If you've just unboxed a Fellow Ode - or you've had one sitting on your bench for a while and feel like you're not quite getting the best out of it - this guide is for you. The Ode is one of the best flat burr grinders at its price point, but like any precision tool, a little know-how goes a long way.
What's in the Box (and What to Do First)
Your Fellow Ode Gen 1 Grinder comes with the Gen 2 SSP-style burrs already included - a serious upgrade over the original burrs. Before you grind your first dose, give the burrs a quick seasoning run: grind through about 50-100g of cheap beans and discard. This removes any manufacturing residue and helps the burrs settle in for consistent results.
Understanding the Grind Dial
The Ode uses a 31-step grind dial (on Gen 1) with a single rotation. Lower numbers = finer, higher numbers = coarser. Here's a rough starting map:
- 1-3: Espresso range (though the Ode isn't optimised for espresso - it's a filter grinder at heart)
- 4-6: AeroPress and Moka Pot
- 7-10: Pour-over (V60, Chemex, Kalita)
- 11-15: Batch brew and French Press
- 16+: Cold brew and coarse applications
These are starting points - your ideal setting will depend on your beans, roast level, and taste preference.
Dialling In Your Grind
Dialling in just means finding the grind size that produces the flavour you're after. Here's a simple process:
- Start in the middle of your brew method's range. For V60, try setting 8.
- Brew and taste. Sour or weak? Grind finer. Bitter or harsh? Grind coarser.
- Adjust one step at a time and keep notes. The Ode's steps are precise enough that single-step changes make a noticeable difference.
- Lock it in. Once you've found your sweet spot for a particular bean, note it down. When you switch beans (especially roast levels), you'll likely need to re-dial.
Getting the Most from the Gen 2 Burrs
The Gen 2 burrs that ship with your Ode are a significant step up - they produce a more uniform grind particle distribution, which translates to cleaner, sweeter cups. A few tips to keep them performing:
- Clean regularly. Use a brush to clear the burr chamber every few sessions. Stale coffee oils are the enemy of a clean-tasting cup.
- Don't grind oily beans. Dark, oily roasts can gum up flat burrs over time. Stick to light-to-medium roasts for best results and longevity.
- Check for retention. The Ode has low retention by design, but give the body a gentle knock after grinding to clear any stragglers.
Common Issues & Fixes
Grounds clumping: Static is common, especially in dry weather. Try the Ross Droplet Technique (RDT) - add a tiny drop of water to your beans before grinding. It sounds odd, but it works.
Inconsistent grind size: If you're seeing a lot of fines, check that your burrs are seated correctly and that the grind collar is snug. Also make sure you've completed the seasoning process.
Motor sounds strained: You're likely grinding too fine for the dose size, or the beans are too dense. Try a slightly coarser setting or reduce your dose.
Ready to Grind?
The Fellow Ode rewards a bit of patience and experimentation. Once you've dialled it in for your favourite beans and brew method, it's genuinely one of the most satisfying grinders to use day-to-day. If you don't have one yet, check out the Fellow Ode Gen 1 Grinder (with Gen 2 Burrs) in our store.
Happy grinding ☕