Head-to-head · Best Coffee Grinders Under $200

Baratza Encore vs Capresso Infinity

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Baratza Encore comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.1). The gap is mostly about casual home users seeking durability — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Coffee Grinders Under $200

Baratza Encore

4.3

$150

The Baratza Encore remains a solid entry-level espresso grinder for home users, praised by The Coffee Chronicler for its consistent performance and durability. Tom's Guide calls it beginner-friendly yet notes evangelists need not apply. While it excels in pour over and coarse grind applications, it's not recommended for serious espresso work due to its motor limitations and lack of fine-tune adjustment. The grinder's 40 grind settings and improved gearbox make it a reliable choice for casual coffee enthusiasts who don't require professional-level precision. Those seeking espresso excellence should look elsewhere.

Strengths

— Delivers consistent grind quality better than blade or basic disk burr grinders
— Suitable for pour over, French press, AeroPress, and stovetop espresso maker
— Includes 40 adjustable grind settings for customization

Watch-outs

— Not suitable for high-pressure espresso brewing or fine grinds
— Some static causes grounds to stick inside the bin
— Motor not designed for frequent espresso use which may cause long-term issues

$150 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #7 in Best Coffee Grinders Under $200

Capresso Infinity

4.1

$99

The Capresso Infinity is an entry-level conical burr grinder that offers solid value for money, according to reviewers. It features 16 grind settings covering all home brewing methods and operates at a low 450 RPM to minimize heat and noise. While it delivers good grind consistency for most uses, it's not precise enough for espresso enthusiasts seeking exact timing. The grinder is praised for its durability and ease of use, though some reviewers noted the timer dial is confusingly labeled. It's best suited for casual coffee drinkers who want quality grounds without breaking the bank. Those needing ultra-precision should look elsewhere.

Strengths

— Very well priced
— Wide range of most popular grind settings
— Made of high-quality materials

Watch-outs

— Other burr grinders have more precise settings
— Not dishwasher safe

$99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Baratza Encore

The Baratza Encore stands out for its durability and 40 adjustable settings, making it more versatile than the Capresso Infinity's 16 settings, but it falls short of the Fellow Opus in espresso precision and the 1Zpresso J-Max in fine-tune control. Unlike the Baratza Virtuoso Plus, it lacks the advanced digital features and premium build quality, though it's more affordable and suitable for casual home use.

Capresso Infinity

The Capresso Infinity provides solid value and ease of use, but it's less precise than the Baratza Encore and lacks the advanced features of the OXO Brew. It's more affordable than the Baratza Virtuoso Plus but doesn't offer the same level of grind consistency for espresso, making it ideal for casual users who don't need precision.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Baratza Encore	Capresso Infinity
Burr Type	Conical steel burrs	40mm Stainless Steel
Burr Size	40mm	40mm
Grind Settings	40	16
Material	Plastic with 15% glass-filled thermoplastic gears	Stainless steel, Plastic, Zinc die-cast
Motor	550 RPM	Multiple Gear Motor

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