Fellow Ode 1.1: What This Update Changed and Whether It Still Holds Up
The Fellow Ode 1.1 was a quiet mid-cycle update that Fellow released between the original Ode and the full Gen 2 overhaul. If you're seeing an Ode 1.1 listed for sale or trying to figure out which version you already own, I can help you sort it out. I've used both the 1.1 and the Gen 2, and the differences matter more than you might expect.
I'll explain what Fellow actually changed in the 1.1 update, how it performs compared to both the original and the Gen 2, and whether it's worth buying in a market where the Gen 2 exists. If you're shopping used or evaluating your current grinder, this should give you the clarity you need.
What Fellow Changed in the 1.1 Update
The Fellow Ode 1.1 wasn't a full redesign. It was a targeted fix for the two biggest complaints about the original Ode: the grind range didn't go fine enough, and the motor speed caused issues at certain settings.
Motor Speed Adjustment
The original Ode ran its motor at a fixed speed that was optimized for medium to coarse grinding. At finer settings, the motor pushed beans through the burrs too quickly, resulting in uneven particle sizes and increased heat. The 1.1 update adjusted the motor's RPM profile to slow down slightly at finer settings, giving the burrs more time to cut cleanly.
In practice, this meant the 1.1 produced a more consistent grind at settings 2 through 4 (the finer filter range) compared to the original. The improvement was noticeable in V60 and AeroPress brewing, where a tighter particle distribution leads directly to a cleaner cup.
Extended Grind Range
Fellow also slightly extended the fine end of the grind range. The original Ode's finest setting was roughly equivalent to a medium drip grind, which frustrated anyone trying to use it for pour-over methods that benefit from a finer particle size. The 1.1 pushed the lower limit about one "step" finer.
This wasn't a dramatic change. The 1.1 still couldn't reach espresso territory (and it was never intended to). But it did make the grinder usable for tighter pour-over recipes that the original simply couldn't handle.
Same Burrs
The 1.1 kept the same 64mm flat burrs as the original. This is important because the burrs were the primary limitation on grind quality, and they remained unchanged until the Gen 2 introduced SSP burrs. The motor and range tweaks in the 1.1 helped, but the fundamental particle distribution characteristics stayed the same.
Performance in Daily Use
I used a Fellow Ode 1.1 for about four months before upgrading to the Gen 2. Here's what the daily experience was like across different brew methods.
French Press and Cold Brew
At coarse settings (7 through 11), the 1.1 performed identically to the original Ode. Both versions produce clean, consistent coarse particles perfectly suited for immersion brewing. If French press or cold brew is your primary method, the 1.1 offers no meaningful advantage over the original, and neither does the Gen 2 for that matter.
Drip and Flat-Bottom Pour-Over
At medium settings (4 through 6), the 1.1 showed a small but real improvement. My Kalita Wave brews had more consistent draw-down times, and the cups tasted slightly cleaner. The motor speed adjustment reduced the number of oversized particles that the original Ode produced at these settings, leading to more even extraction.
V60 and Fine Pour-Over
This is where the 1.1 update mattered most, and also where its limitations became apparent. The extended grind range and slower motor speed at fine settings made the 1.1 usable for V60 brewing, which the original Ode really struggled with. My V60 cups with the 1.1 were decent. Not great, not bad. Definitely better than what the original could produce.
But "decent" was the ceiling. The stock burrs still generated more fines at fine settings than I wanted, leading to slightly muddled flavors and occasional slow draw-downs. The Gen 2's SSP burrs solved this problem entirely. If V60 is your main brewing method, the 1.1 is functional but not ideal.
For context on how this grinder stacks up against the field, our best coffee grinder guide compares it with other popular options.
How to Tell If You Have a 1.1
Fellow didn't make a big announcement about the 1.1 update, so many owners aren't sure which version they have. Here are the ways to identify it:
- Purchase date: Units purchased after roughly mid-2022 are likely 1.1 versions. The exact transition date varied by retailer as they cycled through older stock.
- Box labeling: Some 1.1 units have updated packaging, but this isn't consistent. The box might say "Ode Brew Grinder" with no version number on either version.
- Grind range test: Set the grinder to its finest setting and grind a small amount. If the finest setting produces a medium-fine grind suitable for AeroPress, it's likely the 1.1. If the finest setting looks more like a medium drip grind, it's probably the original.
- Serial number: Fellow customer support can tell you the version based on your serial number if you contact them.
Should You Buy a 1.1 in 2026?
With the Gen 2 available at full retail ($345), buying a 1.1 only makes sense at a significant discount. Here's my breakdown:
At $200 or Less (Used)
A solid buy. The 1.1 is a good grinder for medium to coarse brewing methods, and at under $200, it competes well with new grinders in its price range. You get Fellow's build quality, quiet operation, and a grinder that handles drip and French press really well.
At $200 to $275 (Used)
Proceed with caution. At this price, you're getting close to what a new Gen 2 costs after considering the significant burr improvement. Unless you don't need fine filter grinding, the Gen 2 is the better value.
At $275+ (Used)
Skip it and buy the Gen 2 new. The SSP burr upgrade in the Gen 2 is substantial, and paying near-Gen 2 prices for a 1.1 doesn't make sense.
Upgrading the Burrs
If you already own a 1.1 and want better fine-grind performance, you can buy aftermarket SSP burrs ($80 to $120) and install them yourself. This gives you roughly Gen 2 performance at a fraction of the cost. The installation takes about 15 minutes with basic tools and is well-documented in online guides and YouTube videos.
1.1 vs. Gen 2: The Clear Differences
| Feature | Ode 1.1 | Ode Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Burrs | Fellow stock 64mm flat | SSP 64mm flat |
| Fine grind capability | Medium-fine (usable for V60) | Fine filter (excellent for V60) |
| Motor | Adjusted RPM profile | Refined RPM profile |
| Particle distribution at fine settings | Acceptable, some excess fines | Tight, clean distribution |
| Retail price (new) | Discontinued | ~$345 |
| Used price range | $150-$250 | $250-$300 |
The Gen 2 is the better grinder in every measurable way. The 1.1 is a worthwhile buy only at a price that reflects its older technology.
Check our top coffee grinder roundup for alternatives in the same category if you're still weighing options.
FAQ
Is the Fellow Ode 1.1 still being manufactured?
No. Fellow has transitioned fully to the Gen 2. The 1.1 is only available through remaining retailer stock (rare) or the used market.
Can I use the Ode 1.1 for AeroPress?
Yes. The 1.1's finest settings work well for standard AeroPress recipes. If you use the inverted method with a very fine grind, you may find the 1.1 doesn't go quite fine enough, but for most AeroPress brewing, it's solid.
Does Fellow still support the 1.1 with warranty?
If your 1.1 is within the 1-year warranty period from the original purchase date, Fellow will honor the warranty. Out-of-warranty support is handled on a case-by-case basis. Fellow's customer service has a good reputation for being helpful even with older models.
Is the 1.1 quieter than the Gen 2?
They're about the same. Both versions of the Ode run quieter than most electric grinders in their class. The motor differences between the 1.1 and Gen 2 don't noticeably affect noise levels during normal use.
Where This Leaves You
The Fellow Ode 1.1 was a meaningful improvement over the original, but it's been surpassed by the Gen 2 in the area that matters most: fine grind quality. If you find a 1.1 at a good price and primarily brew coarser methods, it's still a capable grinder. For anyone who wants the best the Ode platform offers, the Gen 2 with SSP burrs is the one to get.