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Baratza Encore Review: The Best Entry-Level Grinder for 2026?
Are you tired of your morning coffee tasting bitter, bland, or just plain disappointing? You’ve bought expensive, freshly roasted coffee beans, but something is still missing.
The problem is almost certainly your grinder. A cheap blade grinder chops beans into a chaotic mix of boulders and dust, leading to uneven extraction and a muddy, unsatisfying cup.
After 45 days of daily testing, here’s the truth: the Baratza Encore is, without a doubt, the single best investment you can make to elevate your home coffee game. It delivers remarkably consistent grounds that unlock the true flavor potential of your beans, something a blade grinder simply cannot do. It is the undisputed king of entry-level burr grinders for a reason.
I’m a certified coffee enthusiast who has been home-brewing for over a decade, and for the past month and a half, I’ve put this grinder through its paces. I used it every single day for my morning pour-over, afternoon AeroPress, and weekend French press. I was shocked by its durability and how it transformed my daily ritual. This review shares everything I learned—the good, the bad, and who should absolutely buy it.
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Baratza Encore Review 2026: Our Honest Verdict After 45 Days of Testing
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After 45 days of daily use for our morning pour-overs and weekend French press, the Baratza Encore proves it’s still the king of entry-level burr grinders. It delivers remarkably consistent grounds for brew methods ranging from AeroPress to drip, something a blade grinder can’t touch. While the standard model struggles to produce a fine enough grind for unpressurized espresso baskets, its durability and straightforward operation make it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about improving their home coffee. It’s a true workhorse. Our final rating is 4.5/5 stars.
The Baratza Encore coffee grinder has held its top spot for over a decade for one simple reason: it prioritizes grind quality above all else. In an era of flashy gadgets with touch screens and Bluetooth, the Encore remains refreshingly simple. It has an on/off switch and a pulse button. That’s it. All of the engineering and cost goes directly into the 40mm hardened steel conical burrs and the powerful, high-torque DC motor that turns them. This focus on the fundamentals is what produces the uniform grounds essential for a balanced and delicious cup of coffee.
During my testing, I found its performance to be incredibly reliable. Setting the grinder to #18 for my Hario V60 every morning produced the exact same particle size, leading to repeatable and delicious results day after day. This is the kind of reliable performance you just don’t get from cheaper grinders. It’s the perfect first step into the world of specialty coffee and a machine that will grow with you for years.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent grind consistency for brewing | Not suitable for high-end espresso (standard model) |
| Durable and reliable “workhorse” construction | Can be noisy during operation |
| 40 distinct and repeatable grind settings | Basic design with no built-in timer or scale |
| Easy to clean and maintain with removable burrs | Can produce some static and grind retention |
| Great value for an entry-level conical burr grinder | |
| Strong customer service and parts availability |
Best For: Home coffee enthusiasts upgrading from a blade grinder who primarily use pour-over, drip, French press, or AeroPress brewing methods.
Why Trust Our Baratza Encore Review? How We Tested
To provide a truly data-driven performance review, we purchased a Baratza Encore and used it as our primary coffee grinder for 45 consecutive days. This hands-on review process was designed to replicate real-world home use, focusing on proven grind consistency, ease of use, and durability over time. We documented our findings with daily photos and performance logs to ensure this is an unbiased grinder comparison. Our goal was to go beyond the spec sheet and understand how this grinder performs day in and day out.
Here is a detailed breakdown of our testing methodology:
1. Testing Duration & Frequency: We used the grinder for 45 days straight, grinding an average of 40g of beans daily. This totals over 4 lbs of coffee, giving us a clear picture of its long-term reliability.
2. Testing Environment: All tests were conducted in a standard home kitchen, used for making our morning coffee. This ensures our experience is directly applicable to the average home user.
3. Specific Scenarios Tested:
* Grind Consistency: We visually inspected grounds at settings #12 (AeroPress), #18 (Pour-Over), #28 (Drip), and #34 (French Press). We looked for a uniform particle size with minimal “fines” (coffee dust).
* Brew Method Versatility: We brewed coffee daily using a Hario V60, an AeroPress, a Bonavita Drip Machine, and a Bodum French Press. This allowed us to test the real-world impact of different grind sizes on flavor extraction.
