Fellow Ode V2: What Changed and Is It Worth Buying?
The Fellow Ode V2 (officially called the Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2) is Fellow's updated take on their popular filter-only electric grinder. The original Ode earned a loyal following but also collected a list of common complaints. The V2 addresses most of those issues while keeping the design and workflow that made the original popular. If you're wondering whether to buy the V2 or whether it's a meaningful upgrade over the Gen 1, I can help.
I've used both versions of the Ode, and the V2 is a genuine improvement in the areas that mattered most. The grind range is wider, the motor is quieter, and the new burrs produce a cleaner cup. But it's still a filter-only grinder with specific limitations, and it's not for everyone. Let me break down what's new and who should consider it.
What Changed from the Original Ode
The V2 looks almost identical to the original from the outside. Same compact footprint, same minimalist design, same magnetic catch cup. The differences are mostly internal, but they make a real impact on daily use.
New Gen 2 Burr Set
The biggest change is the burr set. The original Ode shipped with 64mm flat burrs that struggled at finer grind settings. They worked fine for drip and French press, but couldn't grind fine enough for something like an AeroPress or a Kalita Wave that benefits from a finer pour-over setting.
Fellow replaced these with their Gen 2 burrs, which extend the grind range significantly. You can now grind fine enough for most pour-over methods without any issues. I regularly use mine for V60 and Kalita Wave at settings around 2-3 on the dial, and the results are excellent. The original Ode at those same settings would choke or produce inconsistent output.
Quieter Motor
The V2's motor runs noticeably quieter than the original. I wouldn't call it silent, but the grinding noise is more of a low hum compared to the Gen 1's higher-pitched whir. If you're grinding coffee at 6 AM while someone sleeps in the next room, you'll appreciate the difference.
Improved Anti-Static
Static was a common complaint with the original Ode. Grounds would cling to the catch cup and spray across the counter. The V2 uses an improved anti-static system in the grind path that reduces this significantly. I still see a tiny bit of static on very dry days, but it's maybe 20% of what the original produced.
Grind Quality for Filter Coffee
This is where the Ode V2 earns its keep. The Gen 2 burrs produce a very uniform particle distribution for medium to medium-fine grinds. Pour-over cups are clean, bright, and well-defined.
For a V60, I get consistent drawdown times between 3:00 and 3:30 for a 20-gram dose, which tells me the grind consistency is solid. With the original Ode's burrs, drawdown times would vary more, and I'd get more fines clogging the filter.
French press results are also good. At coarser settings (7-9 on the dial), the Ode V2 produces an even grind that doesn't over-extract in a 4-minute steep. The cup has good body without excessive silt.
Where It Still Falls Short
The Ode V2 is not an espresso grinder. It cannot grind fine enough for espresso, and Fellow doesn't market it as one. If you need a grinder that handles both espresso and filter, this isn't it. Check our best coffee grinder roundup for options that cover both.
It also struggles with very light roasts at finer settings. Extremely dense, light-roasted beans can cause the motor to slow down slightly at the finest settings. This isn't a deal-breaker, but you might want to dose a gram or two less if you're grinding ultra-light Nordic roasts.
Design and Workflow
Fellow nailed the workflow with the original Ode, and the V2 keeps it intact. The single-dose hopper on top holds about 80 grams. You put your beans in, select your grind setting using the numbered dial on the front, and press the start lever. The grinder runs until it's empty and stops automatically.
The magnetic catch cup is still one of my favorite features. It pops off easily for pouring into a brewer, holds grounds without spillage, and snaps back into place with a satisfying click. It's a small thing, but it makes the daily workflow smoother than grinders where you're unscrewing a grounds container.
The footprint is compact at roughly 9.5 x 4.2 x 12.4 inches. It fits easily on a counter alongside a kettle and scale without taking over your workspace.
The Grind Settings Dial
The numbered dial on the front goes from 1 (finest) to 11 (coarsest). Each number has a click stop, and you can set it between numbers for in-between adjustments. The dial feels precise and holds its position well.
My only complaint with the dial is that the range between 1 and 3 covers the most useful pour-over territory, which means small adjustments in that zone have a bigger impact. I wish Fellow had spread out the fine end of the range a bit more. But once you find your sweet spot for a given bean and brew method, you rarely need to move more than one click.
Who Should Buy the Fellow Ode V2
The Ode V2 makes the most sense for people who brew filter coffee exclusively and want a clean, simple electric grinder that looks good on the counter. It's priced around $345, which puts it in competition with grinders like the Baratza Virtuoso+ and the Wilfa Svart.
You should buy the Ode V2 if:
- You brew pour-over, drip, French press, or AeroPress daily
- You want a single-dose workflow without retention hassles
- Counter aesthetics matter to you
- You don't need espresso capability
You should skip it if:
- You want one grinder for both espresso and filter
- You primarily drink espresso
- You want the absolute finest grind adjustment (the dial steps are slightly coarse for micro-adjustments)
If you're comparing the Ode V2 against other top options, our top coffee grinder guide has detailed comparisons across price ranges.
Ode V2 vs. Original Ode: Should You Upgrade?
If you already own the original Ode and you're happy with it, the upgrade question depends on one thing: do you grind for pour-over methods that need a finer setting than the original can deliver?
If yes, the V2's Gen 2 burrs are worth the upgrade. You could also buy just the Gen 2 burr set from Fellow and install it in your original Ode, which is a cheaper path to the same grind improvement.
If you only grind for drip or French press, the original Ode handles those settings fine. The quieter motor and reduced static are nice but probably not worth buying a whole new grinder for.
FAQ
Can the Fellow Ode V2 grind for espresso?
No. The Ode V2 is a filter-only grinder. The finest setting is designed for fine pour-over, not espresso. If you try to grind fine enough for espresso, the burrs will stall and you'll damage the motor over time.
Is the Fellow Ode V2 good for AeroPress?
Yes, it handles AeroPress well. Most AeroPress recipes call for a medium to medium-fine grind, which is right in the Ode V2's sweet spot. I use settings 2-4 depending on the recipe and get consistent results.
How does the Ode V2 compare to the Baratza Virtuoso+?
The Virtuoso+ has a wider grind range and can technically go finer, but the Ode V2 produces a more uniform particle distribution in the pour-over range. The Ode also has a better single-dose workflow and, honestly, looks much nicer on a counter. The Virtuoso+ is better if you want one grinder that can handle everything from cold brew to Turkish.
Does the Ode V2 retain grounds?
Retention is very low, typically under 0.2 grams. The straight, short grind path and gravity-fed design mean almost all the grounds make it into the catch cup. You don't need a bellows or purge feature.
My Verdict
The Fellow Ode V2 is the best dedicated filter grinder under $400 that I've used. Fellow fixed the main complaints from the Gen 1 without changing what already worked. If you brew filter coffee daily and want something that's fast, clean, quiet, and pleasant to look at, the Ode V2 delivers. Just don't buy it expecting it to pull double duty as an espresso grinder.