(2025 Comparison)
If you’re just starting your coffee journey, two grinders come up over and over: the Baratza Encore ESP and the Timemore Chestnut C2. Both are affordable, beginner-friendly burr grinders, but they’re aimed at slightly different types of brewers. In this comparison, we’ll break down the key differences so you know which one deserves a spot in your kitchen.
🏆 Quick Verdict
- For Everyday Electric Convenience → Baratza Encore ESP
- For Budget & Travel → Timemore C2
If you want a plug-and-play grinder for daily brewing, the Encore ESP is the better investment. If you want portability and the lowest possible price, the C2 punches way above its weight.
⚙️ Design & Workflow
- Baratza Encore ESP: A small electric grinder built for simplicity. Plug it in, twist the grind dial, and you’re ready to brew. Designed to cover everything from French press to moka pot, and now even light espresso with the new ESP burr set.
- Timemore C2: A compact hand grinder made of metal and plastic, with a sturdy crank handle. Manual effort required, but it’s lightweight and travel-ready. No motor = quiet and portable, but you’ll need some arm strength for espresso.
👉 Takeaway: Do you want to crank beans by hand, or press a button and sip coffee while it does the work?
☕ Grind Quality
- Encore ESP: Delivers consistent medium grinds for pour-over and filter coffee, with enough range to cover light espresso. The ESP burr upgrade makes it better than the original Encore for dialing in moka pot and beginner espresso setups.
- Timemore C2: Surprisingly even grind for the price, especially in the medium range. Works well for pour-over and Aeropress. Can grind for espresso in a pinch, but consistency isn’t as tight as more expensive grinders.
👉 Takeaway: Both grinders nail pour-over; the Encore ESP has more staying power as you advance.
💸 Price & Value
- Encore ESP: Around $200–$220 new. Serviceable parts and Baratza’s famous customer support make it a safe long-term buy.
- Timemore C2: Around $80–$100. One of the best manual grinders under $100, but expect more effort and eventually an upgrade if you get serious about espresso.
👉 Takeaway: The C2 is unbeatable at its price, but the Encore ESP offers better value over time.
🔎 Final Recommendation
- Pick the Baratza Encore ESP if you want an electric grinder that grows with you, covering everything from pour-over to light espresso.
- Pick the Timemore C2 if you’re on a tight budget or want a travel grinder that doesn’t break the bank.
Both are excellent beginner options — it all comes down to whether you’d rather crank or click.
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