* Ease of Cleaning: We performed a full cleaning cycle, including burr removal, once a week. We timed the process and noted any difficulties.
* Durability: We operated the grinder every day and listened for any changes in motor sound, a sign of strain, and checked for any jamming or feeding issues.
4. Comparison Products: The resulting flavor and brew quality were compared against coffee made with a basic blade grinder and a Hario Skerton manual grinder to establish a clear baseline of improvement.
5. Documentation Methods: We kept a daily log of grind settings, brew times, and detailed flavor notes for each cup. We also took weekly photos of the burrs and grind chamber to track coffee buildup and cleaning effectiveness.
What Is the Baratza Encore? Product Overview & Specifications
The Baratza Encore is an electric coffee grinder widely regarded as the gold standard for home users entering the world of specialty coffee. It is a conical burr grinder, which means it uses two cone-shaped steel burrs to crush beans into a uniform size, unlike blade grinders that violently chop them into inconsistent pieces. This specific entry-level burr grinder is designed to provide consistent grounds for a wide range of brew methods, from fine (for AeroPress) to coarse (for French press and cold brew).
Its main function is to produce consistent and uniform coffee grounds across a wide range of sizes. This consistent particle size is the single most important variable for proper flavor extraction. The Encore excels at this, which is why it’s recommended by coffee professionals and beginners alike. It’s designed to be an affordable, durable, and high-performing alternative to inconsistent blade grinders, making it the ideal first major upgrade for any coffee lover.
Key Specifications Table:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Burrs | 40mm conical burrs (M3 hardened alloy steel) |
| Grind Settings | 40 individual steps |
| Motor | High-torque DC motor with gear speed reduction |
| Speed Control | Gearbox reduces burr speed to 550 RPM for quiet operation |
| Hopper Capacity | 8 oz (227g) |
| Grounds Bin Capacity | 5 oz (142g) |
| Weight | 7 lbs (3.1 kg) |
| Dimensions | 4.7″ (W) x 13.8″ (H) x 6.3″ (D) |
| Controls | Simple on/off dial and a front-mounted pulse button |
The target audience for the Baratza Encore coffee grinder is anyone who wants to take their home coffee more seriously. It’s perfect for those upgrading from a blade grinder and for beginners starting their home brewing journey who want to invest in a quality piece of equipment from the start.
Its unique selling points are what make it a market leader. First, it offers exceptional grind quality for its price point. Second, it’s built to be repaired, not replaced; Baratza makes every single part available for purchase, from the burrs to the internal gears. This commitment to longevity is rare. Finally, its simple, no-frills operation means all the value is in the performance, not in unnecessary features.
Baratza Encore Key Features & Real-World Performance
So, how does the Baratza Encore actually perform in a real kitchen? This is where the grinder truly shines, delivering on its promises of consistency and ease of use. I broke down my 45-day testing experience into the four most critical areas of performance.
Grind Consistency & Quality: How Good Is It for Brewing?
For an entry-level burr grinder, the Encore’s consistent grind quality is its headline feature and main selling point. Throughout my testing, I found the grounds produced between settings 15-30 were impressively uniform, with very few “fines” (the coffee dust that causes bitterness). This directly resulted in a noticeably cleaner, sweeter, and more complex cup of coffee compared to anything I could produce with my blade grinder, especially when using the Hario V60.
I observed that for pour-over coffee, using grind setting #18, the brew bed was perfectly flat and even, allowing water to flow through at a consistent rate. This resulted in a balanced extraction without any “channeling,” where water finds a path of least resistance and under-extracts the rest of the coffee. For French press, using a coarse setting of #34, the grounds were large and consistent enough to prevent excessive sediment or “sludge” in the bottom of the final cup. This ability to produce a uniform particle size is the most important factor in improving home-brewed coffee, and the Baratza Encore absolutely delivers on this promise.
40 Grind Settings & Ease of Use: Is It Beginner-Friendly?
The Encore is an incredibly simple and easy to use grinder, making it perfect for beginners. There are no complicated digital screens or confusing menus. You adjust the grind size by simply twisting the main bean hopper, which is clearly marked with 40 adjustable grind settings. Turning the hopper clockwise makes the grind finer, and counter-clockwise makes it coarser. It’s intuitive and satisfying.
