Baratza is the real deal when it comes to grinders. While lesser brands rely on gimmicky features, Baratza has been reliably crushing it by building stylish, yet functional grinders.
Here’s why that’s important: Most coffee experts (myself included) will tell you that your grinder matters way more than owning the best espresso machine.
Surprised? Don’t be. Because even when using the best beans or machines on the planet, a cheap, inconsistent grinder means you’ll never brew coffee that sings.
My exploration today focuses on two of Baratza’s high-performing models – the Virtuoso+ vs the Encore.
But this isn’t your typical “Why You MUST Buy!” clickbait nonsense.
Instead, I’ll go deep in the weeds with a look at the features, specs, real-world experience and value to help you make a legitimately informed decision.
Here are the key questions I’ll answer in this comparison:
What are the actual differences in build quality, features and longevity?
What are the real-world workflow differences?
Which grinder is better for your preferred brew method(s)?
Is the Virtuoso+’s grind quality better than the Encore’s?
Is the price difference justified?
Table of Contents
Baratza Encore vs Virtuoso Review: At a Glance Comparison
| Baratza Encore | Baratza Virtuoso+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Burrs | M2 stainless steel 40mm conical burrs | M3 hardened steel 40mm conical burrs |
| Motor speed | 450 rpm | 550 rpm |
| Grind settings | 40 | 40 |
| Grind adjustment | Stepped | Stepped |
| Grind speed | 0.8-1.1gr/sec | 1.5-2.4gr/sec |
| Timer | No | Yes |
| Materials | Plastic with metal parts | Metal with plastic parts |
| Suitable for | French press, AeroPress, Chemex, cold brew | Moka pot, AeroPress, pour over, drip machines |
| Current price on Amazon | $149.95 | $249.95 |
What’s the Core Difference Between the Baratza Encore and Virtuoso?
At first glance, the Baratza Encore and Baratza Virtuoso+ look identical – same 40mm conical burrs, same 40 grind settings, same Baratza build and reliability.
But in reality, they couldn’t be more different. And it all starts with the burrs.
The Virtuoso M3 Burr Advantage: Why It Matters
What makes the Virtuoso+ stand out is its commercial-grade, hardened-steel, M3 conical burr set.
Contrast this with the Encore, which uses standard-steel M2 conical burrs. Although these have a sharp cutting edge that contributes to grind consistency, M3 burrs boast higher precision and better bimodal particle distribution.
But what does this mean for your morning cup? Two words: clarity and sweetness, especially in lighter roasts. And especially so in filter methods like Aeropress and pour-over coffee. The coffee tastes noticeably brighter, less bitter and more defined.
Speed and Consistency: The Motor Factor
As you can see above, the Virtuoso+ grinds nearly twice as fast as the Encore. It does so because its powerful motor maintains a more consistent speed when working. In layman’s terms, it won’t slow down mid-grind.
Again, what does this mean for your coffee?
When burrs slow down (common with cheaper grinders), uneven grinding occurs, leading to inconsistent particle sizes and uneven extractions. As a result, your cup may well suffer muddiness, bitterness or sourness.
The Virtuoso+ doesn’t have this problem. Its DC motor keeps steady torque, so you’re guaranteed a consistent grind from the first gram to the last.
Build Quality: Small Details, Huge Impact
Another crucial difference is that the Virtuoso+ has a digital timer built into its body. It also boasts a metal upper casing and base.
These aren’t mere luxury touches but functional upgrades that improve versatility, durability and workflow, by ensuring as the best espresso coffee grinders do, that your grinder isn’t the weak link.
How Do the M2 vs. M3 Burrs Affect Grind Quality and Consistency?
Here’s where the rubber meets the road, or should I say, burrs meet the beans! Both grinders have 40mm conical burrs, but with wildly different internal geometry.
The Encore’s M2 burrs use a traditional cutting pattern. They do the job reliably for most home brewing. But under the microscope, these burrs produce a wider range of coffee particle sizes, including fines and boulders.
