Choosing a budget-friendly grinder that handles both espresso and filter coffee feels a bit like searching for a unicorn. You want consistent grinds, solid build quality, and versatility—without emptying your wallet. Two names keep popping up in every coffee forum and Reddit thread: the Baratza Encore ESP and the Fellow Opus. Both sit in the coveted “under $200” category and promise to be the one grinder to rule them all.
But here’s the real question: which one actually delivers on that all-rounder promise? I’ve spent considerable time with both machines on my kitchen counter, grinding beans for everything from pour-overs to home espresso. Let me walk you through exactly what you can expect from each grinder, where they shine, and where they stumble.
Quick Verdict: Fellow Opus
If you’re in a hurry and just want my honest take—the Fellow Opus edges out the Baratza Encore ESP as the better budget all-rounder for most home baristas. Its superior grind consistency at espresso settings, quieter operation, and sleek design make it the more versatile choice. That said, the Encore ESP remains a fantastic option if filter coffee is your primary focus and you appreciate Baratza’s legendary customer support. Let me explain why in detail below.
Baratza Encore ESP vs Fellow Opus: Key Specs Comparison
Before diving into the nuances, here’s a quick side-by-side look at what each grinder offers on paper:
| Feature | Baratza Encore ESP | Fellow Opus |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | ~$170-180 | ~$195 |
| Burr Type | 40mm Conical Steel | 40mm Conical Steel |
| Grind Settings | 40Steps | 41 Steps |
| Hopper Capacity | 227g (8 oz) | 100g (3.5 oz) |
| Grind Range | Espresso to French Press | Espresso to Cold Brew |
| Motor Speed | 550 RPM | 350-450 RPM |
| Weight | 3.1 kg (6.8 lbs) | 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) |
The specs look remarkably similar, right? That’s because the real differences reveal themselves during actual use. Let me break each grinder down.
Baratza Encore ESP: The Reliable Workhorse
Baratza has been a trusted name in home coffee grinding for years. The Encore ESP is essentially their classic Encore with upgraded burrs and finer step adjustments, designed specifically to handle espresso-level grinds.
What I Love About the Encore ESP
In my experience, this grinder truly shines for filter coffee brewing. Whether I’m making a Chemex or a V60, the grounds come out beautifully consistent. The40 grind settings provide enough flexibility for most brewing methods, and switching between them feels intuitive.
Another massive plus? Baratza’s customer service and parts availability. If something breaks in five years, you can order individual components and repair it yourself. This is rare in the grinder world and extends the machine’s lifespan significantly. Life is too short for bad coffee, but it’s also too short for throwing away expensive equipment.
- Pros:
- Excellent consistency for pour-over and drip coffee
- Outstanding customer support and parts availability
- Proven reliability over many years
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Larger hopper for batch grinding
- Cons:
- Espresso grind consistency is decent but not exceptional
- Noticeably louder than the Opus
- Plastic construction feels less premium
- Static can be an issue with lighter roasts
- Design looks somewhat dated
Real-World Scenario
Picture this: you drink mostly pour-over during the week but occasionally pull shots on weekends when you have time. The Encore ESP handles this lifestyle well. Your V60 brews will be consistent and delicious. Your espresso shots will be acceptable—not competition-worthy, but solid enough to enjoy with milk-based drinks.
Fellow Opus: The Stylish Newcomer
Fellow burst onto the coffee scene with gorgeous kettles and aesthetically pleasing gear. The Opus is their first foray into electric grinders, and I’ve found it punches above its weight class in several important areas.
What I Love About the Opus
The first thing you’ll notice is howquiet this grinder is. Fellow uses a slower motor speed, which dramatically reduces noise without significantly impacting grind time. If you’re an early riser who doesn’t want to wake the household, this matters.
But the real star is grind consistency at finer settings. For espresso, the Opus produces more uniform particle sizes than the Encore ESP. I’ve noticed shots dial in faster and taste more balanced. The anti-static technology also works impressively well—grounds fall cleanly into the catch bin with minimal mess.
- Pros:
- Superior grind consistency for espresso
- Remarkably quiet operation
- Excellent anti-static performance
- Premium build quality and design
- Intuitive load cell that stops grinding automatically
- Cons:
- Smaller hopper limits batch grinding
- Fellow is newer—long-term reliability unproven
- Parts and repair options are limited
- Slightly higher price point
- Some users report retention around 0.5-1g
Real-World Scenario
Imagine you’re primarily interested in espresso but also enjoy the occasional French press on lazy Sunday mornings. The Opus transitions smoothly between these extremes. Your espresso will be genuinely impressive for a sub-$200 grinder, and coarse grinds come out uniform enough for immersion brewing.
Head-to-Head: Where Each Grinder Wins
Let me break down the specific categories that matter most when choosing between these two.
Grind Consistency
Forfilter coffee, both perform admirably. The Encore ESP has a slight edge for medium-coarse settings—those pour-over sweet spots. However, for espresso, the Fellow Opus produces noticeably more consistent particles. This translates to better extraction and fewer channeling issues. If espresso is a priority, the Opus wins this round.
Build Quality and Design
The Opus feels more premium in hand. Its metal and matte plastic construction looks modern and sophisticated on any countertop. The Encore ESP, while functional, has a more utilitarian aesthetic. Fellow clearly spent time on the details—from the magnetic catch cup to the satisfying click of the grind dial.
Noise Level
This isn’t even close. The Fellow Opus operates significantly quieter than the Encore ESP. If you share your living space or grind coffee while others sleep, this difference is substantial. In my testing, the Opus sounded like a gentle hum, while the Encore ESP demanded attention.
Long-Term Value
Here’s where Baratza shines. Their repair-friendly philosophy means your Encore ESP could theoretically last a decade or more with proper maintenance. Fellow is still relatively new, and while build quality seems excellent, we simply don’t have the same track record. Baratza’s parts availability is a genuine competitive advantage.
Who Is the Baratza Encore ESP For?
- Home baristas who primarily drink filter coffee
- People who value repairability and long-term support
- Those who batch grind and want a larger hopper
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for proven reliability
- Beginners who want a forgiving, straightforward grinder
Who Is the Baratza Encore ESP NOT For?
- Espresso enthusiasts seeking maximum consistency
- Anyone bothered by loud grinding noise
- Buyers who prioritize aesthetics and premium feel
- Single-dosing purists (retention can be an issue)
Who Is the Fellow Opus For?
- Home baristas who want genuine espresso capability
- Early risers or those in shared living spaces
- Design-conscious buyers who care about aesthetics
- Anyone who wants anti-static technology that actually works
- People willing to pay slightly more for refinement
Who Is the Fellow Opus NOT For?
- Buyers who prioritize long-term repairability
- Those who need to batch grind large amounts
- Anyone uncomfortable with a newer, less-proven brand
- Extremely budget-conscious shoppers
Conclusion and Recommendations
Both theBaratza Encore ESP and Fellow Opus are excellent grinders that justify their price tags. Choosing between them ultimately depends on your brewing priorities and values.
If filter coffee dominates your routine and you appreciate knowing your grinder can be repaired for years to come, the Encore ESP remains a smart, reliable choice. Baratza’s reputation exists for good reason.
However, if you want the most versatile budget grinder—one that genuinely handles espresso while remaining quiet and aesthetically pleasing—the Fellow Opus is my recommendation. Its grind consistency at finer settings gives it the edge as a true all-rounder.
In short: life is too short for bad coffee, and either of these grinders will dramatically improve what ends up in your cup. Pick the one that matches your brewing style, and you’ll be enjoying better coffee tomorrow morning. Happy brewing!
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