Best For
- You are buying the Opus 2 for its grind quality and low retention.
- You are upgrading from a hand grinder or entry electric and want a clear step up for around $200.
- You value a low-mess grinding workflow.
Fellow Opus Review: Why Owners Rate the Gen 2, and Where Gen 1 Retention Bites
Quick take
The Fellow Opus is really two grinders wearing one name. The second generation was a clear step up in individual upgrades from an Encore, a hand grinder and a Sette 270 Wi, with a noticeable gain in the cup and very little mess; one buyer returned a Baratza ESP Pro for it. The original is where retention bites: it can make espresso shots hard to repeat, and even a recommendation for a cheap used unit names retention as its one downside. Which generation you are buying matters more than any other question about this grinder.
Single-dose-oriented electric conical burr grinder covering filter through espresso grind range.
This page covers the Fellow Opus 2, the generation currently sold. 3 owner reports below come from the Fellow Opus (first generation); they are labelled where they appear and do not stand behind any claim about the current generation.
Buyer-facing pick with a clearer everyday fit
Quick Verdict: Is Fellow Opus Worth Buying?
The Opus 2 is a well-supported pick at around $200 for pour-over, batch brewing and espresso. The original Opus carries a retention complaint and a reported hopper part no longer in production. Treat the two generations as different purchases.
Evidence confidence: High.
Discussion Mention Counts
Sentiment across 90 product mentions. Mentions are not a count of unique owners or threads.
User Impression
+41%
Positive Sentiment Mix
90 mentions
12
73
5
Quick actions
Why the Opus 2 changed the verdict on this grinder
The second-generation Opus is a clear step up in grind quality and value at around $200 for people moving up from cheaper grinders.
Retention on the original Opus makes weighed espresso doses harder, a Gen 1 hopper part is reported out of production, and a move from a hand grinder brought bitter cups that read as a dial-in problem. • Total evidence snippets: 17 • Updated Sep 16, 2026
Strengths
- The Opus 2 punches above its price: The Opus 2 earns its $200 price in the cup: moving up from a Baratza Encore brought roasters' tasting notes through for the first time, a Sette 270 Wi was bettered on first use, and its grind quality is called outstanding. It is also clean to live with - near-zero retention and no mess were reason enough to return a Baratza ESP Pro, and it is described as the cleanest workflow of several grinders.
- Reaches espresso: The Opus 2 goes fine enough for espresso: it makes fantastic espresso in a month-old setup, runs alongside a modded Breville Dual Boiler, and pulls 15g in to 30g out in 30 seconds - though that shot pushed pressure past 9 bars and prompted a question, so it shows fineness rather than a finished dial-in. One unit did not grind fine enough at first; adjusting it fixed that.
- A clear gain over an Encore or a hand grinder: Moving up from a Baratza Encore or a hand grinder to the Opus 2 delivered what the upgrade promised in those two reports, and a pour-over setup gained significantly in clarity, although the kettle changed to a Stagg XF at the same time.
Common Complaints
- Retention, and it lands on the original Opus: Retention is the original Opus's problem: it can make espresso shots hard to repeat, though it matters less for batch brewing, and even a recommendation for a cheap second-hand Gen 1 calls retention its one real downside. The one measured figure - 2-3g held back almost every time, found by weighing beans before and after - comes from an owner who does not say which generation they have. Opus 2 reports go the other way, with near-zero or minimal retention.
- A Gen 1 hopper part that broke and is out of production: The hopper tab that engages the safety feature broke on a two-year-old first-generation Opus, leaving it unusable normally. Fellow support said the part is no longer in production, and the only replacement found in Europe cost over 30 euros. A single report, but worth knowing before buying a used Gen 1.
- Bitter cups after a switch from a hand grinder: Moving from a KINGrinder P0 to an Opus brought bitter cups that would not return to the earlier French press results. It is a single report, and it reads as a dial-in problem rather than a fault.
Who Should Buy Fellow Opus — and Who Should Avoid It
Fit depends first on generation: the Opus 2 suits buyers stepping up from a hand grinder or entry electric, while a used Gen 1 suits scoop-based moka pot or batch brewing better than weighed espresso doses.
Not For
- You are eyeing a cheap second-hand original Opus and weigh your doses for espresso.
- You want to avoid any first-week grind adjustment, which one Opus 2 needed.
- You already run a commercial-grade grinder you are happy with.
Check live pricing and availability — this link helps keep the research running.
