Fellow
Fellow Espresso Series 1 Machine
Espresso Series 1
- ✓Patented Boosted Boiler with 3 independent heating elements for thermal stability
- ✓Sub-2-minute heat-up time from cold
- ✓Programmable pressure profiling and flow control for flavor customization
An innovative pressure-profiling machine hampered by unreliable volumetric brewing, persistent software bugs, and significant long-term hardware failures.
Buy this machine only if you are an experimental home barista who prioritizes advanced pressure profiling over daily reliability. Skip it if you need a consistent, trouble-free espresso maker that does not require constant debugging or software maintenance.
The Fellow Espresso Series 1 is celebrated for its rapid, two-minute heat-up time and sophisticated pressure-profiling capabilities, which allow enthusiasts to experiment with extraction profiles for light and medium roasts. The powerful steam wand, featuring an automatic temperature-stop mode, is highly regarded for its ability to produce consistent microfoam. Despite these technical strengths, owners report that the machine is plagued by software and mechanical inconsistencies. The default volumetric brewing is widely considered unreliable by the community, often stopping mid-brew and failing to deliver consistent yields, which forces owners to resort to manual adjustments. The user interface—specifically the touchscreen and scroll knob—frequently suffers from lag and unresponsive behavior, frustrating owners who need to navigate complex menu settings.
Long-term reliability remains the most significant barrier to recommending this machine. Owners consistently report critical hardware failures shortly after purchase, including persistent leaks from the body and hot water spout, inaccurate or unreadable pressure readings, and "voltage errors" that force a total system reboot. A recurring software bug prevents the machine from reaching programmed pressure levels, with some owners noting the pump fails to exceed 2 bars even during high-pressure profiles. Furthermore, the physical build, while aesthetically pleasing, leaves some owners wanting; the machine is light enough to shift on the counter when locking the portafilter, and details like the "plasticky" portafilter handle and loose water tank lid diminish the premium experience expected at this price point.
Owners Love
- +Rapid heat-up time of approximately two minutes via the Boosted Boiler system
- +Advanced, programmable pressure profiling and pre-infusion capabilities
- +Powerful steam wand with convenient automatic temperature-stop mode
- +Compact, modern aesthetic that fits easily under low cabinets
Owners Flag
- −High rate of reliability issues, including leaks and fatal electrical/voltage errors
- −Unreliable default volumetric brewing that leads to inconsistent yields and under-extraction
- −Laggy, unresponsive touchscreen and physical knob controls
- −Single-boiler design necessitates a wait time between brewing and steaming
- −Failure to reach target pressure levels during extraction, often stalling at low bars
- −Tendency for pucks to remain moist after extraction
- −Lightweight chassis shifts during portafilter engagement
- −Superfluous specialty drink menu that clutters the user interface
"The machine lacks the heavy-duty heft you might expect for the price; it is light enough that the entire unit will visibly shift on your counter when you go to lock in the portafilter."
After 6–12 Months
After several months of daily use, owners report that mechanical and software failures become common. These include persistent water leaks, failure to reach target pressure profiles, and critical voltage errors that render the machine inoperable without customer service intervention. The auto-purge feature for the steam wand is also a known bug that often activates against programmed settings, wasting water.
Best for
Home baristas who value manual pressure control and experimentation above all else and have the patience to troubleshoot software quirks.
Not for
Baristas who need a reliable, consistent, and durable daily driver, or those who frequently make back-to-back milk-based drinks.
Verdict based on owner experiences across owner communities. Last updated October 2026. How we build a verdict →
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Common problems, compared with other espresso machines
Espresso Machines: The Most Common Problems Owners Report →| Owner reports raising a problem with | This model | All espresso machines |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability and durability | 11%6 of 56 | 19% |
| Temperature and pressure stability | 34%19 of 56 | 14% |
| Ease of use | 14%8 of 56 | 10% |
| Maintenance and cleaning | 16%9 of 56 | 9% |
| Grinder performance | 0%0 of 56 | 8% |
| Build quality | 13%7 of 56 | 7% |
| Milk frothing | 9%5 of 56 | 7% |
| Noise and vibration | 0%0 of 56 | 4% |
Seen what owners report? Check the current price and delivery on Amazon.
🛒 Buy on AmazonSpecifications
- Power
- 1700 Watts
- Weight
- 21 lbs
- Dimensions
- 17.24 x 11.0 x 14.0 inches
- Water Tank
- 67.6 oz (2.0L)
- Portafilter
- 58mm Bottomless
- Pump Pressure
- 9 bar
- Heating System
- Boosted Boiler (Flow-through + Boiler + Grouphead)
Key Features
- ✓Patented Boosted Boiler with 3 independent heating elements for thermal stability
- ✓Sub-2-minute heat-up time from cold
- ✓Programmable pressure profiling and flow control for flavor customization
- ✓On-screen shot feedback with automatic grind adjustment suggestions
- ✓Step-by-step drink recipes: lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, Americanos
- ✓Assisted milk steaming with automatic temperature sensing
- ✓58mm bottomless portafilter
- ✓Companion app for profile sharing and firmware updates
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