Learn how to achieve the perfect grind with the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder. This blog post provides a few tips and guidance for using this top-notch...
If you’re like me, you probably bought a Baratza Encore because everyone said it was the best entry‑level burr grinder. Yet when you first try a pour‑over, the results can be all over the place. That’s because the Encore has 40 settings ranging from extra‑fine to extra‑coarse , and the Hario V60 is sensitive to grind size. After lots of experimentation (and a few over‑extracted cups), I finally dialed in the grind that made my morning coffee sing. Below is what I learned about pairing the V60 with the Encore.
A medium‑fine grind around the #15 setting on the Baratza Encore yields a clean, balanced cup with a V60 , but there’s wiggle room between #13 and #18 depending on your beans and taste .
Why Grind Size Matters for the Hario V60
The V60 is a conical dripper with a 60‑degree angle and spiral ribs inside the cone . Unlike flat‑bottom brewers, it has a single large drain hole, so water speed (and therefore grind size) controls extraction. The V60 tends to produce a longer aftertaste and brighter acidity , which is why many coffee lovers prefer it. A grind that’s too fine will stall the drawdown and make your coffee bitter; too coarse and it will rush through and taste weak.
Recommended Baratza Encore Settings for V60
Baratza’s grind size guide suggests using settings #13–18 for pour‑over and specifically V60 . In my experience, #15strikes a sweet spot for most beans . Start at #15; finer (13–14) for light roasts, coarser (17–18) for darker roasts .
Remember, these numbers are starting points. Feel free to nudge the dial by a notch or two based on brew time and taste.
My V60 Brew Routine
A simple recipe yields consistently great results. I recommend a medium‑fine grind (equivalent to #4 on the Fellow Ode) with a 1:17 coffee‑to‑water ratio and water at 205 °F . Translating that to the Encore at #15, here’s my step‑by‑step routine:
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Gather your gear – Hario V60 dripper and paper filter, Baratza Encore grinder, a gooseneck kettle, digital scale & timer, and fresh whole beans (I love Trade Coffee’s single‑origin selections).
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Prep the filter – Place a paper filter in the V60 and rinse it with hot water. This eliminates paper taste and preheats your brewer .
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Weigh & grind – Use 18 grams of coffee for a ~300 mL cup. Grind on #15. The grounds should resemble table salt and be slightly finer than you’d use for Chemex .
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Bloom – Tare the scale and start your timer. Pour about double the coffee weight (~36 g) of hot water in circles to saturate the grounds. Let it bloom for 20–30 seconds .
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Pour – Slowly add the remaining water up to 300–320 g. Pour in concentric circles, avoiding the paper walls . Aim to finish pouring around 2 minutes.
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Drain – Let the water draw down completely. Total brew time should be 2 ½ – 3 minutes, including bloom. If it drains too fast, make the grind finer; if it stalls, go coarser.
Adjusting for Different Beans
Every coffee behaves differently. Lighter roasts are denser and require a finer grind to extract enough sweetness, while dark roasts benefit from a slightly coarser grind. Use the table above as a starting point and adjust within the #13–18range. Here are a few signs to watch:
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Under‑extracted (sour) – Brew finishes in under 2 minutes; taste is sharp or grassy. Try a finer setting (lower number).
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Over‑extracted (bitter) – Brew takes over 4 minutes or drips slowly; taste is bitter or dry. Try a coarser setting (higher number).
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Balanced – Sweet, full‑bodied with a pleasant aftertaste. You’re in the sweet spot!
Gear I Recommend
Investing in quality gear makes pour‑over coffee a joy and qualifies you for Amazon’s fast shipping. Here’s what I use daily:
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Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder – An entry‑level workhorse with 40 settings and durable steel burrs . Perfect for drip and pour‑over.
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Hario V60 Dripper – Its 60‑degree cone and spiral ribs promote even extraction . Available in plastic (travel‑friendly) and ceramic versions.
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Gooseneck Kettle – A narrow spout gives you control over your pour. Fellow’s Stagg kettle is my favorite.
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Paper Filters – Use Hario‑branded filters or try cloth filters for a more eco‑friendly option.
And if you’re ready for the next level, consider the Fellow Ode 2 for an even quieter, faster grind. It’s the grinder I switched to when I wanted a calmer morning routine.
(READ: WHY I SWITCHED FROM THE BARATZA ENCORE GRINDER TO THE FELLOW ODE BREW GRINDER)
Is It Worth It?
Dialing in your Baratza Encore for the V60 is absolutely worth the minimal effort. With the right grind and a few simple steps, the V60 delivers a clean, nuanced cup that rivals café coffee. Pairing the Encore with a V60 kit and fresh beans makes mornings feel special—without waking up the whole house.
Want to elevate your coffee game even further? Trade Coffee delivers freshly roasted beans curated to your taste. I’ve discovered incredible roasters through their subscription service, and they offer a $15 credit for new members.
Upgrade your gear and beans, and you won’t just improve your brew, you’ll improve your mornings. ☕
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps fuel the coffee, the testing, and the writing. Thanks for supporting the work.