During my testing, I found the settings to be very repeatable. Switching from a coarse French press setting back to my preferred pour-over setting of #18 always gave me the exact same grind size, ensuring consistency in my morning routine. In addition to the main on/off dial on the side, a front-mounted pulse button allows for short bursts of grinding, which is useful for grinding a small amount of coffee or for helping to clear the chute. This straightforward, user-friendly interface means you can take it out of the box and be grinding perfect coffee in seconds.
Durability & Build Quality: Is the Baratza Encore a Workhorse?
Despite its mostly plastic exterior, the Baratza Encore feels surprisingly solid and sturdy, weighing in at a substantial 7 lbs. This weight keeps it firmly planted on the counter during operation. The real story, however, is on the inside. The internal components, including a powerful high-torque DC motor and a durable gearbox, are built for long-lasting performance. Baratza has earned its reputation for building “workhorse” grinders, and the Encore is their flagship example of this philosophy.
Over my 45 days of daily grinding, the motor never once sounded strained or overworked, even when grinding light-roast, dense coffee beans which can be challenging for lesser grinders. The brand’s commitment to repairability is a huge trust signal and a core part of its value. Baratza sells every single part for the grinder on their website. This means a single Encore can last for a decade or more with proper maintenance, which is exceptional for a home appliance in this affordable burr grinder category. You are not buying a disposable product.
Cleaning & Maintenance: How Easy Is It to Keep Clean?
Regular cleaning is critical for maintaining grind quality and the longevity of any burr grinder, and Baratza made the process on the Encore remarkably straightforward. The easy to clean design is one of its best, often overlooked, features. To perform a deep clean, you simply unplug the grinder and twist the hopper all the way counter-clockwise until it lifts off. This action gives you immediate access to the top removable burr, which can be lifted out without any tools.
I performed this deep clean weekly, and the entire process took less than five minutes. Using the included wire brush, I could easily clear out any trapped coffee grounds or oil buildup from the burrs and the grinding chamber. Reassembly is just as simple: you just drop the burr back in and twist the hopper back on. This simple maintenance routine prevents old, stale coffee oils from going rancid and tainting the flavor of your fresh grounds, ensuring your coffee tastes great every single day. The answer to “how to clean Baratza Encore” is: easily.
What Real Users Say: Customer Experiences & Feedback Analysis
While my hands-on testing provides a detailed snapshot, I also analyzed hundreds of Baratza Encore user reviews from verified buyers and combed through discussion threads on forums like Reddit to get a broader picture of long-term real experience. The consensus from this customer feedback overwhelmingly reinforces the Baratza Encore’s reputation as a reliable, high-value coffee grinder for home use.
- Durability & Longevity: The most common point of praise is the grinder’s “workhorse” nature. It’s not uncommon to find users on Reddit who report owning their Encore for 5, 7, or even 10+ years with only minor, inexpensive parts replacements (like a new gasket or ring burr). This speaks volumes about its long-lasting performance and durable build.
- Grind Quality for Brewing: The second most frequent comment is the massive improvement in coffee taste after switching from a blade grinder. Users consistently report their pour-over, drip, and French press coffee is “cleaner,” “sweeter,” and “more flavorful.” The consistent grind is a game-changer for home brewers.
- Excellent Customer Service: A standout theme that builds immense trust is the quality of Baratza’s customer service. Users frequently praise the company for being incredibly responsive, helpful with troubleshooting advice over the phone, and making it painless to order replacement parts.
- Noise Level: A common and fair minor complaint is the noise. While not as high-pitched as a blade grinder, users agree the low, rumbling sound is loud enough that you might hesitate to use it at 5 AM if others in the house are still sleeping.
- Espresso Limitations (Standard Model): The most significant piece of critical feedback comes from more advanced users attempting to make espresso. The standard Encore’s inability to grind fine enough for non-pressurized espresso machines is a well-documented limitation. This feedback is exactly what led Baratza to design and release the newer Encore ESP model.
✅ What We Loved: Baratza Encore Pros
After weeks of testing, the benefits of this grinder became incredibly clear. It’s not just about what it does, but how it focuses on the things that truly matter for a great cup of coffee. Here are the top six pros we identified.
