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Coffee Gear Scout

Baratza Encore ESP vs 1Zpresso J-Ultra

Both can grind beautifully for espresso, but they bring very different moods to your morning. One is an electric countertop helper that also handles filter coffee; the other is a precise, portable hand grinder with a quiet, meditative rhythm.

By Coffee Gear Scout Editors · Specs checked · Researched from manufacturer specifications, not hands-on tested

Quick answer

Choose the Baratza Encore ESP if you make several drinks a day or also brew filter coffee: it's electric and covers both ranges. Choose the 1Zpresso J-Ultra if you make one or two espressos a day and want very fine adjustment (8 microns per click, per 1Zpresso) in a compact, portable grinder.

Choose the Encore ESP Coffee Grinder if…

  • Your household makes several drinks a day
  • You also love a pour-over or a pot of drip
  • You'd rather press a button than turn a handle
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Choose the J-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder if…

  • One or two espressos a day is your rhythm
  • You want very fine adjustment
  • Your kitchen is small, or your coffee travels with you
  • You treasure a quiet morning
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Side-by-side comparison

Baratza Encore ESP vs 1Zpresso J-Ultra: side-by-side comparison
Attribute Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder (opens Amazon in a new tab) Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder Researched 1Zpresso J-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder (opens Amazon in a new tab) 1Zpresso J-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder Researched
Power
Power Electric (120V) Hand-cranked
Adjustment
Adjustment Micro-steps 1–20 for espresso, 21–40 for filter External dial, 8 microns per click
Best for
Best for Espresso and filter Espresso (and finer)
Capacity
Capacity Countertop hopper Magnetic catch cup holds 35–40 g
Portability
Portability Stays on the counter Folding handle and travel case
Cleaning
Cleaning Quick-release burr Tool-free disassembly; brush and blower included
Dimensions (W × D × H)
Dimensions (W × D × H) 130 × 150 × 340 mm —
Weight
Weight 2.52 kg —
Voltage (US version)
Voltage (US version) 120V —
Makes
Makes Espresso, Filter coffee Espresso
Maintenance
Maintenance Low Low
Learning curve
Learning curve Beginner Intermediate
Best for
Best for First espresso setups that would also love one grinder for a weekend pour-over or a pot of drip. Espresso lovers on a budget, small kitchens, and anyone who wants great coffee on holiday.
Where to buy
Where to buy

$199.95 on Amazon

Price as of – Details

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

View on Amazon.com (opens Amazon.com in a new tab, affiliate link)

Check the current price on the retailer's site. Affiliate link.

$199.00 on Amazon

Price as of – Details

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

View on Amazon.com (opens Amazon.com in a new tab, affiliate link)

Check the current price on the retailer's site. Affiliate link.

Which should you choose?

The Baratza Encore ESP wins on convenience and versatility: press a button on weekdays, and switch to filter settings for a slow weekend pour-over. The 1Zpresso J-Ultra wins on fine adjustment and portability, and it gives you a quiet minute of hand-grinding with every shot. Some people find that minute is their favourite part of the day.

Pair either with a scale to weigh your doses, and follow our gentle guide to dialling in espresso.

Frequently asked questions

Is a hand grinder better than an electric grinder for espresso?

Not better, different. A hand grinder like the J-Ultra offers very fine adjustment and is quiet and portable; an electric grinder like the Encore ESP is faster and easier for several drinks a day.

Can the 1Zpresso J-Ultra grind for French press?

It is tuned for espresso and finer grinds, so it isn't the best choice for coarse French press grinds.

How much coffee does the J-Ultra hold?

Its magnetic catch cup holds about 35–40 g of grounds, enough for one or two shots.

Which is easier to clean?

Both are easy: the Encore ESP has a quick-release burr, and the J-Ultra comes apart without tools and includes a brush and air blower.

Which grinder should I pair with a Breville Bambino Plus?

Either works. Choose the Encore ESP for several milk drinks a day; choose the J-Ultra for one or two shots a day in a small kitchen.

Encore ESP Coffee Grinder (view on Amazon.com, opens in a new tab, affiliate link) J-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder (view on Amazon.com, opens in a new tab, affiliate link)