1Zpresso K-Ultra vs Baratza Encore ESP

Too close to call. The 1Zpresso K-Ultra scores 69 overall to the Baratza Encore ESP's 68, so the right pick depends on what you value. They differ most on retention and workflow and value.

1Zpresso K-Ultra

1Zpresso K-Ultra

The do-everything hand grinder

69/100

Price $289

vs
Baratza Encore ESP

Baratza Encore ESP

The split-dial espresso starter

68/100

Price $199.95

Which should you buy?

Pick the 1Zpresso K-Ultra if

you brew pour-over most mornings, pull an espresso now and then, and want one hand grinder that switches between them without counting clicks.

Pick the Baratza Encore ESP if

you are setting up a first espresso corner on a tight budget, want to dial in by counting clicks and still grind for drip at the weekend.

Aspect by aspect

5.9Grind quality7.2
7.2Adjustment7.9
–Noise and footprint3.6
5.7Value8.2

Scores out of 10. Bold marks a lead of a point or more.

Where they differ most

  • Retention and workflow: the 1Zpresso K-Ultra scores 8.8 to the Baratza Encore ESP's 5.3.
  • Value: the Baratza Encore ESP scores 8.2 to the 1Zpresso K-Ultra's 5.7.
  • Build and reliability: the 1Zpresso K-Ultra scores 7.8 to the Baratza Encore ESP's 6.2.

The details

1Zpresso K-UltraBaratza Encore ESP
1ZpressoManufacturerBaratza
Heptagonal conical "K Burr"Burr type and sizeM2 40mm conical steel burrs
External adjustment ring, over 100 clicks, 20 microns per stepAdjustmentStepped, 40 grind settings
—Retention (maker claim)Incredibly low grind retention
—Motor speed550 RPM
1.54 lbWeight7 lb
$289 (MSRP)Price$199.95 (list price at Whole Latte Love)

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