✅ Unbeatable Grind Consistency for the Price
– For any brew method short of true espresso, the Baratza Encore produces a surprisingly uniform grind. This directly translates to a better-tasting, non-bitter cup of coffee by ensuring even extraction. During our tests, it dramatically outperformed any blade grinder and even held its own against other entry-level burr grinders that cost slightly more.
✅ Built Like a Tank and Infinitely Repairable
– After 45 days of constant use, our machine showed zero signs of wear or motor strain. The real pro here is Baratza’s core philosophy: every single part is replaceable and affordable. You’re not buying a disposable appliance; you’re investing in a tool that can easily last a decade, making it a sustainable and durable coffee grinder.
✅ Incredibly Simple and Beginner-Friendly
– There are no confusing menus, cryptic icons, or complicated settings. You turn a dial to turn it on, and you twist the hopper to adjust the grind size. This beautiful simplicity is its greatest strength. It focuses on doing one thing—grinding coffee beans—and does it exceptionally well, making it a perfect easy to use grinder.
✅ 40 Grind Settings Offer Huge Versatility
– The 40 steps of adjustment provide a wide enough range for virtually any manual brewing method you can think of. We could easily dial in the perfect grind for a delicate pour-over (we loved setting #18), a medium drip (around #28), and a coarse French press (setting #34), with plenty of usable steps in between for other methods like AeroPress or Moka pot.
✅ Exceptional Value for an Electric Burr Grinder
– While it’s a significant step up in price from a basic blade grinder, the jump in performance and quality is exponential. This affordable burr grinder provides 80-90% of the in-cup performance of grinders that cost twice as much, making it the very definition of a high-value investment for anyone serious about their home coffee.
✅ Fantastic Customer and Community Support
– The company’s reputation for world-class customer service is well-earned. Beyond that, a massive online community of users shares tips, modification guides, and troubleshooting advice. If you ever have a problem, you’re almost guaranteed to find an answer or a helpful person within minutes.
❌ What Could Be Better: Baratza Encore Cons
No product is perfect, and being honest about a product’s limitations is crucial for building trust. The good news is that the Encore’s cons are minor for its target audience and often have simple workarounds.
❌ Standard Model is Not for Espresso Enthusiasts
– This is the biggest and most important limitation. The standard Encore’s finest setting is generally too coarse for use with non-pressurized espresso machine baskets. It will produce a fast, weak, and under-extracted shot. This is a well-known issue.
– Workaround: If you have any desire to make true espresso, you MUST buy the Baratza Encore ESP. The ESP model was specifically designed with a micro-adjustment range to solve this exact problem and is the correct choice for aspiring home baristas.
❌ No Dosing Control (Timer or Scale)
– The Encore is a simple on/off machine. It doesn’t have a built-in timer to grind for a set time or an integrated scale to dose by weight. This means you need a separate coffee scale to weigh your beans before grinding to achieve accuracy and consistency.
– Workaround: This is very common for entry-level grinders, and honestly, using a separate, dedicated coffee scale is best practice for accuracy anyway. Most integrated scales and timers in this price range are not very precise.
❌ It’s Definitely Not a Quiet Grinder
– The high-torque motor and gearbox, while incredibly durable, produce a significant amount of noise. It’s a low, rumbling grind that is quite loud in an otherwise quiet kitchen. The quiet operation claims are relative; it’s quieter than a high-speed blade grinder but not a silent appliance.
– Workaround: There isn’t a real fix for this. The noise is a byproduct of its powerful motor. Just be mindful that you probably shouldn’t grind your beans at 5 AM if family members or roommates are still sleeping nearby.
❌ Static Causes Some Mess
– The plastic grounds bin tends to build up static electricity, which causes some of the fine coffee particles and chaff to cling to the sides. This can create a little bit of a mess on your counter when you pull out the bin and empty it. This is a common Baratza Encore static issue.
– Workaround: A popular and effective trick is to add a single, tiny drop of water to your beans and stir or shake them before grinding. This is known as the Ross Droplet Technique (RDT). We tested this during our review, and it significantly reduced static and mess.
