
Fellow Espresso Series 1 Review
Fellow brings its design expertise to espresso with the Series 1. The intelligent pressure control and Boosted Boiler technology deliver exceptional extraction consistency, while the app integration lets you dial in and share profiles like never before.

Fellow Espresso Series 1 Review
Fellow brings its design expertise to espresso with the Series 1. The intelligent pressure control and Boosted Boiler technology deliver exceptional extraction consistency, while the app integration lets you dial in and share profiles like never before.

Fellow Espresso Series 1 Review
Fellow brings its design expertise to espresso with the Series 1. The intelligent pressure control and Boosted Boiler technology deliver exceptional extraction consistency, while the app integration lets you dial in and share profiles like never before.
Fellow Espresso Series 1 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Patented Boosted Boiler 3-point heating system
- Intelligent pressure control adapts to your puck
- 0.1-degree temperature precision
- Under 2-minute full preheat time
- Temperature-sensing auto-stop steam wand
- iOS/Android app with profile sharing
Cons
- Requires separate grinder investment
- Premium price at $1500
- New brand in espresso market
- Limited to 9 bars max pressure
- Only available in US currently
Overview
The Fellow Espresso Series 1 marks the design-forward coffee brand's bold entry into home espresso. Shipping in March 2026, the Series 1 brings Fellow's signature aesthetic sensibility to a serious espresso machine. The patented Boosted Boiler heating system and intelligent pressure control set it apart, while app integration lets you dial in and share profiles with the growing Fellow community.
This product is best for design-conscious home baristas wanting precision control with a modern aesthetic.
Features Deep-Dive
Key Strengths
Patented Boosted Boiler System: Fellow's innovative 3-point heating system uses three heating elements to achieve full preheat in under 2 minutes. Temperature is controlled to 0.1-degree precision, ensuring exceptional extraction consistency shot after shot.
Intelligent Pressure Control: The Series 1 automatically adjusts flow to meet pressure and time goals based on the resistance of your coffee. This "smart" extraction compensates for variations in dose, grind, distribution, and tamping, making great espresso more accessible to less experienced users.
App Integration with Profile Sharing: The Fellow app (iOS and Android) enables full machine control, automatic firmware updates, and the ability to create, edit, and share espresso profiles. This community aspect is unique in the home espresso market and accelerates the learning curve.
Areas for Improvement
- Requires a separate grinder investment ($300-600+)
- Fellow is new to the espresso machine market
- Maximum 9 bars of pressure (lower than some competitors)
- Currently only available in the US market
Pricing Analysis
At $1,499.95 (early buyers paid $1,199.95 during pre-order), the Series 1 sits in premium territory alongside the De'Longhi Rivelia. However, you're paying for innovative technology and Fellow's renowned design. The intelligent pressure control and app integration justify the premium for those who value these features. Budget an additional $400-600 for a quality grinder.
Who Is This For?
Fellow Espresso Series 1 works best for:
- Design-conscious buyers who want their espresso machine to look as good as their coffee tastes
- Tech-forward users who appreciate app integration and community features
- Home baristas seeking precision without the complexity of fully manual machines
- Fellow brand loyalists who already trust their kettles and grinders
Who Should NOT Use This
Fellow Espresso Series 1 might not be the right choice if:
- You prefer established brands with decades of espresso machine heritage
- You want an all-in-one machine with a built-in grinder
- You need availability outside the United States
- You want maximum pressure headroom for specific extraction techniques
Bottom Line
The Fellow Espresso Series 1 is a bold debut that brings the brand's design excellence to home espresso. The Boosted Boiler technology and intelligent pressure control genuinely innovate in a category often dominated by iteration. For design-conscious home baristas who appreciate precision and community, the Series 1 offers something genuinely new.
FAQ
Is Fellow Espresso Series 1 worth the price?
For the right buyer, yes. The combination of precision temperature control, intelligent pressure adjustment, and app integration offers genuine innovation. The design and build quality also justify the premium. However, if you don't value these features, there are excellent alternatives at lower price points.
How does Fellow Espresso Series 1 compare to alternatives?
Compared to traditional prosumer machines like the Gaggia Classic GT ($1,699), the Series 1 offers more automation and smarter features at a similar price point. Against the Breville Bambino Plus ($500), you're paying three times more for significantly better extraction quality and features. The closest competitor in philosophy is probably the Decent DE1, though the Fellow takes a more approachable design direction.
What are the main limitations?
The biggest question mark is Fellow's track record in espresso machines, as this is their first offering. The 9-bar maximum pressure is lower than some competitors (though adequate for most espresso styles). You'll also need to budget for a quality grinder, and international availability is limited at launch.
Who Is Fellow Espresso Series 1 Best For?
Design-conscious home baristas wanting precision control with a modern aesthetic
The Bottom Line
Fellow brings its design expertise to espresso with the Series 1. The intelligent pressure control and Boosted Boiler technology deliver exceptional extraction consistency, while the app integration lets you dial in and share profiles like never before.
Try Fellow Espresso Series 1 TodayKey Specs
Scoring Breakdown
Quality of espresso extraction including crema, flavor balance, temperature stability, and shot-to-shot consistency. Evaluates pressure control and extraction timing.
Learning curve for beginners, intuitive controls, daily workflow efficiency, and maintenance requirements. Considers time from power-on to first shot.
Steam wand power, microfoam quality for latte art, heat recovery time between shots, and ease of milk texturing for lattes and cappuccinos.
Construction materials, component reliability, expected lifespan, and warranty coverage. Evaluates boiler type and overall build solidity.
Built-in grinder, PID temperature control, pre-infusion, programmable shots, cup warming, and other convenience features.
Price-to-performance ratio considering features, build quality, and long-term ownership costs including accessories needed.



