I put them head-to-head—who pulls better espresso, and why I now prefer the Smart Grinder Pro for consistent, café-grade results.
Surprisingly, I found two excellent home grinders with very different strengths: I tested the Sage Smart Grinder Pro and the Baratza Encore to compare grind quality, features, and overall value, and here’s which I’d pick for different brewing needs today.
Precision Espresso
9.1
I find this grinder to be a reliable, versatile tool that gives me precise control across a wide range of brew methods. Its dosing accuracy and build quality make it a strong choice for home baristas who want espresso-capable performance without stepping up to pro commercial equipment.
Filter Favorite
7.8
I appreciate this grinder as a dependable, straightforward option that excels for filter and drip coffee at a very approachable price. Its simplicity and serviceability make it an excellent choice for daily brewing without complex features.
Sage Grinder Pro
- Grind Range – 9.5
- Grind Consistency – 8.8
- Build Quality – 9
- Ease of Use – 9.1
Baratza Encore Grinder
- Grind Range – 7.5
- Grind Consistency – 7.8
- Build Quality – 7.5
- Ease of Use – 8.4
Sage Grinder Pro
Pros
- Very wide 60-step grind range covers espresso to French press
- Accurate timed dosing (Dosing iQ) with fine adjustment increments
- Solid build and user-friendly controls with magnetic dosing accessories
- Low retention relative to many comparable grinders
Baratza Encore Grinder
Pros
- Simple, reliable performance ideal for filter and pour-over brewing
- Easy to use with 40 stepped grind settings
- Good value and Baratza’s reputation for customer service and replaceable parts
Sage Grinder Pro
Cons
- Larger footprint and heavier than entry-level grinders
- Struggles a bit with very light roasts for extremely fine espresso
Baratza Encore Grinder
Cons
- Not as fine or consistent at espresso-levels compared with higher-end models
- Hopper capacity and overall feature set are more basic
Design, build and bean capacity — feel and fit
Sage — solid, feature-rich, and a little hefty
I immediately noticed the Smart Grinder Pro’s substantial build — dense plastics and metal internals give it a reassuring weight on the counter. The tall 450 g hopper is a standout: I can load a week’s worth of beans for daily espresso use and rarely refill. The unit is slightly deeper than some grinders, and the magnetic dosing cup and removable grounds cradle make espresso workflow tidy.
Baratza Encore — compact, simple, and serviceable
The Encore sits a bit differently: lighter (about 3.45 kg) and visually slimmer, with a smaller hopper that I top up more often. Its plastic housing is less heavy-duty than the Sage, but it feels well-made and easy to move if you need counter flexibility. The chute directs grounds neatly into the bin or portafilter adaptor, though it lacks the Smart’s magnetic dosing niceties.
Quick practical notes on fit and ergonomics
- Sage: heavier, larger hopper (450 g), magnetic dosing accessories, roomier for espresso workflow
- Encore: lighter, smaller hopper, simpler footprint — better if you need to move it frequently
- Durability: Sage feels more industrial; Encore’s parts are simpler to service or replace
- Chute & ergonomics: Sage’s dosing accessories give neater daily use; Encore is straightforward and fuss-free
I found the Sage takes up a bit more real estate but rewards you with less refilling and cleaner dosing. The Encore fits tighter kitchens and rewards simplicity and ease of maintenance.
Grind mechanism, settings and performance
Burr types and the tuning range
Both grinders use conical steel burrs, but they feel different in use. The Sage Smart Grinder Pro gives you a very fine-grain feel across 60 stepped settings — the steps are close enough to dial espresso precisely and still reach coarse settings for French press. The Baratza Encore’s 40 stepped settings are wider apart; they cover filter and drip comfortably and go coarse enough for press, but the very finest espresso end is less refined.
Dosing control and repeatability
The Smart Grinder Pro’s Dosing iQ (0.2‑second increments) is a game-changer for repeatable shots: I could change dose by a few tenths of a second and see predictable extraction changes. The Encore is manual/timed (no built-in precise digital dose), so I rely on a scale or consistent button press. In real use that means Sage is faster to dial; Encore requires more external discipline.
Real-world consistency and particle distribution
In my test shots the Sage produced a tighter particle distribution at espresso and medium-fine settings — denser puck, fewer visible clumps, and less channeling. At coarse settings it stayed uniform enough for clean French press cups. The Encore excelled for pour-over and drip: consistent medium grind with excellent extraction clarity. At espresso settings the Encore showed more fines and a broader spread, which made dialing temperamental.
