grinder Check price on Amazon
Price	$170-$195	$220-$280
Our rating	4.5 / 5	4.6 / 5
Best for	Bambino Plus owners and other entry-level machine users upgrading to a real standalone grinder for the first time.	Mid-range machine owners who want flat burr performance and the ability to upgrade burrs later without buying a new grinder.
Burr type	Conical	Flat, 64 mm
Dosing	Hopper-fed, stepped	Single dose, stepless
Upgrade path	Limited	Swappable SSP burrs

The two options in depth

4.5 Editorial score

Baratza Encore ESP

The entry-level espresso grinder that Baratza built specifically for the Bambino Plus and similar home machines. 40 mm conical burrs, espresso-range stepped settings, and a low-mess single-dose mode.

Price: $170-$195
Best for: Bambino Plus owners and other entry-level machine users upgrading to a real standalone grinder for the first time.

Stepped burr set covers espresso range with enough granularity for most beginners
Baratza's customer service and repair ecosystem is unmatched at this price
Consistent enough to improve shots noticeably over a built-in machine grinder
Stepped adjustments limit micro-dialing compared to stepless grinders

4.6 Editorial score

DF64 Gen 2 Single Dose Grinder

64 mm flat burr grinder with a stepless adjustment ring, SSP or stock burr options, and single-dose workflow at a price that makes it the flat-burr grinder the specialty coffee community recommends before the Niche Zero.

Price: $220-$280
Best for: Mid-range machine owners who want flat burr performance and the ability to upgrade burrs later without buying a new grinder.

64 mm flat burrs produce the uniform particle distribution that espresso rewards
Stepless adjustment allows micro-dialing without stepping between settings
Upgradeable burr carrier accepts SSP burrs for a significant performance jump
Stock burrs are adequate but swapping to SSP is tempting once you hear the difference

Which should you buy?

Buy the Encore ESP if you are upgrading from no grinder or a built-in and want a reliable, affordable first standalone, especially paired with a Bambino Plus. Buy the DF64 Gen 2 if you want flat-burr clarity, stepless dialing, single-dosing, and the option to upgrade the burrs later. The DF64 costs more but has the higher ceiling and ages better.

Common questions

Is the DF64 Gen 2 worth the extra cost over the Encore ESP?

If you want flat-burr flavor clarity, stepless micro-adjustment, and single-dosing, yes. The Encore ESP is the better value if you just want a dependable first standalone grinder and are not chasing the last few percent in the cup.

Which is better for a Breville Bambino Plus?

Either works. The Encore ESP is the natural, budget-friendly first pairing. The DF64 Gen 2 is a better long-term match if you plan to keep upgrading and want more from your shots.

Do both single-dose cleanly?

The DF64 Gen 2 is built for single-dosing with stepless adjustment and low retention. The Encore ESP is hopper-fed with stepped settings and can be single-dosed with some retention. For the cleanest single-dosing, the DF64 is the better choice.