Check local offer Affiliate link — supports the site at no extra cost.Evidence From Public Buyer Discussions
These examples show the repeated buying signals behind Fellow Opus. Use them to check strengths, complaints, and buyer fit before treating isolated comments as full reviews. • Updated Sep 16, 2026
Pro What Opus 2 owners gained, from the cup to less mess
Eleven of the twelve positive rows concern the Opus 2, nine of them from owners describing their own grinder; the upgrade accounts from an Encore, a hand grinder and an ESP Pro carry the most weight. The twelfth is one owner finding a used Gen 1 capable enough stock.
Like opus 2 grinds fine enough for espresso 2026-09-08
Starter build with some upgrades Started with an eureka Mignon and it fizzed out on me. Fellow opus 2 has been going good for about a month. Just sharing the build here. Makes fantastic espresso! Need to get a PID the my Gaggia but for now I'm content with this. eureka mignon opus 2 gaggia starter build with some upgrades
Like gen 1 is capable enough stock without burr upgrades Fellow Opus (first generation) 2026-09-04
New (to me) Gaggia Brevetti "Space Shuttle" Very excited to have snagged this Brevetti off FB marketplace. Seems to be in good shape (opened it up and internals look clean) and the retro aesthetic is awesome. Paired with the Opus Gen 1 I got off FB, it seems plenty capable stock, but now I'm ready to start modding. I'm already installing the grounding mod to go from 2 pin to 3. Still researching PID kits and looking for rec's from any Brevetti/pre-2015 Classic owners that are pretty straightforward and not too ex
Like cleanest workflow with no mess once dialled in 2026-09-04
I can say this: 1. VS3: I had it, the grind size kept changing during grinds and although their support was helpful I would never buy from them directly again, always from a local dealer. The problem kept reappearing and the magnet on the dosing cup went missing, so I sold the da mn 1. thing. I also found it too slow and the sound not very pleasant. 1. Opus 2: From the start not grinding fine enough but after adjusting it's working without a problem. It's never a mess with the Opus, cleanest workflow I had s
Like near-zero retention and no mess 2026-09-04
Fellow Drop First Time Experience is a Big meh for Opus 2 Owners I've had the Aiden for about five months and got the Opus 2 grinder about a month and a half ago. I really love both products. I returned a Baratza ESP Pro after trying the Opus 2 with no regrets, mostly because of the Opus 2's near-zero retention and no mess for a grinder with comparable if not better grind quality than the Baratza. Anyway, after several emails soliciting it and a $10 discount, I thought I'd give Fellow Drops a
Like quieter and better grinding than a baratza sette 270 wi 2026-08-31
Opus 2: first use (great) The hype is real. Punches above its weight for sure. Better (and quieter) than the Baratza 270 WI. Not as good as the Mahlkonig e65S at work but what do you expect? Anybody out there thinking about the $200 opus 2, GET IT. Breville Dual Boiler with slayer mod + the upgraded shower screen. opus 2 baratza 270 wi baratza 270 wi mahlkonig e65s
Like a clear step up from a hand grinder 2026-08-31
New grinder and a question Hey guys , just upgraded from a hand grinder to Opus 2, was sold out at most Best Buy stores , finally found one and it's been amazing so far. Question , I can get 15g in since it's a smaller basket and 30g out in 30 seconds but it's pushing past 9 bars , is that ok or should I make changes ? Opus 2 Opus 2
Like a welcome replacement for the df64 gen 2 2026-08-25
Great setup! The ES1 intrigues me, especially at the price. Watching it develop over time. I already have a Silvia Pro X… but I bought the Opus 2 to replace the DF64 gen 2 I hated so much. Digging the Opus 2!
Like tasting notes finally come through 2026-06-29
I just upgraded from Baratza Encore to Fellow Opus 2. Opus 2 is a significant step up in every way, including the quality of the coffee produced from the grinds. For the first time in my life, I’m tasting the notes that roasters provide with their coffees. Definitely worth $200, although ship times are longer for the base model. I bought $250 model with metal adjustment knob and wood lid so it would arrive sooner.
Like noticeably more clarity in pour-over after upgrading 2026-06-29
Looking to upgrade from Philips 4300 to Profitec GO, but need grinder advice [$550] Hi all, Recently upgraded my pourover setup to Fellow Opus 2 and Stagg XF, which significantly increased clarity. Looking to do something similar with my espresso setup. The Philips is fine, but I want something great, not just fine. Seems like the Profitec Go is a definite step up and suits my tastes better as I mostly drink espresso, not Americanos or milk drinks these days. I'm looking for advice on what grinder to pair with t
Like outstanding grind quality and fast grinding 2026-06-27
I recommend the Fellow Opus Gen 2 for $199. It has outstanding grind quality and grinds very quickly—which is great for the times you are in a rush and are making batch brew with your Ninja. It can handle all brew methods as well.
