The Fellow Opus and the Miicoffee DF54 are two very popular options among those looking for a quality grinder for espresso on a budget. Recently, I had the opportunity to try both models, analyze them thoroughly, and compare them. In this article, I will explain the main differences between them and which one I consider the best choice.
Design and Materials
Although both grinders have similar dimensions, the Fellow Opus is a bit larger. However, the DF54 stands out for being considerably heavier due to the quality of its materials, as its casing is made of aluminum, while the Opus uses plastic, giving it a less robust feel.
Regarding design details, the Fellow Opus has some interesting advantages. For example, its dosing cup has a magnetic attachment that is very elegant and integrates better with the overall design, in contrast to the transparent cup of the DF54, which clashes a bit. Additionally, the Opus cup is compatible with both 58 mm and 54 mm portafilters, while the DF54 is designed exclusively for 58 mm portafilters, forcing you to use a dosing funnel if you work with 54 mm portafilters.
Another point in favor of the Fellow Opus is its lid, which can be used as a container to weigh the beans before grinding them. Although it also allows you to push coffee residues, it is not as effective as the bellows of the DF54, which is specifically designed for this purpose and works much more efficiently.
On the other hand, the power button of the DF54, made of metal, conveys greater durability compared to the plastic button of the Fellow Opus, which gives a less robust impression.
Grinding Adjustment and Precision
The point where the DF54 clearly excels is in the grinding adjustment system. Its 90-level stepless dial allows for extremely precise calibration, ideal for achieving a perfect espresso.
The Fellow Opus, on the other hand, features an external ring with 41 stepped adjustments and an internal micro-adjustment that allows refining the grind. Although it performs its function well, the DF54 system is more practical and straightforward, as it does not require accessing the interior of the grinder.
Grinding Quality and Retention
Both models offer excellent grinding quality, both for espresso and other brewing methods. The differences between the conical burrs of the Fellow Opus and the flat burrs of the DF54 are subtle, with slight variations in body, aroma, and flavor.
However, in terms of coffee retention, the DF54 is noticeably superior. The Fellow Opus tends to retain up to a gram of ground coffee, a flaw I had already pointed out in previous analyses. In contrast, the DF54 has an insignificant retention, of barely 100 milligrams in some tests, and even sometimes retains nothing.
Ease of Cleaning
The Fellow Opus takes the advantage in this aspect. Its hopper can be removed with a simple twist, as can its upper burr, which greatly facilitates cleaning. Additionally, the grinding chamber is spacious, allowing for a deep clean with a brush. This design also includes a safety system that prevents the grinder from operating if it is not properly assembled.
In contrast, cleaning the DF54 is more complicated. It is necessary to unscrew the upper disc to access the burrs, and coffee residues often get stuck in the gaps of these. The grinding chamber does not have enough space for a brush, so a handheld vacuum or blower is required for a complete cleaning.
Conclusion: The Miicoffee DF54 is Better, but Don’t Dismiss the Fellow Opus So Quickly
Despite its ease of cleaning, the Fellow Opus does not surpass the Miicoffee DF54 in the most important aspects of daily use: performance and precision. The minimal coffee retention and the grinding adjustment system of the DF54 make it a more efficient and practical option. Therefore, if you are looking for a grinder for espresso, my recommendation is the Miicoffee DF54.
However, finding it in stock can be a challenge due to its popularity. My advice is to monitor its availability on Amazon or consider importing it from the official Miicoffee website, taking into account possible customs costs. If you prefer a more advanced alternative, you can opt for the superior model, the DF64, which features 64 mm burrs and a higher price.
On the other hand, if you decide to stick with the Fellow Opus, it is still an excellent option. Although it has some flaws, such as retention, you can mitigate this issue with the RDT technique, still obtaining high-quality coffee.
