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Fellow Espresso Series 1 Home Espresso Machine – Heats Under 2 Min, Precise Temp Control, Pressure Profiling, Built-In Guidance, Assisted Milk Steaming, Matte Black

13

$1,499.95

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  • Start pulling perfect shots in under 2 minutes with rapid heat-up technology.
  • Achieve café-quality extraction with PID temperature control within 0.5°F precision.
  • Customize your espresso with variable pressure profiling for balanced flavor.
  • Learn espresso easily with step-by-step built-in guidance and feedback.
  • Create silky microfoam effortlessly with assisted milk steaming for lattes.

What Works

  • ✓Heats up in under 2 minutes
  • ✓Intuitive touchscreen with guided recipes
  • ✓Precise temperature and pressure control

What Doesn't

  • ✗Some users experienced a burnt plastic smell initially
  • ✗Inconsistent shot results reported by a few buyers
  • ✗Steam temperature cannot be preset before starting

Category espresso-machines

Brand Fellow

8/10

Our Score

Fellow Espresso Series 1 Review — Precision Espresso Machine for Home Review

Imagine pulling a shot with the same consistency as your favorite café, but from your own countertop. The Fellow Espresso Series 1 aims to bridge the gap between beginner-friendly convenience and enthusiast-level control. It heats in under two minutes, offers built-in shot feedback, and includes step-by-step recipes for popular drinks. Its pressure profiling and precise temperature control allow you to fine-tune extraction. This machine is designed to grow with you, from first espresso to advanced experimentation.

Product Overview

The Fellow Espresso Series 1 is a semi-automatic espresso machine that prioritizes both ease of use and customization. Its stainless steel body and matte black finish give it a sleek, modern aesthetic. The machine includes a 58mm bottomless portafilter, tamper, two filter baskets (single-wall and pressurized), a shot splitter, and a 10 oz stainless steel milk pitcher. The water reservoir holds 2 liters, and the machine measures 23.07 inches deep, 14.57 inches wide, and 12.6 inches tall. The touchscreen interface guides you through drink recipes, while the temperature-sensing steam wand automatically stops at your target milk temperature. It is not smart home compatible, but its integrated software tracks shot times and suggests grind adjustments. The machine is designed for ground coffee only, and the reusable filter reduces waste. Maintenance is simplified with included backflush disc and cleaning tablets. The 2-year warranty can be extended for added peace of mind. While the machine is relatively large, it fits under standard cabinets. Some users reported a burnt plastic smell initially, but this dissipated with use.

Key Features

Fast Heat-Up

  • ✓Heats in under 2 minutes
  • ✓No 15-minute wait unlike traditional machines
  • ✓Ready to brew and steam quickly

Guided Brewing

  • ✓On-screen step-by-step recipes for lattes, cappuccinos, etc.
  • ✓Built-in shot feedback detects fast or slow pulls
  • ✓Suggests grind adjustments to improve consistency

Precise Temperature Control

  • ✓Stable temperature for light to dark roasts
  • ✓Adjustable in 1-degree increments
  • ✓Extracts optimal flavor from any bean

Pressure Profiling

  • ✓Control flow and pressure during extraction
  • ✓Enhances sweetness, clarity, and balance
  • ✓Allows experimentation with different profiles

Assisted Milk Steaming

  • ✓Temperature-sensing wand stops at your set temperature
  • ✓Creates silky microfoam without scalding
  • ✓Cuts guesswork out of steaming

Professional Portafilter

  • ✓58mm bottomless portafilter for visual shot checking
  • ✓Includes both single-wall and pressurized baskets
  • ✓Suitable for beginners and pros

Build & Materials

The Fellow Espresso Series 1 is built with a stainless steel body and a matte black finish. The machine feels solid and premium. The 58mm portafilter is bottomless, allowing you to observe extraction. The steam wand is articulated and covered with a silicone tip for safety. The water tank is removable and easy to fill. The touchscreen interface is responsive and intuitive. The included accessories are high-quality, with a stainless steel tamper and milk pitcher. The machine has a small footprint but is quite deep, so ensure counter space. The drip tray is magnetic and easy to remove for cleaning.