Like noticeably better brew quality 2026-06-27
Hold Fast Coffee's Decaf Mexico Using Stagg XF 2nd pourover of this coffee with Fellow Opus 2 set to 4.15. Brew time was about where I want it (between 4 and 4:30). Should dial grind back up to 4.25 (or even higher) though, I think, as I'm going for more clarity of flavors vs heartier brew for now. Also maybe a touch of sourness, which bolsters the hypothesis of too fine a grind. Anyhow, this is pretty good coffee. Definitely going into my queue rotation on Bottomless. Also really liking my Fellow Opus 2 grinder
Like gen 2 cuts retention and performs well for the money 2026-06-27
the second generation opus just released and is a huge improvement over gen 1, minimal retention, strong performance for the money. with your budget I'd probably go with a timemore sculptor 064s though.
Con Retention, a Gen 1 hopper part and bitter cups: the critical reports
The five critical rows are single reports and mostly concern the original Opus: one Gen 1 owner's espresso retention, a commenter naming retention as the used Gen 1's downside, and a Gen 1 hopper tab out of production. The 2-3g retention figure and the bitter-cup report do not name a generation.
Complaint Hopper safety tab snaps and the part is discontinued Fellow Opus (first generation) 2026-09-10
Fellow opus gen1 hopper Sadly, the hopper tab on my Fellow Opus that engages the safety feature broke, and now I cannot normally use the grinder. I have been searching for a replacement in Europe and only found one in the UK for over 30€, which I do not think is worth it because a used Fellow Opus costs about 50€. Sadly, Fellow support told me that the part is no longer in production and my grinder is only a few months out of warranty, so should I just throw the grinder in the trash bin after only two years, or ar
Complaint Retains 2-3g of coffee on every single grind Generation unconfirmed 2026-09-04
Fellow Opus retention is driving me crazy - Starseeker E55 Pro? [€200] Hi [r/espresso](https://www.reddit.com/r/espresso/), I have a Rancilio Silvia V2 that just works wonders, paired with a Fellow Opus that seems to retain coffee like there's absolutely no tomorrow I weigh my beans before and after grinding, and the Opus consistently retains 2-3g almost every single time. While being incredibly annoying it also just slows my flow down I'm honestly getting pretty fed up with having to open up the grinder and ma
Complaint Heavy grind retention Fellow Opus (first generation) 2026-08-29
Great news. The bottom has just fallen out on the Fellow Opus 1 market, pick one up on FB Marketplace for <$100. It’s only downside is massive retention, but if you’re not weighing your beans (and we shouldn’t be anyway) that’s not an issue for moka pot brewing.
Complaint Retention makes espresso shots inconsistent Generation unconfirmed 2026-08-29
Upgrade from opus to opus 2 for $50 or just move to another grinder altogether? I bought the original opus right when they first came out and bought a protection plan at the time for it. I've had significant retention issues especially when grinding for espresso that makes it difficult to pull a consistent shot. It hasn't been an issue in a major way when grading for my Aiden which is what it's primary use is for. The company I got the unit from is offering to either straight replace the opus for another origina
Complaint Bitter cups after switching from a hand grinder Generation not stated 2026-08-25
Help with the daily grind Trying to match my KINGrinder P0 French press results with a Fellow Opus - everything tastes bitter I feel like I accidentally stumbled into making great coffee, upgraded my grinder, and now can't figure out how to get it back. I bought a KINGrinder P0 and a Stanley French press and was having a blissful time making coffee without paying much attention to proper "recipes." I just experimented until I found something my wife and I really enjoyed. Eventually my wife suggested that maybe
View all retained evidence snippets (17)
Complaint Hopper safety tab snaps and the part is discontinued Fellow Opus (first generation) 2026-09-10
Fellow opus gen1 hopper Sadly, the hopper tab on my Fellow Opus that engages the safety feature broke, and now I cannot normally use the grinder. I have been searching for a replacement in Europe and only found one in the UK for over 30€, which I do not think is worth it because a used Fellow Opus costs about 50€. Sadly, Fellow support told me that the part is no longer in production and my grinder is only a few months out of warranty, so should I just throw the grinder in the trash bin after only two years, or ar
Like opus 2 grinds fine enough for espresso 2026-09-08
Starter build with some upgrades Started with an eureka Mignon and it fizzed out on me. Fellow opus 2 has been going good for about a month. Just sharing the build here. Makes fantastic espresso! Need to get a PID the my Gaggia but for now I'm content with this. eureka mignon opus 2 gaggia starter build with some upgrades
