Comparing the Best: Fellow Ode vs Varia VS3 Espresso Grinder Review

Introduction to the Grinders

The Fellow Ode and Varia VS3 are two popular espresso grinders on the market, known for their high-quality performance and sleek designs. Both grinders cater to different coffee brewing needs, making them versatile options for coffee enthusiasts. In this review, we’ll compare the key features and differences between these two grinders to help you decide which one is best for your coffee routine. Selecting the right coffee grinder is crucial for enhancing the coffee-making experience and achieving the best flavor results. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, this review will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

Fellow Ode

The Fellow Ode boasts a sleek, modern design that fits seamlessly into any kitchen. Its minimalist aesthetic, characterized by clean lines and a matte finish, appeals to those who value both form and function. Built with high-quality materials, the Ode is robust and durable, promising long-term reliability. The grinder’s compact size makes it a great choice for small spaces, and its sturdy construction ensures stability during operation.

Varia VS3

The Varia VS3 features a similarly modern and elegant design, with a focus on functionality. Its compact and lightweight build makes it easy to move and store, while the use of premium materials ensures durability. The VS3’s design is user-friendly, with intuitive controls and a clear grind size indicator, making it accessible for both beginners and seasoned baristas.

Winner: Tie. Both grinders excel in design and build quality, offering sleek aesthetics and durable construction.

Grinding Performance

Fellow Ode

The Fellow Ode is designed primarily for pour-over, drip coffee, and French press brewing. It features large flat burrs, which provide a consistent grind size essential for these methods. While it can grind for espresso, it is not optimized for this purpose, as it lacks the fine adjustments necessary for the precise grind required for espresso. The Fellow grinder is also capable of handling various brewing methods, including cold brew.

Its versatility in producing high-quality grinds for different brewing methods, including cold brew, makes it a flexible option for coffee enthusiasts. As an alternative, the Breville Smart Grinder is another excellent option for making espresso at home, known for its ability to produce fine coffee grounds suitable for espresso.

Varia VS3

The Varia VS3, on the other hand, is specifically designed for espresso. It features 38mm conical burrs that deliver a consistent and fine grind, crucial for producing top quality espresso. The stepless grind adjustment allows for precise control, enabling users to dial in the perfect grind size for their espresso machine. The importance of coated burrs in influencing the flavor profile and grinding experience cannot be overstated.

Additionally, the VS3’s low retention design ensures that coffee grounds remain fresh, enhancing the flavor and aroma of your espresso. The efficiency of the grinding coffee process is notable, taking only about 20 seconds for a specific amount. Accurate dosing is particularly important when using light roasts due to their lower density, ensuring optimal brewing results.

When compared to other grinders available in the market, the Varia VS3 stands out for its performance and precision. The overall quality of the coffee produced by the Varia VS3 contributes to a great coffee experience.

Winner: Varia VS3. Its specialized design and precise grind adjustment make it the superior choice for espresso enthusiasts.

Ease of Use

Fellow Ode

The Fellow Ode is incredibly user-friendly, with a straightforward interface and simple controls. Its large, easy-to-read grind size dial makes it accessible for users of all experience levels. The grinder also features a single-dose loading system, which ensures that each grind is fresh and reduces waste.

Varia VS3

The Varia VS3 is also designed with user convenience in mind. It features an intuitive control panel and a clear grind size indicator, making it easy to achieve the desired grind consistency. The stepless adjustment allows for fine-tuning, which can be a bit more complex for beginners but offers greater control for experienced users. Additionally, the VS3’s compact and lightweight design makes it easy to handle and store.

Winner: Fellow Ode. Its simplicity and ease of use make it a more accessible option for users of all levels.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Fellow Ode

The Fellow Ode is designed for easy cleaning and maintenance. Its grind chamber is easily accessible, allowing for quick and thorough cleaning. The flat burrs can be removed without difficulty, making it simple to keep the grinder in optimal condition.

Varia VS3

The Varia VS3 also offers easy maintenance with its removable burrs and accessible grind chamber. The low retention design minimizes the amount of leftover coffee grounds, reducing the need for frequent cleaning. The grinder’s compact size also makes it easier to handle and clean.

Winner: Tie. Both grinders are designed for easy cleaning and maintenance, ensuring long-term performance.