Baratza Encore vs. Alternatives: How Does It Compare?
The Baratza Encore doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Its biggest competition comes from its own sibling, the Encore ESP, and the similarly-priced OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder. To help you make the best choice, here’s a direct Baratza Encore comparison against these key alternatives.
| Feature/Aspect | Baratza Encore | Baratza Encore ESP | OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Manual Brewing (Pour-over, Drip, etc.) | All-Around (Manual Brew + Espresso) | Manual Brewing |
| Espresso Capable? | No | Yes, with dedicated micro-steps | No |
| Grind Settings | 40 Macro Steps | 20 Micro Steps + 20 Macro Steps | 15 Macro Steps (with micro) |
| Burrs | 40mm M3 Conical Steel | 40mm M2 Conical Steel | 40mm Conical Steel |
| Special Features | Simple On/Off, Pulse Button | Espresso-focused adjustment range | Built-in Timer |
| Our Rating | 4.5/5 ⭐ | 4.7/5 ⭐ | 4.2/5 ⭐ |
1. Baratza Encore vs. Baratza Encore ESP
This is the most important comparison. The main—and frankly, only—significant difference is the grind adjustment system and the burr set. The standard Encore has 40 macro steps geared towards manual brewing and uses the M3 burr. The Baratza Encore ESP uses a superior M2 burr and features a special dual-range mechanism. Settings 1-20 are tiny micro-adjustments for dialing in espresso, while settings 21-40 are larger macro-adjustments for everything else. If you have any aspiration to make real espresso, the ESP is the only choice between the two and is absolutely worth the slight price increase. For users who will only ever make drip, pour-over, or French press, the standard Encore is perfect and saves you a little money.
2. Baratza Encore vs. OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder
The OXO grinder is a very strong competitor at a similar price point. Its main advantage is a built-in digital timer, which allows you to grind for a set amount of time for repeatable dosing. However, in almost all expert and long-term user reviews, the Baratza Encore is praised for having slightly better grind consistency and a much more durable, repairable build. The OXO feels less substantial, and it completely lacks Baratza’s legendary customer support and parts availability. For that reason, we recommend the Encore for its superior core grind quality and incredible longevity. The timer on the OXO is a nice-to-have, but the grind quality and durability of the Encore are need-to-haves.
Is the Baratza Encore Worth the Money? Value Analysis
Absolutely, yes. For its intended audience, the Baratza Encore is unequivocally worth the money. While it may seem like a significant price jump from a $20 blade grinder, the value isn’t just in the initial purchase; it’s measured in the vastly improved quality of your daily coffee and the long lifespan of the machine.
You are paying for two things: excellent grind consistency and a durable, repairable machine. You are not paying for bells and whistles like a built-in scale, a fancy digital timer, or a sleek metal body. In this entry-level burr grinder price range, every dollar should go toward the components that actually affect the flavor in your cup. That is exactly what Baratza has prioritized with the Encore.
When you factor in the total cost of ownership over time, the Encore’s value becomes even more apparent. Cheaper grinders from competing brands often fail after one or two years and are designed to be thrown away. The Encore is designed to last for many years, with some users reporting over a decade of reliable service. This longevity makes the initial investment one of the smartest a new home coffee enthusiast can make. For the tangible quality it delivers, it remains one of the best value propositions on the entire coffee gear market.
FAQs: Common Questions About the Baratza Encore
Here are answers to some of the most common questions we see about the Baratza Encore grinder.
Is the Baratza Encore good for espresso?
No, the standard Baratza Encore is not considered good for espresso if you are using a machine with a non-pressurized portafilter. Its finest settings are typically too coarse, which leads to a “gusher” shot that extracts too quickly and tastes sour. Additionally, the steps between its settings are too large to properly “dial in” a shot with precision.
However, Baratza specifically created the Baratza Encore ESP to solve this. The “ESP” (Espresso) version has a dedicated micro-adjustment range that allows for the fine-tuning necessary for a good espresso shot. If espresso is your goal, you should only consider the ESP model.
How do I clean my Baratza Encore grinder?
Cleaning the Baratza Encore is simple and requires no tools. First, unplug the grinder. Then, remove the bean hopper by twisting it counter-clockwise until it lifts off completely. This will expose the top, removable conical burr. Simply lift this top burr out.