Like gen 1 is capable enough stock without burr upgrades Fellow Opus (first generation) 2026-09-04
New (to me) Gaggia Brevetti "Space Shuttle" Very excited to have snagged this Brevetti off FB marketplace. Seems to be in good shape (opened it up and internals look clean) and the retro aesthetic is awesome. Paired with the Opus Gen 1 I got off FB, it seems plenty capable stock, but now I'm ready to start modding. I'm already installing the grounding mod to go from 2 pin to 3. Still researching PID kits and looking for rec's from any Brevetti/pre-2015 Classic owners that are pretty straightforward and not too ex
Complaint Retains 2-3g of coffee on every single grind Generation unconfirmed 2026-09-04
Fellow Opus retention is driving me crazy - Starseeker E55 Pro? [€200] Hi [r/espresso](https://www.reddit.com/r/espresso/), I have a Rancilio Silvia V2 that just works wonders, paired with a Fellow Opus that seems to retain coffee like there's absolutely no tomorrow I weigh my beans before and after grinding, and the Opus consistently retains 2-3g almost every single time. While being incredibly annoying it also just slows my flow down I'm honestly getting pretty fed up with having to open up the grinder and ma
Like cleanest workflow with no mess once dialled in 2026-09-04
I can say this: 1. VS3: I had it, the grind size kept changing during grinds and although their support was helpful I would never buy from them directly again, always from a local dealer. The problem kept reappearing and the magnet on the dosing cup went missing, so I sold the da mn 1. thing. I also found it too slow and the sound not very pleasant. 1. Opus 2: From the start not grinding fine enough but after adjusting it's working without a problem. It's never a mess with the Opus, cleanest workflow I had s
Like near-zero retention and no mess 2026-09-04
Fellow Drop First Time Experience is a Big meh for Opus 2 Owners I've had the Aiden for about five months and got the Opus 2 grinder about a month and a half ago. I really love both products. I returned a Baratza ESP Pro after trying the Opus 2 with no regrets, mostly because of the Opus 2's near-zero retention and no mess for a grinder with comparable if not better grind quality than the Baratza. Anyway, after several emails soliciting it and a $10 discount, I thought I'd give Fellow Drops a
Like quieter and better grinding than a baratza sette 270 wi 2026-08-31
Opus 2: first use (great) The hype is real. Punches above its weight for sure. Better (and quieter) than the Baratza 270 WI. Not as good as the Mahlkonig e65S at work but what do you expect? Anybody out there thinking about the $200 opus 2, GET IT. Breville Dual Boiler with slayer mod + the upgraded shower screen. opus 2 baratza 270 wi baratza 270 wi mahlkonig e65s
Like a clear step up from a hand grinder 2026-08-31
New grinder and a question Hey guys , just upgraded from a hand grinder to Opus 2, was sold out at most Best Buy stores , finally found one and it's been amazing so far. Question , I can get 15g in since it's a smaller basket and 30g out in 30 seconds but it's pushing past 9 bars , is that ok or should I make changes ? Opus 2 Opus 2
Complaint Heavy grind retention Fellow Opus (first generation) 2026-08-29
Great news. The bottom has just fallen out on the Fellow Opus 1 market, pick one up on FB Marketplace for <$100. It’s only downside is massive retention, but if you’re not weighing your beans (and we shouldn’t be anyway) that’s not an issue for moka pot brewing.
Complaint Retention makes espresso shots inconsistent Generation unconfirmed 2026-08-29
Upgrade from opus to opus 2 for $50 or just move to another grinder altogether? I bought the original opus right when they first came out and bought a protection plan at the time for it. I've had significant retention issues especially when grinding for espresso that makes it difficult to pull a consistent shot. It hasn't been an issue in a major way when grading for my Aiden which is what it's primary use is for. The company I got the unit from is offering to either straight replace the opus for another origina
Complaint Bitter cups after switching from a hand grinder Generation not stated 2026-08-25
Help with the daily grind Trying to match my KINGrinder P0 French press results with a Fellow Opus - everything tastes bitter I feel like I accidentally stumbled into making great coffee, upgraded my grinder, and now can't figure out how to get it back. I bought a KINGrinder P0 and a Stanley French press and was having a blissful time making coffee without paying much attention to proper "recipes." I just experimented until I found something my wife and I really enjoyed. Eventually my wife suggested that maybe
Like a welcome replacement for the df64 gen 2 2026-08-25
Great setup! The ES1 intrigues me, especially at the price. Watching it develop over time. I already have a Silvia Pro X… but I bought the Opus 2 to replace the DF64 gen 2 I hated so much. Digging the Opus 2!
