M2 Burr Baratza: What the M2 Burr Upgrade Does and Whether You Should Get One

The M2 burr is Baratza's steel conical burr that ships in the Virtuoso+ and is available as an aftermarket upgrade for the Encore. If you've heard people raving about the M2 burr and wondering whether it's worth swapping into your Encore, the answer is usually yes. It's a $35 upgrade that produces a noticeably more uniform grind, and it takes about five minutes to install.

I upgraded my Encore with the M2 burr about two years ago, and the difference was clear from the first cup. The stock Encore burrs are good, but the M2 set produces fewer fines and a more even particle size, especially at medium grind settings for pour-over. Here's a full breakdown of what the M2 burr is, how it compares to the stock burr, and how to install it.

What Exactly Is the M2 Burr?

The M2 burr is a 40mm conical steel burr set that Baratza designed as a step up from the standard burrs in the Encore. It's the same burr set that comes pre-installed in the Virtuoso+ and the Virtuoso (now discontinued regular model).

"M2" refers to the specific burr geometry and steel composition. The teeth are cut at slightly different angles than the standard Encore burr, and the steel is a harder alloy. In practical terms, this means:

More uniform particle size across all grind settings
Fewer fine particles (less dust)
Slightly faster grinding speed
Longer burr life before dulling

The M2 burr is a drop-in replacement for the Encore. Same 40mm diameter, same mounting system, same burr holder. You don't need to modify anything on the grinder. Just swap the old burrs for the new ones.

M2 Burr vs. Stock Encore Burr: Real Differences

Let me be straight about something: this is not a night-and-day upgrade. If you're expecting your Encore to suddenly taste like a Niche Zero or a Lagom P64, you'll be disappointed. The M2 burr is a meaningful improvement within the Encore's capabilities, not a transformation into a different grinder.

Grind Consistency

The biggest difference is at medium and medium-fine settings. When I was brewing V60 pour-overs on the stock Encore, I noticed a visible spread of particle sizes. Some grounds looked right, others were dusty fines, and a few were noticeably larger. With the M2 burrs, the spread tightened up. Not perfect, but better.

I ran a few side-by-side brews with the same beans, same dose, same water temperature. The M2 burr cups were cleaner and more transparent. Less muddiness, more distinct flavor notes. If you drink light to medium roast pour-overs, this is where you'll notice the biggest improvement.

Fines Reduction

The M2 burr produces fewer fines at every setting I tested. For French press, this means less sediment at the bottom of the cup. For pour-over, it means faster drawdown times because the fines aren't clogging the filter as much. My V60 drawdown went from about 3:30 to about 3:00 with the same grind setting, just from the burr swap.

Coarse Grind Performance

At coarser settings (French press and cold brew territory), both burrs are pretty similar. The stock Encore actually does a decent job with coarse grinds. The M2 improvement is more apparent in the medium to fine range.

Espresso? Not Really

Neither the stock nor the M2 burr turns the Encore into an espresso grinder. The stepped adjustment doesn't have enough resolution for espresso-fine tuning. If espresso is your goal, you need a different grinder entirely. Our best coffee grinder guide covers espresso-capable options.

How to Install the M2 Burr in a Baratza Encore

This is one of the easiest grinder upgrades you can do. No tools required.

Step 1: Unplug the Encore and remove the hopper by twisting it counterclockwise.

Step 2: Look inside the grinding chamber. You'll see the burr holder (a ring-shaped piece, usually black or red) sitting on top. Twist it counterclockwise about a quarter turn and lift it out. The upper burr is attached to this holder.

Step 3: The upper burr presses into the holder with friction. You can pop it out by pushing from the back side. Some people use a coin to pry it gently. Set the old burr aside.

Step 4: Press the new M2 upper burr into the holder. It seats with a firm push. Make sure it's flush and seated evenly.

Step 5: For the lower burr, look down into the grinding chamber. You'll see the lower burr sitting on the motor shaft. It lifts straight off. Replace it with the new M2 lower burr, making sure the alignment tabs line up.

Step 6: Put the burr holder back in. Twist clockwise until it clicks. Replace the hopper. Plug in and grind 20 to 30 grams of cheap beans to seat the new burrs.

Total time: about five minutes, maybe ten if it's your first time.

Seasoning the New Burrs

New burrs need a break-in period. Fresh steel burrs have micro-roughness from manufacturing that smooths out after grinding a few hundred grams of coffee. During this period, you might notice slightly more fines than expected and a mildly metallic taste.

I ran about 500 grams (roughly one pound) of cheap grocery store beans through my Encore after installing the M2 burrs. By the end of that first pound, the grind quality and flavor had settled into what I now consider the normal M2 performance. Some people say you need two to three pounds of seasoning. I think one pound is enough for home use.

Don't waste your good specialty beans on seasoning. Grab the cheapest whole bean bag you can find and grind through it.

Is the M2 Burr Worth It?

For $35, the M2 burr upgrade is one of the best value improvements you can make to a Baratza Encore. The cost is less than what you'd spend on three bags of good coffee, and the improvement in grind quality is real and measurable.

I'd especially recommend it if:

You brew pour-over or AeroPress regularly (the mid-range grind improvement is noticeable)
You've had your Encore for a few years and the original burrs are due for replacement anyway (swap in M2 burrs instead of stock replacements)
You want to close the gap between the Encore and the Virtuoso+ without buying a new grinder

I would not recommend it if:

You only brew French press or cold brew (the improvement at coarse settings is minimal)
You're planning to upgrade to a completely different grinder soon (save that $35 toward the new grinder)
You're looking for espresso capability (the M2 burr won't give you that on an Encore)

For a comparison of the Encore with M2 burrs against other grinders in the same price range, check out our top coffee grinder roundup.

FAQ

Can I put M2 burrs in a Baratza Sette or Vario?

No. The M2 burr is designed for the Encore and Virtuoso series only. The Sette uses a different burr geometry (it spins the outer ring, not the inner cone), and the Vario uses 54mm flat ceramic burrs. They're not interchangeable.

Where do I buy the M2 burr set?

Baratza sells it directly on their website as a replacement part. Search for "M2 burr" or the part number. It's also available on Amazon. Make sure you're buying the set that includes both the upper and lower burrs, not just one piece.

Will the M2 burr void my Encore's warranty?

No. Baratza explicitly supports user-serviceable parts, and the M2 burr is sold as a compatible upgrade. Baratza's customer service has even recommended the upgrade to Encore owners who call in asking about improving grind quality.

How long do M2 burrs last?

Baratza rates the M2 burrs for roughly the same lifespan as their standard burrs: 500 to 1,000 pounds of coffee. For a home user grinding 20 to 30 grams per day, that translates to roughly five to ten years before you'd notice meaningful dulling.

The Short Version

The M2 burr is Baratza's best 40mm conical burr, and it drops right into the Encore with zero modifications. For $35 and five minutes of work, you get measurably better grind consistency, fewer fines, and a grinder that performs closer to the Virtuoso+. If you own an Encore and brew filter coffee, it's one of the smartest upgrades you can make.