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A fellow conical burr grinder can make a real difference in cup quality, but the Fellow lineup and the wider conical burr market include machines built for very different brewers. Some are aimed at espresso, some at drip and French press, and some are simple, compact grinders for people who want consistent results without much fuss. This guide compares seven products from the list we selected, using published specifications, brand reputation and common owner feedback as our criteria. We did not run lab tests on these machines, so the notes below reflect what manufacturers specify and what owners tend to report.
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Fellow Opus 2 Conical Burr Grinder | Home users who want espresso through cold brew on one machine | 48 mm burrs with stepless adjustment |
| Fellow Opus Conical Burr Coffee Grinder | Brewers who want many settings in a matte finish | 41 grind settings and 40 mm steel burrs |
| OXO Brew Conical Burr Electric Coffee Bean Grinder | Drip and French press drinkers who want one-touch operation | 43 grind settings and a 12 oz bean hopper |
| Fellow Ode Gen 2 64mm Flat Burr Coffee Grinder | Single-dose pour-over fans (note: flat burr, not conical) | Quiet operation and 31 grind settings |
| Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder ZCG485BLK | Beginners who want a dependable, budget-friendly conical grinder | 40 mm conical steel burrs and a straightforward dial |
| OXO Brew Compact Conical Burr Electric Coffee Bean Grinder | Small kitchens and brewers making one to four cups at a time | 50 g capacity in a compact footprint |
| Ollygrin Burr Coffee Grinder | Shoppers who want many settings for a modest setup | 30 adjustable grind settings for 2 to 12 cups |
Fellow Opus 2 Conical Burr Grinder
Fellow Opus 2 Conical Burr Grinder – Electric Coffee Grinder for Home Use, 48 mm Burrs, Stepless Grind Adjustment, Espresso to Cold Brew Range, Anti-Static, Auto Stop, Black
This is the most versatile option on the list for home users who want to move between espresso, pour-over, French press and cold brew without switching machines. It suits brewers who value fine adjustment and are willing to spend time dialing in their grind.
Key specs
- 48 mm conical burrs
- Stepless grind adjustment
- Espresso to cold brew range
- Anti-static design and auto stop
- Black finish
Pros
- Stepless adjustment allows very fine tuning between settings.
- Covers a wide range of brew methods in one unit.
- Anti-static design helps reduce grounds clinging to the chute and catch container.
Cons
- Dialing in stepless settings takes patience, especially for beginners.
- Owners sometimes report that fine espresso grinds require several test shots to dial in.
Fellow Opus Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Fellow Opus Conical Burr Coffee Grinder, 41 Settings, Anti-Static, Black | Electric Espresso Grinder for Home Use, 40mm Stainless Steel Burrs, for Pour-Over, French Press, Drip & Cold Brew, Matte
This model is a good match for brewers who want a wide range of discrete settings and a matte black look for the counter. It works well for pour-over, drip, French press and cold brew, and it is a reasonable entry into espresso-range grinding.
Key specs
- 40 mm stainless steel conical burrs
- 41 grind settings
- Anti-static design
- Matte black finish
Pros
- 41 discrete settings make it easy to record and repeat a grind size.
- Stainless steel burrs are a common choice for consistent particle distribution.
- The matte finish is less prone to showing fingerprints than glossy surfaces.
Cons
- Owners sometimes mention that very fine espresso grinds take more adjustment than with stepless models.
- Retention (grounds left inside the grinder) can be noticeable when switching between beans.
OXO Brew Conical Burr Electric Coffee Bean Grinder
OXO Brew Conical Burr Electric Coffee Bean Grinder – 12 Oz, Silver | Stainless Steel Burrs, One-Touch Automatic, 43 Grind Settings For Drip Coffee, French Press, Cold Brew
This grinder is aimed at drip and French press drinkers who want simple, one-touch operation and a larger bean hopper. It is less suited to fine espresso, but it covers the coarser methods well.
Key specs
- Stainless steel conical burrs
- 43 grind settings
- 12 oz bean hopper
- One-touch automatic operation
Pros
- One-touch operation keeps the process quick on busy mornings.
- The 12 oz hopper holds enough beans for several days of brewing for one or two people.
- Many grind settings give room to fine-tune drip and French press grinds.
Cons
- Not designed for espresso-fine grinds.
