Hey there, fellow coffee lover. Alex here, from Coffee Grinder Choice. Let’s talk about one of the most beloved workhorses in the home coffee game: the Baratza Encore. You’ve made a fantastic choice. But owning a great grinder is only half the battle. Knowing How To Adjust The Grind On A Baratza Encore is the real secret to unlocking a world of flavor and transforming your daily cup from “just okay” to “absolutely amazing.” If you’ve ever brewed a cup that tasted disappointingly sour or unpleasantly bitter, chances are your grind size was the culprit.
Think of your Encore not just as a machine, but as the most crucial instrument in your coffee orchestra. The dial on the front is your conductor’s baton, allowing you to dictate the harmony of flavors in your final brew. Getting this setting right is, without a doubt, the single most impactful thing you can do to improve your coffee at home. So, grab your favorite mug, and let’s dive into demystifying those 40 little clicks.
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Our Picks for the Best Coffee Grinder in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hamilton Beach Custom Grind Electric Coffee Grinder for 4-14 Cups, One-Press Hand-Free Operation with Auto Shutoff, Removable Grinding Bowl For Easy Pour and Clean, Stainless Steel (80406) |
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| 2 | Burr Coffee Grinder, Adjustable Coffee Bean Grinder Electric with 14 Grinding Settings,2-12 Cups for Espresso, Drip Coffee and French Press |
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| 3 | V6 Pro Portable Coffee Grinder Electric, 60 Grind Settings USB-C Rechargeable, 4400mAh for Espresso to Cold Brew, Wireless Rechargeable Coffee Grinders for Travel, Camping, Office |
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| 4 | Cuisinart Coffee Grinder, Electric One-Touch Automatic Burr Coffee Grinder with 18-Position Grind Selector, Cup Size Selector for 4 – 18 Cups, DBM-8P1, Black Stainless |
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| 5 | SHARDOR Electric Burr Coffee Grinder 2.0, Adjustable Burr Mill with 16 Precise Grind Setting for 2-14 Cup, Black |
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| 6 | TIMEMORE C5 Pro Manual Coffee Grinder Capacity 30g with CNC Stainless Steel Conical Burr - Internal Adjustable Setting,Double Bearing Positioning (C5 Pro Matte Black) |
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| 7 | Mini Manual Coffee Grinder with 40 Adjustable Settings, Portable Hand Coffee Bean Mill with 30g Capacity, Conical Burr Coffee Grinder with Crank for Travel, Camping, Office, Espresso, Pour Over, etc |
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| 8 | 4 IN 1 Single Serve Coffee Maker with Milk Frother and Coffee Grinder, Coffee Maker for K Cup and Ground Coffee, with 30 oz Removable Water Reservoir, 6 to 14 oz. Brew Sizes, Coffee Machine for Home |
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| 9 | BLACK+DECKER One Touch Coffee Grinder, 2/3 Cup Coffee Bean Capacity, Spice Grinder, One Touch Push-Button Control -150 Watts -Stainless Steel Blades |
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| 10 | Portable Electric Coffee Grinder， Upgraded External Adjustable 40 Levels Fine to Coarse Settings, Stainless Steel Conical Burr Rechargeable and Faster Grinding for Office,Home,Camping,Travel,Black |
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Why Grind Size Is the Name of the Game
Before we twist any dials, let’s get on the same page about why this matters so much. When hot water meets coffee grounds, a magical process called extraction begins. The water pulls out all the delicious solids, oils, and acids that create the flavor and aroma we crave.
The size of your coffee grounds dictates the speed and efficiency of this extraction.
- Too Coarse (like coarse salt): The water flows through too quickly, not having enough time to grab all the good stuff. This is called under-extraction, and it results in a coffee that’s often sour, weak, and lacking sweetness.
- Too Fine (like powdered sugar): The water struggles to get through, spending too much time with the grounds and pulling out unwanted, bitter compounds. This is over-extraction, leading to a brew that’s bitter, harsh, and astringent.
