Baratza Encore ESP Espresso Grind Settings
Curated espresso settings from 1–18 setting number (1-40) with roast-specific zones, sensitivity data, and calibration guidance.
Grind Settings by Roast Level
Recommended setting number (1-40) ranges for each roast level on the Encore ESP.
| Roast | Low | Center | High | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 1 | 5 | 8 | C |
| Medium-Light | 4 | 7 | 10 | D |
| Medium | 7 | 10 | 13 | B |
| Medium-Dark | 10 | 13 | 16 | D |
| Dark | 13 | 16 | 18 | C |
Values in setting number (1-40). Center is the best starting point; low/high represent the typical range across different beans.
Sensitivity Zones
How much shot time changes per 1 setting number (1-40) step in different zones of the dial.
Fine End
BMost sensitive zone — small changes have big impact on shot time
Mid Range
BSweet spot for most espresso — moderate sensitivity
Coarse End
CLeast sensitive — larger adjustments needed to affect extraction
Tips & Quirks
Things to know about dialing in the Encore ESP.
Dual-resolution adjustment system: settings 1-20 provide micro-adjustments (20 microns/step) optimized for espresso, while settings 21-40 provide macro-adjustments (90 microns/step) for filter coffee. This is the key innovation of the ESP model.
Very clumpy grounds at espresso settings. WDT (Weiss Distribution Technique) with a needle tool is strongly recommended to break up clumps in the portafilter before tamping.
High grind retention of approximately 1-2g. Not ideal for single-dosing workflows. Designed for hopper-based grinding where retained grounds are flushed by subsequent doses. Purge 2-3g after grind setting changes.
May struggle to grind fine enough for light roasts without installing shims. However, installing shims increases retention, clumping, and heat generation. Best suited for medium to dark roasts out of the box.
Significant unit-to-unit calibration variance. Some units ship needing shims added or removed to achieve proper espresso range. If your shots run too fast even at setting 1, remove a shim. If too slow at setting 18+, add a shim.
Static buildup can cause grounds to cling to surfaces. Using the Ross Droplet Technique (RDT) — adding a single drop of water to beans before grinding — helps reduce static.
Baratza's legendary repairability applies — replacement parts are available and the grinder is designed for user serviceability. The plastic impeller under the cone burr may wear over years of use but is replaceable.
Grind speed at espresso settings is slow (1.2-1.5 g/sec) compared to filter settings (2.4 g/sec). Expect 12-15 seconds to grind an 18g espresso dose.
Calibration
Unit-to-unit variance and zero-point info for the Encore ESP.
Variance
Zero Point
No traditional burr-touch zero point. Factory pre-calibrated for home espresso. If the espresso range (1-20) doesn't produce fine enough grinds, install the included shims under the cone burr to shift the entire range finer. Shim installation requires removing the upper burr assembly.
Unit-to-unit calibration variance is significant. Some units ship requiring shim adjustment — CoffeeGeek reported one unit needed shims REMOVED to reach usable espresso settings. Installing shims increases retention, clumping, and heat buildup. Setting numbers are not directly comparable between units.
Specifications
Get Your Exact Setting
These are starting points. Your unit is different. Calibrate with GrindDial and get a personalized grind setting in 1-2 shots.
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