If you’ve followed my coffee journey, you know I’m a bit of a reluctant coffee snob. I love great coffee, but I don’t love the hassle that sometimes comes with it....
For Christmas last year I decided to make the switch to the Fellow Ode Gen 2 from the Baratza Encore, and I haven’t looked back. If you’ve followed my coffee journey, you know I was on the hunt for a grinder that balanced precision, quiet operation, and a clean workflow. (I wrote about my decision-making process here and also covered why I needed the quietest grinder possible here.)
Now, after plenty of use, here’s my honest take on the Ode Gen 2—the good, the great, and one small thing Fellow could tweak in the next version.
Why the Fellow Ode Gen 2 Stands Out
The first thing you’ll notice with the Gen 2 is how dialed-in the grind quality is. Fellow completely overhauled the burr set from the original, moving to 64mm Gen 2 burrs that produce a noticeably more consistent grind, especially for pour-over and drip coffee.
But the real game-changer? It’s absurdly quiet. If you’ve used other high-end grinders, you know that morning coffee prep often feels like firing up a small aircraft in your kitchen. Not with the Ode. It’s whisper-quiet, smooth, and doesn’t rattle your entire counter.
Another standout that I will be honest I did not know about when I purchased it is the auto shut off. While it may sound simple it is surprising how many grinders, like the Baratza Encore, don't do this. I was so surprised that I had to check the hopper as I thought something was wrong when it turned off.
Magnetic Bin & A (Very Minor) Flaw
One of my favorite features is the magnetic catch bin, which locks into place perfectly every time.
That said, if I had to nitpick, some excess grounds do tend to collect around the chute and grinder base. It’s minor, and compared to the typical static mess of other grinders, it’s practically nothing. But it’s an area where Fellow could refine things even further in a future Gen 3.
Final Verdict: Worth It?
If you’re serious about pour-over, batch brew, or any filter coffee method, the Fellow Ode Gen 2 is easily one of the best grinders on the market. It’s precise, quiet, and beautifully designed—exactly what you’d expect from Fellow.
Would I buy it again? Definitely, and I will buy the next version the second it comes out. Would I recommend it? Well that's obvious, I wouldn't bother with a blog if I didn't.
CHECK OUT THE FELLOW ODE 2 ON AMAZON
And if you’re going to invest in a great grinder, you need great beans. That’s why I have used Trade Coffee for over 6 years now —they match you with top-notch roasters and ship fresh coffee straight to your door.
