Is the Fellow Espresso Series 1 Espresso Machine Worth $1,500 (21 Things You Should Know)
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Introduction
Despite what some commenters said on my reaction video, I'm still convinced that the Fellow Espresso Series 1 is going to be an awesome espresso machine, especially considering its price point. With so much buzz and information surrounding this machine, I wanted to create a comprehensive breakdown of everything you need to know about it.
So here it is: 21 essential things you need to know about the Fellow Espresso Series 1. (See the video at the end!)
The 21 Things You Need to Know
1. US-First Release
Currently, this is a US-only espresso machine. Fellow has promised an international rollout, but with the American release scheduled for 2025, international customers will likely need to wait until mid-2026.
2. Countertop-Friendly Dimensions
The Espresso Series 1 measures 17.3 inches deep, 12.4 inches wide, and 11 inches tall. It's designed to fit on any countertop or underneath cabinets. The machine weighs 21 pounds dry, and when filled with water (two liters plus brew boiler water), you're looking at approximately 26 pounds total.
3. Designed for Growth
According to Fellow VP of Research and Development Nick Terzulli, (https://www.instagram.com/nicholasnumbers) they designed the Espresso Series 1 to be accessible for beginners while allowing them to grow and develop their skills over time with the machine's features.
4. User-Friendly Presets
The machine will come with preset espresso profiles right out of the box and will provide on-screen prompts to make brewing espresso very straightforward for beginners.
5. Highly Customizable
For experienced baristas, there are numerous customizable parameters including temperature, pre-infusion, pressure profiling, flow profiling, and more. This allows you to mimic almost any espresso machine on the market and get the most out of any type of coffee bean.
6. Innovative Boiler System
Fellow has created what they call a "Boosted Boiler System" – a three-part boiler that helps the machine heat up in just two minutes and achieve optimal temperature stability. A pre-heater pushes hot water into the boiler so it's already hot and can quickly reach temperature. The boiler itself is 8oz. The boiler then pushes water into the group head, which has an independent heater for thermal stability during brewing.
7. Commercial-Grade Group Head
The group head is a commercial-size 58mm with a brass core. The Espresso Series 1 comes with a bottomless portafilter and includes a shot splitter attachment made of plastic or silicone.
8. Smart Steam Wand with Auto Purge
The steam wand features a temperature probe that suggests certain temperatures for different milk drinks. It tracks temperature as you steam and automatically shuts off when you've reached the target temperature. When you move the steam wand back to its home position, it will auto-purge.
9. Sequential Operation
While you can't pull a shot and steam milk simultaneously, you can steam immediately after brewing espresso with no wait time. However, after steaming, you'll need to wait about 20 seconds before brewing another espresso to allow the boiler to return to temperature.
10. Low Maintenance Design
Fellow has designed this machine to be extremely low maintenance. It tells you when to descale, doesn't require steam wand rebuilding, and features easy water drainage directly from the solenoid block.
11. Quality Construction Materials
The Espresso Series 1 is constructed from brass, silicone, stainless steel, and high-grade food-quality plastic. The plastic component has been somewhat controversial in the comments on my reaction video.
12. External Grinder Required
This espresso machine does not come with an integrated grinder. You'll need a dedicated espresso grinder like the Fellow Opus (which was used in Fellow's demo videos) or any other quality espresso grinder. Read my review of the Opus here: https://www.robscoffeeguide.com/articles/fellow-opus-coffee-grinder-review
13. Built-in Storage
There's storage space for cups on top of the machine, and underneath that pad is an additional storage compartment for tools and cleaning materials.
14. Competitive Price Point
The Espresso Series 1 is priced at $1,500. There is a pre-order going if you want to jump on that. It’s $1,199
15. Warranty Coverage
It comes with a two-year standard warranty.
16. Companion App
There will be a companion smartphone app for Apple and Android designed to make changing settings and espresso customization very easy.
17. Water Capacity
The water reservoir holds two liters. There is currently no plumb-in option available.
18. Comprehensive Accessory Kit
The machine comes with a milk steaming pitcher, a tamper, two 18-gram portafilter baskets, descaler, backflush tablets, and a backflush disk for your portafilter.
19. Hidden Hot Water Spout
There's a hidden water spout behind the group head for preparing Americanos or hot tea.
20. Color Options
The Espresso Series 1 comes in three colorways: Cherry Red, Malted Chocolate, and Black.
21. Customizable Accents
For Cherry Red, you can get a walnut handle on your portafilter and tamper. For Malted Chocolate, you can get a maple handle on your portafilter and tamper.
My Thoughts
I'm genuinely excited about the Fellow Espresso Series 1. It seems like Fellow has really thought through the user experience and aimed to create a machine that can grow with you as your skills develop. The quick heat-up time, thermal stability, and smart features like the temperature-sensing steam wand set it apart from other machines in this price range.
The $1,500 price point positions it as a serious contender in the prosumer espresso machine market, offering features that are often found in much more expensive models.
Recommended Complementary Products
If you're considering the Fellow Espresso Series 1, here are some products I recommend pairing with it:
Fellow Espresso Series 1 - Pre-order now to be among the first to experience this innovative machine.
Normcore Self-Leveling, Spring-Loaded Tamper - Ensure consistent tamping pressure for more repeatable espresso shots.
notNeutral Latte Mugs - Perfect vessels for showcasing your latte art.
