Are you in the market for a new coffee grinder? If so, you’ve probably heard of the Baratza Encore and Capresso Infinity models. But which one is right for you?
In this blog, we’ll look at the Baratza Encore and the Capresso Infinity, two of the market’s most popular automatic conical burr grinders. We’ll compare their design considerations, storage capacity, grind settings, price, additional features, and noise level to see which one is right for you.
We’ll also be looking at ease of use and durability so that you can make an informed decision when choosing a grinder. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced barista, this blog will provide you with all the information you need to make the best choice.
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
The Baratza Encore Burr Grinder is an incredibly reliable and versatile workhorse. Its powerful, high-torque DC motor effortlessly grinds coffee beans to a consistent size and texture, perfect for all manual and drip brewing and espresso. It is a great entry-level conical burr grinder that is easy to use and won’t break the bank.
This grinder can help you make delicious coffee every time. Its solid construction ensures that it will last for years of use, and its low price makes it an excellent value. Whether you are a seasoned barista or just starting, the Baratza Encore Burr Grinder will help you make delicious coffee every time.
Key features
- 40 grind settings
- Measures 6.2″ X 4.7″ X 13.7″
- 230 Volts
- The DC motor keeps your beans cool, even during extended grind times
- Grinds quietly and efficiently
- The grounds bin capacity is 5 ounces
- Speed to Grind: .8 – 1.1 grind per second
- The Bean Hopper capacity is 8 ounces
- Shipping Weight 7.4 pounds
- The Gearbox significantly increases the durability of the drive transmission
Pros
- Besides providing outstanding customer service, Baratza provides a warrant for all its products. So be sure your product will come with a warranty.
- A pulse button in front of the machine makes it easier to disperse the grounds in the portafilter basket if you have an espresso machine. Besides, this feature makes it easier to disperse ground in intervals, minimizing wasting extra coffee you don’t need.
- Easy to clean without the risk of injury, thanks to its excellent design. For example, when cleaning the blades, all you have to do is to turn the bean hopper to 40, and it will release the bean hopper from the grinder.
Cons
- Not ideal for those who love a more automated experience
Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinder
The Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinder is ideal for all brewing methods. With 16 different fineness settings, it’s perfect for French press or percolators.
Featuring commercial-grade solid conical steel burrs with an advanced cutting design for high-precision grinding, and a gear reduction motor that grinds slowly with reduced noise and heat buildup, this grinder delivers a consistent and precise grind every time.
The burr grinder also comes with a cleaning brush and measuring scoop for easy maintenance. The stylish black ABS finish will fit perfectly into any home kitchen. The Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinder is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and precise coffee grinder.
Key features
- Shipping Weight 4.2 pounds
- A 100-watt conical burr grinder
- Built-in timer
- 16 grind settings
- The Bean container holds 8 ½ ounces
- Easy to clean
- 1-year limited warranty
- Measures 7 2/3” L X 5 2/5” W X 10 4/5” H
- Grinds container holds 4 ounces
- Commercial-grade conical burrs- which ensures maximum flavor
Pros
- Easy to operate. Newbies will love it, but for experienced coffee lovers, it may not be a great choice for you
- Produces a low amount of noise when grinding
- It comes with complementary tools such as a brush to clean the burrs of the grinder and a scoop to remove the ground.
Cons
- Despite having a decent amount of grind size settings, it fails to yield consistent, fine grind for espresso brewing
- Coffee grounds tend to bounce around or stick to the inner walls of the container. However, this isn’t a big concern because you can disconnect the container from the grinder and tap it to the kitchen counter to lessen the grounds and remove the static from the coffee.
Key differences between these two models
Size consideration
When it comes to design considerations, the Baratza Encore and Capresso Infinity both have their unique features. The Encore is more compact than the Infinity and could be a better option if space is limited.
Auto shutoff mode
The Capresso Infinity comes with an auto-shutoff feature. This means it shuts itself off once it completes grinding. The Baratza Encore lacks this feature. Fortunately, the Baratza Esatto adds this great feature. So if you must stick with the Baratza, the Essatto is a better alternative.
Storage capacity
Regarding storage capacity, the Baratza Encore and the Capresso Infinity offer relatively generous hopper sizes for storing coffee beans. The Baratza Encore has an 8oz capacity hopper with a 5oz grounds bin, while the Capresso Infinity has an 8.8-ounce hopper that can hold 4 ounces of beans.
For those looking to store more beans, the Baratza Encore also sells extension units that add 8 ounces to the hopper. With either grinder, you can be sure that you won’t run out of beans anytime soon.
So, settle for the Encore if extra storage space is something you value more.
