Baratza Encore Vs. Virtuoso+: The Ultimate Sibling Rivalry In Coffee Grinding

If you have spent any time lurking on coffee forums or watching brew guides, you have undoubtedly run into the two titans of the entry-level specialty coffee world: the Baratza Encore and the Baratza Virtuoso+ (formerly just the Virtuoso).

I have used both extensively, and I know exactly where you are stuck. You are wondering if the Virtuoso+ is actually worth the extra cash, or if the trusty Encore is all you really need to get that café-quality pour-over at home.

My goal here isn’t to just list specs, but to help you feel the difference before you buy. Let’s break down which grinder deserves the spot on your countertop.

Key Differences Between Baratza Encore And Virtuoso+

While they share the same DNA, the differences in daily operation are starker than the spec sheet suggests.

• Burr Geometry: The most critical difference lies inside the machine. The Encore uses the M3 burr, which is designed as a “jack-of-all-trades.” It produces a respectable grind but generates more “fines” (dusty particles that can clog your filter and taste bitter). The Virtuoso+ uses the M2 burr. This burr has a sharper cutting edge and a different geometry that slices the bean more efficiently. This results in fewer fines and a more uniform particle distribution, which directly translates to a cleaner, sweeter cup of coffee.
• Grinding Speed: Because the M2 burr on the Virtuoso+ cuts so aggressively, it chews through beans almost twice as fast as the Encore. If you are grinding 30 grams for a morning Chemex, the Encore might take 30-40 seconds, while the Virtuoso+ will finish the job in roughly 15-20 seconds. This might sound negligible, but when you are rushing out the door at 7 AM, that speed feels like a luxury.
• The Timer Interface: The Encore is entirely manual. You turn a side knob to “On,” and it grinds until you turn it off. You have to babysit it or guess the dosage. The Virtuoso+ features a digital screen on the front. You dial in a time (e.g., 12.5 seconds), press the button, and walk away. It stops automatically. This repeatability is a massive workflow improvement for consistency.
• Build Quality and Aesthetics: The Encore feels like a sturdy appliance, but it is undeniably plastic. It is light and can vibrate a bit on the counter. The Virtuoso+ adds a heavy metal base and a cast metal top casing. This added weight dampens the noise slightly—changing the pitch from a high whine to a lower rumble—and makes the unit feel premium and planted. It simply looks better in a modern kitchen.
• Bin Visibility: A small but noticeable quality-of-life difference is the grounds bin. The Virtuoso+ has LED LEDs that backlight the bin, allowing you to see exactly how much coffee has piled up. The Encore is dark, and in dim morning light, it is easy to overfill it if you aren’t paying attention.

Key Features of The Baratza Encore

The Encore is often called the “gateway drug” to specialty coffee for a reason. It strips away everything non-essential to focus purely on the grind.

• Simple On/Off Toggle: There is no learning curve here. A switch on the side turns it on; a button on the front pulses it. This simplicity means there are fewer electronic components to fail over time. It is mechanical and tactile.
• 40 Grind Settings: You get the same range of adjustability as the more expensive model. From coarse cold brew to fine Aeropress, the collar rotates smoothly to select your numbered setting.
• Serviceability: One of my favorite things about the Encore is how repairable it is. Baratza sells every single part. If the motor dies in five years, you can replace it. If you strip a gear, you can swap it. This prevents the grinder from becoming e-waste, which is rare in consumer electronics today.
• Compact Footprint: It fits under almost any kitchen cabinet. The hopper shape is low-profile, and since it doesn’t have the heavy metal base, it is easy to move around if you need to stash it in a pantry.
• Zero-Retention Design Philosophy: While it doesn’t have zero retention in reality (some grounds always get stuck), the direct drop-through design minimizes stale coffee buildup compared to grinders with chutes. A quick tap on the side usually dislodges any leftovers.

Baratza Encore Pros

• Unbeatable Value: For the price, you simply cannot find a better electric burr grinder. It punches remarkably above its weight class in terms of grind consistency. It is the gold standard for a reason.
• Extremely Easy to Clean: The top burr lifts right out without tools. You can brush out the chamber in thirty seconds. This encourages regular maintenance, which keeps your coffee tasting better.
• Upgrade Path: If you buy an Encore and later decide you want the performance of the Virtuoso+, you can actually buy the M2 burr separately and install it yourself. It requires a bit of elbow grease, but it means your Encore can grow with you.
• Forgiving Grind Quality: The M3 burr produces a grind that has decent body. If you prefer a “richer” mouthfeel in your French Press or drip coffee, the slight increase in fines from the Encore can actually be pleasant, adding texture to the cup.

Baratza Encore Cons

• Loud and High-Pitched: There is no getting around it—the Encore is noisy. It has a hollow, high-pitched whine that can be jarring in a quiet house. It wakes people up.
• Slower Grinding: It takes its time. If you are brewing a large batch for a dinner party (say, 60 grams of coffee), you will be standing there holding the switch or waiting for a solid minute or more.
• Messy Static: The plastic bin is a magnet for static electricity. When you pull the bin out, chaff and grounds often jump out onto the counter. You almost always have to do the “RDT” method (adding a drop of water to beans) to manage the mess.
• No Timer: You have to weigh your beans before grinding or weigh the output. You cannot just “set it and forget it.”

Key Features of The Baratza Virtuoso+

The Virtuoso+ takes the reliable engine of the Encore and puts it in a luxury chassis with a turbocharger.

