1Zpresso J-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder edges out Baratza Encore ESP, 8.5 to 7.9. It wins on performance, build & reliability, value, while the Encore ESP is stronger on ease of use.
Side by side
Every detail, compared.
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- • Espresso drinkers who want top-tier grind quality without an electric grinder
- • Manual lever and travel espresso setups
- • Single-dosers who dial in light roasts
- • A first electric grinder for entry-level espresso
- • Households that want one grinder for espresso and pour-over
- • Buyers who value easy repairs and spare parts
- 8-micron external steps give extremely fine espresso control
- Balanced, full-bodied, clean espresso in reviewer tests
- Very low retention (about 0.1 g on an 18 g dose)
- Dedicated 20-step espresso range plus 20 filter steps covers espresso to French press
- Turn-the-hopper adjustment with numbered settings; reviewers report almost no learning curve
- Dosing cup for 54 mm portafilters with a 58 mm adapter ring in the box
- Manual grinding takes about 35–55 seconds per espresso dose
- Fine steps make switching between roasts or brew methods easy to lose track of
- Clumpy output at espresso settings; a WDT tool helps
- Retains roughly 1–3 g at espresso settings, so it is not a natural single-doser
FAQ
Quick answers.
Which is better, J-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder or Encore ESP?
1Zpresso J-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder edges out Baratza Encore ESP, 8.5 to 7.9. It wins on performance, build & reliability, value, while the Encore ESP is stronger on ease of use.
Which costs less per unit?
1Zpresso J-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder works out to about $199 and Baratza Encore ESP to about $199.95, based on typical retail prices when we last checked.
How do you score them?
Both are scored on the same five-factor rubric — weighted for flavor or performance, quality, value, sourcing or build, and community sentiment — using public specs, verified creator reviews and community consensus.