DF64 vs Fellow Ode Gen 2: Espresso Capable or Brew Only
Both are single dose flat burr grinders and both are excellent at what they are designed for. The Ode Gen 2 is a brew grinder: its adjustment range and burr set target pour over and drip, and it is not intended for espresso. The DF64 covers espresso through to filter. If espresso is on the list at all, the DF64 is the one that does both.
At a glance
| DF64 Gen 2 single dose coffee grinder | Fellow Ode Gen 2 flat burr grinder | |
|---|---|---|
| Burrs | 64 mm flat | 64 mm flat, brew profile |
| Espresso capable | Yes | No, not intended for it |
| Filter grinding | Good | Excellent |
| Adjustment | Stepless | Stepped, brew focused |
| Retention | Low | Very low |
| Design and footprint | Functional | Compact and quiet |
Choose the DF64 Gen 2 single dose coffee grinder if…
Choose the DF64 if you make espresso, or think you might. It covers the whole range from espresso to French press, and while a dedicated brew grinder edges it for pour over, the difference is much smaller than the difference between grinding espresso well and not being able to at all. It is the more flexible purchase for a coffee bar that has an espresso machine on it.
Check DF64 Gen 2 single dose coffee grinder on Amazon
Choose the Fellow Ode Gen 2 flat burr grinder if…
Choose the Ode Gen 2 if you brew filter coffee and have no espresso machine. It is quieter, smaller, tidier and produces an excellent grind for pour over and drip, with very little retention. Buying it in the hope of pulling espresso later is the mistake to avoid: it is not designed for that range and no amount of adjustment makes it a fine grinder.
Check Fellow Ode Gen 2 flat burr grinder on Amazon
We also have full reviews of each: MiiCoffee DF64 II review and Fellow Ode Gen 2 review.
Related
- Conical vs flat burr grinders
- How to choose an espresso grinder
- Grinder against machine budget calculator
Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and the general consensus of owner reports. We have not tested these products side by side. Confirm current specifications and prices before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Ode be modified for espresso?
Alternative burr sets exist and people have tried, with mixed results. Treat any such modification as a project rather than a solution, and understand that it voids support and may not give the resolution espresso needs at the fine end. If espresso is the goal, buy a grinder designed for it rather than converting one that is not.
How much difference does a brew grinder make to pour over?
A noticeable one, because filter brewing is sensitive to the amount of very fine particles produced, which slow the drawdown and add bitterness. A grinder tuned for filter produces fewer of them at brew settings. It is a real improvement, though smaller than the improvement from grinding fresh at all, which is the big step.
Do both handle light roasts?
Both do well, since 64 mm flat burrs are generally strong with lighter roasts. Light roasts are denser and harder to break evenly, which is where a larger burr with more cutting area earns its keep. If you drink dark roasts exclusively, the advantage of either over a good conical grinder narrows considerably.
Is single dosing worth the extra handling?
It is if you switch beans often or drink through a bag slowly, because a hopper of beans staling on the counter is a real loss of quality. If you get through a bag in a week and drink one coffee at a time, a hopper is more convenient and the difference is small. It is a workflow preference more than a quality one.
How we choose: we compare published manufacturer specifications, verified owner reviews and published barista guidance. We do not test gear in person. Espresso machines run mains electricity, pressurised water and steam above boiling point, so follow your manufacturer's manual and leave electrical or boiler work to a qualified technician. Everything here is researched guidance, not professional advice.