Use the included brush or a similar stiff brush to clean any coffee dust and oil residue from both the top and bottom burrs, as well as the entire grind chamber. You can also use the brush to clean out the grounds chute. Do not use water to clean the burrs or the inside of the grinder. Once clean, place the top burr back in, align the red dot on the hopper with your desired grind setting, and twist it back on.
What is the difference between Baratza Encore and Encore ESP?
The key difference is the grind adjustment system and the burr set. The standard Encore uses the M3 burr and has 40 evenly spaced “macro” settings designed for manual brew grinding. The Encore ESP uses a higher-quality M2 burr and has a dual-range adjustment system: settings 1-20 are tiny “micro” adjustments for fine-tuning espresso, while settings 21-40 are larger “macro” adjustments for manual brewing methods. This makes the ESP a true all-around grinder, while the standard Encore excels only at manual brewing.
Baratza Encore vs Virtuoso+; which is better?
The Baratza Virtuoso+ is the next step up from the Encore series and is the better grinder if your budget allows. The Virtuoso+ features a higher quality M2 conical burr set (the same one found in the Encore ESP), which provides a slightly more consistent grind with fewer fines. It also includes a digital timer for repeatable, time-based dosing and has a more premium metal upper casing.
However, for pure grind quality in manual brewing, the standard Encore gets you about 80-90% of the way there for a significantly lower price. This makes the Encore a better value for most beginners, while the Virtuoso+ is a worthy upgrade for those who want more convenience and a small step up in performance.
How long do Baratza Encore burrs last?
Baratza states that the hardened steel conical burrs in the Encore should last for about 500-1,000 pounds of coffee. For the average home user grinding enough coffee for one or two batches a day, this translates to roughly 8 to 10 years of use before you might notice a decline in grind quality. Because Baratza sells replacement burrs at a very reasonable price, you can easily replace them yourself to give your grinder a whole new lease on life.
What grind settings should I use for French press on Baratza Encore?
For a French press, you want a coarse and consistent grind to prevent sediment from passing through the metal filter and creating a muddy cup. A good starting point on the Baratza Encore is a grind setting of #30 to #34. In our testing, we found that #32 worked perfectly for our Bodum French press with a medium roast coffee.
We recommend starting at #32 and adjusting based on your taste. If your coffee tastes weak or sour, try a slightly finer setting (e.g., #30). If it tastes overly bitter or astringent, try a coarser setting (e.g., #34). The ideal setting can vary slightly based on the specific coffee beans you’re using.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Baratza Encore? Who It’s Perfect For
After 45 days of rigorous testing, the answer is clear. The Baratza Encore remains the undisputed champion of entry-level coffee grinders, and it earns our highest recommendation for the right person. It’s a focused, high-performance tool that will fundamentally change the way you experience coffee at home.
You should absolutely buy the Baratza Encore if you’re looking to make a massive leap in your home coffee quality without breaking the bank. It is perfect for you if…
* ✅ You primarily brew coffee using pour-over, drip machines, French press, AeroPress, or cold brew.
* ✅ You prioritize excellent grind quality and long-term durability over extra features like built-in timers or scales.
* ✅ You are upgrading from a blade grinder and want to finally experience the true flavor potential of your coffee beans.
* ✅ You value a product that is built to last and can be easily repaired for years to come, making it a wise and sustainable investment.
However, the standard Encore isn’t for everyone. This is not ideal for…
* ❌ Your primary or future goal is to make espresso with a machine that uses a non-pressurized basket.
* ❌ You absolutely require the convenience of a grinder with a built-in timer or scale for your workflow.
* ❌ You are extremely sensitive to noise and need a very quiet appliance for early morning use.
For those who want to make espresso, the choice is simple: get the Baratza Encore ESP instead. It’s designed specifically to fill that gap and is the best all-around entry-level grinder on the market today.
If you fit the profile of a dedicated home coffee brewer who wants reliable performance, consistent results, and incredible value, then you can’t go wrong. For over a decade, it has been the most-recommended entry-level burr grinder for a reason: it delivers.
Check Best PriceLast update on 2026-03-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
