Barista Reacts: Fellow Espresso Series 1
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Introduction to the Fellow Espresso Series 1
Fellow has recently unveiled their Espresso Series 1, a machine designed to bring commercial-quality espresso into home kitchens in a user-friendly package. As an espresso enthusiast, I'm genuinely excited about this release and believe it could significantly impact the home espresso market, though there are some considerations worth noting.
Competitive Pricing in the Premium Espresso Market
One of the first things that stands out about the Espresso Series 1 is its price point:
Pre-order price: $1,200
Full retail price: $1,500
Compared to competitors, Fellow promises to deliver superior performance at a more accessible price point with better design aesthetics.
Key Features and Technical Specifications
The Innovative "Boosted Boiler" System
The machine's centerpiece is the three-stage "Boosted Boiler" that offers:
Impressive 2-minute heat-up time
Thermoblock preheating system that feeds already hot water into the boiler
Heated grouphead for optimal thermal stability
225ml (8 oz) boiler capacity
While the rapid heat-up time is impressive, the relatively small boiler size might limit back-to-back drink preparation, especially when steaming milk or using the hot water spout for Americanos.
Water System
2-liter water tank (standard for home machines)
No direct plumbing option currently available
BTW, if you are considering buying this machine, you should get a filtered water pitcher. I use this one:
Brewing Capabilities
Fully customizable pressure profiling - water temp, pre-infusion, pressure
Profile saving functionality for consistency - a very nice feature
Preset espresso profiles for different roast levels - though I believe this has limited use due to coffee variance beyond roast level
Steam Wand
The steam wand has a thermocouple which allows you to track temp in real-time and even has an auto-shutoff feature
There is also an auto-purge functionality, which is great
Dual User Interface
The machine features two control systems:
Three simple keys for brew, steam, and hot water functions
Fellow's signature circular screen to control programmable options
Companion App
Fellow offers an app for programming the machine, though I remain cautiously optimistic about app-based controls when a well-designed physical interface often provides a more reliable experience.
Smart Features
Shot feedback and brewing recommendations - beyond adjusting grind setting which is what the website showed as an example, I’m not sure what this will suggest
Build Quality and Design
The Espresso Series 1 showcases:
One-piece metal outer shell with distinctive aesthetics
Some plastic components in key areas
PFAS and BPA-free specialty plastics for the steam tip and dispersion block
The machine's design is arguably one of the most attractive on the market, setting a new standard for home espresso machine aesthetics. The plastic will raise eyebrows but it wouldn’t stop me from trying it out.
Included Accessories
Fellow includes several quality accessories with the Espresso Series 1:
Professional-grade milk pitcher
Bottomless portafilter - with a plastic spouted portafilter option (not my favorite but not a dealbreaker)
18g baskets - the ideal size fore home espresso
Quality tamper - though not spring-loaded or self-leveling, which I believe are superior
Final Thoughts: The "Civic SI" of Espresso Machines
What Fellow has created isn't meant to be a luxury item but rather a high-performance, accessible option that makes excellent espresso possible for more home baristas. The Espresso Series 1 strikes a balance between quality and cost-effectiveness, focusing on delivering great espresso while finding reasonable places to economize.
Would I recommend purchasing it? Without hesitation, yes.
What are your thoughts on the Fellow Espresso Series 1? Are there specific features that excite you, or do you have concerns about the plastic components? I'm eager to hear your perspectives in the comments below!