The Virtuoso+ M3 hardened steel burrs boast a more sophisticated internal cutting geometry borrowed from Baratza’s best commercial grinders. The sharper, angled cutting surfaces slice through beans instead of crushing them.
This creates a tighter or unimodal particle distribution. You can learn more about this in my conical vs flat-burr grinder guide.
If you’ve ever wondered why cafe coffee tastes “brighter” than home-brewed, this is why. While M2 burrs will never ruin your coffee, M3 burrs elevate it, unlocking hidden flavors that inconsistent grinding leaves behind.
Key benefits of Baratza Virtuoso+ M3 burrs:
Better uniformity of grind size
Improved coffee flavor, especially in single-origin coffees
Fewer fines and cleaner cups
Better extraction efficiency
Baratza Encore vs Virtuoso Grind Settings Comparison
Having 40 grind settings and 40 useful settings are two very different things. And the Virtuoso+ embodies this.
The Baratza Encore shines in the middle-to-coarse territory (clicks 15-35). It delivers excellent results for drip, pour-over and French press.
When you venture into finer espresso territory (clicks 5-12), the M2 burrs start to struggle. You’ll likely notice a drop in grind consistency, occasional channeling and some clumping.
This is where the Baratza Virtuoso+ saves the day. Thanks to its stronger motor and hardier M3 burrs, it delivers a better grind consistency, though not as good as dedicated espresso grinders.
| Baratza Encore setting | Baratza Virtuoso+ setting | |
|---|---|---|
| French press | 28-32 | 28-32 |
| Automatic drip | 20-25 | 20-25 |
| Pour over | 15-20 | 15-20 |
| AeroPress | 12-18 | 12-18 |
| Espresso | 5-12 | 5-10 |
Which Grinder is Faster? A Look at Grind Speed and Motor Performance
The Virtuoso+ grinds nearly twice as fast as the Encore. If you’re thinking, “So what? I can spare the extra time,” you’re missing the deeper point. This speed difference reveals something more important.
The Encore uses a reliable AC induction motor. It’s durable, and good enough for everyday home use.
But AC motors have their limitations. Besides being louder, they generate more heat, and heat is bad for coffee flavor.
In contrast, the Virtuoso+ uses a commercial-grade DC motor. This delivers three critical benefits:
Rock-steady torque regardless of grind setting or bean density
Reduced burr wobble for better uniformity.
Quieter, cooler operation (78 decibels) for convenience and better coffee flavor
If you’re grinding once a day for personal use and patience isn’t an issue, the Encore’s speed is totally acceptable. However, if you’re grinding multiple times daily, batch brewing or dialing in multiple espresso shots, the Virtuoso+’s speed pays dividends.
What Are the Differences in Design, Build Quality and Cost?
Strip away the marketing spiel, and grinder design comes down to one question: Does the extra cash buy you something truly functional? With the Virtuoso+ it does.
The more basic of the two, the Encore, encapsulates honest, functional design on a budget. The body, bean hopper and portafilter fork are plastic, the hopper basic and the single power button straightforward.
Does this matter for performance? Not really. The Encore is excellent, regardless. But the plastic body does mean more vibration during grinding.
In contrast, the Virtuoso+ immediately feels sturdier and more sophisticated. The metal housing and base add significant weight, reducing vibrations as you grind. Even small touches like the rubberized bean hopper lid and backlit grounds bin feel more refined.
What’s more, the Virtuoso+ has a built-in digital timer. Unlike the Encore, which is entirely manual, you can set your desired grind time, press once and walk away. The grinder stops automatically at your programmed time.
