Stepping into the world of specialty coffee and home brewing can feel like a journey through a jungle of gadgets, all promising to improve the quality of your cup. It is, therefore, essential to know which ones are worth your time and investment. One piece of gear that has recently caught our attention is the Fellow Opus Grinder. This coffee grinder is creating some buzz in the coffee world, but does it live up to the hype? Let’s find out in our Fellow Opus Review.
Summary: The Fellow Opus Grinder
- Compact and home-friendly design
- 41 grind settings with micro-adjustments
- Unique six-blade 40mm conical burrs
- Speedy grind at 350 RPM with six newton meters torque
- Timed auto-stop and anti-static tech
- Designed for single-dose grinding
- Superb value for money
The Fellow Opus is an all-around coffee grinder aimed at the entry-level and casual market, with a competitive price point. – Jake Miller, Fellow Coffee
Design and Aesthetics
Known for their signature design elements, Fellow continues the trend with the Opus. Its aesthetic appeal is similar to other products from Fellow. While it is made of plastic, unlike many other coffee grinders we’ve used, this does not detract from its overall quality. It has an industrial, streamlined design that blends seamlessly with most kitchen decors.
The Opus grinder also incorporates thoughtful touches like markings on the hopper for estimating coffee weight and a dial indicator inside for different brewing methods. The catch cup, equipped with magnets and a lid, provides convenience but may leave some scratches on the grinder’s surface over time. Regular cleaning is needed, as chaff can accumulate inside the hopper. But don’t worry, pulling out the burr system and cleaning the grinder is simple and safe.
Functionality and Features
The Fellow Opus is not just about looks. It is a conical burr grinder equipped with a host of features that make it a versatile tool for your coffee brewing needs. It has a timed feature that can be disabled, and it comes with a dosing cup and an insert for portafilters.
One of the standout features is the dialing system with numbers and ticks for adjusting grind size. This feature, coupled with an inner wheel for micro-adjustments, allows for finer control of grind size. However, it’s important to note that the granularity may not be sufficient for perfecting your espresso grind.
That said, the Fellow Opus grinder offers 41 precision grind settings, with an additional adjustment ring that allows for finer or coarser grinding between the outer steps.
The Opus is capable of grinding coffee for various brewing methods, maintaining its fine grind settings even as the burrs wear down over time. It offers an optimal balance of speed and torque, preventing stalling during the grinding process.
Performance and Grind Quality
In terms of performance, the Opus grinder holds its own. As mentioned, it employs a unique burr set that enables faster feeding of coffee. This, combined with its 350 RPM spinning rate, results in a respectable grind consistency and speed.
The Opus is built with a strong six newton meters of torque, giving it the power to grind coffee beans without stalling. This level of power is quite impressive, significantly more than you would find in an average blender.
The grind retention of the Fellow Opus is about 0.75 grams. It can be minimized by tapping the top or using the lid, which can act as a bellows to help reduce retention. Additionally, the grinder incorporates anti-static technology, which assists in maintaining freshness and minimizing waste.
The Opus grinder is calibrated to maintain fine grind settings even as the burrs wear down over time. This ensures that the grinder continues to produce a consistent grind even after extended use. A useful feature when you consider the longevity of your coffee grinder.
Comparisons and Competitors
A fair comparison would be against the Baratza Encore, another grinder that’s well-loved serious coffee drinkers. In our Baratza Encore Esp Review, we noted the Encore’s impressive consistency, particularly for the price point.
The Fellow Opus is also priced competitively and offers similar features. But the Opus has some advantages, such as the dosing cup and the portafilter insert.
It’s also capable of making good espresso, though it may not compete with higher-end grinders in terms of consistency. However, the espresso shots from the Fellow Opus grinder are intense, with high acidity and some roast effects in the flavor.
The Fellow Opus performs well for filter coffee and is capable of making good espresso, though it may not compete with higher-end grinders in terms of consistency.
Kyle Roswell
The Fellow Opus grinder produces shots with more body compared to its lower RPM competitors, but both shots are considered good. It’s not as balanced as the Encore ESP in terms of flavor, but considering its price, it performs well.
Fellow Opus vs The Ode Gen 2
No Fellow Opus review would be complete without comparing it to another product from the same company – the Ode Gen 2. When comparing the Opus to the Ode Brew Grinder, both products have their unique strengths. The Opus, as detailed earlier, provides excellent features at an affordable price, making it an ideal choice for entry-level and casual coffee lovers.
On the other hand, the Ode Gen 2, despite being a higher-end product, justifies its price with its sturdy build quality and additional features. It boasts an all-metal construction, which gives it a more premium feel compared to the Opus. Moreover, the Ode Gen 2 is more focused on brewing methods like pour-over and drip, rather than espresso, unlike the Opus. If you want a grinder for espresso, then the Ode 2 is not a good pick as it performs poorly when grinding fine;.
So, while the Opus does an excellent job as an all-around grinder, the Ode Gen 2 shines in its specific brewing focus and its premium construction. Your choice between the two would ultimately depend on your brewing preferences and budget.
Value for Money and Final Thoughts
Considering the features, grind quality, and performance, the Fellow Opus is definitely a good value for money. Despite its plastic construction, which may seem cheaper compared to some premium Fellow products, the Opus delivers a strong performance at a competitive price.
It is a good introduction to low-cost all-around grinders and offers a nice brewing experience at an affordable price.
The Fellow Opus offers a cleaner workflow and lower operating noise compared to similar grinders, making it a great choice for home brewing. Moreover, it supports single-dose grinding for maximum freshness and its design ensures smooth feeding of coffee into the burrs. This makes it a practical choice for those seeking a grinder that provides both convenience and quality.
The Opus coffee grinder is well-suited for both espresso and filter, producing full-bodied cups with sweetness and complexity. However, it does lack some clarity in the flavor, which is an area where higher-end grinders tend to shine. But, if you are an entry-level home brewer or just a casual coffee fan, this should not be a deal-breaker.
It seems to have been designed keeping in mind the current trend of high-quality, low-cost coffee equipment. But overall, it is a solid choice for those who want a good, all-around grinder without breaking the bank.
It’s always exciting to see new products in the world of coffee equipment, and the Fellow Opus is no exception. This grinder shows that you can have a functional, stylish, and affordable grinder without compromising too much on grind quality.
Have you used the Fellow Opus grinder? What’s your experience? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comment section!
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.
