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

Baratza Encore vs Timemore Chestnut C2

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

Timemore Chestnut C2 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about budget-conscious portable users — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #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 →

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Coffee Grinders Under $200

Timemore Chestnut C2

4.4

$79

The Timemore Chestnut C2 Manual Coffee Grinder is praised by Wirecutter as an excellent budget-friendly option under $100, offering portable, consistent grinding with a sleek metal build. Tom's Guide also recommends it as one of the cheapest ways to grind on the go, noting its compact size and smooth operation. However, reviewers note its small capacity limits full pot brewing, and it's not ideal for espresso. The grinder's plastic components may concern some users regarding long-term durability, though it's described as reliable for daily use. It's best suited for those who enjoy the meditative process of hand-grinding and value portability over convenience.

Strengths

— Sleek, well-made metal construction with precise machining and smooth grinding mechanism
— Portable and compact design, just 6 inches tall, fits in travel bag
— Stainless steel adjustable burrs allow for consistent grind size adjustments

Watch-outs

— Small capacity requires multiple grinding cycles for full pot of coffee
— Not suitable for espresso due to inability to achieve fine enough grind
— Some internal plastic parts may raise durability concerns for some users

$79 · 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.

Timemore Chestnut C2

The Timemore Chestnut C2 offers excellent value and portability, outperforming the Cuisinart Supreme Grind in consistency and build quality, but it's less precise than the 1Zpresso J-Max and lacks the fine-tune settings of the Baratza Virtuoso Plus. It's more affordable than the Fellow Opus but not as versatile for espresso.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Baratza Encore	Timemore Chestnut C2
Burr Type	Conical steel burrs	—
Burr Size	40mm	—
Grind Settings	40	Adjustable stainless steel burrs
Material	Plastic with 15% glass-filled thermoplastic gears	Metal body with plastic parts
Motor	550 RPM	—
Capacity	—	20 grams

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