In essence, the Virtuoso+’s superior materials suggest a wider peak performance window. Plastic housing can warp slightly over time from heat and vibration; metal won’t. Also, the more robust DC motor will likely maintain its performance longer under heavy use.
| Baratza Encore | Baratza Virtuoso+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | Plastic with metal parts | Metal with plastic parts |
| Portafilter holder | No | No |
| On/off switch | Manual | Programmable |
| Display | None | Digital display |
| Timer function | No | Yes |
| Bean hopper | Tinted plastic | Tinted plastic with rubber gasket |
| Catch bin | Plastic | Backlit plastic |
| Dimensions | 6.3 x 4.7 x 13.8 in / 16.0 x 12.0 x 35.0 cm | 13.4 x 5.1 x 6.0 in / 34.0 x 13.0 x 15.0 cm |
| Weight | 6.8 lb / 3.0 kg | 8.0 lb / 3.6 kg |
Is the Baratza Encore the Better Option for a Home Brewer?
best mid-range electric grinder
Baratza Encore
The Best Coffee Grinder for Drip and Chemex
Minimal Static Charge
Easy To Clean
Easy To Use
Compact and Reliable
Consistent Grind
Not Suitable for Espresso
Quite Loud
| Baratza Encore | |
| Current price on Amazon | $149.95 |
|---|---|
| All specifications | |
If you’re just getting serious about coffee, the Baratza Encore is arguably the best investment you can make. At $149.95, it delivers a massive leap in flavor clarity and grind quality over horrid blade grinders or, worse, pre-ground coffee.
Crucially, the Encore excels at what most home brewers do daily: drip coffee, pour-over and French press. It’s dead-simple to use, built with durable, user-replaceable parts and backed by Baratza’s legendary customer service.
Yes, it’s slower. Yes, it’s manual. Yes, espresso isn’t its strong suit. Yet, it works just fine, despite these limitations.
For beginners prioritizing value and versatility, the Encore, costing half what the Virtuoso+ does, is unbeatable. But if espresso-capability is still a major concern, the Baratza Sette 30 comes close.
Baratza Encore: Pros & Cons
PROS
- Outstanding value
- Sturdy M2 burrs grind well for most brew methods
- Simple, intuitive design
- Legendary Baratza reliability and support
CONS
- Less durable, all-plastic construction
- Slower grinding speeds
- Less consistent at the espresso range
- No timer function
Is the Baratza Virtuoso+ Worth the Upgrade for an Aspiring Pro?
Solid and Dependable
Baratza Virtuoso+
Could be a lifelong partner
High quality build
Easy to maintain
Powerful DC motor
Very consistent results
Digital timer function
Backlit grounds container
Not suitable for espresso
| Baratza Virtuoso+ | |
| Current price on Amazon | $249.95 |
|---|---|
| All specifications | |
The short answer is, yes. If you’ve outgrown entry-level grinders and want noticeably better coffee, the Baratza Virtuoso+ delivers where it counts.
First, its M3 burrs produce measurably cleaner cups with enhanced flavor clarity.
Second, the digital timer elevates accuracy and repeatability. It lets you dial in more accurate espresso and filter coffee doses without guesswork. Furthermore, the faster DC motor cuts grind times in half, making multi-dose workflows a breeze.
At $249.95, it’s a more serious investment, but one that pays handsomely in cup quality.
Incidentally, the digital timer alone, for accurate espresso dial-ins and filter coffee dosing, is worth $50-$70!
While this grinder does pretty well with espresso, if you’re really serious about your shots, there are better choices within the Baratza family. Grinders like the Baratza Sette 270 do better due to their near-stepless grind settings, superior speed and unique Sette burrs for powdery-fine grounds.
Baratza Virtuoso+: Pros & Cons
PROS
- Superior M3 burrs
- Built-in digital timer
- Premium design touches
- Faster, stable DC motor
CONS
- Significantly more expensive
- Not ideal for ultra-light roasts
- Overkill if you mainly brew filter coffees
Daily Workflow: A Look at Grind Retention and Static
In using these two grinders, you’ll most certainly come across two quirks – grind retention and static.
Grind retention is coffee that clings to your grinder after grinding. It ranges from 0.5-1.5 grams in both the Encore and Virtuoso+.