• Precision Digital Timer: The knob on the front isn’t just an on/switch; it’s a digital encoder. You can adjust the grind time in 0.1-second increments. Once you know your dose (e.g., 6.5 seconds usually equals 18 grams of your current beans), you don’t need to use a scale every single time if you are in a rush.
• M2 Cone Burrs: As mentioned, these are the star of the show. The stainless steel M2 burrs are the same ones used in some of Baratza’s commercial-grade equipment. They produce a grind consistency that rivals machines twice the price. The reduction in “fines” allows you to grind finer without choking your brew, extracting more flavor without bitterness.
• Solid Metal Construction: The top casing and the base are cast metal. This isn’t just for looks; the thermal mass helps dissipate heat from the motor during longer grind sessions, and the weight prevents the grinder from “walking” across the counter during operation.
• Cool-Running Motor: The DC motor is geared to spin at roughly 550 RPM. This is relatively slow compared to blade grinders or cheaper burr grinders. Slow rotation means less friction and less heat transfer to your beans, preserving the volatile oils that give your coffee its aroma.
• Stylized Grounds Bin: The clear plastic of the grounds bin on the Virtuoso+ seems to have a slightly different finish that, in my experience, combats static cling marginally better than the standard Encore bin, though this can vary wildly depending on your humidity and bean roast level.

Baratza Virtuoso+ Pros

• Superior Cup Clarity: This is the main selling point. The M2 burrs produce a cup with distinct flavor separation. If you are buying expensive single-origin beans and want to taste the blueberry notes in your Ethiopian roast, the Virtuoso+ will reveal them much better than the Encore.
• Fast and Efficient: It devours beans. The speed is satisfying and reduces the amount of time the motor is running, which extends the life of the machine.
• Premium Feel: The weight and the metal finish make it feel like a serious kitchen tool, not a toy. It matches well with high-end espresso machines or kettles.
• Consistent Dosing: Once dialed in, the digital timer is remarkably accurate. For daily drip coffee, it streamlines the workflow significantly.
• Quieter Operation: While not “whisper quiet,” the sound is deeper and less rattling than the Encore. It feels more refined and less like a construction project.

Baratza Virtuoso+ Cons

• Price Jump: It costs significantly more than the Encore. You have to ask yourself if the metal body and timer are worth the premium, considering the grind quality improvement is noticeable but perhaps not “double the price” noticeable to an average drinker.
• Timer Limitations: If you switch beans often, the timer is less useful because different beans grind at different rates. You end up having to re-adjust the time constantly, which can negate the convenience.
• Still Not an Espresso Specialist: Despite the higher price and better burrs, the adjustment steps are still too large for dialing in professional espresso (more on that later). It is primarily a brew grinder.
• Backlight Failure: Some users have reported the LED light in the bin failing over time. It is a minor annoyance, but a point of failure nonetheless.

The Grinding Experience With Baratza Encore And Virtuoso+

When I wake up and walk into the kitchen, the choice between these two machines changes the flow of my morning.

With the Encore, the process is tactile and involved.

I weigh my beans on a separate scale—let’s say 20 grams. I dump them in the hopper.

I twist the side knob. The machine roars to life with that familiar chaotic whine.

I listen for the change in pitch that indicates the beans are gone.

I let it spin for an extra second to clear the chute, then twist it off.

When I pull the bin out, I usually have to tap it firmly on the counter to knock down the chaff clinging to the sides. It’s a ritual. It feels mechanical.

The coffee it produces is excellent for my V60—maybe a little muddy on the very last sip due to fines, but rich and flavorful.

With the Virtuoso+, the experience is sleeker. The machine sits heavy on the counter. The screen glows blue. I have it pre-set to 9.2 seconds because I know that is roughly my 20-gram dose for my current bag. I press the button and walk over to get my filter paper.

The grinder hums—a lower, faster aggressive sound—and shuts itself off right as I return. The bin is lit up, looking like a little stage for my coffee grounds. The static is still there, but the coffee bed in my brewer looks different.

It looks uniform, like wet sand. When I brew, the water flows through faster because there is less dust clogging the paper. The resulting cup is brighter. The acidity pops more. It tastes like a coffee shop pour-over.

Also Read: Differences Between OXO And Moccamaster.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts

Choosing between the Baratza Encore and the Virtuoso+ ultimately comes down to your budget and your palate.

If you are just starting your journey into specialty coffee, or if you primarily drink medium-to-dark roasts and use a standard drip coffee maker or French Press, the Baratza Encore is the champion. It is a workhorse that will last you a decade.

You do not need to spend the extra money. The grind quality is miles ahead of any blade grinder or cheap burr grinder, and the simplicity of the machine is a joy. It is rugged, repairable, and reliable.

However, if you are chasing the perfect pour-over, if you buy light-roast single-origin beans, or if you appreciate the workflow of a digital timer and the aesthetic of stainless steel, the Baratza Virtuoso+ is worth the investment.

It isn’t just a prettier face; the M2 burrs make a tangible difference in the cup. That extra clarity, sweetness, and acidity are what we chase in this hobby, and the Virtuoso+ delivers that right out of the box.

Personally, I started with an Encore. I loved it. But when I tasted the same coffee ground through a Virtuoso+, I realized what I was missing. The mud was gone, and the fruit notes sang. Whichever you choose, you are buying into an ecosystem that supports repair and longevity, and that alone makes both of them winners in my book.