- Sage strengths: precise espresso dialing, consistent medium-coarse for pour-over and press, low retention
- Encore strengths: dependable filter/pour-over performance, simple, reliable for daily drip brewing
- Limits: Sage struggles slightly with extremely light roasts at the very finest settings; Encore is not ideal if you want competitive espresso-level precision
My takeaway: Sage is the precision tool for espresso-first users; Encore is the straightforward winner for anyone focused on filter and drip.
Feature Comparison Chart
| Features | Sage Grinder Pro | Baratza Encore Grinder |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Sage (Breville family) | Baratza |
| Model Number | SCG820BTR | ZCG485BLK4GUK1A |
| Burr Type | Conical stainless steel burrs | 40 mm conical steel burrs |
| Grind Settings | 60 settings | 40 settings |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 450 g | Approx. 225 g |
| Bean Hopper Detachable | Yes, removable hopper | Yes, removable hopper |
| Dosing Control | Dosing iQ programmable timed dosing (0.2s increments) | Simple on/off timed operation (pulse-style) |
| Portafilter Compatibility | Designed for timed dosing to portafilter and grounds bin; includes portafilter cradle | Better suited to grounds bin dosing; not optimized for on-portafilter timed dosing |
| Retention | Low retention (user reports close to 1:1 input-output) | Moderate retention in burr chamber |
| Weight | 4 kg | 3.45 kg |
| Dimensions | 15 x 22 x 38 cm | 20.5 x 19 x 39 cm |
| Voltage | 240 V | 230 V |
| Approximate Price | $$$ | $$ |
| Typical Use | Home espresso-first, also good for pour-over and drip | Filter, pour-over, and drip coffee; entry-level home use |
| Build Material | Stainless steel plus high-quality plastics | Plastic housing with metal burr components |
| Noise Level | Moderate | Moderate-low |
| Service & Parts Availability | Widely available replacement parts and support | Baratza known for easy-to-source replacement parts and support |
User experience: controls, noise, and maintenance
Controls & programmability
I found the Smart Grinder Pro’s digital interface immediately more precise. The Dosing iQ gives 0.2‑second increments, a clear display, and push-button presets — changing dose or grind setting is quick and repeatable. The grind-stepping is fine enough that small adjustments make predictable differences.
The Encore is deliberately simpler: a mechanical stepped collar with 40 positions and an on/off rocker. There’s no built-in timed dosing, so I either pull fixed-length button presses or use a scale/timer. It’s straightforward but less refined for repeatable espresso dosing.
Noise and daily grind workflow
In daily use I noticed clear differences in sound and tempo.
- Smart Grinder Pro: louder, more powerful motor but grinds faster, so short bursts (10–20s) are normal.
- Encore: quieter and lower volume overall, but grinds more slowly so run times are longer for the same dose.
That means Sage is faster for multiple shots; Encore is less intrusive if noise sensitivity matters and you don’t mind slightly longer grind times.
Cleaning and burr access
Both are user-serviceable, but approach differs.
- Smart Grinder Pro: hopper lifts off, magnetic dosing cup is easy to remove, and the upper burr comes out with a central bolt — a little hand tool or screwdriver is useful for deep cleans.
- Encore: very simple hopper removal and quick-access top burr (two screws/retainer), designed for routine owner maintenance and easy replacement parts.
Routine brushing and occasional vacuum or compressed air handled most retention on both. The Sage tended to leave slightly less retained coffee in the chute thanks to its dosing cup, which simplified my dosing-to-dispense routine.
Price, value and who each grinder is best for
Price versus features
I put features and performance against current pricing to judge value. At roughly £210, the Sage Smart Grinder Pro gives you 60 stepped settings, timed Dosing iQ, faster grind speed and a larger 450 g hopper. At about £140, the Baratza Encore is a simpler, quieter 40‑step grinder that nails filter brewing at a much lower cost. If you need precise dosing and espresso-capable fineness, the Sage justifies the premium; if you mainly brew pour‑over or drip, the Encore is smarter value.
Who I recommend each for
- Sage Smart Grinder Pro — best for: home baristas chasing espresso, households that grind for multiple brew methods, and anyone who values fast, repeatable timed dosing.