Shot Quality

The Espresso Series 1 delivers consistent shots with proper temperature stability. Many reviewers note the fast heat-up time as a game-changer for daily use. The pressure profiling allows for customized extraction, improving sweetness and clarity. Some users experienced inconsistency with the same settings, requiring careful dialing in. The steam wand performs well, producing microfoam automatically. However, a few users reported a burnt plastic smell during initial use. The machine's built-in feedback helps correct common mistakes. Overall, performance is competitive with machines twice the price, though reliability remains to be seen for a first-generation product.

Pros and Cons

What Works

  • ✓Heats up in under 2 minutes
  • ✓Intuitive touchscreen with guided recipes
  • ✓Precise temperature and pressure control
  • ✓Assisted milk steaming for café-quality foam
  • ✓Includes comprehensive accessory kit
  • ✓Solid build and attractive design

What Doesn't

  • ✗Some users experienced a burnt plastic smell initially
  • ✗Inconsistent shot results reported by a few buyers
  • ✗Steam temperature cannot be preset before starting
  • ✗Reliability uncertain for first-gen product

The Verdict

8

The Fellow Espresso Series 1 successfully combines beginner-friendly guidance with professional-level control. Its fast heat-up and assisted features make it accessible, while pressure profiling and precise temperature adjustments satisfy enthusiasts. However, as a first-generation product, some users reported reliability concerns and initial smells. If you value convenience and customization, this machine is a strong contender.

Is It Worth It?

What You Get

  • Fast heat-up under 2 minutes
  • Guided brewing with step-by-step recipes
  • Pressure profiling for customized extraction
  • Assisted milk steaming with auto shut-off
  • Complete accessory kit including bottomless portafilter and tamper

What You Pay

$1499.95 for the standard package

While pricey, the feature set rivals machines costing significantly more. For those who want both ease and control in one package, the Espresso Series 1 offers compelling value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the heat-up time?
The Espresso Series 1 heats in under 2 minutes, significantly faster than many traditional machines that require 15 minutes or more.
Does it come with a tamper?
Yes, the machine includes a stainless steel tamper along with a 58mm bottomless portafilter.
Can I use pre-ground coffee?
Yes. The machine includes a pressurized basket designed for pre-ground coffee, though a single-wall basket is provided for freshly ground beans.
Is the water tank removable?
Yes, the 2-liter water tank is removable and easy to fill from the top or by taking it to the sink.
What warranty does it have?
The Espresso Series 1 comes with a 2-year standard warranty, with an option to extend coverage.

(3) Comments

Impressive Budget Espresso Machine for Experimentation
Upgraded from a Gaggia Classic Pro Evo to the ES1, which offers extensive control over shot duration, temperature, and pressure. The rapid 2.5-minute heat-up is a major convenience compared to the GCP's 30-minute stabilization time. While long-term reliability is uncertain given Fellow's track record, the machine is a joy to use and highly recommended for those seeking precise control for dialing in different beans.
Challenging the Dual Boiler Standard
This machine has been excellent. I’ve had no problems so far and purchased the extended warranty for peace of mind since it's their first model. It heats up quickly, delivers consistent shots, and steams well. It has simplified my morning routine compared to my previous Profitec Go. It also looks nice on the counter. Only time will tell if it provides better value than a traditional dual boiler. It certainly offers many features not found on dual boilers.
Great first impressions overshadowed by burnt plastic smell
Overall, an excellent machine, but a few annoyances persist. The inability to preset steam or hot water temperature is inconvenient, as adjustments must be made during use. Additionally, a burnt plastic smell emanates at startup, which may diminish with use but detracts from the experience.

Product Specifications

Coffee Maker Type Espresso Machine
Specific Uses Espresso, Latte
Operation Mode Semi-Automatic
Coffee Input Type Ground
Smart Home Compatibility Not Smart Home Compatible
Filter Type Reusable
Capacity 2 Liters
Item Dimensions 23.07"D x 14.57"W x 12.6"H
Material Stainless Steel
Brand Name Fellow
Included Components Milk Frother, 58mm bottomless portafilter, tamper, 18g single-wall basket, 18g pressurized basket, steam wand tip cleaner, shot splitter, 10oz stainless steel milk pitcher, backflush disc, water hardness test strip, cleaning tablets
Model Name Espresso Series 1 Matte Black
Model Number 1SMB-NA
Manufacturer Fellow
UPC 840228809210
Other Special Features Adjustable Brew Strength, Milk Frother, Programmable, Self-Cleaning, Single Cup Brew

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