Baratza Encore ESP vs Baratza Sette 270
Both are Baratza espresso-capable grinders, but the Sette 270 doubles the price for genuinely different burr architecture and retention behavior. Where does the extra spend show up?
Quick verdict
Baratza Encore ESP
Best for: espresso shots, pour over, drip coffee
Baratza Sette 270
Best for: espresso shots, ristretto, milk drinks
Key differences
Specs where the two products diverge. Full spec list is below.
| Spec | Baratza Encore ESP | Baratza Sette 270 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $199 | $379 |
| Motor Watts | 100 | 280 |
| Espresso Adjustment | Yes | — |
| Grind Speed G Per S | — | 5 |
| Hopper G | 227 | — |
| Macro Steps | — | 30 |
| Micro Steps | — | 9 |
| Primary Use | espresso + filter | espresso |
| Step Count | 40 | — |
| Stepless | No | Yes |
Show full specs (4 shared specs)
| Spec | Baratza Encore ESP | Baratza Sette 270 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Baratza | Baratza |
| Burr Size Mm | 40 | 40 |
| Burr Type | Conical steel | Conical steel |
| Price tier | mid | mid |
Baratza Encore ESP
Pros
- First Baratza Encore with a usable espresso range
- 20 dedicated espresso steps plus 20 filter steps
- Same parts and service ecosystem as the classic Encore
- Under $200 — cheapest credible dual-use espresso grinder
Cons
- Still not at dedicated espresso grinder consistency at the fine end
- Stepped adjustment limits fine-tuning between settings
- Slow grind speed compared to flat-burr alternatives
Baratza Sette 270
Pros
- Stepless micro-adjustment for true espresso dialing
- Grind-through-portafilter design eliminates retention
- Fast grind speed — under 4 seconds for an 18g dose
- Programmable shot weights with built-in timer
Cons
- Louder than belt-driven competitors at the same price
- Plastic chassis wears faster than metal alternatives
- Not ideal for filter-coffee dialing at the coarse end
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Baratza Encore ESP better than the Baratza Sette 270?
Neither is universally better — they target different users. The Baratza Encore ESP is best for espresso shots and pour over. The Baratza Sette 270 is best for espresso shots and ristretto.
What's the price difference?
The Baratza Encore ESP retails around $199; the Baratza Sette 270 around $379. Price difference: $180.
Which one is better for milk drinks?
Look at the steam-related features in the spec table. Tags help too — products with 'milk-drinks' or 'dual-boiler' tags handle milk better. Baratza Encore ESP tags: espresso, dual-use, filter-coffee, budget-espresso. Baratza Sette 270 tags: espresso, low-retention, stepless, programmable.