Burr Type and Size

Fellow Ode

The Fellow Ode features large 64mm flat burrs, which are better suited for pour-over and other brewing methods. These burrs provide a consistent grind size and reduce static, improving grind quality. The flat burrs also make the Ode versatile enough for French press brewing, making it a solid choice for various coffee preparations.

Varia VS3

The Varia VS3 is equipped with 38mm conical burrs, designed to produce a precise grind, making it ideal for espresso. Conical burrs are known for their consistency and ability to preserve the flavor notes of coffee, especially when grinding for espresso. The burrs’ design also contributes to the grinder’s low retention, ensuring that each grind is fresh and flavorful.

Winner: Varia VS3. The conical burrs offer more precision for espresso, while the flat burrs of the Fellow Ode are better for other brewing methods.

Grind Settings and Adjustments

Fellow Ode

The Fellow Ode offers 31 stepped settings, making it easier to switch between different brewing methods. This grinder provides a range of grind sizes suitable for pour-over, drip coffee, and French press. However, the stepped adjustments may limit the precision needed for perfect espresso grinding.

Varia VS3

The Varia VS3 features a stepless grind adjustment, allowing for precise grind adjustments to achieve the perfect grind size for espresso. This is crucial for achieving the perfect grind size for espresso. The ability to fine-tune the grind size gives users greater flexibility and control over their brewing process, ensuring optimal results for espresso and other fine grind requirements.

Winner: Varia VS3. The stepless adjustment offers more flexibility and precision, especially important for espresso.

Coffee Bean Handling

Fellow Ode

The Fellow Ode has a 100g capacity hopper, making it better suited for batch grinding and pour-over brewing. This larger hopper is ideal for those who grind larger quantities of coffee at once. The Ode’s design ensures that high-quality coffee beans are handled carefully to preserve their flavor and aroma.

Varia VS3

The Varia VS3 features a 30g capacity hopper, designed for single-dose grinding. This makes it ideal for espresso, as it ensures that each dose is ground fresh, maximizing the flavor and quality of the coffee. The smaller hopper size also contributes to the grinder’s compact and portable design.

Winner: Depends on your needs. The Fellow Ode is better for larger batches, while the Varia VS3 is ideal for single-dose grinding and espresso.

Performance and Capabilities

Fellow Ode

The Fellow Ode is capable of grinding for espresso, but it’s not its primary function. It excels in grinding for pour-over, drip coffee, and French press, offering precision and the ability to adjust settings for optimal results. The large flat burrs provide a consistent grind, but the lack of fine adjustments may limit its effectiveness for espresso.

Varia VS3

The Varia VS3 is designed specifically for espresso grinding, producing a precise and consistent grind. It is capable of producing a fine espresso grind through its motor and burr design. The grinder’s performance is on par with other high-end espresso grinders, making it a great choice for coffee enthusiasts who demand high-quality espresso. The VS3’s grind consistency is ideal for espresso, where a precise grind is crucial.

Winner: Varia VS3. Its specialized design and consistent performance make it the superior choice for espresso.

Price and Value

Fellow Ode

The Fellow Ode is positioned at a mid-range price point, offering excellent value for those who primarily brew pour-over, drip coffee, or French press. While it may not be ideal for espresso, its performance in other brewing methods and overall build quality make it a worthwhile investment.

Varia VS3

The Varia VS3 is slightly higher in price, reflecting its specialized design for espresso grinding. For espresso enthusiasts, the precise grind control and superior performance justify the higher cost. The grinder’s versatility and ability to deliver consistent, high-quality espresso make it a valuable addition to any home barista setup.

Winner: Varia VS3. While it is more expensive, its specialized features and superior performance for espresso grinding offer greater value for espresso enthusiasts.

Final Verdict about FELLOW ODE VS VARIA VS3

When comparing the Fellow Ode and the Varia VS3, it becomes clear that each grinder excels in different areas. The Fellow Ode is an excellent choice for those who primarily brew pour-over, drip coffee, or French press, offering simplicity, ease of use, and consistent performance. However, for espresso lovers, the Varia VS3 stands out as the superior option. Its precise grind control, specialized design, and exceptional performance make it the best choice for achieving barista-quality espresso at home.

Ultimately, the choice between the Fellow Ode and the Varia VS3 depends on your specific brewing needs and preferences. By understanding the strengths of each grinder, you can make an informed decision that will enhance your coffee experience.