- Baratza Encore — best for: budget-conscious brewers, pour‑over / filter lovers, and people who want a straightforward, reliable daily grinder without extra complexity.
Long-term ownership, support and upgradeability
Baratza has an industry-leading reputation for customer support, easy-to-source replacement burrs and simple user servicing — that matters if you plan to keep a grinder for years. Encore’s simpler mechanics make it inexpensive to maintain and repair. The Sage is serviceable and solidly built, but its electronics and dosing system are more integrated, so repairs can be slightly more involved and sometimes costlier.
Final value take
If you want the most features per pound for espresso and multi-method flexibility, go Smart Grinder Pro. If you want dependable, low-cost performance for filter coffee with the best long-term serviceability, the Encore is the better value.
Final verdict — which one I’d choose and why
I pick the Sage Smart Grinder Pro as my winner for its broader grind range, programmability and better espresso control.
Pick the Encore for simplicity, smaller footprint and a lower price — perfect for drip and pour-over. My buy: Sage for versatility and espresso; Encore if you prioritize budget and compactness. Happy brewing.
49 comments
Daniel Cho
Anyone got longevity stories? I’m debating which one will actually last longer without needing parts replaced. The Encore seems mechanically simpler, so maybe it ages better?
DanCC
Good question — Baratza (Encore) has a strong reputation for longevity and user-replaceable parts. Sage units are solid but more electronics = more potential points of failure.
Daniel Cho
Thanks — that’s reassuring. Replacing parts yourself is a plus.
Grace
I had an Encore for 6 years before the motor slowed — replaced parts and it runs fine again. Support was helpful too.
Noah Carter
Personal experience: I used an Encore for 4 years for daily drip coffee and it never skipped a beat. Then I got curious and splurged on the Smart Grinder Pro for espresso. The Smart required more fiddling but the shots were noticeably better.
If you want one machine to rule all: Smart is more feature-rich. If you want a reliable, low-fuss daily grinder: Encore. End of story. 😊
Noah Carter
admin: I tried once and got a passable shot but nothing consistent. Switched back to Smart and the repeatability was night and day.
DanCC
Thanks for the real-world comparison, Noah. Did you ever try running the Encore for espresso just to see how far it goes?
Ava
I ran a test — Encore can do espresso-like grind but lacks the fine-tune control. For a casual espresso fan it might suffice.
Ethan Brooks
Price vs function: Smart Grinder Pro is basically a small appliance with attitude. Encore is the dependable friend who never brags. 😂
Honestly, I’m fine with the Encore — I’m not a cafe, just a person who drinks coffee.
Ethan Brooks
Also: Encore’s cleaning is easier, 10/10 for lazy people like me.
DanCC
Lazy-friendly is underrated when it comes to appliances. 😄
Sophia
Agreed — plus Encore’s footprint is smaller in most kitchens.
DanCC
Haha, great analogy. For most home users, Encore is indeed the sensible choice.
Laura Kim
Great write-up! I own the Smart Grinder Pro in black truffle and the programmable doses are a lifesaver for my morning routine. The 60 grind settings actually matter when I switch between espresso and French press.
Only gripe: it’s a bit bulky on my counter. Otherwise, consistent grinds and pretty straightforward to clean.
Jack
I also have the Pro and agree on the bulk — but the consistency made the counter space worth it for me.
Maya Thompson
How often do you clean the burrs? I’m new to grinders and not sure about maintenance frequency.
DanCC
Thanks for sharing, Laura — glad the dosing feature works for you. Which setting number do you usually use for espresso?
Priya Patel
If your main goal is great espresso, go Smart Grinder Pro. It nails the fine adjustments. If you only drink filter coffee, Encore will save you money and headaches.
Taste-wise: Smart gave me a sweeter, cleaner espresso profile compared to my Encore trials.
DanCC
Nice concise advice, Priya. Did you compare the same beans roasted the same day?
Nate
Interesting — I thought Encore couldn’t do espresso at all, but maybe with the right technique it can be passable?
Olivia Hart
Long post incoming (sorry not sorry) — I’ve had both for a year and here’s my take:
1) Smart Grinder Pro: love the versatility. The timer and step adjustments make it a breeze to switch profiles. Slightly louder than I expected though.
2) Encore: rock-solid and very user-friendly. The 40 settings are more than enough for filter lovers.