Grind settings and features
The Baratza Encore and Capresso Infinity offer different grind settings for coffee lovers. The Baratza Encore has 40 grind sizes ranging from ultra-fine to coarse, ranging between 250 and 1200 microns.
The Capresso Infinity, on the other hand, has only 16 grind settings available. This makes the Encore a much better choice for those who want more control over their grind size and need a wide range of settings. The Encore also has an automatic conical burr grinder and a toggle switch to adjust the speed of the grinding process, giving users even more control over their grind size.
Buttons and knobs
The Encore has a pulse button that allows you to pulse your grinder when grinding and a knob on the side that easily allows you to turn it on and off. These buttons make it easier to operate this unit.
The Infinity has a knob that operates as a timer on the front, just like the Encore. It is labeled with increments (from 0-10) that measure the different amounts of grinding time and range anywhere from 5 seconds to a full minute.
Noise level
The Baratza Encore and the Capresso Infinity both have impressive noise levels when grinding. The Capresso Infinity Plus is particularly noted for its low noise level, which makes it a great choice for those who don’t want to disturb their neighbors or family members.
On the other hand, the Baratza Encore has 40 grind settings and produces a relatively low noise level when grinding. These grinders are excellent options for those looking for a quiet machine with plenty of options.
Ease of use
Regarding ease of use, the Baratza Encore and the Capresso Infinity offer a straightforward operation. The Encore has a pulse button that allows you to grind coffee quickly in small batches, while the Infinity has a convenient on/off switch.
Both machines come with an adjustable grinding wheel that allows for consistent results each time you grind. Additionally, the Encore has a clear grounds bin, so you can easily monitor the amount of ground coffee produced. The Infinity also features a built-in timer that lets you know when your coffee is made grinding.
Durability
Regarding durability, both the Baratza Encore and the Capresso Infinity are well-made and reliable. Both are constructed with quality materials and are designed to withstand daily use.
The motor and burrs on both grinders are robust enough to handle frequent grinding, and the casing is strong enough to ensure the longevity of the grinder. Both grinders provide a reliable and durable experience that will last for years.
Additional features
The Baratza Encore and the Capresso Infinity offer several additional features to enhance your grinding experience. The Encore has a pulse button for grinding directly into the portafilter and an anti-static device to reduce mess.
The Capresso Infinity also has an anti-static device and a timer with multiple settings so you can grind the exact amount of coffee you need. Both grinders also come with a cleaning brush, which makes it easy to keep your grinder in top condition.
Cleaning and maintenance
Regarding cleaning and maintenance, the Baratza Encore and Capresso Infinity are on even ground. Both grinders come with easy-to-clean components, and they are both designed to be simple to operate and maintain.
However, the Baratza Encore takes the lead regarding long-term maintenance and repair options. It is designed with efficiency and simplicity as its top two priorities, making it a favorite of coffee connoisseurs who want to ensure their grinders are in top condition. With the Baratza Encore, you can be sure that your coffee grinder will stay in top form for years to come.
Price
When it comes to price, both units are reasonably priced and considered above-average quality grinders. Their affordability is mainly due to the savvy selection of materials and how they are constructed. Caprese is more affordable, saving at least $20 plus or minus.
In 2020, the Encore was $169, and Infinity cost around $85. Now the Encore came down in price, and the Infinity went up. So, if you’re looking for real value, Encore is the winner.
FAQs
Which grinder is better for espresso?
The Baratza Encore and the Capresso Infinity are excellent grinders for espresso use.
The Baratza Encore’s 40 grind settings make it the better choice for espresso, as it allows for more precise control over the fineness of the grind. It also has higher-quality burrs, making it more consistent and efficient.
The Capresso Infinity’s 16 settings may not be as varied, but it is still a decent grinder and is more affordable than the Baratza Encore. Ultimately, both machines can grind espresso-quality beans, but the Baratza Encore is the clear winner in terms of features and overall quality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Baratza Encore and the Capresso Infinity are great entry-level conical burr grinders that offer a variety of features and benefits.
As you can see, it can be tough to decide which grinder to take home as both are similar in functionality and quality. But if you want more control over grinding, you are better off with the Encore. It has more grind settings, an auto-shutoff capability, and adjustable RPMs. But if you are not concerned with controlling your grinds, then buy the Infinity. It won’t let you down.
The Baratza Encore has a larger selection of grind settings and a greater storage capacity, but the Capresso Infinity is more efficient, offering a faster grinding speed. Both machines are durable and easy to use, making them both viable options for those looking for an all-around good grinder. Ultimately, it will come down to personal preference regarding which is best for you.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links. Remember to support us by purchasing through the Amazon/Walmart/Impact Radius links provided. Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.
Editorial Staff
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