Four espresso grinders we chose, by job
This is not a ranking. Our grinder hub picks for all methods; here every role is about feeding a portafilter. "Not stated" means the maker page does not say. We have not tested them.
1Fine steps for dialing in, timed dose into the portafilter
Baratza Sette 270 (ZCG1270)
Why we chose it: Every macro setting is split into micro steps (270 grind sizes), and a 0.1 second timer grinds straight into a portafilter.
- Burrs
- 40 mm conical (S1)
- Grind sizes
- 270: each macro setting has micro adjustments
- Timer
- 0.1 second resolution
- Hopper / bin
- 300 g hopper, 120 g grounds bin
- Power
- 200 W, 650 RPM
- Grinds into
- Bin or portafilter: the arms move to fit
Not for you if: Anyone who wants a grinder that doses by weight: this one doses by time.
Specs read on the maker page, 2026-11-04.
See on Amazon: Baratza Sette 270 (ZCG1270)2Starting out: 20 espresso-range steps
Baratza Encore ESP (ZCG495)
Why we chose it: Settings 1 to 20 are the maker's espresso range and 21 to 40 cover filter, French press and cold brew.
- Burrs
- 40 mm conical steel (M2)
- Grind settings
- 40: #1 to 20 espresso, #21 to 40 filter, press and cold brew
- Portafilter holder
- 54 mm, with a 58 mm adapter
- Hopper / bin
- 300 g hopper, 120 g grounds bin
Not for you if: Anyone who wants a single-dose workflow out of the box: that needs the maker's single-dose hopper accessory.
Specs read on the maker page, 2026-11-04.
See on Amazon: Baratza Encore ESP (ZCG495)3Timed dose, 54 mm holder with 58 mm adapter
Baratza Virtuoso+ (ZCG587)
Why we chose it: A digital timer set in tenths of a second, so the same dose repeats by time.
- Burrs
- 40 mm conical steel (M2)
- Timer
- Set to the tenth of a second
- Portafilter holder
- 54 mm, with a 58 mm adapter
- Hopper / bin
- 300 g hopper, 120 g grounds bin
Not for you if: Anyone who wants to dose by weight: it times the grind.
Specs read on the maker page, 2026-11-04.
See on Amazon: Baratza Virtuoso+ (ZCG587)4One grinder for espresso and other methods
Breville Smart Grinder Pro (BCG820)
Why we chose it: 60 grind settings and a grind time you can set in 0.2 second steps, from espresso to French press per the maker.
- Grind settings
- 60
- Dose control
- Grind time set in 0.2 second increments
- Grinds into
- Portafilter, airtight container, gold tone filter basket or paper filter
- Burr type
- Not stated on the page
Not for you if: Anyone who needs the burr type: the page we read does not state it.
Specs read on the maker page, 2026-11-04.
See on Amazon: Breville Smart Grinder Pro (BCG820)We chose these from the makers' pages and Amazon listings. Links with an ASIN open that exact listing; the rest open a search for the model, so check the model there. As an Amazon Associate, BaristaBetter earns from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure.
Side by side
| Product | Burrs | Key spec | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baratza Sette 270 (ZCG1270) | Conical steel, 40 mm | 270 sizes, 0.1 s timer | Fine dial-in with a timed dose |
| Baratza Encore ESP (ZCG495) | Conical steel, 40 mm | 40 settings (1 to 20 espresso) | First espresso grinder |
| Baratza Virtuoso+ (ZCG587) | Conical steel, 40 mm | Timer, 300 g hopper | Repeating a timed dose |
| Breville Smart Grinder Pro (BCG820) | Not stated on the page | 60 settings, 0.2 s dose steps | Many methods from one grinder |
What to look for in an espresso grinder
Four things matter more than the brand. First, step size: espresso is sensitive, so a grinder with many steps, or micro steps between the main ones, makes dialing in easier. The Sette 270 splits each of its macro settings into micro steps, 270 sizes in all, per Baratza. Second, how it doses: a timer repeats a dose by time, not weight, so you still weigh the result. Third, what it grinds into: the portafilter holder size must match your machine; see the portafilter size guide. Fourth, burr type and size, which we give only where the maker page states it.
| Check | Why it matters | Where we read it |
|---|---|---|
| Grind steps near espresso | Small steps let you change the shot without overshooting. | Maker page: settings or grind sizes |
| Portafilter holder size | A 54 mm holder fits Breville-size baskets; a 58 mm adapter covers commercial-size portafilters. | Maker page: holder and adapter |
| Dose method | Time-based dosing repeats a grind time; it does not weigh. | Maker page: timer resolution |
| Hopper and bin | A 300 g hopper holds beans for a few days; a 120 g bin holds grounds. | Maker page specs |
After you buy
Start with the how to dial in espresso at home guide and weigh dose and yield with a scale; the espresso ratio calculator gives a target. If you want to compare burr shapes first, read flat vs conical burrs, and keep the grinder clean with how to clean a coffee grinder.