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.

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The short answer

Baratza Encore comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 4.1). The gap is mostly about casual home users seeking durability — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Coffee Grinders Under $200

Baratza Encore

4.5

5 sources$149.95as of Aug 1

The Baratza Encore is still a dependable entry-level espresso grinder for home use, and The Coffee Chronicler credits it with consistent performance and durability. It is beginner-friendly, though espresso evangelists need not apply. Pour over and coarse grinds are where it does its best work; serious espresso is not, since the motor and the absence of fine-tune adjustment hold it back. With 40 grind settings and an improved gearbox, it suits casual coffee drinkers who don't need professional-level precision. Anyone chasing 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

$149.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #7 in Best Coffee Grinders Under $200

Capresso Infinity

4.1

6 sources$98as of Aug 1

Reviewers describe the Capresso Infinity as an entry-level conical burr grinder that returns solid value for money. It carries 16 grind settings spanning every home brewing method and runs at a low 450 RPM, which holds down heat and noise. Grind consistency is good for most uses but not precise enough for espresso drinkers chasing exact timing. Durability and ease of use draw praise, though more than one reviewer found the timer dial confusingly labeled. Casual coffee drinkers who want quality grounds without breaking the bank will get the most out of it; anyone 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

$98 · 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
Grind Settings	40	16
Burr Size	40mm	40mm
Material	Plastic with 15% glass-filled thermoplastic gears	Stainless steel, Plastic, Zinc die-cast

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