Precision meets design in this temperature-perfect espresso maker. It’s the fellow espresso machine, and it feels like it was built for people who care about the craft. You know, those mornings where you just need a cafe-quality shot without the fuss. This machine gets the little details right, from its sleek look to it’s incredibly stable brew temperature.
But does all that thoughtful engineering actually translate into a better cup in your kitchen? We pulled a lot of shots to find out. Let’s dive into what makes this brewer special and where it really earns it’s keep on your counter.
Product Comparison Table: 9 Best Fellow Espresso Machine
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker – 10-Cup Thermal Carafe,…
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9.6 |
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Gaggia RI9380/46 E24 Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
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9.3 |
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Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel
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9.1 |
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Ninja Luxe Café 3-in-1 Espresso, Drip Coffee and Cold…
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8.8 |
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Fellow Gen 2 Ode Brew Grinder – Burr, Electric…
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8.6 |
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Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
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8.3 |
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Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
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8.1 |
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Fellow Clara Insulated Coffee Maker with Enhanced Filtration System…
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7.8 |
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Fellow Tally Pro Studio Digital Coffee Scale – Precision…
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7.6 |
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Quick Review For Top 9 Fellow Espresso Machine
Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker – 10-Cup Thermal Carafe, Built-In Brewing Guidance, Scheduling, Removable Water Tank, Matte Black
The Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker is designed for those who want a consistently excellent cup of coffee at home, without the complexity of a manual pour-over. It brings a cafe-level approach to your countertop, focusing on the details that truly impact flavor.
At its core, the Aiden is about exceptional quality coffee. It acts as your personal barista by managing the variables for you.
Precise temperature control, accurate coffee-to-water ratios, and a built-in bloom cycle that wets the grounds evenly are all standard. This attention to process aims to extract the full flavor from your beans, ensuring you taste the difference in every cup. Whether your using a light roast or a dark blend, the machine is built to highlight its best qualities.
Functionality is clever and considerate.
The 10-cup capacity comes with a heat-retentive thermal carafe that keeps coffee hot for hours without a bitter, burnt-plate taste. It’s versatility is notable: interchangeable baskets let you seamlesly switch between a full batch brew and a single-serve option. A dual shower head ensures even water distribution whether your making one cup or ten, so taste never gets compromised.
Gaggia RI9380/46 E24 Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Gaggia RI9380/46 E24 Espresso Machine is a serious piece of equipment designed for those who want a true cafe experience at home. Its brushed stainless steel look isnt just for show; it hints at the robust construction inside. The entire housing is made from solid steel and crafted in Italy, giving you a machine built to last with that authentic Italian espresso heritage.
At its heart, this machine is built around professional 9 bar pressure.
This is the industry standard for extracting a perfect shot of espresso, ensuring you get a rich, creamy crema on top of your coffee every time. It’s the foundation of a great espresso, and this Gaggia delivers it consistently. To match that professional performance, it features a commercial-grade 58mm stainless steel portafilter.
This is the same size used in coffee shops, giving you excellent heat stability and the option to use a wide variety of aftermarket baskets for even more control over your brew.
Another pro feature is the commercial three-way solenoid valve. This might sound technical, but its benefit is simple and immediate. After you pull your shot, this valve releases the leftover pressure in the portafilter.
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL is designed to bridge the gap between your daily coffee routine and the quality of a specialty cafe. It’s an all-in-one machine that puts a significant amount of control into your hands, moving you from whole beans to a finished shot of espresso in under a minute. This is part of Breville’s Barista Series, which focuses on bringing the core principles of third-wave coffee directly to your kitchen counter.
At the heart of the machine is it’s integrated, precision conical burr grinder. This is a key feature. The grinder operates on-demand, meaning you dose fresh beans directly into the portafilter right before you brew. This eliminates the stale, pre-ground coffee that can flatten flavor. You have control over the grind size and the amount, allowing you to dial in settings for any roast of bean, from light to dark, to match your preferred taste profile.
The extraction process itself is where the Barista Express really aims to shine. It uses a smart technique called low-pressure pre-infusion. Before full pressure kicks in, the machine gently saturates the coffee puck with hotter water. This gradual start helps ensure an even extraction, pulling out the coffees nuanced flavors evenly and reducing bitterness for a more balanced cup. To further perfect this, the machine employs digital temperature control (PID).
Ninja Luxe Café 3-in-1 Espresso, Drip Coffee and Cold Brew Machine | Integrated Coffee Grinder, Milk Frother, Assisted Tamper & Built-In Espresso Accessory Storage | Stainless Steel | ES601
The Ninja Luxe Café ES601 is a comprehensive coffee station designed to replace multiple appliances and simplify the process of making professional-style drinks at home. It combines an espresso machine, a drip coffee maker, and a cold brew system into one sleek stainless steel unit.
This machine functions as three seperate brewers. For espresso, you can pull a double or quad shot. For drip coffee, choose from classic, rich, or over-ice styles.
For cold drinks, it offers both rapid cold brew coffee and a unique cold-pressed espresso, which brews at lower pressure for a smoother, less acidic shot thats ideal for cocktails like espresso martinis. All drip and cold brew sizes are customizable from 6 to 18 ounces.