- Its footprint is larger than compact models, which may matter in small kitchens.
Fellow Ode Gen 2 64mm Flat Burr Coffee Grinder
Fellow Ode Gen 2 64mm Flat Burr Coffee Grinder Electric, Single Dose | Quiet, Anti-Static Coffee Bean Grinder, 31 Grind Settings, Stainless Steel, for Pour Over & French Press, Home Use
This model uses flat burrs rather than conical burrs, so it is included here as a close alternative for brewers who like the Fellow brand but want a single-dose, pour-over-focused approach. If you specifically need conical burrs, consider the other picks above.
Key specs
- 64 mm flat burrs
- 31 grind settings
- Single-dose design
- Stainless steel construction, quiet operation and anti-static design
Pros
- Single-dose design reduces stale grounds left in the chamber between brews.
- Quiet operation is a practical advantage in shared spaces.
- Flat burrs are commonly favored by pour-over enthusiasts for clarity in filter coffee.
Cons
- It is a flat burr grinder, so it will not match the conical-burr design some shoppers are looking for.
- Single-dose workflow is less convenient if you grind for several cups at once.
Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder ZCG485BLK
Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder ZCG485BLK, Black | Beginner-friendly grinder with powerful motor and 40mm conical steel burrs for consistent, brew-ready performance
The Encore is a well-known entry point for home brewers who want a dependable conical grinder without a complicated interface. It suits beginners and people who mainly brew drip, pour-over or French press.
Key specs
- 40 mm conical steel burrs
- Stepped adjustment dial
- Black finish
Pros
- Simple dial adjustment is easy to learn and repeat.
- Owners frequently cite it as a reliable first conical grinder.
- Its straightforward design makes routine cleaning manageable.
Cons
- Stepped settings offer less fine control than stepless grinders.
- Not the best choice for dedicated espresso work.
OXO Brew Compact Conical Burr Electric Coffee Bean Grinder
OXO Brew Compact Conical Burr Electric Coffee Bean Grinder – 50g Capacity | Countertop Coffee Grinder, Consistent Grind Size, Multiple Settings, Home Brew, Stainless Steel
This is a smaller counterpart to the full-size OXO Brew grinder, best for small kitchens, apartments, or brewers making one to four cups at a time. Its compact body and 50 g capacity keep it practical for everyday use.
Key specs
- 50 g bean capacity
- Stainless steel conical burrs
- Multiple grind settings
- Compact countertop footprint
Pros
- Small footprint suits limited counter space.
- Consistent grind size for single servings is a common owner observation.
- Simple controls keep it approachable.
Cons
- The 50 g hopper requires frequent refilling for larger batches.
- Less suitable for brewing many cups at once.
Ollygrin Burr Coffee Grinder
Ollygrin Burr Coffee Grinder, Electric Conical Coffee Bean Grinder With 30 Adjustable Grind Settings For 2-12 Cups, Sliver & Black
This budget-oriented conical grinder offers many adjustable settings and portion options for two to twelve cups. It fits shoppers who want flexibility on a modest budget and are comfortable with less-established brands.
Key specs
- Electric conical burr design
- 30 adjustable grind settings
- Portion settings for 2 to 12 cups
- Available in silver and black
Pros
- Portion settings make batch sizing easier for different households.
- 30 settings provide good range for drip and French press.
- Budget-friendly entry point for conical burr grinding.
Cons
- Owners sometimes report less consistency at the finest settings than with premium models.
- Brand track record is less extensive than the more established names on this list.
Buying Guide
Choosing a conical burr grinder comes down to a handful of practical questions: what brew methods you use, how much counter space you have, how fine you need to grind, and how much fiddling you are willing to do. The sections below explain how to weigh those factors.
Selection Criteria
Start with the brew method. Espresso requires very fine, uniform particles, which generally means a grinder with fine, stepless or closely spaced adjustment. Pour-over, drip and French press need less precision, so a grinder with 30 to 40 settings is usually plenty. Cold brew uses coarse grounds and is forgiving on the grinder.
Important Features
- Burr size: Larger conical burrs (around 40 mm and up) are commonly associated with more even grinding and lower heat build-up, according to many manufacturer specifications.
- Adjustment type: Stepless adjustment gives finer control; stepped dials are simpler and more repeatable for beginners.
- Anti-static design: Helps reduce grounds sticking to the chute and surrounding surfaces.
