Fellow Ode V1.1: What Changed and Is It Worth Buying Now?
The Fellow Ode V1.1 is the updated version of the original Fellow Ode brew grinder, which launched in 2020. If you're looking at the V1.1, you probably want to know what Fellow changed from the original and whether those changes fix the complaints people had with the first version. The quick answer: the V1.1 addresses the biggest gripe (the grind range wasn't fine enough) and adds Gen 2 burrs that significantly improve cup quality. It's a meaningful upgrade that makes the Ode genuinely competitive with grinders at higher price points.
I'll cover every change between the original and V1.1, how the Gen 2 burrs perform, what the Ode still can't do, and who this grinder is actually built for.
What Changed From the Original Ode
The original Fellow Ode launched to positive reviews for its design and motor quality, but users quickly found a significant limitation: the grind range didn't go fine enough for many pour over recipes. The coarsest settings were fine, but the finest setting was still too coarse for V60 or AeroPress brewing at the ratios many people use.
Fellow listened and made several changes for the V1.1:
Gen 2 Burrs
The biggest upgrade. The original Ode used flat burrs that many users found produced a bland, lifeless cup compared to other grinders in the same price range. The Gen 2 burrs are a completely new design with different geometry. They grind finer, produce a tighter particle distribution, and deliver noticeably more flavor clarity in the cup.
I brewed the same Ethiopian natural on both the original burrs and the Gen 2 burrs (borrowed a friend's original Ode for comparison). The Gen 2 cup had more defined fruit notes, better sweetness, and a cleaner finish. The original burrs produced a flatter, muddier version of the same coffee.
Extended Grind Range
The V1.1's finest setting is meaningfully finer than the original's finest setting. This means you can now grind properly for V60, AeroPress, and other methods that need a medium-fine grind. The original Ode struggled here, and the V1.1 fixes it. The coarse end is roughly the same, covering French press and cold brew adequately.
Anti-Static Technology
Fellow added an anti-static feature to the V1.1 that reduces grounds clinging to the catch container. Static was a common complaint with the original Ode. The V1.1 isn't completely static-free (no grinder truly is), but the improvement is noticeable. I get maybe 10% of the grounds sticking to the sides of the catch bin versus 30 to 40% on the original.
Same Design and Motor
The external design is identical. Same compact footprint, same magnetic catch bin, same quiet motor. If you liked the look of the original Ode, the V1.1 looks exactly the same. The motor is still one of the quietest in its class, grinding a full dose in about 8 to 12 seconds with minimal noise.
Grind Performance by Brew Method
V60 and Chemex
This is where the V1.1 earns its keep. The Gen 2 burrs produce a clean, uniform grind at medium and medium-fine settings that makes excellent pour over coffee. My V60 brews typically land around a 3:00 to 3:30 draw-down time with 15 grams of coffee and 250ml of water. The cups are sweet, clear, and well-defined.
Chemex works great at a slightly coarser setting. The thicker Chemex filters pair well with the Ode's grind profile, producing a smooth, clean cup.
AeroPress
The extended grind range means the V1.1 can handle AeroPress recipes that the original Ode couldn't reach. Medium-fine settings produce excellent AeroPress cups with good body and clarity. This was one of the primary reasons people were frustrated with the original, and it's fully resolved.
French Press
French press works at the coarser end of the dial. The grounds are chunky and uniform, producing full-bodied cups without excessive silt. No issues here, and the original Ode handled French press well too, so no change was needed.
Cold Brew
The coarsest settings are adequate for cold brew, though they're not as coarse as what some dedicated all-purpose grinders can achieve. For 12 to 24 hour cold brew steeps, the Ode's coarsest setting works fine. For quick 4-hour cold brews that need a very coarse grind, you might want something that goes coarser.
Espresso
The Ode V1.1 cannot grind for espresso. This is intentional. Fellow designed the Ode as a filter-only grinder, and even the extended grind range stops well short of espresso fineness. If you need espresso and filter from one grinder, the Ode is not the right choice. Check the best coffee grinder list for versatile options that handle both.
