Overview
The Fellow Opus is a beautifully designed all-purpose grinder that brings Fellow renowned aesthetics to the conical burr segment. With 41 grind settings covering espresso through cold brew, the Opus handles multiple brewing methods with admirable consistency. The inner and outer burr design with a load-sensing motor ensures consistent grinding regardless of roast level. The anti-static technology produces remarkably fluffy, clump-free grounds, and the catch container magnetically aligns for mess-free removal. Fellow design team has crafted one of the most visually appealing grinders at any price, with a premium matte finish and minimal, elegant controls. The Opus is for coffee lovers who demand both performance and beauty from their countertop appliances.
The Fellow Opus Conical Burr Grinder features a 40mm conical burr set, crafted from steel. The burrs spin at 550 RPM, balancing grinding speed with heat management. Grind retention is approximately 1.0g, which is impressively low and suitable for single-dose workflows.
At $195, the Fellow Opus Conical Burr Grinder is aimed at home baristas seeking a solid grinder without a premium price tag. With a 110g hopper, it's designed for a traditional hopper-fed workflow. The conical burr design is known for producing a slightly bimodal grind distribution, which many enjoy for its body and complexity in espresso.
The Fellow Opus Conical Burr Grinder is weighing 2.5 kg, manufactured in USA, powered by a 150W motor. Its footprint measures 127 x 190 x 325 mm (W×D×H).
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low retention of 1.0g is suitable for single-dose workflows
- Conical burr design offers a bimodal grind profile that many enjoy for its body and complexity
- Excellent value for money — capable espresso grinding at an accessible price point
Cons
- Stepped grind adjustment may not allow fine enough tuning between settings for espresso
- Not optimized for single dosing — hopper-fed design may result in some grind exchange between doses
Full Specifications
| Brand | Fellow |
|---|---|
| Model | Fellow Opus Conical Burr Grinder |
| Category | Conical Burr |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Year Introduced | 2023 |
| Burr Size | 40 mm |
| Burr Material | Steel |
| Burr Type | 40mm conical |
| Grind Speed | 550 RPM |
| Retention | 1.0 g |
| Single Dose | No |
| Stepless Adjustment | No |
| Hopper Capacity | 110 g |
| Motor Wattage | 150 W |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 127 x 190 x 325 mm |
| Weight | 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) |
| MSRP | $195 |
Our Verdict
The Fellow Opus Conical Burr Grinder from Fellow is a solid option in the budget grinder segment. Conical burrs are a popular choice for home espresso, offering good grind quality with generally lower noise and less heat buildup than flat burrs. The slightly bimodal grind distribution can produce espresso with more body and texture. Remember the golden rule: the grinder is at least as important as the espresso machine. A great grinder paired with a modest machine will outperform a modest grinder paired with a great machine every time. At this price, it's a capable starting point that will serve you well as you learn your espresso workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Fellow Opus Conical Burr Grinder grind fine enough for espresso?
Yes, the Fellow Opus Conical Burr Grinder is capable of grinding fine enough for espresso. You may need to experiment with the stepped settings to find the sweet spot for your beans.
How do the conical burrs in the Fellow Opus Conical Burr Grinder affect espresso?
Conical burrs produce a slightly bimodal grind distribution, which creates espresso with more body, texture, and complexity compared to flat burrs. Many espresso lovers prefer this characteristic — it produces a richer, more traditional espresso profile.
How do I maintain the Fellow Opus Conical Burr Grinder?
Clean out retained grounds after each use with a brush or bellows. Deep clean the burrs every 2-4 weeks by removing them and brushing away oil buildup. For the motor, occasional use of grinder cleaning tablets (like Grindz) helps remove coffee oil buildup. Never wash burrs with water.
