Fellow Ode Gen 2 Coffee Grinder Review

When Fellow introduced the Ode Espresso Grinder on Kickstarter, it raised $1.2 million in funding and broke the platform’s data for the variety of orders in in the future. After it was launched, nonetheless, there have been two predominant points folks discovered: the Ode Gen 1 had poorly designed burrs and main static issues. Former World Barista Champion and Espresso Vlogger James Hoffmann particulars each of those in his video here, and we didn’t significantly like that grinder either. With that suggestions in hand, Fellow started working on the Ode Gen 2.

The Gen 2 makes use of an ionizer (like what you’d discover in a hairdryer) as an anti-static measure, in addition to re-designed burrs meant to grind a lot finer (although to not espresso vary) and extract espresso extra effectively than its predecessor. Add on a bigger hopper and grounds bin, and the brand new machine was marketed as a serious improve. However does it execute on its up to date guarantees? We put the grinder into each day use to seek out out. 

The Exams

• Grind Screening Check: We floor 30 grams of espresso at an ordinary drip setting and ran it by way of a Kruve sifter with screens at 500 and 1400 microns to measure what share of espresso particles fell into the perfect vary between the 2. 
• Extraction Exams: We measured brewed espresso samples with a espresso refractometer to guage the extent of whole dissolved solids (TDS) as a measure of grind high quality. 
• Style Exams: We used the Ode Gen 2 daily for 4 months to evaluate taste high quality throughout a number of brew strategies and totally different espresso types. 
• Usability and Cleanup Exams: We examined out user-friendly options just like the magnetic grind cup, quantity markings, auto-shut off, and anti-static properties. We additionally cleaned the grinder and disassembled and reassembled the burr chamber. 

What We Discovered

It Delivered a Very Exact Grind 

In an effort to measure grind consistency, we used a Kruve sifter with screens set at 500 and 1400 microns to filter out any fines or boulders—mainly, particles which are too small and large to extract taste evenly. After dialing within the grind to a good-tasting drip setting, we screened 30 grams of espresso and located that the Ode Gen 2 delivered a way more constant particle dimension than the Baratza Virtuoso+, our other top pick, with greater than 65% of the particles falling between the 2 display screen sizes in comparison with the Baratza’s 45%. 

That precision probably comes from the Fellow’s broad, vertically-aligned flat burrs. These burrs are extremely favored in industrial grinders as a result of the espresso feeds extra naturally by way of the burr set through gravity, and the 2 broad, flat grinding burrs can create a extra exact hole between them, higher controlling the particle dimension of the espresso they’re grinding. Dwelling grinders usually use a conical burr set, the place a flat ring burr is adjusted nearer and additional away from a spinning conical burr within the heart. It’s simpler to align conical burrs, however you usually get a wider particle distribution than a flat burr grinder. 

Nevertheless, grind precision doesn’t at all times translate to better-tasting espresso, because the Ode Gen 2 and Virtuoso+ have been neck-and-neck in side-by-side style exams for sweetness and stability. Nevertheless, we did discover one distinction within the cup: taste readability.

Grind Precision Impacted Taste Readability 

With a extra exact grind, we seen that espresso floor within the Ode Gen 2 produced extra pronounced flavors in brewed espresso, particularly with lighter-roasted beans. For instance, if a espresso featured “raspberry” as a tasting notice, we seen that espresso from the Ode Gen 2 produced a clearer “raspberry” taste. 

Espresso extraction science is at all times a little bit of a guessing recreation: we will use a spectrum refractometer to take a median studying of TDS in brewed espresso to evaluate brew high quality, however that quantity is simply a median. Finer particles will extract extra whereas coarser particles extract much less, so two espresso samples from two totally different grinders that each learn 1.33% TDS on a espresso refractometer brewed with the extract identical recipe can have the identical focus of extracted espresso taste solids, however not the precise identical actual taste solids. 

It may be slightly complicated to parse espresso extraction idea, however in abstract: a espresso brewed from a Virtuoso+ and an Ode Gen 2 may look the identical through scientific measurement, however nonetheless style totally different. Each grinders produced candy and balanced coffees, however followers of lighter-roasted beans may respect the Ode Gen 2’s taste readability extra. 

The Energetic Anti-Static Expertise Labored

Static is usually a vital concern for residence grinders: as espresso passes by way of the burrs, it builds a number of static cost that causes chaff (the papery tan flecks extra prevalent with gentle roasts) and grounds to finish up on counter tops—and might truly maintain espresso again within the grinding chute. The Ode Gen 2 incorporates lively anti-static know-how by adding an ionizer (like what hairdryers use), and, by golly, it actually works. Whereas the Gen 1 was infamous for as much as a gram of espresso being caught within the grind chute and counters dusted with chaff and grounds, the Gen 2 sees espresso drop into the grind cup neatly each time. 

