Baratza Encore ESP vs Fellow Opus: Which Grinder Is Better in 2026?

If you are building your first home espresso setup or upgrading from a cheap blade grinder, you have likely narrowed your choices down to two heavyweights: the Baratza Encore ESP and the Fellow Opus.

Both sit comfortably around the $200 price point, both use 40mm conical burrs, and both promise to be true “all-rounders”—capable of grinding fine enough for rich espresso and coarse enough for a clean French press. But under the hood, they offer completely different user experiences.

Quick Comparison Specs

1. Baratza Encore ESP

Best for: Beginners, workflow purists, and people who want durable, easily maintainable gear.

The Encore ESP is Baratza’s answer to the entry-level espresso market. It keeps the familiar Encore shape, but changes the grind adjustment to offer finer steps in the espresso range and larger steps for filter and immersion brewing. It is unapologetically utilitarian, but that simplicity is exactly why so many people like it.

Pros

• Dead-simple grind adjustment.
• Incredible track record for durability.
• Parts are widely available and cheap.
• Comes with a dosing cup perfectly sized for 54mm and 58mm portafilters.

Cons

• Very loud during operation.
• Can produce noticeable static, so many users use a light RDT spritz to reduce mess.
• Plastic, industrial design isn’t winning any beauty contests.

Check Baratza Encore ESP Price

2. Fellow Opus

Best for: Design enthusiasts, filter coffee lovers who occasionally brew espresso, and anyone who values a quieter grinder.

Fellow is known for stylish coffee gear, and the Opus follows that formula. It pairs a modern single-dose workflow with a macro dial and an inner micro-adjustment ring for more precise espresso tuning. That system works, but it can feel less intuitive than the Encore ESP if you change grind settings often.

Pros

• Beautiful, modern aesthetic.
• Much quieter than the Baratza.
• Built-in anti-static features can help reduce mess during grinding.
• Lid acts as a bellow to reduce grind retention.

Cons

• Adjustment system requires mental math (or the Beanie App).
• Messier workflow if you frequently switch between espresso and pour-over.

Check Availability on Amazon

Feature-by-Feature Showdown

Dialing In (Workflow)

Winner: Baratza Encore ESP. To dial in espresso on the ESP, you simply click the hopper one notch left or right. It is incredibly intuitive. The Opus requires you to take off the hopper and adjust an inner ring if you need a micro-adjustment between the outer macro steps, which breaks the workflow.

Grind Quality & Taste

Winner: Tie. Both produce excellent, sweet, and full-bodied espresso shots. For filter coffee (V60, Chemex), the Fellow Opus has a very slight edge, producing slightly fewer “fines” (dust), which leads to a clearer cup.

Design and Noise

Winner: Fellow Opus. There is no competition here. The Opus looks like a modern tech gadget, whereas the ESP looks like a power tool. The Opus is also significantly quieter, making it the better choice for early risers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can both grinders really do both Espresso and French Press?

Yes, both are true all-rounders. However, switching back and forth frequently requires purging some beans to prevent cross-contamination of grind sizes.

Do they have issues with grind retention?

All burr grinders have some retention. The Fellow Opus includes anti-static features and a lid you can use like a bellow, which can help reduce mess, but it still benefits from regular cleaning. The Baratza Encore ESP may benefit from simple workflow tricks like a light RDT spritz or a quick tap to help reduce static and retained grounds.