As someone who works from home, having a good cup of coffee is really important to me. This is also why my blog tends to be full of coffee posts like this one. If you...
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. That’s why I’m always looking for ways to make the best coffee at home with as little friction as possible.
And when it comes to cold brew, grind consistency is everything. You need a coarse, even grind to avoid over-extraction and bitterness. If your grinder leaves you with a mix of boulders and dust, your cold brew is going to suffer.
That’s why I recently upgraded to the Fellow Ode 2 Brew Grinder—and why I think it’s the best grinder for cold brew.
Why Cold Brew Needs the Right Grinder
Cold brew is one of the easiest coffee methods out there—coarse grind, room temp water, 12+ hours, done. But if you use the wrong grinder, you end up with uneven particles that extract at different rates. The result? A bitter, muddy mess.
A good burr grinder fixes this by providing a consistent grind size, ensuring a smooth and balanced brew. I used the Baratza Encore for years (and still think it’s a solid choice), but the Fellow Ode 2 took my cold brew game to the next level.
Why I Switched to the Fellow Ode 2
I already wrote about why I switched from the Baratza Encore to the Fellow Ode, but for cold brew specifically, here’s why the Ode 2 is the best grinder I’ve used:
1. Super Consistent Coarse Grind
Most grinders struggle at the coarse end of the spectrum. You’ll get a mix of large and small particles, which leads to an uneven extraction. The Fellow Ode 2 is designed for brewed coffee (no espresso setting), meaning it excels at grinding coarse for cold brew, French press, and pour-over.
When I first brewed a batch of cold brew using the Ode 2, I noticed right away how much more balanced the final cup was. No weird bitterness, no over-extracted sludge at the bottom—just clean, smooth coffee.
2. Quiet (Because Mornings Matter)
One of the biggest reasons I made the switch was noise. My old grinders sounded like an airplane taking off, waking up my entire house before I even had my first sip. The Fellow Ode 2 is much quieter, making it perfect for those early morning coffee sessions.
If you’ve got sleeping kids, roommates, or a partner who doesn’t appreciate a 6 AM wake-up call, this alone makes the upgrade worth it.
3. Faster and More Efficient
Cold brew usually requires grinding a lot of beans at once, and the Ode 2 gets the job done quickly. The automatic shutoff feature is a game-changer—once it’s done grinding, it turns itself off, so you’re not left standing around waiting.
Also, I have to say—the magnetically aligned catch cup is a small but satisfying design touch. No more awkwardly aligning a plastic bin under the grinder like with the Encore. The Ode 2 just clicks into place.
4. It Looks Good on the Counter
Okay, this isn’t a technical feature, but let’s be honest—design matters. The Ode 2 is sleek, compact, and just looks good. If you care about aesthetics (or just have limited counter space), this grinder fits right in without dominating your kitchen.
f you’re serious about making better cold brew at home, upgrading your grinder is the best place to start.
Check out the Fellow Ode 2 on Amazon now
Also, if you want to pair your new grinder with some freshly roasted beans, I highly recommend a coffee subscription from Trade Coffee. I’ve been using it for over six years, and it’s hands-down the best way to get high-quality coffee delivered straight to your door.
Happy brewing! ☕
