Espresso machines have never not been focused on design, with even the earliest historical examples prioritizing sculptural presence along with performance. And considering their placement on your countertops, they still have every reason to be the first thing that catches the eye of those entering your kitchen.
If you look at Fellow’s own design-forward brewing equipment, such as its award-winning kettles and grinders, you can safely assume that they’re never going to come out with anything that’s not highly attractive. Now, the San Francisco-based company has inevitably entered into the espresso game with its first-ever unit, but stunning minimalism isn’t all this machine has going for it.
BREWING PEDIGREE
Fellow has spent the last decade building a reputation for reimagining coffee tools with meticulous attention to both functionality and aesthetics. Just like its Stagg kettles and Ode grinders, the Espresso Series 1 represents not just their first espresso machine, but the culmination of three years of R&D specifically focused on balancing professional-grade capability with intuitive operation, which even some established manufacturers struggle to achieve at times.
DESIGNED FOR DEVOTEES
What immediately distinguishes the Series 1 is its stunning silhouette. Unlike the boxy, industrial aesthetic that has historically represented the “prosumer” espresso category, Fellow’s creation falls more in line with the non-heritage machines that have been cropping up in recent years, like Wendougee’s Data line or the Turin Legato. However, the Series 1 finds more of a balance between brutalist and contemporary that echoes its own design ethos well.
The machine’s unique dome shape, wrapped in precision-machined aluminum, creates a visual presence that commands attention without aggressively pushing your countertop’s aesthetic in any one direction. Aside from the all-black version, there are Malted Chocolate and Cherry Red variants with maple and walnut wood touch points, respectively. Luckily, this is functional art that happens to make exceptional espresso.
TECHNICAL PROWESS
As good as it looks, the Series 1 doesn’t just want to get by on its handsome face alone. In fact, the machine houses impressive technology, including a PID-controlled 58mm group head, dual boilers for simultaneous brewing and steaming, and an innovative pressure profiling system that allows users to adjust extraction pressure in real time.
Fellow has also implemented their clever Auto Brew Ratio feature, which uses a built-in scale to automatically stop extraction when your desired yield is reached. This is a particularly thoughtful inclusion that eliminates one of espresso making’s common frustrations, leading to an uneven cup. While not revolutionary on their own, the thoughtful integration of these technologies together creates a seamless workflow that can help out beginners and be highly appreciated by espresso aficionados.
DIGITAL BARISTA
Perhaps the most forward-thinking aspect of the Series 1 is its integrated 4.3-inch touchscreen interface. Unlike the analog gauges and basic displays found on other semi-automatic machines, Fellow has embraced digital customization with an interface that aims to be user-friendly but also actually useful.
The screen allows you to program and save multiple espresso profiles with adjustable pre-infusion, pressure, and temperature settings. This essentially digitizes the manual profiling techniques employed by competition baristas. For those looking to fine-tune their espresso, the interface guides you through the brewing process with real-time feedback on extraction parameters, effectively flattening the learning curve that typically accompanies high-end espresso equipment.
While digital interfaces aren’t new to the category, Fellow’s implementation is neither basic nor overly data-heavy. Instead, the company’s touchscreen offers an intuitive, app-like experience that visually represents pressure profiles as adjustable curves rather than just numerical values. This graphical approach allows users to literally draw their desired extraction pattern with your fingertip.
SPEC SHEET
Model: Fellow Espresso Series 1
Materials: Aluminum body, walnut accents, stainless steel components
Type: Semi-automatic single boiler with steam thermoblock
Dimensions: 17.24” x 12.4” x 10.98”
Weight: 21.7 lbs
Features: 4.3-inch touchscreen interface, integrated scale with Auto Brew Ratio, shot timer, pressure gauge, programmable profiles
Included: Bottomless portafilter, precision basket, tamper, milk pitcher
Price: $1,500
PRICING & AVAILABILITY
Regularly retailing for $1,500, the Espresso Series 1 is available now to reserve at an early-bird price of $1,200. Either way, this is a competitively-priced machine in an industry where top-notch performance can typically cost several thousands of dollars. Head over to Fellow’s website to learn more.
Fellow Espresso Series 1
Fellow enters the espresso machine space with its first-ever machine, sporting a design-forward aesthetic with a user-friendly interface.
