During the grind, Ode comes out on top in terms of speed finishing nearly twice as fast as the Opus in my tests, while the Opus takes the gold in terms of noise output; but let me be clear in saying these are both magnificently silent machines. I’d used a $60 Cuisinart grinder for the better half of a year and each time I would kick the thing on I’d have to either plug my ears or run for cover because the noise was worse than a blaring train horn first thing in the morning. Both the Ode and the Opus make grinding coffee at any time of day a far more enjoyable experience from the sound level alone, and I’d say without a doubt the noise levels these machines have are worth the price. I might be a bit picky in this field, but it’s just such a big change of pace for the daily routine and I really can’t say enough good about it.
Another nice feature I like about the Ode over the Opus is an auto-stop feature that comes in the form of a subtle alarm that lets you know the grinding is done and cleared out, whereas the Opus only grinds in 30-second increments or until you press the power button once again when you hear the burrs clear. It’s not a make-it-or-break-it feature by any means, but it is nice and really adds a level of sophistication and class to the Ode–matched by the angular aesthetic and much heavier steel body of the Ode over the Opus makes it, in my opinion, a more visually stimulating piece of kitchen decor. It’s worth noting that a few times I noticed a bit of a jump when the Ode started up, not so much to make it move around the countertop at all but noticeable when you’re looking at it. The Opus stands tall and proud without a single shake in its boots during the entire grind time.
Let’s play Catch
The catch of both products feels solid and well put together, and both have their merits. The Ode’s is a touch smaller, has a rubber lid, and a heftier feel to it. The magnet towards the bottom of the cup is surprisingly strong, making the “lock-in” on the Ode’s plate feels very solid, but it will absolutely hold on to a metal spoon if you’re trying to scoop grounds out from the bottom. Use caution here, or measure first and grind second to avoid the situation entirely. There are two metal guides in the Ode’s catch that are intended to help funnel grounds, but it seems like they really hinder the process more than help it, with grounds often getting caught up on the underside of the wings. It sure looks cool, but functionality is lacking.