Different grinders may use an anti-static plastic of their grind cup that slowly and passively dissipates any cost after round 40 seconds. The lively anti-static measures within the Ode Gen 2 use the ionizer to actively dissipate static whereas the espresso is floor, which is exclusive for a house grinder. Similar to the vertically-aligned flat burrs, lively anti-static measures are often reserved for industrial grinders. Over time we seen that it’s price brushing out the grind chute to maintain the anti-static system working cleanly, nevertheless it additionally took three months earlier than this was vital. 

Consumer-Pleasant Particulars Elevated the Grinder

A few of the Ode Gen 2’s greatest options have been the small, user-friendly design particulars, together with an auto-shutoff perform. Whereas most residence grinders depend on a handbook toggle swap or timer, the Ode Gen 2 routinely shuts off just a few seconds after the burrs end grinding espresso. It’s a small, however useful, element.

We additionally actually appreciated how clear the grind-size icons have been on the adjustment dial, exhibiting which path is finer and coarser with small or giant dots. There’s additionally a grind-size chart printed on the underside of the lid that offers you a beginning vary for quite a lot of particular brew strategies, together with Aeropress, pourover, and automatic drip coffee makers. These may seem to be small particulars, however most grinders require a guessing recreation while you set them up for the primary time. Proper out the field, even with out studying the directions, the workflow of this grinder felt seamless.

Lastly, the grind cup incorporates a robust magnet to ensure it’s correctly centered below the chute. Whereas the lid of the grind cup will be finicky to tug on and off, the magnetic pull is de facto satisfying and it really works to heart the cup completely—till it doesn’t. Some folks have reported the magnet falling off of the cup, which renders this method ineffective, and in our testing we even had a problem the place the cup was got rid of heart after aligning it, inflicting grounds to overlook the cup and find yourself pushing in opposition to the lid. This precipitated espresso to again up into the grinder, which required disassembling the burrs with the intention to clear the jam. 

The Verdict

Execs

Any light-roast espresso fanatic in search of a slight enhance in taste efficiency and would not thoughts the additional value would respect the Ode Gen 2. It’s additionally a compact and engaging grinder and can be an excellent addition to any aesthete’s counter. The Fellow Ode Gen 2 delivers glorious grind consistency and taste readability. It’s simple to make use of, and appears nice, as well. It’s a well-designed grinder with plenty of superb user-friendly particulars, and it has a compact physique that’s simple to suit on any counter. 

Cons

Properly, it’s costly. The Ode Gen 2 is the highest-priced non-espresso grinder for residence use available on the market. In comparison with our different favourite fashions from Baratza and OXO, it affords extra usability and aesthetic upgrades than efficiency variations. Additionally, it’s susceptible to jamming if the grind cup isn’t aligned correctly. If the lid blocks off the grind chute, the espresso can again up all the way in which into the grind chamber, which then must be disassembled to totally clear. It solely occurred to us as soon as in 4 months of on a regular basis utilization, however clearing the jam required eradicating the faceplate with a screwdriver, emptying the espresso, re-aligning the burrs, and re-attaching all the things.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 9.4 x 4 x 9.8 inches
• Weight: 10 kilos
• Burr sort: Chrome steel flat burrs
• Variety of grind settings: 30
• Guarantee: 2-year, or 3-year with registration
• Worth at time of publish: $345

FAQs 

Is the Fellow Ode Gen 2 price it?

The Fellow Ode Gen 2 affords a serious enchancment in grind consistency and anti-static measures over the Gen 1, nevertheless it comes at a value. Whereas the Ode Gen 1’s authentic checklist value of $300 was already dear, the $345 price ticket on the Gen 2 makes it the costliest residence grinder designed for brewed espresso. In 4 months of each day testing, we discovered that the Ode Gen 2 delivered high-quality grinding with nice usability options (like a grind chart printed below the lid), however its excessive value level may not work for everybody. In our testing, we additionally discovered comparable grinders that have been inexpensive. 

What are the variations between the Ode Gen 1 and Gen 2?

The Fellow Ode Gen 2 options an upgraded burr set that delivers way more grind consistency and a finer vary than the Gen 1 model. It additionally has lively anti-static know-how that reduces the quantity of chaff and grounds that may make counters messy, and an even bigger hopper and grind cup. 

Can the Ode Gen 2 grind for espresso?

Whereas the up to date burr set within the Fellow Ode Gen 2 can grind a lot finer than the Gen 1 model, it nonetheless shouldn’t be designed for espresso use. Espresso requires a a lot finer grind vary, and extra grind settings with the intention to correctly dial in an espresso shot.