Fellow Ode Gen 2 Brew Grinder Review: Premium Filter Coffee Made Simple

Want a coffee grinder that won’t wake the entire house during your morning ritual? The Fellow Ode Gen 2 brew grinder has been making waves in the specialty coffee world for delivering cafe-quality grinds with remarkably quiet operation.

The Fellow Ode Gen 2 is a premium single-dose electric grinder built specifically for filter coffee methods. With 64mm flat burrs, 31 grind settings, and anti-static technology, it targets pour-over enthusiasts, French press devotees, and anyone brewing drip coffee who demands consistency.

I’ve been using this grinder daily for over a year, running it through everything from light roast pour-overs to coarse French press grinds. At $399.95, it sits firmly in the premium tier, but Fellow promises that price buys serious grind quality and thoughtful design.

The short answer after extensive testing? The Ode Gen 2 delivers on its promises for filter coffee, with some important limitations worth understanding before you buy.

What I Liked

After a year of daily use, several features consistently impressed me about the Fellow Ode Gen 2.

64mm Flat Burrs Deliver Consistent Grinds

The upgraded 64mm stainless steel flat burrs with two-stage grinding geometry produce remarkably uniform particle sizes. My pour-overs taste noticeably sweeter and more balanced compared to my old conical burr grinder.

The Gen 2 burrs grind significantly finer than the original Ode, reaching 250-300 microns versus 500+ microns on Gen 1. This improvement opens up lighter roasts that previously under-extracted with the original version.

Quiet Operation for Early Mornings

Fellow eliminated the gearbox found in many grinders, resulting in surprisingly quiet operation. You can grind your morning coffee without waking roommates or family members sleeping nearby.

The motor runs at a controlled 1400 RPM, which keeps noise levels low while still grinding a 20-gram dose in roughly 10-12 seconds. For early risers in shared spaces, this coffee grinder delivers peace of mind.

Anti-Static Technology Reduces Mess

The anti-static catch cup genuinely works. After grinding, there’s minimal residue stuck to the sides of the cup, which was a persistent complaint with the original Ode.

Combined with the grinds knocker lever on the side, you can quickly tap out any retained grounds and keep your brewing area clean. Most mornings I see virtually no spillage around the grinder base.

Thoughtful Design with Magnetic Catch Cup

The magnetic alignment system makes positioning the catch cup foolproof. Just slide it in and the magnets snap it into perfect position every time. No more accidentally misaligning and spilling grounds everywhere.

The umbrella-shaped hopper design funnels beans directly into the burrs without jamming. In over a year of daily use, I’ve never had beans get stuck despite using everything from light to medium-dark roasts.

31 Grind Settings with Auto-Stop

The front dial clicks through 31 precise settings with clear tactile feedback. A helpful reference guide printed under the lid shows recommended settings for different brew methods.

The auto-stop feature detects when beans finish grinding and shuts off automatically. You don’t need to guess or time anything, just press the button and walk away. This small detail makes the morning routine noticeably smoother.

What Needs Improvement

No grinder is perfect, and the Ode Gen 2 has some limitations worth knowing before you buy.

No Espresso Capability

The Ode Gen 2 cannot grind fine enough for espresso. Fellow designed this specifically for filter brewing methods, so the burrs and motor simply aren’t built for espresso particle sizes. If you want one grinder for everything, look elsewhere.

Some Static Issues Remain

While the anti-static technology is much improved over Gen 1, some users still report static buildup, particularly in dry climates or during winter months. I’ve noticed occasional residue around the chute, though it’s far less than most grinders I’ve used.

Catch Cup Cleaning Required

The fins inside the catch cup can trap grounds underneath. You’ll need to periodically tap or brush out accumulated coffee from these areas. It’s a minor annoyance during weekly maintenance rather than a daily problem.

Dial Resistance After Grinding

Sometimes the grind dial becomes slightly harder to turn immediately after grinding, especially if residue builds up around the adjustment mechanism. Running the grinder briefly usually clears this. The workaround takes only a second but interrupts the workflow slightly.

How It Compares

The Fellow Ode Gen 2 sits in a competitive space between entry-level and prosumer grinders. Here’s how it stacks up against common alternatives.

vs. Baratza Encore ($170)

The Baratza Encore remains the default recommendation for coffee beginners, and for good reason. But the Ode Gen 2 represents a significant step up in grind consistency and user experience. The flat burrs produce more uniform particle sizes than the Encore’s conical burrs, translating to cleaner-tasting cups with better clarity.

If you’re already considering upgrading from an Encore or want to skip the entry-level phase entirely, the Ode Gen 2 justifies its higher price with noticeably better results.

vs. Wilfa Uniform ($400)

The Wilfa Uniform competes at a similar price point but the Ode Gen 2 edges ahead on usability. The magnetic catch cup, quieter motor, and sleeker footprint make daily use more pleasant. Coffee from the Gen 2 burrs tends toward cleaner, sweeter profiles compared to the Wilfa’s more generic burr set.

Some users report the Wilfa’s motor occasionally struggles with harder beans. The Ode handles various roast levels without hesitation.

vs. Fellow Ode Gen 1

If you’re considering a used Gen 1 to save money, know that the Gen 2 represents a substantial improvement. The new burrs grind significantly finer (250-300 microns versus 500+ microns), the anti-static technology actually works, and the hopper design no longer causes bean jams. Fellow genuinely addressed the original’s weaknesses.

Final Verdict

The Fellow Ode Gen 2 earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars. After a year of daily use, it remains my go-to grinder for pour-over and AeroPress.

Fellow genuinely fixed the original Ode’s problems. The Gen 2 burrs grind finer, the anti-static technology works, and the overall build quality feels premium without sacrificing usability. For dedicated filter coffee brewers, this is one of the best options under $500.

The only real limitation is the lack of espresso capability, which isn’t a flaw so much as a deliberate design choice. If you know you want a filter-focused grinder and can accept the $400 price tag, the Ode Gen 2 delivers excellent value for serious home brewing.