Introduction of the Fellow Espresso Series 1, at SCA Expo 2025

It’s no surprise that Fellow Products has a strong presence at this weekend’s Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Expo in Houston, Texas, showcasing their full lineup of design-forward coffee gear. The centerpiece of their exhibit this year is the newly announced Espresso Series 1, a machine that aims to deliver a top-tier home espresso experience for a wide range of users, from complete beginners to experienced baristas. To appeal to such a broad demographic, Fellow has thoughtfully integrated features that cater to both ends of the spectrum.

For espresso newbies, the Series 1 is designed to be nearly plug-and-play, requiring minimal setup right out of the box. One of the most challenging aspects for beginners is learning how to properly dial in a shot. To help ease that learning curve, Fellow has equipped the machine with intuitive software and a digital display that offers real-time feedback. If a shot is pulling too quickly or too slowly, the system prompts the user with clear guidance on how and when to adjust the grind size. These instructional cues aim to make high-quality espresso more accessible while still respecting the craft.

More experienced home baristas and professionals should enjoy the more advanced capabilities built into the machine. The Series 1 allows users to create and save profiles tailored to different beans or recipes, with adjustable parameters such as brew pressure, water temperature, and flow rate. This feature makes it easy to fine-tune the espresso experience to suit personal preferences or bring out the unique character of specific coffees.

Fellow has managed to incorporate all this functionality into an attractive device with a compact footprint. Its sleek design should integrate well into most kitchens or home setups. The pricing is also worth noting. Pre-orders for the Series 1 are currently set at $1,200, which places it competitively within the premium home espresso segment. For those of us not interested in giving Fellow an interest free loan for 6-8 months until it starts to ship, the retail price will be $1,500. According to Michael Kubba, Fellow’s Chief Product Officer, these prices are expected to remain stable, as tariffs have already been baked into the pricing. Kubba also noted that although the machines are currently manufactured in China, the company is actively exploring global manufacturing options to improve accessibility in international markets.

As with the release of the Aiden Coffee Maker, questions have surfaced regarding the materials used in the Series 1. To achieve its price point and maintain design aesthetics, Fellow has made specific choices. The machine is wrapped in a pleasing metallic wrap, and appears to use significantly more metal throughout than the Aiden, giving it a more solid and premium feel. However, both Kubba and Fellow’s Alex Dante Smith confirmed that PFAS-free and BPA-free plastics were used in select areas.

Most of these plastic components are external, though some internal tubing also uses the same food-safe plastics. All materials, including metals involved in the brew process, have been tested (according to Fellow) to meet international food safety standards. Kubba added that plastic is not merely a cost-saving measure; in certain applications, it performs better than metal, especially when it comes to heat retention and thermal efficiency.

Although the machine is, according to Fellow, close to its final production version, a few minor adjustments are still being considered. Dante Smith mentioned that the button layout on the top of the machine, particularly for the steam wand and hot water functions, might be rearranged. The icons for these buttons could also be updated before the final release. While observing a few demo units on the floor, I noticed at least one where the lid for the water tank was difficult to close properly. The release button on that unit felt overly stiff, which could be a result of tolerances still being refined. One would hope that issues like these are addressed before the machine reaches consumers.

All in all, the Series 1 looks like a very promising addition to the home espresso landscape. The buzz on the show floor certainly reflects that. Enthusiastic crowds formed long lines at the Fellow booth, eager to get a look at the new machine or sample a shot pulled on it. The design seems thought out, and the appeal to both newcomers to espresso and seasoned vets is there. If Fellow delivers on the quality and experience this prototype suggests, the Series 1 could become a major player in the home espresso market.

Fellow is a bit hazy on the actual release date, telling me at the Expo to expect it “around the holidays” (so late 4th quarter in 2025 is the earliest availability).