The sweet spot is a balanced extraction, where you get all the delightful sweetness and complexity of the bean without any of the unpleasant extremes. Your Baratza Encore is the key to finding that spot.
Your Step-by-Step Guide on How to Adjust the Grind on a Baratza Encore
Alright, let’s get hands-on. Adjusting the Encore is beautifully simple, but there’s one golden rule to remember.
- Locate the Hopper: The big, clear container on top where you pour your beans is the hopper. You’ll notice numbers from 0 to 40 printed around its base. This is your grind size indicator. A lower number means a finer grind, and a higher number means a coarser grind.
- Turn to Adjust: To change your grind setting, you simply twist the entire hopper. Turning it clockwise goes finer (towards 0), and turning it counter-clockwise goes coarser (towards 40). You’ll feel and hear a distinct “click” for each step.
- The Golden Rule: Adjust While Grinding! This is the most important tip I can give you. To prevent coffee beans from getting jammed between the burrs and potentially damaging the motor, you should only make adjustments while the grinder is running or just after it has finished.
- To go finer: Keep the grinder empty or run it while you turn the hopper clockwise.
- To go coarser: You can do this with beans in the hopper, but it’s best practice to run the motor for a second or two as you turn the hopper counter-clockwise. This clears the burrs and allows them to settle into the new, wider position.
It’s a simple habit that will significantly extend the life of your grinder. Think of it like changing gears on a bicycle—it’s much smoother when you’re pedaling.
What Grind Setting Should I Use on My Baratza Encore?
This is the million-dollar question! The “perfect” setting depends on your brew method, the specific coffee beans you’re using, and your personal taste. However, here is a fantastic starting point—a cheat sheet to get you in the right ballpark.
Consider these settings as a starting point, not the final word. Every bag of coffee is different!
| Brew Method | Recommended Setting Range | Grind Size Description | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Brew | 32 – 38 | Extra Coarse | A very long steep time (12-24 hours) requires large grounds to prevent over-extraction and bitterness. |
| French Press | 28 – 32 | Coarse | The full immersion and metal filter need a coarse grind to avoid a muddy, silty cup. |
| Drip Coffee Maker | 15 – 24 | Medium to Medium-Coarse | Standard automatic brewers work well in this range. Start at 20 and adjust to your taste. |
| Chemex | 20 – 26 | Medium-Coarse | The thick Chemex filter requires a slightly coarser grind than other pour-overs to manage flow rate. |
| Pour-Over (V60, Kalita) | 12 – 18 | Medium-Fine | This is the sweet spot for most pour-overs, allowing for a balanced extraction in about 2-3 minutes. |
| AeroPress | 10 – 16 | Fine to Medium-Fine | The AeroPress is incredibly versatile. A finer grind works for short, espresso-like recipes, while a medium grind is great for longer brews. |
| Moka Pot | 8 – 12 | Fine | You need a fine grind, similar to table salt, but be careful not to go too fine, or you’ll choke the Moka Pot. |
| Espresso | See Note Below | Very Fine | The standard Encore struggles with true espresso. A setting around 8-10 is the finest it can go, but may not be sufficient for unpressurized portafilters. |
A Quick Word on the Encore and Espresso
Can the Baratza Encore grind for espresso? The honest answer is: sort of. For espresso machines with a pressurized portafilter (common on entry-level models), a setting around 8-10 might work. However, for more advanced machines with non-pressurized portafilters, the Encore’s steps are too large, and it often can’t grind fine enough to build adequate pressure. If you’re serious about espresso, you’ll eventually want to look into a dedicated espresso grinder like Baratza’s Sette series.
Going Beyond the Numbers: How to “Dial In” Your Grind
Using the chart above will get you 80% of the way there. That last 20%—the part that makes your coffee truly special—comes from a process called “dialing in.” This is the art of tasting your coffee and making small adjustments to perfect the extraction.
