Choosing your first proper coffee grinder is a big step. You’ve likely moved past the pre-ground bags and are ready to experience the incredible difference fresh grinding makes. But with so many options, the decision can feel overwhelming. Two names consistently rise to the top for beginners and enthusiasts alike: the Baratza Encore and the Capresso Infinity. This head-to-head comparison aims to guide you through that very choice.
Both grinders are workhorses in the kitchen, praised for their ability to deliver consistent grinds at an accessible price point. They sit in a sweet spot, offering far better performance than blade grinders without the intimidating cost of professional equipment. The journey of Baratza Encore vs Capresso Infinity: Finding the Best Grind isn’t about declaring one the absolute winner, but rather about identifying which one is the perfect partner for your specific coffee journey. Your preferred brewing method, from a clean pour-over to a robust French press, will heavily influence which machine suits you best.
Baratza Encore vs Capresso Infinity: A Side-by-Side Look
Let’s break down the core features of these two popular grinders to see how they stack up against each other. While they share a similar mission, their approaches and strengths differ in key areas.
The Baratza Encore operates with a 40-mm conical burr set, which is the heart of any good grinder. It offers 40 individual grind settings, giving you a wide range of control from fine espresso to coarse French press. One of its most celebrated features is its user-repairability. Baratza is famous for its excellent customer support and makes virtually every part available for purchase, turning a potential tragedy (like a broken hopper) into a simple, affordable fix. This commitment to longevity is a huge plus.
The Capresso Infinity, on the other hand, uses conical burrs as well and provides a selection of 16 grind settings, plus an adjustable fine-selector ring for finer-tuning within the finer settings. Its operation is notably quiet, a benefit if you’re grinding early in the morning. The Infinity also features a sleek, modern design with a locking ground coffee container, which helps minimize static and mess. While it’s a well-built machine, it doesn’t have the same extensive, user-focused repairability as the Baratza.
Which Grinder Matches Your Brewing Style?
This is perhaps the most critical question to ask yourself. Your daily coffee ritual will determine which grinder’s performance characteristics are most important.
If your world revolves around drip coffee makers, pour-overs, Aeropress, and occasionally a French press, the Baratza Encore is often the top recommendation. Its wider range of grind settings allows for more precise tuning, which is crucial for dialing in a perfect V60 or Chemex. The consistency in the medium-fine to medium-coarse range is excellent for these methods.
The Capresso Infinity shines brightly for those who primarily use drip coffee makers, French press, and cold brew. It produces a very consistent grind at coarser settings, making it ideal for full-immersion brewing methods. Where it falls slightly short is at the very fine end of the spectrum; it can struggle to achieve a true espresso grind without producing a fair amount of fines (tiny coffee particles that can make a shot bitter). For espresso, the Encore is the more capable of the two, though neither is a true espresso-focused grinder.
Considering Ease of Use and Cleanup
Day-to-day usability is key to a happy coffee experience. Both grinders are designed to be straightforward, but they have different quirks.
The Baratza Encore has a simple pulse/on/off switch and a clearly marked dial for grind size. Changing the grind setting is easy, but it’s generally recommended to do so while the grinder is running to help prevent coffee particles from getting stuck between the burrs. Cleanup is straightforward, and the hopper and burr assembly are easily removable for more thorough cleaning.
The Capresso Infinity is arguably the simpler machine to operate. Its dial has clear icons for different brew methods (e.g., Espresso, Drip, French Press). Its closed design and locking grounds bin do an excellent job of containing coffee grounds and reducing the static mess that often plagues grinders. For someone who values a quick, clean, and quiet grinding session with minimal fuss, the Infinity is very appealing.
Thinking Long-Term: Durability and Repairs
A grinder is an investment, and you want it to last. This is an area where the two companies have very different philosophies.
Baratza has built its reputation on durability and repairability. The Encore is designed to be fixed, not thrown away. If a part breaks or wears out after years of use, you can almost certainly order a replacement directly from Baratza and install it yourself with the help of their extensive online guides. This can extend the life of your grinder for many, many years.
The Capresso Infinity is a solidly built appliance, but it is not designed with user repair in mind. While it is known to be reliable, if something significant goes wrong outside of the warranty period, it is often more practical to replace the entire unit rather than attempt a repair. This is a crucial factor to weigh if you’re someone who likes to hold onto appliances for a long time.
Making Your Final Choice
So, after comparing the Baratza Encore and the Capresso Infinity, which one should you bring home?
Choose the Baratza Encore if you are a budding coffee enthusiast who enjoys experimenting with different brew methods, especially pour-over and Aeropress. Its superior grind consistency across a wider range, combined with its legendary repairability, makes it a tool that can grow with your hobby. It’s an investment in your coffee future.
Choose the Capresso Infinity if you value quiet operation, a clean and simple workflow, and primarily brew with a standard drip machine or French press. It’s an excellent, user-friendly grinder that does its job very well for a specific set of brewing needs, offering great value and minimal mess.
Ultimately, both the Baratza Encore and the Capresso Infinity are fantastic choices that will dramatically improve your coffee. By aligning the grinder’s strengths with your daily brewing habits, you can confidently find the best grind for your cup.