Espresso Series 1

Their Espresso Series 1 has had issues, but Fellow answered quickly.

“I have had issues with the machine but have gotten answers directly from their team very quickly.”

Their Series 1 makes a nice cup but its volumetric dosing is broken.

“Sure it’s not perfect and the volumetric dosing is totally broken but when you lean into its strengths it makes a nice cup.”

Their first Series 1 arrived defective, but the replacement has been solid through heavy use.

“Honestly it has been solid. I said in another comment that my first machine arrived defective at launch, but the replacement hasn’t had any issues.”

No issues with their Series 1 since release; it is repeatable and lets them experiment with brew profiles when hosting.

“Ive had it since the release and so far no issues.”

No major issues with their preordered ES1: fairly consistent, good-tasting espresso and an excellent steam wand, but the stock portafilter, dial and group-flush inconsistency annoy them.

“It looks nice, low profile, makes fairly consistent espresso that tastes good and the steam wand is excellent.”

Replaced a decade-old Silvia and Rocky with a Niche Zero and Fellow Espresso Series 1; a huge step up that solved their consistency and milk-drink problems despite the plastic case.

“So now I have the Nich+ES1 and it's a huge step up from what I had before. All the problems are solved now”

Uses the same Niche Zero and Fellow ES1 combo and finds it solid; the lever profile brings out syrupy sweetness in dark roasts.

“If is a solid combo, since I have the same”

A week into their Fellow Espresso Series 1: the digital interface and shot profiles take getting used to, but it's fun to experiment with, the build quality is excellent and they recommend it.

“The digital interface and having to learn the different shot profiles makes it a little harder to get used to at first”

As an ES1 owner: deep tinkerers will likely find it falls short with a few flaws, but it suits newer users who want pressure-profiling tech, if central servicing is acceptable.

“You will probably want to skip it as it will most probably fall short for you with a few flaws and make you have levels of buyers regret”

Their ES1 has software bugs: erratic with some downloaded profiles, and volumetric dosing is far off even after calibration.

“There are definitely still some software bugs to iron out with this machine.”

A week into their Fellow Espresso Series 1: shots with the roaster's recommended profile taste great, no issues, and milk steams fast.

“I’ve had the Fellow for about a week now and it’s been great.”

Likes their Fellow Espresso Series 1 as a machine to grow with: the brew guide and shot profiles help, and they have recently moved to more manual brewing.

“I like it. I'm newer to espresso, so I wanted something I could grow with as I got more confident. Having the brew guide and shot profiles is really helpful”