Daily Use Experience
Living with the Ode V1.1 is pleasant. The grinder is compact (it takes up less counter space than most electric grinders), quiet, and fast. The magnetic catch bin is genuinely useful because it snaps into place without fumbling with latches or threads.
The single-dose workflow works well. I weigh my beans, drop them in the hopper, and grind. The low retention (about 0.3 to 0.8 grams) means almost all the coffee I put in comes out as ground coffee. A quick tap on the side of the grinder or a bellows puff clears any remaining grounds from the chute.
Adjustment System
The Ode uses a numbered dial with 31 settings from 1 (finest) to 11 (coarsest), with fine-tuning increments between whole numbers. The dial moves smoothly and stays where you set it. Switching between brew methods is easy because you just remember your number.
One minor complaint: the increments between settings are slightly large for critical pour over dialing. Sometimes I want something between setting 3 and 3.5, and there's no way to get there. It's a small gripe, and most days I land on a setting that works well.
Who the Ode V1.1 Is For
This grinder fits a specific type of coffee drinker:
- Dedicated filter brewers who want a quiet, attractive, high-performing electric grinder
- Pour over enthusiasts who previously avoided the Ode because of the original's limited fine range
- Single-dose grinders who weigh each dose and don't want a large hopper full of beans going stale
- Design-conscious buyers who care about how their grinder looks on the counter (the Ode is one of the best-looking grinders on the market)
If you're comparing the Ode V1.1 to other filter grinders, the top coffee grinder list covers how it stacks up for grind quality and value.
Ode V1.1 vs. Competitors
Against the Baratza Encore, the Ode V1.1 produces better grind quality for pour over and is significantly quieter. The Encore is cheaper and more versatile (it covers a wider grind range), but it can't match the Ode's cup clarity for filter methods.
Against the Wilfa Svart Aroma, the two are close competitors. Both are filter-focused flat burr grinders designed in collaboration with specialty coffee professionals. The Ode has a more refined design and better anti-static performance. The Wilfa is often slightly cheaper. In grind quality, they're comparable, with the Ode having a slight edge thanks to the Gen 2 burrs.
Against a Fellow Ode with aftermarket SSP burrs, the stock V1.1 is noticeably behind. If you're willing to spend the extra money on SSP burrs and do the installation yourself, the upgraded Ode outperforms the stock V1.1 by a meaningful margin. But the stock V1.1 is excellent on its own for most home brewers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade my original Ode to V1.1 specs?
Yes. Fellow sells the Gen 2 burr set separately. You can buy it and install it in your original Ode to get the same grind quality and extended range as the V1.1. The installation is simple and takes about 10 minutes.
Is the Fellow Ode V1.1 the same as the Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2?
Different retailers use different names. The V1.1 and Ode Gen 2 both refer to the updated version with Gen 2 burrs. If you see "Fellow Ode" for sale and want to confirm it's the updated version, check whether the listing mentions Gen 2 burrs.
How loud is the Ode V1.1?
It's one of the quietest electric grinders available. Fellow rates it at under 70 decibels. In practice, it sounds like a soft hum. You can comfortably use it early in the morning without disturbing anyone sleeping in the next room.
Does the Ode V1.1 have a hopper for storing beans?
The Ode has a small loading bin on top, but it's designed for single-dose use rather than storing whole beans. You measure your dose, pour it in, and grind. This keeps your beans fresher because they're stored in a sealed bag or container, not in a plastic hopper exposed to air and light.
Should You Buy It?
The Fellow Ode V1.1 fixed the original's biggest problems and landed on a grinder that genuinely excels at filter coffee. If pour over, AeroPress, or French press is your daily routine, the Ode V1.1 delivers clean, flavorful cups from a compact, quiet, and good-looking package. Just remember that it's a filter-only grinder. Accept that limitation and you'll be very happy with what it does within its intended range.