Fellow Espresso Series 1 – Home Espresso Machine Heats in Under 2 Minutes, Precise Temperature Control, Pressure Profiling, Built-In Guidance, Assisted Milk Steaming, Malted Chocolate w/Maple
$1,599.95
In stock
- Heat-up in under 2 minutes for near-instant espresso enjoyment.
- Precise temperature control ensures optimal flavor extraction every shot.
- Pressure profiling lets you customize strength and flavor like a pro.
- Built-in guidance makes dialing in the perfect shot simple for beginners.
- Assisted milk steaming creates silky microfoam with minimal effort.
Our Score
Fellow Espresso Series 1 Review — Precision Home Espresso Machine with Review
The Fellow Espresso Series 1 is a semi-automatic espresso machine designed for home baristas who want both guidance and control. It heats up in under two minutes, significantly faster than traditional machines. With built-in shot feedback and pressure profiling, it helps you dial in shots without guesswork. The assisted steam wand ensures milk steaming is consistent and avoids scalding. Its clean, modern design complements any kitchen. Whether you are new to espresso or an experienced hobbyist, the ES1 aims to simplify the process while giving you access to advanced variables like temperature and pressure. The machine includes a comprehensive set of accessories to get you started immediately.
Product Overview
The Espresso Series 1 features a 2-liter water reservoir and a 58mm portafilter, compatible with standard espresso accessories. It operates semi-automatically, allowing you to start and stop shots manually. The machine comes with both single-wall and pressurized baskets, accommodating fresh ground coffee or pre-ground. A temperature-sensing steam wand provides consistent milk texturing. The included accessories comprise a bottomless portafilter, tamper, milk pitcher, shot splitter, backflush disc, water hardness test strip, and cleaning tablets. The machine's dimensions are 23.07 inches deep, 14.57 inches wide, and 12.6 inches tall, making it a substantial but manageable countertop footprint. The water tank is easily removable for filling and cleaning. While the machine is not smart-home compatible, its on-screen interface guides you through drink recipes. Designed in San Francisco, the ES1 reflects Fellow's emphasis on aesthetics and functionality. The unit requires routine backflushing and descaling, and a 2-year warranty is included with an option to extend.
Key Features
Rapid Heat-Up
- ✓Reaches brew temperature in under 2 minutes
- ✓Reduces morning wait time
- ✓Quicker than most traditional espresso machines
Precision Temperature Control
- ✓Stable temperature for consistent extraction
- ✓Adjustable for different roast levels
- ✓Helps optimize flavor for light, medium, or dark roasts
Pressure Profiling
- ✓Adjust pressure curve during extraction
- ✓Enhances sweetness, clarity, and balance
- ✓Allows experimentation with different coffee beans
Built-In Shot Feedback
- ✓Detects overly fast or slow pulls
- ✓Suggests grind adjustments for next shot
- ✓Eliminates guesswork for beginners
Assisted Milk Steaming
- ✓Temperature-sensing wand stops at target temperature
- ✓Produces silky microfoam without scalding
- ✓Makes milk drinks easier for home users
Step-by-Step Drink Recipes
- ✓On-screen guidance for lattes, cappuccinos, etc.
- ✓Ensures consistency in drink preparation
- ✓Helpful for users new to espresso
Comprehensive Accessory Kit
- ✓Includes bottomless portafilter, tamper, baskets
- ✓Milk pitcher, backflush disc, cleaning tablets
- ✓Everything needed to start making espresso immediately
Build & Materials
The Fellow Espresso Series 1 is built with a brushed stainless steel exterior and a plastic water tank. The machine feels solid and well-constructed. The 58mm portafilter is commercial-grade, and the included tamper fits snugly. The steam wand is made of stainless steel with a single-hole tip for controlled aeration. The machine's interface is a combination of a backlit display and tactile buttons, providing clear feedback during use. The drip tray is removable and dishwasher safe. The bottomless portafilter allows visual inspection of extraction quality. The build overall supports daily use, though first-generation quibbles have been noted in early reviews.
Shot Quality
The ES1 heats up quickly, reaching brew temperature in under two minutes as claimed. This speeds up morning routines compared to traditional machines that require 15-30 minutes. Temperature stability during extraction is good, with the machine maintaining set temperature within a narrow range. The pressure profiling feature allows adjusting the pressure profile throughout the shot, which can enhance sweetness and body for different beans. However, some early users reported inconsistency in shot times and channeling, especially with the bottomless portafilter. A few reviewers experienced a burnt plastic smell on first use, which may dissipate over time. The assisted milk steaming works well, automatically stopping at a preset temperature, producing smooth microfoam. Overall, the machine can produce excellent espresso once dialed in, but there is a learning curve with the advanced controls.
Pros and Cons
What Works
- ✓Fast heat-up time (under 2 minutes)
- ✓Precise temperature and pressure control
- ✓Built-in shot feedback and recipes aid learning
- ✓Assisted steaming produces consistent milk texture
- ✓High-quality included accessories
- ✓Attractive design with small footprint
What Doesn't
- ✗Some users report inconsistent shot extraction
- ✗Burnt plastic smell during initial use
- ✗Cannot set steam temperature beforehand
- ✗First-generation reliability concerns (some reviews)
- ✗Price is high for a semi-automatic machine
The Verdict
The Fellow Espresso Series 1 is a well-designed machine that bridges the gap between beginner-friendly automation and advanced control. Its fast heat-up and included accessories make it convenient, while pressure profiling and temperature stability appeal to enthusiasts. However, early reliability concerns and inconsistent shot quality in some units suggest a trial period is wise. For those willing to invest time in dialing in, the ES1 can deliver café-quality shots at home.
Is It Worth It?
What You Get
- Fast 2-minute heat-up
- Precision temperature and pressure control
- Built-in shot feedback and recipes
- Assisted milk steaming with temperature sensor
- Complete accessory kit including portafilter, tamper, and pitcher
What You Pay
The Fellow Espresso Series 1 is priced at $1,599.95.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Product Specifications
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