If you’re doing espresso daily, Smart Grinder Pro wins. For simplicity and fewer headaches, Encore wins. Also, the Smart needs a bit more TLC when it comes to cleaning.
Olivia Hart
admin: Mostly frequency — I clean the Smart Grinder Pro every 2-3 weeks. It takes a bit more effort to get at the chamber.
Luis: it’s louder but not obnoxiously so. My roommate complained once lol.
DanCC
Thanks, Olivia — super helpful for readers deciding between daily espresso use and casual brewing.
DanCC
Appreciate the detailed comparison, Olivia. When you say ‘needs TLC’ — do you mean frequency of cleaning or difficulty in disassembly?
Luis
Great summary. The noise level is something I worry about too — did either cause complaints at home in the mornings?
James Miller
I went with the Encore because I’m not doing espresso — just drip and occasional French press. Simple, reliable, and cheaper. No flashy bells but it gets the job done.
If you’re not chasing micro-adjustments, Encore is fine.
Emily
Clumping was an issue for me at first — just adjust your dose and try a coarser setting or pulse grind a bit.
DanCC
Totally — Encore is a great value for filter coffee. Did you notice any clumping with finer settings?
Sophie Lane
So here’s a long-ish newbie-friendly post I wish I read before buying:
– I do pour-over and some Aeropress. I chose the Encore because it’s simpler and the grind consistency at medium-coarse is excellent.
– The Smart Grinder Pro looks fancy and I almost splurged for the extra settings, but I realized I didn’t need 60 options.
– Also note the Encore 230V — make sure it matches your home voltage, I almost bought the wrong model.
Moral: Know your brew method and voltage needs before committing. 😅
Ava
Agreed on ‘know your brew’ — I wasted money chasing features I never used.
DanCC
Thanks for the follow-up, Sophie — that kind of real-world test is really useful for readers.
Tom
Voltage is a good shout. People forget that until it’s too late…
DanCC
That’s a helpful checklist, Sophie — good catch on the voltage issue. Did you do any blind taste tests between the two?
Sophie Lane
admin: I did a few side-by-sides. For pour-over I couldn’t reliably taste a huge difference, but espresso shots were noticeably better from the Smart Grinder Pro.
Marco Ruiz
I love the idea of 60 settings. Feels like choosing a radio station for my coffee. 😂
Jokes aside, I think a lot of people overvalue the number-of-settings metric. What matters is repeatability and how the grinder behaves with your beans.
DanCC
Good point — we tried to emphasize repeatability in the article. Did any of the grinders give inconsistent results for you?
Sophia
Exactly — more settings doesn’t necessarily mean better. Calibration and burr quality > numbers.
Maya Thompson
I’m a total beginner. I want something that won’t drive me crazy while learning. Which would you recommend for a rookie who wants to try espresso eventually but mostly will do drip?
Also, warranty and support matter to me.
Priya Patel
Maya: you can also look at used SGP units — sometimes people sell them after upgrading, and that can save cash while getting espresso-capable gear.
DanCC
If you plan to learn espresso but are starting simple, Smart Grinder Pro offers the flexibility to grow. But if you want the easiest path and lower cost initially, Encore is less intimidating. Both brands have decent support; Baratza is known for very friendly customer service.
Hannah
Start with Encore if you’re not ready to tinker. You can always upgrade later when you’re more serious about espresso.
Hannah Price
Technical note: both are conical burrs but the size and motor torque differ. That affects retention, heat, and grind distribution. If you’re chasing high-volume café-level output, neither is meant for that — but for home use they shine in different ways.
Also, burr sharpening and replacement cycles: keep an eye on them, it’s not forever but will influence long-term cost.
Grace
Thanks for the detail — nerdy but super helpful for people considering espresso work.
Tom
Good point about torque — I’ve noticed the Smart feels more robust for fine grinds.
DanCC
Great technical breakdown, Hannah. Did you measure retention differences between the two?
Hannah Price
admin: I did a quick retention test — Smart had slightly higher retention, but more consistent particle distribution at fine settings.
Oliver Grant
40 vs 60 settings. Honestly, does anyone actually count them when choosing? I just want a grinder that behaves predictably and doesn’t die in two years. Numbers are marketing. 😅
Luis
I used to care about settings until I realized 80% of the time I use the same 3 settings.
DanCC
Totally agree — the feel of the adjustment and consistent output matter more than the raw count.