What is the correct setting for grinding espresso on a Baratza Encore?

The Baratza Encore is widely considered the gold standard for entry-level home brewing, but it is important to understand its design limitations. It is a stepped, conical burr grinder engineered specifically for filter coffee methods like pour-over, French press, and automatic drip machines. These methods require a relatively wide range of grind sizes, and the Encore excels at providing consistency across that spectrum.

Espresso, however, is a different beast. It requires an extremely fine grind and, more importantly, the ability to make tiny, incremental adjustments to that grind size. Because espresso is brewed under high pressure, even a microscopic change in particle size can be the difference between a perfect, syrupy shot and a sour, under-extracted mess. The Baratza Encore’s adjustment steps are too large to allow for this level of precision, making it nearly impossible to 'dial in' a new bag of beans effectively.

If you attempt to use the Encore for espresso, you will likely find yourself stuck between two settings: one that is too coarse, causing the water to rush through the puck, and one that is too fine, causing the machine to choke. While you might occasionally get a drinkable shot by adjusting your dose or tamping pressure, you will struggle to achieve the consistency that defines a great espresso experience. The motor and burr geometry are simply not optimized for the resistance encountered during espresso extraction.

In practice, if you are serious about home espresso, the best investment you can make is a dedicated espresso grinder. These machines feature stepless or micro-stepped adjustments that allow you to fine-tune your grind to the exact micron. If you are currently using an Encore, it is best to stick to filter brewing methods where it truly shines. If you must use it for espresso, expect a steep learning curve and significant frustration when trying to achieve a balanced, repeatable shot.