Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder vs Lelit Bianca PL162T Dual Boiler Espresso (2026)
Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.
Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder
40mm burr, 40 grind settings, Micro M3 adjustment, 280g hopper. Entry espresso burr grinder.
Full Review
Lelit Bianca PL162T Dual Boiler Espresso
Dual boiler, flow profiling paddle, PID, E61 group, Italian made. Flow profiling at home.
Full ReviewAt a Glance
| Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder | Lelit Bianca PL162T Dual Boiler Espresso | |
|---|---|---|
| 247Verdict Score | 8.9/10 | 9.4/10 |
| Owner Rating | 4.5★ (8,400) | 4.7★ (980) |
| Verdict | Great | Excellent |
Quick Verdict
Both are strong choices, but the Lelit Bianca PL162T Dual Boiler Espresso edges ahead with a 9.4/10 vs 8.9/10. Dual boiler, flow profiling paddle, PID, E61 group, Italian made. Flow profiling at home. That said, the Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder is worth considering if 40mm burr, 40 grind settings, Micro M3 adjustment, 280g hopper. Entry espresso burr grinder. Check the current price on Amazon →
Pros & Cons Side by Side
Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder
- 40mm conical burrs produce consistent grounds for espresso through pour-over
- Micro M3 adjustment provides fine-tuning between standard settings for dialling in espresso
- 40 grind settings cover every brew method from Turkish fine to French press coarse
- Under £150 — the most accessible quality conical burr grinder reviewed
- Baratza's US specialty coffee brand heritage and repair-friendly modular design
- Plastic construction feels less premium than Fellow Ode Gen 2's aluminium
- 40mm burrs produce slightly less uniform particle distribution than 64mm alternatives
- Hopper holds 280g — requires more frequent refilling for heavy users
Lelit Bianca PL162T Dual Boiler Espresso
- Flow profiling paddle controls water pressure during extraction for advanced espresso technique
- Dual boiler PID allows precise simultaneous brewing and steaming temperature control
- E61 group head thermal stability is the professional extraction standard
- Italian manufactured by Lelit — family espresso equipment brand since 1993
- Flow profiling unlocks extraction variables that fixed-pressure machines can't access
- £2,200+ — flow profiling is an advanced feature requiring espresso skill to benefit from
- Flow paddle requires technique development to extract meaningful improvement
FAQ
Which is better, Baratza Encore ESP Coffee or Lelit Bianca PL162T Dual?
Both are strong choices, but the Lelit Bianca PL162T Dual Boiler Espresso edges ahead with a 9.4/10 vs 8.9/10. Dual boiler, flow profiling paddle, PID, E61 group, Italian made. Flow profiling at home. That said, the Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder is worth considering if 40mm burr, 40 grind settings, Micro M3 adjustment, 280g hopper. Entry espresso burr grinder.
Is the Baratza Encore ESP Coffee worth the extra cost?
The Lelit Bianca PL162T Dual Boiler Espresso matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.
Who is the Baratza Encore ESP Coffee best suited to?
40mm burr, 40 grind settings, Micro M3 adjustment, 280g hopper. Entry espresso burr grinder.
Who is the Lelit Bianca PL162T Dual best suited to?
Dual boiler, flow profiling paddle, PID, E61 group, Italian made. Flow profiling at home.
What are the main downsides of each?
Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder: Plastic construction feels less premium than Fellow Ode Gen 2's aluminium; 40mm burrs produce slightly less uniform particle distribution than 64mm alternatives. Lelit Bianca PL162T Dual Boiler Espresso: £2,200+ — flow profiling is an advanced feature requiring espresso skill to benefit from; Flow paddle requires technique development to extract meaningful improvement.
Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?
Largely, yes — Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder sits at 4.5★ from 8,400 verified Amazon owners, and Lelit Bianca PL162T Dual Boiler Espresso at 4.7★ from 980.
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