Like tasting notes finally come through 2026-06-29
I just upgraded from Baratza Encore to Fellow Opus 2. Opus 2 is a significant step up in every way, including the quality of the coffee produced from the grinds. For the first time in my life, I’m tasting the notes that roasters provide with their coffees. Definitely worth $200, although ship times are longer for the base model. I bought $250 model with metal adjustment knob and wood lid so it would arrive sooner.
Like noticeably more clarity in pour-over after upgrading 2026-06-29
Looking to upgrade from Philips 4300 to Profitec GO, but need grinder advice [$550] Hi all, Recently upgraded my pourover setup to Fellow Opus 2 and Stagg XF, which significantly increased clarity. Looking to do something similar with my espresso setup. The Philips is fine, but I want something great, not just fine. Seems like the Profitec Go is a definite step up and suits my tastes better as I mostly drink espresso, not Americanos or milk drinks these days. I'm looking for advice on what grinder to pair with t
Like outstanding grind quality and fast grinding 2026-06-27
I recommend the Fellow Opus Gen 2 for $199. It has outstanding grind quality and grinds very quickly—which is great for the times you are in a rush and are making batch brew with your Ninja. It can handle all brew methods as well.
Like noticeably better brew quality 2026-06-27
Hold Fast Coffee's Decaf Mexico Using Stagg XF 2nd pourover of this coffee with Fellow Opus 2 set to 4.15. Brew time was about where I want it (between 4 and 4:30). Should dial grind back up to 4.25 (or even higher) though, I think, as I'm going for more clarity of flavors vs heartier brew for now. Also maybe a touch of sourness, which bolsters the hypothesis of too fine a grind. Anyhow, this is pretty good coffee. Definitely going into my queue rotation on Bottomless. Also really liking my Fellow Opus 2 grinder
Like gen 2 cuts retention and performs well for the money 2026-06-27
the second generation opus just released and is a huge improvement over gen 1, minimal retention, strong performance for the money. with your budget I'd probably go with a timemore sculptor 064s though.
Compare Alternatives
Products frequently compared alongside Fellow Opus:
DF64
Replaced by an Opus 2 in one setup, after its owner came to hate the DF64 Gen 2
Buying Questions About Fellow Opus
Quick answers to the main review, complaints, buyer-fit, and comparison questions shoppers ask before choosing Fellow Opus.
Is the Fellow Opus 2 worth $200?
The evidence leans yes. Upgrades from an Encore, a hand grinder and a Sette 270 Wi all describe a step up, and the Encore upgrade was called definitely worth $200 and a significant step up in every way. The one practical caveat reported is a unit that did not grind fine enough at first, which adjusting fixed.
Does the Fellow Opus 2 fix the retention problem of the original?
The evidence points that way without proving it. The second generation is called a huge improvement over Gen 1 with minimal retention, and near-zero retention was the main reason one buyer returned a Baratza ESP Pro for the Opus 2. No retention complaint here concerns the Opus 2, but nobody measured both generations side by side.
Can the Fellow Opus 2 grind fine enough for espresso?
Yes, with some setup. It makes fantastic espresso in a month-old setup, and a 15g-in, 30g-out shot in 30 seconds pushed pressure past 9 bars - a sign of fine enough grinding rather than a settled recipe. One unit did not grind fine enough from the start, and adjusting it fixed that; that is one experience rather than something every buyer should plan for.
Is the Fellow Opus 2 better than the Baratza Encore?
Moving from a Baratza Encore to the Opus 2 was a significant step up in every way, including the quality of the coffee. That is a single comparison, so it is a data point rather than a verdict on the two grinders.
Should I buy the original Fellow Opus second-hand?
It can be a bargain with two caveats. Used Gen 1 units can be found for under $100, and a used one can be capable enough stock. But retention can make espresso shots hard to repeat, and a Gen 1 hopper safety tab broke after about two years with the part no longer in production. It suits moka pot or batch brewing by scoop better than weighed espresso doses.
How much coffee does the Fellow Opus retain?
The only figure is 2-3g held back almost every time, measured by weighing beans before and after, from an owner who does not say which generation they have. Retention on the original Opus is raised without a figure, while Opus 2 reports describe near-zero or minimal retention.
How We Analyze Buyer Feedback
These insights come from public owner discussions, grouped into recurring praise, complaints, and buying patterns to make the page easier to scan. Every quote links to the thread it came from.
Evidence snippets are selected from public discussions and grouped into themes. Counts represent how often a theme appears in the available evidence, not a survey or rating.