Longtime coffee fans will likely recognize the Fellow name - but you might be surprised to see it attached to a full-on espresso machine. Your eyes don't deceive you! Fellow has released a feature complete semi-automatic espresso machine. Let's take a look at it!
Design
The Fellow Series 1 features a low profile design and a lot of thoughtful bits and pieces that make it easy to accommodate on your countertop. The water tank does lift out of the top of the machine, but thanks to its shorter height it's not too hard to access even if under a cupboards. The Series 1 also provides some smart design choices like storage for the backflushing disc and steam wand cleaning tool under the rubber mat on top of the machine.
The controls for this machine are quite satisfying, with Fellow's signature clicky wheel used to navigate the simple, yet robust menus that are on the circular screen. Piano buttons above the screen round out the control options here, and all of it is easy to wrap your head around. Visually, this machine combines Fellow's tried and true warm-modern design cues with some classic espresso elements.
Performance
The heart of the Series 1 is Fellow's "boosted boiler" technology, which combines a small boiler with a thermoblock to get water up to temp in minutes. Water is then fed through a heated group to ensure consistent brewing temperatures throughout the system. The result is impressive performance and heatup times at this price point. Steam power is excellent as well, and the smart milk steaming system helps you build fantastic microfoam with alternative and dairy milks.
You can also adjust flow rate and preinfusion digitally, along with temperatures, for a truly deep brewing experience that can be tweaked much more than we typically see in this price range. These settings can be saved to profiles to easily recall them and make brewing a bit more streamlined.
Usability
One of the most impressive things about the Series 1 is the way it grows with the user. With such advanced programming you might think that this machine is only for experts, but that's definitely not the case. Pre-programmed pressure profiles will give you a feel for what's possible with this machine, and the guided walkthroughs that it offers for brewing really demystify the process.
As you gain more confidence you can turn this guided brewing feature off and work at your own pace. When you combine this guided approach, things like the smart steaming that the machine offers, and the price, this is a unicorn of an espresso machine that really is a great option for serious espresso fans and newcomers.
Is It Perfect?
You might read all this and think it's the perfect espresso machine, but there are some caveats. For one, this machine is not built to brew and steam simultaneously, or brew lots of drinks in a row. It's really designed for a couple of lattes with time between shots and steaming. If you want true prosumer performance you'll have to look at higher end options. This machine does also have a lot of plastic in its casing. This isn't an issue and is a good way to lower costs, but if you want that mostly metal construction of an Italian machine this isn't the place to find it.
Ultimately we're really impressed with Fellow's first espresso machine. It's approachable, relatively affordable (compared to similarly featured and performative machines), and has rich customization options. This is an excellent machine for those looking to splurge on their first brewer, or someone ready for a major upgrade.
Check out our video below for more info, and let us know what you think of the Series 1 in the comments!