Fellow Ode Gen 2: What Changed and Is It Worth the Upgrade?
The Fellow Ode Gen 2 is the updated version of Fellow's popular single-dose filter coffee grinder. It fixes the two biggest complaints about the original Ode: limited fine grind range and the use of cheap burrs at the price point. The Gen 2 ships with 64mm SSP burrs (a major upgrade), an expanded grind range, a new anti-static technology called Magnets Plus, and a slightly redesigned catch cup. It retails for about $345 to $365.
I used the original Ode for over a year before switching to the Gen 2, and the improvement is significant enough that I'd call it almost a different grinder. If you're deciding between the two on the secondhand market, or considering the Gen 2 as your first serious grinder, I'll cover everything that changed, how it performs across different brew methods, and where it still falls short.
What Changed From the Original Ode
SSP Burrs as Standard
The original Ode shipped with proprietary burrs that produced an uneven particle distribution, especially at finer settings. Many owners immediately swapped them for aftermarket SSP burrs at an extra $80 to $100. Fellow clearly heard the feedback, because the Gen 2 includes 64mm SSP multi-purpose burrs right out of the box.
The difference is obvious in the cup. My pour-overs went from slightly muddy and under-extracted at medium settings to clean and well-defined. The SSP burrs cut more uniformly, which means water flows through the coffee bed more evenly and extracts flavors more consistently.
Expanded Grind Range
The original Ode topped out at a medium-coarse grind, making it basically unusable for anything finer than a Chemex. The Gen 2 extends the fine end significantly. I can now grind for AeroPress (medium-fine), Kalita Wave (medium), and even a coarser moka pot setting without issues.
It still won't grind fine enough for espresso. Fellow is very upfront about this. The Ode Gen 2 is a filter grinder, full stop. If you want espresso, look elsewhere.
Magnets Plus Anti-Static
Coffee grounds clinging to everything is the eternal grinder complaint. The Gen 2 uses embedded magnets in the catch cup and grind chute to reduce static buildup. In practice, it works well but isn't perfect. I get about 80% less retention and mess compared to the original Ode. A few grounds still cling to the chute walls, and the catch cup has a thin film of fines after grinding, but it's a massive improvement.
Redesigned Catch Cup
The new catch cup is slightly taller with a more angled opening. It catches grounds more effectively and reduces the puff of fines that used to escape during grinding. It's also easier to pour grounds from the cup into a brewer without spilling.
Grind Quality Across Brew Methods
I've tested the Gen 2 extensively across my regular rotation of brew methods. Here's how it performs.
Pour-Over (V60, Kalita Wave)
This is where the Gen 2 shines. For a V60, I grind at about setting 3 to 4 (on the 11-setting dial), and the resulting bed is uniform with minimal fines. My draw-down times became much more consistent after switching from the original Ode. Where I used to get a 3:00 to 3:45 minute range, I now get 3:10 to 3:25 with the same recipe.
The Kalita Wave performs equally well at setting 4 to 5. The flat-bottom brewer is forgiving, but the better particle distribution means I get more flavor clarity, especially with lighter roasts.
French Press
At the coarsest settings (9 to 11), the Gen 2 produces a good French press grind with minimal fines sediment. It's not quite as clean as a hand grinder like the Comandante at its coarsest, but it's better than any electric grinder I've used under $500.
AeroPress
Setting 2 to 3 works well for AeroPress, especially for shorter steep times (1 to 2 minutes). The expanded fine range means the Gen 2 can handle the inverted method with fine grinds that the original Ode simply couldn't produce.
Batch Brew
For large-format brewers like the Moccamaster, setting 5 to 6 produces consistent results. The Gen 2 handles 30 to 40 gram doses without any noticeable slowdown or heat buildup.
Single-Dosing Performance
The Fellow Ode was designed from the start as a single-dose grinder. There's no hopper. You weigh your beans, drop them in the top opening, and grind. The Gen 2 retains this workflow with a couple of improvements.
Retention is about 0.3 to 0.5 grams, which is low for an electric grinder. The bellows-style top cap (included) helps push remaining grounds through. I typically see 0.1 to 0.2 grams of loss per dose, which is acceptable.
The motor stops automatically when it detects the load has cleared, so you don't have to guess or time anything. The auto-stop works reliably and usually kicks in within a second of the last bean being ground.
Build Quality and Design
Fellow has always been strong on industrial design, and the Gen 2 continues that trend. The body is die-cast aluminum with a clean, minimalist look. It weighs about 10 pounds, which provides good stability during grinding. The footprint is compact at roughly 4 inches wide by 10 inches deep, fitting easily on most counters.
The grind adjustment dial clicks cleanly between numbered settings with no wobble. There's no stepless adjustment, which means you have 11 fixed positions. For filter coffee, this is fine since you don't need the micro-adjustments that espresso demands. But if you find yourself between settings, you're stuck.
The power switch is a satisfying toggle on the right side. It's simple and tactile, which I appreciate after using grinders with mushy buttons.
Noise Level
The Gen 2 is quieter than the original Ode, especially at medium settings. I've measured it at about 68 to 72 dB depending on the grind setting and bean hardness. That's roughly the volume of a normal conversation, which makes it one of the quieter electric grinders in this class.
It's not silent. If you're grinding at 6 AM in an open-plan apartment, your partner will hear it. But compared to commercial-style grinders hitting 75+ dB, it's noticeably more polite.
Where It Falls Short
No grinder is perfect, and the Gen 2 has a few limitations worth knowing about.
- No espresso range: This is by design, not a flaw. But if you think you might want to try espresso someday, the Gen 2 won't grow with you.
- Stepped adjustment only: 11 fixed settings is limiting for people who want to fine-tune recipes precisely. Some competitors offer stepless adjustment at this price.
- Price: At $345+, it's expensive for a filter-only grinder. You can get the Baratza Virtuoso+ for about $200 less, though the grind quality isn't quite as good.
For a broader look at the best options in this price range, check the best coffee grinder roundup. If you want to see how top-tier grinders compare, the top coffee grinder guide covers premium options.
FAQ
Is the Fellow Ode Gen 2 worth upgrading from the original Ode?
If you already swapped in SSP burrs on your original Ode, the upgrade is more about the improved anti-static system and expanded grind range. If you're still running the stock burrs from the original, the Gen 2 is a significant upgrade in grind quality.
Can I buy Gen 2 burrs for my original Ode?
Fellow sells the SSP burr set separately for about $95 to $110, and it fits the original Ode. You won't get the Magnets Plus anti-static system, but you'll get the same grind quality improvement.
How does the Fellow Ode Gen 2 compare to the Baratza Virtuoso+?
The Gen 2 produces more uniform particles thanks to the SSP burrs and handles a wider range of brew methods (except espresso). The Virtuoso+ is a great value at a lower price, but the Gen 2 is noticeably better in the cup. The Virtuoso+ also has a hopper, which some people prefer over single-dosing.
Does the Fellow Ode Gen 2 produce much mess?
Less than most grinders, thanks to the Magnets Plus anti-static system. You'll still have a few grounds around the catch cup area, but it's minimal compared to other electric grinders. A quick brush once a day keeps things tidy.
My Take
The Fellow Ode Gen 2 is the best dedicated filter grinder under $400. The SSP burrs fix the original's biggest weakness, the expanded grind range opens up brew methods that were previously off-limits, and the anti-static system makes daily use cleaner. If you brew filter coffee every day and want a grinder that looks great on the counter and produces consistent results, this is the one I'd buy. Just make sure you don't need espresso capability, because that's the one thing it won't do.