Ravvy
Login

Head to head · Coffee & Espresso

Encore ESP Coffee Grinder ZCG495BLK vs BCG820BSS Smart Grinder Pro

Ravvy scores Encore ESP Coffee Grinder ZCG495BLK at 89.37 and BCG820BSS Smart Grinder Pro at 89.57. BCG820BSS Smart Grinder Pro takes the overall pick, best for home baristas transitioning from blade grinders to precision espresso and drip brewing.

Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder ZCG495BLK, Black 14.5cm x 14.5cm x 33.5cm Black

$200

A top-tier choice for enthusiasts who want espresso-capable precision without spending five hundred dollars, provided they can tolerate a bit of motor noise.

Ravvy pick

Breville BCG820BSS Smart Grinder Pro, Brushed Stainless Steel Brushed Stainless Steel 18 oz Coffee Bean Capacity

$200

The Smart Grinder Pro is the ultimate versatile workhorse for home users who want digital precision across all brew methods, accepting a bit of retention for significant ease of use.

How they score

FactorEncore ESP Coffee Grinder ZCG495BLKBCG820BSS Smart Grinder Pro
Build Quality8482
Repairability98–
Espresso Range88–
Ease of Cleaning90–
Grind Consistency9285
Maintenance–80
Versatility–94
User Interface–96

Encore ESP Coffee Grinder ZCG495BLK

What owners praise

  • Dedicated micro-adjustment range for espresso
  • High-quality M2 hardened steel conical burrs
  • Excellent long-term repairability and parts availability
  • Compact footprint fits under standard kitchen cabinets
  • Tool-free burr removal for simple cleaning

What to know first

  • Significant motor noise during operation
  • High static retention compared to premium flat-burr units
  • Mostly plastic exterior construction

Skip it if users seeking silent operation or high-speed commercial throughput

BCG820BSS Smart Grinder Pro

What owners praise

  • Digital timer adjusts in 0.2 second increments for extreme accuracy
  • Versatile range handles everything from fine espresso to coarse French press
  • Includes dedicated cradles for 50-54mm and 58mm portafilters
  • Large 18 ounce hopper with a locking system for easy bean removal
  • High quality stainless steel burrs minimize heat transfer

What to know first

  • Grounds can occasionally clump depending on bean roast and humidity
  • Can be noisy during operation compared to high end silent grinders
  • Requires regular cleaning to prevent oily buildup in the chute

Skip it if commercial high volume cafes or purists seeking zero retention single dosing

Specs side by side

SpecEncore ESP Coffee Grinder ZCG495BLKBCG820BSS Smart Grinder Pro
UPC838823000088021614056559
ASINB0BW272XCVB00OXGXW8O
GTIN838823000088021614056559
BrandBaratzaBreville
ColorBlackBrushed Stainless Steel
StyleModernModern
Voltage120 volts120
Wattage150 watts165
Capacity120 g1.1 pounds
MaterialPlasticStainless Steel
Brand NameBaratzaBreville
Style NameModernModern

Other options in this category