Espresso Series 1

As someone who is brand new to espresso/ I’m a big proponent for the fellow! It’s very simple and guided if you need it to be, but there is tons of “nerdy settings” that you can definitely get very “in the weeds” control with it if you desire. Longevity is a big question…. But Fellows customer support is fantastic and they have a long warranty if wanted. My one caveat: That machine was just released a couple weeks ago, and like any new product there are some kinks that they still need to be worked out. I love mine, it’s a great machine for the money… But there are small software features missing/ quirks/ bugs they are still working on and it doesn’t feel like a “complete” product yet. But you are getting a lot of machine at that price point IMO. I did a bunch of research and any machine with this level of customization is going for $3k or more… 1500 doesn’t sound too bad in perspective, even if a little more ‘risky’ lol

The thing to me about the Series One is that if you get past the flashy temp sensors and volume control stuff, past the nice looking plastic and look at the boiler, their patent on the “innovative design” is..basically the Breville/Sage ThermoJet. Like, at it’s core, yeah it has a lot of tech to help you make better espresso, but the reality of it all is that the machine is just pushing water at ~9 Bar through coffee. Someone like James Hoffman with a Bambino Plus will still be able to make a better shot than 99% of people with the Series One. Because I make terrible financial choices - I’m also into photography. The fact of the matter is that you can buy a $7500 Hassleblad body and $10k in lenses…but you’re still gonna feel humbled by Pulitzer Prize winning photos. Spend $2500 on the setup and $1000 on becoming a god-level barista. You’ll be better.

I got the fellow espresso 1 and it’s been great. Very quick and easy. No issue so far

I've personally stopped buying fellow products. They have great customer service but the fact that I have had to contact them for the products I have is kind of a deterrent especially on their first generation espresso machine.

The Opus which is their only espresso capable grinder is bad. But the Ode is actually pretty nice IMO though won't really do espresso. They definitely have an aesthetic but their products often are nice IMO. The scale I always felt was way overpriced given that it doesn't include smart features for example. I tried the ES1 a few months ago when they demoed it at SEY and it is interesting in that it gives you a lot of control in the brew process.

It self calibrates the volumetric flow. Nick has said that it will improve over time and should settle in to +-1ml.

The receiver is in the machine and the intention is that it will be added but Nick has said that there is not a timeline for that. They need to make sure that the launch goes well and they handle anything that comes up there first.

Damn mine is off by a lot. Asked for 300ml of hot water and got 225. Tried other amounts as well. Not happy with how the group head moves the entire machine. I can’t even get mine to be fully centered. Considering to return.