Here’s a simple process to follow:
- Start with the Chart: Pick a setting from the chart above for your brew method. Let’s say you’re making a V60 pour-over and start at setting 15.
- Brew a Cup: Keep all your other variables (coffee dose, water temperature, technique) exactly the same. The only thing you’re changing is the grind.
- Taste Critically: Take a sip. What do you notice?
- Is it sour, thin, or grassy? That’s a sign of under-extraction. Your grind is too coarse.
- Is it bitter, dry, or harsh? That’s a sign of over-extraction. Your grind is too fine.
- Adjust and Repeat: Based on your taste, make a small adjustment.
- If it was sour, try setting 14.
- If it was bitter, try setting 16.
- Find the Sweet Spot: Continue this process until you brew a cup that is sweet, balanced, and vibrant. That’s your “dialed-in” setting for that specific bag of beans.
As my friend James Hoffman, a renowned coffee expert, often emphasizes, “Taste is your best guide.” No chart or guide can replace your own palate. Learning how to adjust the grind on a Baratza Encore is really about learning how to listen to what your coffee is telling you.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Even with a reliable grinder like the Encore, you might run into a hiccup or two. Here are a few common problems and their solutions.
My Grind Seems Inconsistent!
- Solution: This is almost always a sign that your grinder needs cleaning. Coffee oils and fine particles build up on the burrs over time, affecting performance. Pop off the hopper and the top burr and give everything a good brush. I recommend doing this once a month. For a deeper clean, consider using grinder cleaning tablets every few months.
The Grinder Won’t Turn On!
- Solution: First, check that it’s plugged in (you’d be surprised!). Second, ensure the hopper is twisted all the way to the right until it locks into place. There’s a safety tab that prevents the motor from running if the hopper isn’t secured.
How do I maintain my grinder for a long life?
- Solution: Regular cleaning is key. Avoid grinding very oily, dark-roast beans back-to-back without cleaning, as they can cause more buildup. And always, always remember the golden rule: adjust while the motor is running.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the best grind setting for a French press on the Baratza Encore?
A: A great starting point for a French press is a coarse setting between 28 and 32. This prevents excess sediment in your cup while allowing for a full, rich extraction during the 4-minute immersion brew time.
Q2: My coffee tastes bitter. Should I grind finer or coarser on my Encore?
A: If your coffee tastes bitter, dry, or harsh, it’s over-extracted. You should adjust your grind to be coarser. Try moving up 2-3 clicks on the dial (e.g., from 15 to 17) and see if that balances the flavor.
Q3: How often should I clean my Baratza Encore?
A: For optimal performance, a light cleaning with a brush should be done every 2-4 weeks, depending on usage. A deep clean using grinder cleaning tablets is recommended every 2-3 months to remove stubborn oils and residue.
Q4: Can I adjust the grind on the Baratza Encore with beans in the hopper?
A: Yes, but only when making the grind coarser (turning counter-clockwise). It is highly recommended to run the motor for a second while you adjust to clear any beans. Never adjust finer with beans in the hopper without the motor running.
Q5: Is there a way to make my Baratza Encore grind even finer?
A: Yes, for advanced users, the Encore has an internal calibration screw that can shift the entire grind range finer or coarser. However, for most brewing methods outside of true espresso, the factory calibration is excellent.
Your Journey to Better Coffee
Learning how to adjust the grind on a Baratza Encore is more than a technical skill; it’s the gateway to taking control of your coffee. It empowers you to move from simply following a recipe to actively shaping the flavor in your cup. Your Encore is a brilliant piece of equipment, and now you have the knowledge to use it to its full potential.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Play with the settings. Taste the results. The journey of finding that perfect grind for each new bag of beans is one of the most rewarding parts of being a coffee enthusiast.
Now I’d love to hear from you. What’s your favorite brew method, and what’s your go-to starting setting on your Encore? Share your experiences in the comments below! Happy brewing.