Fellow Ode V2: What Changed and Whether the Upgrade Was Worth the Wait

The Fellow Ode V2 (officially called the Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2) is Fellow's updated version of their popular filter coffee grinder. The original Ode was a good-looking grinder with some frustrating limitations, and Fellow spent a couple of years listening to feedback before releasing this revision. The V2 addresses the two biggest complaints: it now grinds finer and comes with upgraded 64mm flat burrs. I have been using the V2 for about six months after owning the original for two years, and the improvement is real.

If you are trying to decide between the original Ode and the V2, or comparing the V2 against other filter grinders, I will lay out exactly what changed, what stayed the same, and who this grinder is best suited for.

What Changed From the Original Ode

The original Ode had a reputation for looking fantastic but struggling with finer grind sizes. It could not grind fine enough for certain pour over methods, and the stock burrs produced a somewhat bland cup compared to aftermarket options. Fellow fixed both issues in the V2.

New Burrs

The V2 ships with Fellow's proprietary 64mm flat burrs that grind significantly finer than the original's stock burrs. The fine end of the range now reaches into the territory needed for AeroPress, smaller pour overs like the V60, and even some immersion methods that benefit from a medium-fine grind.

The stock V2 burrs also produce a cleaner, more defined cup than the originals. Side-by-side V60 brews using the same beans showed more clarity and better flavor separation with the V2 burrs. It is not a night-and-day difference, but it is noticeable if you pay attention to your coffee.

Expanded Grind Range

The adjustment dial on the V2 offers more positions, extending the usable range in both directions. You can now grind fine enough for a tight AeroPress recipe and coarse enough for cold brew or French press. The original Ode was essentially a medium-to-coarse grinder. The V2 is a genuine all-purpose filter grinder.

Same Design, Same Workflow

Everything else about the Ode V2 is identical to the original. Same compact footprint, same single-dose loading, same magnetic catch cup, same knockout tray. If you liked the original's design and workflow, the V2 feels immediately familiar.

Grind Quality in Daily Use

I brew mostly V60 and Chemex, with occasional AeroPress and French press. The V2 handles all of these methods without complaint.

V60 Pour Over

This is where the V2 shines. At medium-fine settings, the grind consistency produces even drawdown times and clean, bright cups. My typical recipe (15 grams coffee, 250 grams water, 2:30 to 3:00 total brew time) hits the mark consistently. The particle distribution is tight enough that I do not get the muddy, over-extracted flavors that come from too many fines.

Chemex

Coarser settings for Chemex work well. The thicker Chemex filters catch any stray fines, and the cups come out sweet and clean. I prefer the V2's Chemex output over my old Baratza Virtuoso, which produced a slightly dustier grind at similar settings.

AeroPress

The V2 can now reach AeroPress territory, which the original could not. For recipes calling for a medium-fine grind, the V2 delivers. For very fine AeroPress recipes that border on espresso grind, you will hit the limits of the range. But for standard AeroPress use, it works great.

Cold Brew

At the coarsest settings, the V2 produces a suitable cold brew grind. It is not as coarse as a dedicated cold brew grinder, but it is adequate for overnight steeping in a mason jar.

The Single-Dose Workflow

The Fellow Ode V2 is designed for single dosing. There is no hopper; you weigh your beans and drop them directly into the loading cup on top. Press the start button, wait about 15 to 20 seconds, and your grounds land in the magnetic catch cup below.

Retention

Retention is low, typically 0.2 to 0.5 grams per dose. I give the grinder a gentle tap after each grind and get very consistent output weights. The grounds path is short and relatively straight, which helps minimize trapped coffee.

Static

Static was a problem on the original Ode, and it persists on the V2, though to a lesser degree. You will see some grounds clinging to the catch cup walls, especially in dry weather. The RDT technique (one drop of water on the beans) nearly eliminates this. I do it every time and never have issues.

Build Quality and Aesthetics

Fellow designs beautiful products, and the Ode V2 is no exception. The matte finish is available in black and white, and both look premium on a counter. The build is solid at about 10 pounds, with a die-cast aluminum body that feels durable and well-made.

The magnetic catch cup is a nice touch. It snaps into place securely and lifts out easily for pouring grounds into your brewer. The anti-static lid on the catch cup helps contain flyaway grounds.

At about 10 inches tall and 5 inches wide, the Ode V2 is one of the most compact 64mm flat burr grinders available. It does not dominate counter space, which matters in smaller kitchens.

For comparisons against other grinders in this category, our best coffee grinder guide covers the top options for filter brewing.

Noise Level

The Ode V2 is moderately quiet for an electric grinder. It runs at roughly 70 decibels, which is comparable to a conversation at normal volume. Grinding 15 to 20 grams takes about 15 to 20 seconds. It will not shake the walls, but it is not silent either. Compared to the Baratza Virtuoso or Encore, it is a bit quieter.

Who Should Buy the Fellow Ode V2

This grinder is purpose-built for filter coffee drinkers who want great grind quality in a compact, attractive package. If you brew pour over, drip, AeroPress, French press, or cold brew and want a single grinder that handles all of those methods, the V2 delivers.

It is also great for people who value aesthetics. The Ode looks as good as anything Fellow makes, and it matches well with Fellow's kettles, decanters, and other brewing accessories if you are into a cohesive kitchen setup.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you brew espresso, the Ode V2 is not for you. It does not grind fine enough for espresso, and it was never designed to. If you need an espresso-capable grinder, look at our top coffee grinder recommendations for options in that category.

If you are on a tight budget, the Ode V2 at $295 to $345 is a significant investment for a filter-only grinder. You can get good filter grind quality from hand grinders at a fraction of the cost, though you sacrifice the convenience of electric grinding.

FAQ

Is the Fellow Ode V2 worth upgrading from the original Ode?

If the original Ode's limited fine range frustrated you, yes. The V2's expanded grind range and improved burrs make it a meaningfully better grinder. If you were happy with the original for French press and Chemex, the upgrade is less necessary since those methods use the coarser settings that were already fine on the V1.

Can the Fellow Ode V2 grind for espresso?

No. The V2 is a filter coffee grinder and does not reach espresso-fine settings. Fellow designed it specifically for filter methods. If you need both espresso and filter, you need a different grinder or a second grinder dedicated to espresso.

How does the Fellow Ode V2 compare to the Baratza Virtuoso+?

The V2 produces a slightly more uniform grind and has better build quality and aesthetics. The Virtuoso+ has a larger hopper for people who do not want to single-dose, and it costs about $50 less. For grind quality and design, the V2 wins. For convenience and value, the Virtuoso+ is competitive.

Do I need to use RDT with the Fellow Ode V2?

You do not need to, but I strongly recommend it. One drop of water on your beans before grinding almost completely eliminates static cling in the catch cup. Without RDT, you will spend extra time tapping and wiping grounds off the cup walls.

My Take After Six Months

The Fellow Ode V2 fixed everything I disliked about the original while keeping everything I loved. The expanded grind range makes it genuinely versatile across filter methods, the stock burrs produce a clean and flavorful cup, and the design remains the best-looking grinder you can put on a counter. At around $300 to $345, it is not cheap, but for a dedicated filter coffee setup, it is a grinder I would buy again without a second thought.