The Fellow Ode Gen 1 made a name for itself with its stunning design, but fell a little short with it’s performance. The stock burrs were highly criticized and the overall performance disappointed large parts of the coffee community.
With the Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2, Fellow have attempted to address those issues. In our Fellow Ode Gen 2 review, we’ll look at whether the issues from the Gen 1 have been fixed and if this is a grinder we’d recommend.
Summary: The Fellow Ode Gen 2 Grinder
- Upgraded burr set from Gen 1 provides a wider range of grind sizes
- Produces more balanced, sweeter coffee
- Redesigned grind chute eliminates static cling
- New hopper design ensures better bean feed
- Performance is comparable to prosumer and commercial grinders
- Offers excellent value for its price
I enjoy the coffee that comes out of it very much – Lance Hedrick, Onyx Coffee Lab
Improvements from the Original Fellow Ode Brew
The Fellow Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2 has undergone several improvements from its predecessor, enhancing both its functionality and the workflow.
One of the key changes is the increase in the hopper angle to 27 degrees. This adjustment reduces the likelihood of beans getting stuck, ensuring a smoother and more efficient grind.
Another significant addition is the ionizer in the exit chute. This feature reduces static and retention issues, which were common complaints with the previous model. The ionizer ensures that the ground coffee exits the grinder more cleanly, reducing waste and making it easier to clean.
The Ode Gen 2 has also seen changes in its user interface.
The dosing cup has been enlarged to accommodate more coffee, addressing feedback from users who found the previous cup too small.
However, we didn’t like the addition of fins inside the cup . While they are designed to help guide the coffee out of the cup, we found that they can trap coffee and require additional shaking to empty.
Despite these minor issues, the improvements in the Fellow Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2 show a commitment to refining the product based on the feedback of the coffee community, as well as Fellow’s own ongoing testing. These changes contribute to the Ode Gen 2’s performance, making it an even better choice.
Features
Here’s a quick overview of the features of the Gen 2 Brew Grinder from Fellow.
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Recommended Use | Home |
| Best For Brewing | Pour Over, Drip, Cold Brew, French Press |
| Material | Aluminum and Plastic |
| Control Type | Push Button |
| Colors | White, Black |
| Burr Size | 64mm |
| Burr Type | Flat Steel |
| Grind Settings | Stepped |
| Hopper Capacity | 100g |
| Grinder Features | PID Controlled Motor, Auto Shut-Off |
| Dimensions | 9.4″ Depth x 9.8″ Height x 4.1″ Width |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs |
| Warranty | 2 Years |
Fellow Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2 Burrs & Grind Settings
The Fellow Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2 is equipped with a new set of burrs that have been designed to enhance the grinder’s performance. The “Burr 2.0”, was a result of a lot of in-house testing, blind tasting and hard work from the Fellow team. The final burr set included in the Ode Gen 2 is the 23rd prototype they created and tested.
This new burr not only produces finer grinds, but it also delivers a more balanced and sweet cup, that is slightly complex and with good clarity. It’s a burr that can easily brew light roasted coffee, specialty grade coffee, and even darker roasted coffee, making it versatile and suitable for a wide range of coffee palates.
In our testing we found the 2.0 Burr offers greater range and body, providing more texture and sweetness than the original burr. While it sacrifices a bit of acidity, it compensates with a medium clarity that is expected from a flat burr.
When compared to the optional aftermarket SSP multi-purpose burr, the 2.0 burr did not have quite the same level of flavor separation. The SSP burrs produced slightly fewer fines and were a bit more uniform, but the differences were minimal.
So, while the SSP burrs are slightly better, they are an expensive upgrade at close to $200. The stock burrs are a more affordable option that in our opinion, deliver great value for their price.
Here are the settings we found to be a good starting point for dialling in your brews with the Fellow Ode grinder, both with the original burrs and the upgraded Gen 2 burrs.
Should You Upgrade From the Gen 1?
If you’re a current owner of the Fellow Ode Brew Grinder Gen 1, you might be wondering whether it’s worth upgrading to the Gen 2. The answer largely depends on your specific needs and how much value you place on the new features and improvements.
The Gen 2 offers several enhancements over its predecessor, including the new burr set and the redesigned grind chute.
However, these improvements come with a higher price tag. If the new features are particularly important to you, upgrading to the Gen 2 could be a worthwhile investment. For instance, if you frequently brew light roasts, you might appreciate the improved performance of the new burrs.
