Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder vs Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder

8.9/10 Great

4.5★ (8,400 owners)

40mm burr, 40 grind settings, Micro M3 adjustment, 280g hopper. Entry espresso burr grinder.

Full Review

Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine

8.9/10 Great

4.5★ (6,800 owners)

1.4L carafe, 10-cup, anti-drip, aroma function, retro design, 8 colours. Design-led filter coffee.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder	Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine
247Verdict Score	8.9/10	8.9/10
Owner Rating	4.5★ (8,400)	4.5★ (6,800)
Verdict	Great	Great

Quick Verdict

This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder: 40mm burr, 40 grind settings, Micro M3 adjustment, 280g hopper. Entry espresso burr grinder. Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine: 1.4L carafe, 10-cup, anti-drip, aroma function, retro design, 8 colours. Design-led filter coffee. Choose based on your specific needs. 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

Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine

Matching 1950s retro design pairs with Smeg kettle, toaster and espresso machine for coordinated kitchen
1.4L carafe serves 10 cups — ideal for households or entertaining
Anti-drip function allows removing carafe mid-brew without spillage
Aroma function blooms the coffee before brewing for better extraction
8 colours match the full Smeg kitchen appliance range

£130 for a filter coffee machine — Moccamaster is the quality upgrade for serious drinkers
No temperature control — brews at a single temperature across all settings
Design premium over functional alternatives at lower cost

FAQ

Which is better, Baratza Encore ESP Coffee or Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter?

Is the Baratza Encore ESP Coffee worth the extra cost?

The Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee 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 Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter best suited to?

1.4L carafe, 10-cup, anti-drip, aroma function, retro design, 8 colours. Design-led filter coffee.

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. Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine: £130 for a filter coffee machine — Moccamaster is the quality upgrade for serious drinkers; No temperature control — brews at a single temperature across all settings.

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 Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine at 4.5★ from 6,800.

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