Everything a coffee lover needs in one

But for good reason. So far, Fellow has made no real mistakes. Sure, the original Ode Grinder had its problems, but Fellow has addressed them and launched the new generation Ode Grinder 2. However, neither version was espresso ready. In fact, the company has clearly discouraged owners from trying to use any model of powder manufactured for espresso beverages.

But now the all-new model aims to be an all-in-one unlike the previous two. Fellow Opus GrinderThe price is also lower thanks to the plastic body and 6-flute 40mm conical burr setup, making it less expensive to manufacture than a 64mm flat burr. So the Opus can go from coarse grinds for cold brew to ultra-fine grinds for Turkish coffee. So, is Opus a replacement for Ode, or is it in a better position?

Fellow Opus Grinder

fellow

Fellow Opus Grinder

• Conical bur system allows for a finer grind than standard flat burs on the Ode Grinder and Ode Grinder 2
• Much cheaper than the previous model
• Intuitive features like visual grind guides and lid dozers help even coffee novices learn quickly.
• It looks like a companion product which is definitely a compliment

• This model uses plastic instead of aluminum for the body
• Button placement still causes occasional confusion
• It should have a portafilter holder, but it doesn’t.

What’s Good About Fellow Opus Grinders

That’s wonderful.

Fellow’s modern, black-and-white aesthetic is instantly recognizable. Opus is no exception. It has a similar shape to previous Ode models and both hoppers are obvious and intuitive. Not to mention, it’s a great countertop appliance for any coffee snob, but it’s also a stylish upgrade for beginners.

it can do it all.

Unlike previous Ode and Ode 2 models, the Opus can grind cold brew, French press coffee, Turkish coffee, espresso, and everything in between. The conical bar system has 41 different grind settings, a 10 setting upgrade over the Ode (which has 31). Adjustments can be made in standard increments (1-11) or between them using the adjusters on the front end. A tick marks these small changes. Between each number are four macroticks representing 50 microns of vertical burr movement. However, you can also use the internal adjusters for fine tuning.

Evan Marachowski

Evan Marachowski

This allows for even more fine-tuning and the machine’s motor produces 6 Newton meters of torque on the bar for superior grind consistency and flavor approved by a certified Q-Grader (coffee sommelier). Provide your profile.

The catch cup has been reborn.

The catch cup slides into place using a convenient magnetic system, but it has two parts instead of one. A larger chamber for more ground and a smaller vial for espresso. If the powder gets in there, remove it and put a 55 or 58 mm portafilter on top and flip it over to let the powder fall into place.

It’s cheaper than its predecessor.

Given that this machine is more upgraded than previous generations, we can reasonably assume that the Opus will be more expensive, not cheaper.Fortunately, it teeth It’s also much cheaper thanks to several steps that have reduced costs, such as switching from a flat burr system to a conical one that is less expensive to manufacture.

At just $195, it’s expensive for a conical bar grinder, but much cheaper than the Ode Gen 2, which sells for $345. Considering the Opus has an auto-stop feature, single dose option, positive displacement dosing lid, internal grind guide, clear 110 gram hopper and tool-less calibration, it’s well worth the money.

Easy to clean.

When you open the Opus, the parts come out for easy cleaning. If you use this daily, it needs cleaning and should be done often. (But more on that below.)

30 seconds feels like an eternity, but it’s pretty quiet.

I have quite a few coffee grinders, but none are this quiet – even the one built into my semi-automatic Delonghi La SpecialistaI live in a studio apartment with my fiancé, so this still wakes her up. If we ever buy a house, it’s a win.

Fellow Opus Grinder non-idealities

They didn’t move the damn button.

Many of my issues with Opus are interrelated. But first, let’s talk about this button.

Located on the bottom right of the device, it is used to activate the grind: 1 tap for 30 seconds, 2 taps for 60 seconds, 3 taps for 90 seconds, or hold for 2 minutes to grind non-stop. increase. It’s certainly useful, but I accidentally pressed the button So Many times — moving across the counter, wiping the space directly in front of the counter, etc. In addition, most of the time it holds the ground. In other words, when the button is pressed, the ground will flow out.Then I accidentally pressed the button again more Soil will overflow.

Evan Marachowski

Evan Marachowski

So I often pull the plug just to wipe it off.

Dosing is easy, but coffee geeks still need a scale.

Inside the lid is a convenient dosing system and visual grinding guide. For a single serving, fill the smaller side of the lid (20 grams). The other side can hold about 40 grams of coffee. On the other hand, the entire lid is equivalent to about 100 grams, suitable for 12 cups of pour-over coffee.

If you’re not good at small errors, this will melt your brain. But if you like the look of the Opus and are only slightly interested in coffee, meaning you’ve never bought a scale before, this is all you need.

Evan Marachowski

It’s still pretty confusing.

As mentioned earlier, this baby could be really messed up either because they were holding the ground and pressing a button, or because the medication cup didn’t work as planned. It must be held flush with the cup and turned over to lower the grind into the chamber. Then tamping to your liking.

It’s easy in theory, but I’ve failed, crossed the ground, and slipped so many times that I’ve completely ruined my kitchen counter. I was.

Evan Marachowski

Evan Marachowski

No portafilter holder. It really should be.

Given the fact that the Opus is meant to serve espresso, Fellows should really design a portafilter holder. often This is an extra and possibly unnecessary step that the designer may be able to avoid. They’re clearly capable of creative industrial design, so why not flex those muscles with extras that I know espresso drinkers will happily splurge on.

Fellow Opus Grinders: The Verdict

I’ve tested several grinders under $200 and the $195 Opus is by far the best. And according to my team he members who tested the Ode 1 and Ode 2 grinders, the upgrades that have been made make this an excellent choice for all types of coffee drinkers.

Admittedly, some issues were left untouched, but Fellow has clearly thought this through, and given its versatility, it could be a bestseller. Cheapest Conical Burr Grinder? No, but it’s a Fellow product and Fellow is not meant to be taken lightly. So while the company’s products cost a lot, $195 is a much easier price for him to swallow than nearly $400. Its low cost comes at the expense of its construction – plastic versus aluminum – but it looks the same, even if the feel is slightly off.

fellow

Fellow Opus Grinder

• Conical bur system allows for a finer grind than standard flat burs on the Ode Grinder and Ode Grinder 2
• Much cheaper than the previous model
• Intuitive features like visual grind guides and lid dozers help even coffee novices learn quickly.
• It looks like a companion product which is definitely a compliment

• This model uses plastic instead of aluminum for the body
• Button placement still causes occasional confusion
• It should have a portafilter holder, but it doesn’t.