Baratza Encore for V60 pourover? Other recommendations?
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- Posts: 28
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I currently have a Hario Skerton grinder I use for espresso and V60 pour over. Way too many 'fines' when coarse grinding for the pour over. Is a Baratza Encore a 'good enough' grinder for V60 pour over? Any other recommendations?
- [creative nickname]
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Good enough is up to each user; personally I think it is well worth spending the extra money for a virtuoso. You can often get refurbished models off of Baratza's website at a nice discount.
LMWDP #435
- Compass Coffee
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+1
Encore definitely good enough. For most people. That said Virtuoso not only grinds faster (about twice as fast) but also better results in the cup.
Encore definitely good enough. For most people. That said Virtuoso not only grinds faster (about twice as fast) but also better results in the cup.
Mike McGinness
- happycat
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I'm not thrilled with my Encore for pour over
My Bunn G1 used bulk grinder is way better -- I got it cheap used through kijiji in Canada which is like craigslist
I recently learned that Encore can be upgraded with Preciso cone burr which I am doing as it's not that expensive $36CDN
the Preciso burr is supposed to be a noticeable reduction in fines
It's not worth it to buy a cheap grinder because you end up fighting the flavours (over extraction of fines, under extraction of boulders) caused by uneven grind. It is a real waste of effort that you will be compensating for by messing around. You might end up sieving your coffee like I am when I have to use it. An even grind eliminates the off notes.
My Bunn G1 used bulk grinder is way better -- I got it cheap used through kijiji in Canada which is like craigslist
I recently learned that Encore can be upgraded with Preciso cone burr which I am doing as it's not that expensive $36CDN
the Preciso burr is supposed to be a noticeable reduction in fines
It's not worth it to buy a cheap grinder because you end up fighting the flavours (over extraction of fines, under extraction of boulders) caused by uneven grind. It is a real waste of effort that you will be compensating for by messing around. You might end up sieving your coffee like I am when I have to use it. An even grind eliminates the off notes.
LMWDP #603
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- Posts: 28
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So an Encore updated with a Preciso burr set would be a good set-up IYO?happycat wrote:I'm not thrilled with my Encore for pour over
My Bunn G1 used bulk grinder is way better -- I got it cheap used through kijiji in Canada which is like craigslist
I recently learned that Encore can be upgraded with Preciso cone burr which I am doing as it's not that expensive $36CDN
the Preciso burr is supposed to be a noticeable reduction in fines
It's not worth it to buy a cheap grinder because you end up fighting the flavours (over extraction of fines, under extraction of boulders) caused by uneven grind. It is a real waste of effort that you will be compensating for by messing around. You might end up sieving your coffee like I am when I have to use it. An even grind eliminates the off notes.
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I have had both the encore and virtuoso. Current use virtuoso four my pour over and would say it makes a much more consistent grind. VERY consistent for the money and great results in cup.
Next step up for money would probably be along the lines of bunzilla and such.
Next step up for money would probably be along the lines of bunzilla and such.
I drink two shots before I drink two shots, then I drink two more....
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Myself and several co-workers communally own an Encore that we use for coffee at work. It was the best grinder I could convince the others to spring for. It gets the job done, but I'm not a fan and wouldn't buy one again. Compared to my Preciso at home it is slower, has a more uneven grind, and tends to have less distinct "muddier" flavor.
Only difference between Preciso and Virtuoso is the finer adjust-ability of the Preciso. For pourover Virtuoso is just as good, and I would seriously consider it over the Encore.
Baratza is pretty much the only game in town for reasonably priced designed for the home grinders. Of course if you can afford it (or get a good deal used) and don't care about size, a commercial bulk grinder would be better still.
Only difference between Preciso and Virtuoso is the finer adjust-ability of the Preciso. For pourover Virtuoso is just as good, and I would seriously consider it over the Encore.
Baratza is pretty much the only game in town for reasonably priced designed for the home grinders. Of course if you can afford it (or get a good deal used) and don't care about size, a commercial bulk grinder would be better still.
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You can swap the Preciso burr with the Encore's to get a faux Virtuoso.
I did it, and, well, if you are handy with tools, it's worth a shot. The plastic bits looked like they could snap off anytime (the Encore's calibration ring), and the burr was quite attached to the shaft. Another person helping you along would make things easier.
That being said, it grinds faster, more uniforms grinds and tastes much better! Not as much as stepping up from the Hario Mini to the Encore, though YMMV.
I did it, and, well, if you are handy with tools, it's worth a shot. The plastic bits looked like they could snap off anytime (the Encore's calibration ring), and the burr was quite attached to the shaft. Another person helping you along would make things easier.
That being said, it grinds faster, more uniforms grinds and tastes much better! Not as much as stepping up from the Hario Mini to the Encore, though YMMV.
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- Joined: 9 years ago
If you don't mind continuing to grind by hand, then a Lido or Feldgrind/Hausgrind could also be a good option. These would be a huge upgrade in grind quality from the skerton, while still costing significantly less than a comparable electric grinder.