Image: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Sarah Pysher, via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Overview
The Fellow Opus is a beautifully designed all-purpose grinder that brings Fellow signature industrial design aesthetic to the grinder category. The 40mm conical burrs handle everything from espresso to cold brew, and the 41-step adjustment provides sufficient granularity for most brewing methods. Fellow focus on design extends to the user experience — the intuitive load cell activation, anti-static technology, and magnetic catch cup make grinding pleasant and mess-free. While not a dedicated espresso grinder, the Opus handles espresso grinding adequately for beginners and excels at filter and immersion brew methods. A gorgeous countertop addition for design-conscious coffee lovers.
The Fellow Opus 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 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 is weighing 3.2 kg, manufactured in China, powered by a 120W motor. Its footprint measures 120 x 190 x 320 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 |
| Category | Conical Burr |
| Country of Origin | China |
| 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 | 120 W |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 120 x 190 x 320 mm |
| Weight | 3.2 kg (7.1 lbs) |
| MSRP | $195 |
Our Verdict
The Fellow Opus 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 grind fine enough for espresso?
Yes, the Fellow Opus 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 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?
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.