Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder vs Sage Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine (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
Sage Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine
Touchscreen, Impress assisted tamping, auto milk texturing, integrated grinder, 58mm. The guided touchscreen barista.
Full ReviewAt a Glance
| Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder | Sage Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine | |
|---|---|---|
| 247Verdict Score | 8.9/10 | 9.3/10 |
| Owner Rating | 4.5★ (8,400) | 4.6★ (3,200) |
| Verdict | Great | Excellent |
Quick Verdict
Both are strong choices, but the Sage Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine edges ahead with a 9.3/10 vs 8.9/10. Touchscreen, Impress assisted tamping, auto milk texturing, integrated grinder, 58mm. The guided touchscreen barista. 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
Sage Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine
- Touchscreen with step-by-step guidance walks you through every drink from grind to pour
- Impress assisted tamping applies consistent 10kg pressure with a barista-style polish
- Automatic milk texturing creates microfoam to your chosen temperature and texture
- Integrated conical grinder with precise dose control
- 58mm commercial portafilter with the largest accessory ecosystem
- £1,000+ — the most expensive Barista-range Sage
- Larger footprint with the touchscreen and grinder
- Single boiler — brief wait between brewing and steaming
FAQ
Which is better, Baratza Encore ESP Coffee or Sage Barista Touch Impress?
Both are strong choices, but the Sage Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine edges ahead with a 9.3/10 vs 8.9/10. Touchscreen, Impress assisted tamping, auto milk texturing, integrated grinder, 58mm. The guided touchscreen barista. 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 Sage Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine 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 Sage Barista Touch Impress best suited to?
Touchscreen, Impress assisted tamping, auto milk texturing, integrated grinder, 58mm. The guided touchscreen barista.
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. Sage Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine: £1,000+ — the most expensive Barista-range Sage; Larger footprint with the touchscreen and grinder.
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 Sage Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine at 4.6★ from 3,200.
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