Baratza Encore............Question


 
LMichaels

LMichaels

TVWBB 2-Star Olympian
I think some of the folks on here own one of these. (Baratza Encore) (though the question does not refer to the newer ESP model, only the standard Encore). So, today I used the one I acquired that is attached to that scale system. I used it for a 65gram batch. For reference I have the Virtuoso Plus also in the kitchen. This is the first use for the Encore.
Question to you owners of Encore is do you find it VERY sslloooooowwwww to grind? It took forever IIRC about 2+ min to do what the Virtuoso does in about 50 seconds.
I just got done putting it back together yesterday afternoon, (likely will be used as a resale machine) but I don't want to resell it if it's not a properly working unit.
 
Jim C in Denver said:
My Encore takes between 1:45 and 2:00 to grind a batch up to the fill line on the grounds cup.
Click to expand...
Do you know how many grams you're grinding? I'm trying to decide on how far I want to take the refurb on the Encore with Esatto attachment I acquired. I've noticed the Encore and the Virtuoso Plus I have are very similar. Same motor, same construction internally. Only difference I've noticed is the driver PCB for the motor seems different. And the burr set is different. Virtuoso + has M2 burrs and Encore has M3.
Makes me wonder if the burr set makes that huge a difference in grind speed.
All part of deciding how I am going to outfit and market the ones I have refurbed so far.
Once I get the disassembly tool from Baratza I'll get into the Vario W and go completely through that one.
Another cool thing I found out. After ordering a bunch of parts from Baratza I noticed the receipts show as Breville. So apparently Breville owns Baratza
 
Do you know how many grams you're grinding?

No idea. Don't use a scale. Eyeballing the amount of coffee is good enough for me.

Both of my Encore's take just under two minutes at setting #24 to get up to the fill line. Which makes one big french press pot of coffee (1.5 liters). Since both work at that speed, presumably that is normal operation.

It is faster, of course, when I grind for a smaller pot.
 
For another reference point, In my virtuosa plus, 80g of French roast on grind 17 (of 40) takes about 100 to 110 seconds.
 
HankBates said:
I am waiting for you to get into a Baratza Sette 270/270WI so I can learn more about how mine really works
Click to expand...
I'm working on it. I'd like to get the parts I need to market the other 2, before I try out a Sette. And If I do try one I'm going to try and grab a Sette 270 Wi because whatever it is I will be using it so, I am really spoiled having this weight based unit. So handy

Dan, yes that is about what I see with my Virtuoso Plus as well. And it's way faster than the Encore. But, for the life of my I can't understand why. Inside they're the same except for the burrs (Encore having the M3 and Virtuoso having the M2)
 
Jim C in Denver said:
Do you know how many grams you're grinding?

No idea. Don't use a scale. Eyeballing the amount of coffee is good enough for me.

Both of my Encore's take just under two minutes at setting #24 to get up to the fill line. Which makes one big french press pot of coffee (1.5 liters). Since both work at that speed, presumably that is normal operation.

It is faster, of course, when I grind for a smaller pot.
Click to expand...
Jim could you be kind enough to get some close up photos of the ring burr? I noticed the flutes are slightly "flattened" on mine though on others they appear like that in photos (I think). So would live to see how yours looks.
 
Jim could you be kind enough to get some close up photos of the ring burr? I noticed the flutes are slightly "flattened" on mine though on others they appear like that in photos (I think). So would live to see how yours looks.

Larry -- Pictures below. If you look on the website, you'll see that there are two different conical burrs that fit this model. Which have slightly different shapes. But only one ring burr.

www.frenchpresscoffee.com

Baratza M2 Cone Burr vs M3 Cone Burr: A Comprehensive Comparison

Explore the key differences between the Baratza M2 and M3 Cone Burrs. From grind consistency to compatibility, discover which burr enhances your coffee brewing experience. Dive into our in-depth comparison guide now.
www.frenchpresscoffee.com www.frenchpresscoffee.com

You should also check your ring burr holder. The plastic tabs on those snap off frequently (by design). So I always keep a couple extra around for routine maintenance. See explainer video.



 

Attachments

  • encore 1.jpg
    encore 1.jpg
    39.7 KB · Views: 4
  • encore 2.jpg
    encore 2.jpg
    63.8 KB · Views: 4
Last edited:
So I guess the slow grinding I am experiencing is due to the M3 burr having a different profile and not being as "aggressive" as the M2 in the Virtuoso. Dawned on me when I got home today the Virtuoso Plus and Encore have the same ring burr. So I just checked the ring burr in the Virtuoso Plus and it looks the same.
So, I do think it's simply the "profile" of the 2 different cone burrs.
Appreciate the photo.
 
Yup. The Encore ($150) is a more basic model than the Virtuoso ($250). Virtuoso has more bells/whistles and grinds faster with the sharper burr.

Since the water takes longer to boil than the grinder does to grind, I don't care about the speed.

You can put the sharper burr ($35) on the Encore, but I've never bothered to do that. Might be worth it if I was grinding super fine for espresso. The regular burr does fine for my french press, aeropress and drip.
 
I just found out the issue this morning after messing around with it for an hour or so. The burr holder is broken. I totally missed it. But, I got suspicious when I noticed no matter where you set the grind texture (full fine to full coarse) it was always the same grind. So I went digging. The 2 "ears" that grab under the adjustment slide were broken off. But so cleanly it looks like it was made that way. As an experiment I took the ring burr and holder out of the Virtuoso (since they're the same parts). dropped it in, and put some beans in it. Bingo! Now grinds as fast as the Virtuoso, and has full range of grind levels. I'm gonna order a couple of the burr holders. Just to be on the safe side.
 
The ring burr holder tabs do break off very easily. By design -- that part is consumable to avoid greater damage if you get a pebble or hard bean stuck in the burrs. I keep several spares in the drawer.

To avoid breakage, the internet says that you should only adjust the grind settings when the unit is running. To assure that nothing is stuck between the burrs while adjusting..
 
HankBates said:
I am waiting for you to get into a Baratza Sette 270/270WI so I can learn more about how mine really works
Click to expand...
OK Hank, stay tuned. I just bought one (a Sette 270Wi) sold for parts/repair on FleaBay. Thinking it may be a good "flip" candidate or if I end up liking it better than the Vario W flip that, and Keep the Sette 270Wi But stay tuned. Once I am in possession, and I can analyze it I'll report back (likely a new thread) and also will put up photos. Meantime I guess I better get busy and get my Breville ready for sale, since that was one I originally bought to recondition/rebuild and keep, but now I think I will "flip" that one. Sadly I may be lucky if I break even on it LOL
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

 

Back
Top