Lance Hedrick|30. Aug.
The New Budget Benchmark?: Fellow Opus 2 Review
Fellow Opus 2: The New Budget Standard?
The Fellow Opus 2 is a redesigned coffee grinder aiming to fix the flaws of its predecessor while delivering excellent taste. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Design & Usability
- Coarse Adjustment: The grinder now features stepless adjustment (replacing the confusing inner ring and outer lever system), a massive improvement.
- Feel: The adjustment knob feels slightly wobbly, which is acceptable at this price point ($199). The build is mostly plastic.
- Accessories: The magnetic brush has no designated storage spot, making it easy to lose. The dosing cup doesn't nest, complicating storage.
Mechanics & Build
- Burrs: It uses a true 48mm conical burr set (inner diameter is 40mm). It's larger than many competitors at this price, similar to the Comandante.
- Motor & Automation: The motor has an auto-stop feature that monitors current draw and stops when beans are processed. RPM is unregulated, running at full speed for consistent grinding.
- Calibration: Can be calibrated for finer espresso grinding (instructions in video).
Taste & Performance
- Filter Coffee: The Opus 2 produces a smooth, balanced, and enjoyable cup with more body and less clarity than high-clarity grinders like the A4Z. It excels for a juicy, fruity brew with a hint of sweetness.
- Espresso: It performs well with both light and dark roasts. Dark roasts yield thick, sweet shots with interesting texture. Light roasts can be extracted even at low pressure, thanks to its fine grinding capability.
- Comparison: It outperforms competitors like the Baratza Encore and the stock DF64 in taste. It's currently the best-tasting grinder under $500, offering incredible value.
Retention & Cleaning
- Retention: Very low (around 0.1g) with light and medium roasts. May be slightly higher with dark, oily roasts in humid environments.
- Cleaning: Cleaning the burrs is very easy and quick.
Longevity & Customer Service
- Concerns: Long-term durability is uncertain due to the extensive use of plastic. Fellow's customer service is good initially, but it's unclear if parts will be available and if the grinder will be repairable in the future.
- Sustainability: There's a risk the grinder could end up in a landfill if it fails beyond warranty.
- Pros: Excellent taste (best in class), easy to use, great performance across all brew methods, low retention, easy to clean.
- Cons: Mostly plastic build, questionable longevity, wobbly adjustment knob, no storage for accessories.
Overall Verdict: The Fellow Opus 2 is a hidden gem for taste, offering unbeatable value for money. The decision hinges on your risk tolerance regarding long-term durability.