While it may not be a deal breaker, it does mean that your first dose of the day may contain yesterday’s stale coffee. For single-dosing enthusiasts, this is a no-no. Retention messes up precise dosing and coffee flavor.
Static is another annoying phenomenon. Here, coffee grounds cling to everything except your portafilter.
Both grinders produce it, especially with lighter, drier roasts. The Virtuoso+’s faster motor and anti-static grounds bin help somewhat, but neither grinder is 100 percent static-free.
To counter these two curve balls, here are a few things you can do:
For retention, invest in a bellows to puff out trapped grounds or gently tap your grinder on the counter between doses.
For static, spray a mist of filtered water onto whole beans before grinding (Ross Droplet Technique). This reduces static significantly without affecting flavor.
In essence, both grinders need minor workflow adjustments. A little bellows puff here, a few water droplets there and you’re golden!
Long-Term Ownership: Maintenance, Repairability, and Lifespan
Both the Encore and Virtuoso+ embody Baratza’s philosophy that grinders should be repairable before being replaceable.
Nearly every component – from burrs and motors to switches and drive gears – is available as a spare part. All you need to do is order the part you need, and repair the grinder yourself. Baratza provides detailed repair videos and responsive customer support to walk you through the process.
Likewise, every day maintenance is straightforward. Brushing out the chute daily, the burr chamber monthly and using grinder tablets occasionally prevents coffee oils and stubborn residue buildups. And as these grinders offer tool-free burr access, this shouldn’t be too difficult to do.
The burrs may need replacing after every 500-1,000 pounds (226-453 kilograms) of coffee, along with the drive gear, if damaged. But you won’t have to worry about this for years!
The Third Option: Upgrading the Encore With M3 Burrs
Now, few of you may know this, but for about $30-$40, you may upgrade your Encore grinder by installing the Virtuoso+ M3 burrs directly into it.
Installing these burrs involves replacing both the upper ring burr and the lower cone burr.
This process is simple enough; the lower cone burr requires some tools and minor disassembly using, while the upper ring burr lifts out.
While I don’t recommend it for everyone, it is a good solution if you’re on a budget or planning a future upgrade.
Encore M3 Burr Upgrade: Pros & Cons
PROS
- Significantly better coffee
- Easy DIY installation
- A future-proof path to a Virtuoso+ upgrade
CONS
- Doesn’t upgrade build quality, motor power or grind speed
- No digital timer, display or back-lit grounds bin convenience
- May void your warranty
Baratza Virtuoso or Encore: Which One Should You Buy?
I hope that after reading this, you’re armed with sufficient information on two of Baratza’s best burr coffee grinders.
For beginner brewers or budget-conscious coffee drinkers, the Encore is the smarter choice. It delivers excellent grind quality across filter and immersion methods. If you don’t mind the slower speed and lack of premium touches, that is.
But if you see these cons as deal breakers, and don’t mind spending about $100 more, then the Virtuoso+ is the way to go. It grinds well across the spectrum, and has quality-of-life upgrades (faster motor, superior burrs, digital timer) that make everyday brewing easier.
The bottom line is, one isn’t better than the other. The Encore is the affordable, practical choice. The Virtuoso, the refined version.
Either way you’re getting a grinder that’ll serve you for years. And that’s the real Baratza advantage!
Choose the Baratza Encore if …
You’re new to specialty coffee
You mainly brew drip, pour-over or French press coffee
Budget is your top priority
Choose the Baratza Virtuoso+ if …
You value reliable and repeatable dosing (especially espresso)
Speed matters in your coffee workflow
You’re investing in coffee gear long-term as your palate and skills develop
FAQ
Yes, the Virtuoso+ grinds relatively well for espresso thanks to its superior M3 burrs.
The Virtuoso+ is noticeably quieter than the Encore (78dB vs 85dB) thanks to its commercial-grade DC motor.
Baratza grinders, including the Virtuoso+, are designed in Seattle, and manufactured overseas. The company has strong oversight over production, readily available replacement parts, repair support and excellent customer service.