- Retention: Grounds left inside the grinder affect the flavor of your next dose. Single-dose designs minimize this.
- Hopper and catch capacity: Match these to how much coffee you brew at once.
Specs to Check
Look for burr diameter and material, number and type of grind settings, bean hopper capacity, and whether the adjustment is stepped or stepless. Check the stated grind range against the brew methods you care about. If a spec is not listed by the manufacturer, treat it as unknown rather than assuming a value.
Choosing by Need
- Espresso and fine grinding: Stepless conical models with precise adjustment, such as the Fellow Opus 2.
- Everyday drip and French press: Models with many settings and one-touch operation, such as the OXO Brew Conical Burr grinder.
- Small kitchens: Compact models with smaller hoppers, such as the OXO Brew Compact.
- Beginners on a budget: Simple dial grinders like the Baratza Encore.
- Single-dose pour-over: A single-dose grinder can suit this workflow, though note that the Fellow Ode Gen 2 uses flat burrs rather than conical.
Things to Watch Out For
- Do not assume a high settings count means finer grinding. Check the actual grind range.
- Expect some retention in any grinder. Purging a small amount of beans between varieties helps.
- Clean burrs and the chute regularly. Oil and fines build up over time. For guidance on wear, see our article on When to Replace Coffee Grinder Burrs.
- Read owner feedback for patterns, not isolated complaints.
For a deeper look at how flat and conical burrs differ, see Flat vs Conical Burr Grinders: What Actually Differs and Burr Coffee Grinders: Flat vs Conical Burrs, Consistency and Retention.
FAQ
Is a conical burr grinder better than a flat burr grinder?
Neither is universally better. Conical burrs are widely used in home grinders and are often praised for even particle distribution and lower heat. Flat burrs are favored by some pour-over enthusiasts for clarity. The right choice depends on your brew method and taste preferences.
How fine can a fellow conical burr grinder go for espresso?
Fine espresso grinding depends on the specific model. Stepless models like the Fellow Opus 2 offer the most room to dial in espresso-range grounds, while stepped models may have fewer fine options. Check the manufacturer’s stated grind range for the exact model you are considering.
How often should I clean a conical burr grinder?
Many manufacturers recommend brushing out grounds after each use and doing a deeper clean periodically, following the instructions in the product manual. Never use water on the burr chamber unless the manual specifically allows it.
Do I need a grinder with stepless adjustment?
Stepless adjustment is helpful if you brew espresso or want to fine-tune a grind precisely. For drip, French press and cold brew, a stepped grinder with a good range of settings is usually sufficient.
What is grind retention and why does it matter?
Retention is the amount of ground coffee left inside the grinder after grinding. Retained grounds can mix with fresh grounds and affect flavor, especially when switching beans. Single-dose designs and purging the grinder between batches can reduce this.
Can a conical burr grinder handle oily dark-roast beans?
Most conical grinders can handle dark roasts, but oily beans can clog the chute and leave residue on burrs more quickly. Clean the grinder more often when using very oily beans, and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidance.
When should I replace the burrs?
Burr replacement depends on usage, bean type and maintenance. Signs of wear include inconsistent grind size and increased fines. Our guide on When to Replace Coffee Grinder Burrs covers this in more detail. If you have health or equipment concerns, consult the manufacturer or a qualified service technician.
Which fellow conical burr grinder should a beginner choose?
A beginner who mainly brews drip or French press will often find a simpler, stepped conical grinder easier to use. The Baratza Encore and OXO Brew options on this list are reasonable starting points. Those who plan to grow into espresso may prefer a stepless model such as the Fellow Opus 2.
Conclusion
Among these seven options, the Fellow Opus 2 is the most flexible for home brewers who want espresso through cold brew in one machine. The Fellow Opus Conical Burr grinder suits those who value discrete settings and a matte finish. The OXO Brew Conical Burr is a good match for drip and French press drinkers who want one-touch simplicity, while the OXO Brew Compact fits small kitchens. The Baratza Encore is a sensible first conical grinder for beginners, and the Ollygrin offers a budget-oriented option with many settings. The Fellow Ode Gen 2 is a flat burr model and is best considered by pour-over fans who prefer single-dose workflow. Match the grinder to your brew methods, counter space and grind precision needs, and check current specifications on the product listings before buying.
