BARATZA ENCORE VS VIRTUOSO (BARATZA BURR GRINDER SHOWDOWN)

A quality burr grinder is crucial if you want to make good coffee at home. Consistent coffee grounds mean a more even extraction, translating to more flavor and aroma in your morning brew.

But how do you choose the perfect first grinder if you’re just starting out?

Today, I’ll compare two of the most popular entry-level electric burr grinders, both of which I’ve used extensively: the Baratza Encore vs Virtuoso+. I’ll discuss what they have in common, where they differ, and whether the Virtuoso is worth the extra cost.

The Baratza Encore

Released in 2012, the Baratza Encore was one of the first burr grinders designed specifically for home use, and while the market has expanded considerably in the years since, it has remained a barista favorite. Its approachable price tag, excellent grind consistency, compact footprint, and user-friendly design ensure it never goes out of style.

Read my full review of the Baratza Encore for more.

• Grind adjustment: 40 stepped settings
• Burr set: 40 mm conical steel M3
• Dosing mechanism: Manual
• Dimensions: 5.1 x 5.9 x 13.4 in
• Grind speed: 1.3 – 2.2 grams per second

The Baratza Virtuoso Plus

The Virtuoso+ builds on the popular Virtuoso coffee grinder, which first hit the market in 2005. It’s Baratza’s next model up from the Encore in price, offering improved grind quality and user experience thanks to a digital timer, LED-backlit grounds bin, and re-engineered conical burrs.

Check out my detailed review of the Baratza Virtuoso+ for the complete rundown.

• Grind adjustment: 40 stepped settings
• Burr set: 40 mm conical steel M2
• Dosing mechanism: Digital timer with 0.1-second precision
• Dimensions: 5.1 x 5.9 x 13.4 in
• Grind speed: 1.3 – 2.4 grams per second

Baratza Virtuoso Vs Encore: What’s The Difference?

Now that we have the basics covered, I’ll discuss my experience using the Encore and Virtuoso grinders, comparing them head to head in performance, build quality, and user experience. These great coffee grinders have much in common, but their key differences will help you decide which is right for you.

Grind Quality

Let’s talk about the similarities between the two grinders first. The Virtuoso and Encore each have 40mm conical burrs, 40 different grind settings, and a grind range from roughly 250 to 1200 microns – espresso grind through cold brew. However, both are primarily filter coffee grinders that shine in the middle of the grind spectrum, perfect for brew methods like Aeropress, Chemex, pour over, drip coffee machines, and French press.

Older Encore models were substantially slower than the Virtuoso burr grinder, but as of 2024, it has essentially caught up. The Virtuoso is slightly faster at the finest settings, if you care to brew a Moka pot 4 or 5 seconds faster.

The most important difference in grind quality is due to the two burr sets (1). Even though both grinders use 40 mm conical steel burrs, they don’t have the same geometry – a fact I’ve noticed many reviewers miss. The Encore uses the older M3, while the Virtuoso uses the upgraded M2. 

I found that Virtuoso’s M2 burrs produced a more uniform grind with fewer fines when grinding at the medium to coarse grind settings. I enjoyed cleaner cups with crisper flavors, lighter body, and less sludge. It also improved consistency, with every brew tasting identical.

The Virtuoso is slightly quieter. I measured it around 82 dB versus 85 dB for the Encore. I think this has more to do with the design than the actual grinding mechanism. The Virtuoso feels studier with less rattling.

User Experience

Overall, both grinders are enjoyable to use and simple to operate, but the Virtuoso has substantially more features than the barebones Encore.

One of the biggest differences in this category is the dosing mechanism. The Encore doesn’t have one. It uses a simple on/off switch to start and stop grinding. You need to stand at the machine, start it manually, watch the grind, stop it manually, and then pull out your coffee scale if you want to ensure consistency between brews.

In contrast, the Virtuoso Plus relies on a digital 60-second timer. Set the timer with a high precision of 0.1 seconds, start the grind, and walk away. It stops automatically. As long as the time and coffee beans are the same, you’re guaranteed an identical dose every time. 

I suspect busy coffee connoisseurs will value the precision and efficiency of this system. The Virtuoso also has a front-mounted pulse button for manual dosing.

The other prominent feature is the new backlit grounds bin on the Virtuoso Plus. It surprised me because I didn’t expect to care about it as anything more than a colorful design addition. But it’s actually helpful to monitor the fullness of the grounds bin if you’re grinding big batches of coffee.

Both grinders use the same convenient grind adjustment mechanism; change the grind size by twisting the hopper.

Build Quality And Design

This category is closely contested. Both grinders have the same overall dimensions, 10.6-oz hopper, and 4.2-oz grounds bins. They use high-grade plastic resin for the body and tinted ABS plastic for the hopper. 

The Virtuoso features stainless steel accents at the top and base, which give it a more premium look (and make it a pound heavier). But in my experience, they don’t add substantially to its longevity. The Encore may not be as shiny, but I like that it’s available in black or white to match any kitchen.

These grinders are built to last, and I expect both to have a similar lifetime between 5 and 10 years, assuming you are diligent with maintenance and cleaning. Each includes a 1-year warranty and is backed by Baratza’s exceptional customer service should anything go wrong (2).

Value For Money

The Virtuoso Plus costs about $100 more than the Encore. Is it worth it? 

In my opinion, experienced coffee enthusiasts will see the value in purchasing the Virtuoso+. The better grind consistency and more precise dosing are worth the price, especially given the grinder’s durable build. A hundred dollars over a 10-year lifetime is a small price for better brews and more efficient mornings.

On the other hand, I think nearly everyone else will find better value in the Encore grinder. A coffee novice upgrading from a blade grinder for the first time won’t be able to taste the difference between the M2 and M3 burrs and probably won’t care about 0.1-second dosing precision. They can invest that $100 in the rest of their coffee set-up.

The Verdict

Having spent considerable time learning the perks and quirks of the Encore and the Virtuoso, I can honestly say that either would be an excellent addition to your coffee bar. Baratza manufactures reliably high-quality and user-friendly machines.

Should you choose Baratza Encore or Virtuoso?

Pick the Baratza Encore if…

• You’re a beginner or intermediate coffee lover looking for an entry-level model.
• You have a tight budget.
• You prefer the sleek white or black color options.

Pick the Baratza Virtuoso if…

• You’re a coffee expert with a more refined palate.
• You value consistent and convenient timed dosing.
• You prefer the look of the metal accents and LED lighting.