On the other hand, if you’re satisfied with the performance of your Gen 1 and don’t require the additional features, it might be more cost-effective to simply upgrade the burrs in your existing grinder. This could give you a similar improvement in grind quality without the need for a completely new grinder.
Price Point and Value for Money
When it comes to the price point and value for money, the Fellow Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2 stands out in the market. Priced slightly higher than its predecessor, the improvements and new features in the Gen 2 justify the increase.
In comparison to other grinders at a similar price point, the Fellow Ode Gen 2 holds its own. While more expensive burr grinders can produce better coffee, we found the returns are rapidly diminishing. Our findings have been echoed by others in the coffee community.
The Gen 2 offers excellent value for its price, delivering high-quality performance that rivals more expensive models.
James Hoffman
In terms of comparison with other grinders, we found that the Gen 2 outperforms the competition. We tested it against the Lego mini, the Varia vs3, the Barazta Encore, the Fellow Opus, and others at the same or similar price point.
In several blind taste tests, the Ode Gen 2 produced the sweetest, best tasting cup using a number of different single origin, light roasted coffees.
While it might not be the absolute best in any one category, it performs well across the board and offers excellent value for its price. It makes fantastic filter coffee that rivals much more expensive models. Even though it is more expensive than the Gen 1, the improved performance warrants the price increase.
Things We Liked
- New 2.0 Burr: Provides a wider range of grind sizes and a more balanced, sweet cup of coffee.
- Redesigned Grind Chute: Features an integrated ionizer to eliminate static cling, a common issue with many grinders.
- Improved Hopper Design: The larger hopper with more aggressive angles ensures better bean feed.
- Performance: Delivers high-quality performance that rivals more expensive models.
- Value for Money: Despite the higher price point, the Gen 2 offers excellent value for its price.
Things We Didn’t Like
- Fins in the Dosing Cup: We found these trapped some extra coffee inside the cup and required a bit of a shake to remove them.
- Burr Performance: While the new 2.0 Burr provides a wider range of grind sizes and a more balanced, sweet cup of coffee, it sacrifices a bit of acidity. This might not be an issue for most users, but for those who prefer a more acidic cup, this could be a downside.
- Comparison with SSP Burrs: When compared to the optional aftermarket SSP multi-purpose Burr, the 2.0 Burr may not have quite the same level of flavor separation.
Who Is This Grinder For?
The Fellow Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2 is a perfect match for coffee lovers with a particular fondness for filter coffee. With its wide range of grind sizes, it excels in delivering a balanced, sweet cup that truly shines when brewing filter coffee.
For fans of light roasted coffee, the Gen 2’s ability to bring out the best in these beans is noteworthy. It also performs well with darker roasted coffees, producing a nice sweetness and body, making it a versatile all-rounder that works well with all roast profiles.
While the Gen 2 can handle a range of grind sizes, it’s important to note that it is primarily designed for brewing methods that require a coarser grind. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy methods like pour-over, French press, or cold brew.
However, if you’re somebody who primarily brews espresso, the Gen 2 might not be the best fit. The grinder’s strength lies in its performance with coarser grinds, and while it can grind fine enough for espresso, it might not provide the level of precision required for this brewing method.
Possibly The Perfect Filter Coffee Grinder
Building on the success of its predecessor, the Fellow Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2 comes with a host of improvements. It’s clear that Fellow has taken the feedback from the Gen 1 to heart, implementing changes that have undoubtedly improved the grinder.
The Gen 2 offers a wider range of grind sizes, a redesigned grind chute and a larger hopper with more aggressive angles for better bean feed. These new features, combined with its good looks and compact size, make it a top contender in the coffee grinding space.
While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, the Gen 2 offers excellent value for money. Its performance rivals that of more expensive models, and the improvements over the Gen 1 make it a worthy investment for those serious about their coffee.
But, perhaps the most compelling argument for the Gen 2 is its versatility. It works amazingly well with roasts of all levels, and while it’s not designed for espresso, its performance with coarser grinds is outstanding.
The Fellow Ode Gen 2 is more than just an upgrade. It’s a testament to Fellow’s commitment to innovation and quality, and it might just be the best grinder for filter brewing on the market right now.
Coffee expert and industry insider, I’ve dedicated years to mastering the art and science of coffee making. From scrutinizing particle fineness to evaluating burr shapes, I delve into the minutiae that elevate coffee from good to exceptional. Whether it’s a complex pour-over or a robust espresso, my insights cater to those who don’t just drink coffee, but experience it.