What sets it apart is the Barista Assist Technology. It guides you through each step, recommending a grind size and using a built-in scale for weight-based dosing.
This means it grinds the exact amount of coffee needed for your chosen drink, unlike machines that just grind for a set time. It also actively adjusts temperature and pressure during the brew for balanced flavor, aiming to remove the guesswork.
The integrated conical burr grinder has 25 settings for flexibility with any bean. The assisted tamper helps you create a perfectly level and compact coffee puck, which is crucial for an even extraction.
Fellow Gen 2 Ode Brew Grinder – Burr, Electric Coffee Bean Grinder with 31 Settings for Drip, French Press & Cold Brew – Small Footprint – Matte Black
The Fellow Gen 2 Ode Brew Grinder is a purpose-built tool for anyone who’s serious about their brewed coffee. It’s not an espresso grinder, and that’s the point. It was designed from the ground up to excel at pour-over, French press, cold brew, and other filter methods. With 31 distinct grind settings, you have precise control to dial in your favorite beans and brew method for a consistently great cup every morning.
At its heart are the Gen 2 Brew Burrs.
These 64mm stainless steel flat burrs were designed in-house by Fellow. Their unique two-stage geometry creates a uniform grind that leads to a sweet, balanced, and complex flavor profile. It offers clarity for light roasts, allowing their nuanced notes to shine, while also producing the rich, chocolatey depth that medium and dark roast lovers seek. It’s a versatile burr set that truly respects the coffee you choose.
Functionality extends beyond just the grind.
The Ode Gen 2 incorporates new anti-static technology, which significantly reduces those annoying coffee grounds that cling to everything. The catch cup aligns magnetically for a perfect fit and easy removal, and a built-in grinds knocker helps clear out retained coffee. These features combined mean mess-free mornings and a much tidier countertop.
We also considered the overall experience.
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel is designed for those who want a serious, cafe-quality espresso experience at home without the complexity or large size of traditional machines. It’s part of Breville’s Bambino Series, which focuses on delivering professional results quickly and in a compact footprint. This machine is built around the ‘4 keys formula’ for third wave specialty coffee, ensuring each element from grind to extraction is considered.
A great espresso starts with the right grind and dose. The machine uses a 54mm portafilter that holds up to 19 grams of coffee, which is key for achieving a full-flavored, balanced shot. For the best results, you’ll want to pair it with a quality grinder set for espresso to nail that dose control grinding. The actual brewing process is where the Bambino Plus’s technology shines.
It uses a low pressure pre-infusion to gently saturate the coffee puck first, which helps draw out flavors evenly for a more balanced cup. Then, optimal water pressure takes over for the main extraction. Temperature is critical, and this machine handles it brilliantly. The innovative ThermoJet heating system gets to the perfect temperature in just 3 seconds—no waiting around.
Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS is designed to bring the quality of a specialty coffee shop directly into your kitchen. It’s part of Breville’s Barista Series, which are all-in-one machines that integrate a grinder, meaning you can go from whole coffee beans to a finished espresso in under a minute.
The guiding principle here is the ‘4 keys formula,’ focusing on the essential elements for great coffee: dose, grind, texture, and temperature.
At the heart of the machine is it’s integrated precision conical burr grinder. With dose control grinding, a single touch delivers the exact right amount of freshly ground coffee on demand, which is crucial for capturing maximum flavor. You can ajust the grind size to suit your beans.
The Razor trimming tool helps ensure a perfectly level dose in the portafilter every time. For brewing, Breville uses an innovative ThermoJet heating system that reaches the ideal extraction temperature in just three seconds. Digital temperature control (PID) maintains that precision, while a low pressure pre-infusion function gradually wets the coffee puck to ensure even and balanced extraction.
One of the standout features is the automatic milk texturing system.
Fellow Clara Insulated Coffee Maker with Enhanced Filtration System – Portable French Press Stainless Steel – 24 oz Carafe – Matte Black
The Fellow Clara Insulated Coffee Maker is a portable French press designed to change how you think about manual brewing. It’s not just another press pot; it’s a tool built with a coffee expert’s precision and a designer’s eye for detail. This 24 oz stainless steel carafe in matte black combines durability with a sleek look that fits right in on your countertop or in your travel bag.
Clara aims to make the process easy and enjoyable, removing the typical guesswork.
Inside the carafe, you’ll find convenient marked lines for both coffee grounds and water. This means you can consistently get the ratio right for a perfect brew every time, whether your at home or on the go. The double-wall stainless steel insulation is key—it keeps your coffee hot for much longer than glass presses and ensures a consistent temperature during brewing, which is crucial for extraction.
The star of the show is the Enhanced Filtration Mesh system.
Traditional French presses can leave a gritty sludge at the bottom of your cup, but Clara’s fine mesh is engineered to filter that out. You get a exceptionally clean cup that still captures all the rich oils and full-bodied flavors of a fully immersed brew. It’s about clarity and complexity in every sip, without the silt.
Thoughtful details are everywhere.
Fellow Tally Pro Studio Digital Coffee Scale – Precision Scale with Glass Top – Digital Kitchen Scale for Coffee & Small Goods up to 5 lbs – Measures in g, oz, lbs, & mm – Matte Black
The Fellow Tally Pro Studio Digital Coffee Scale is a precision tool designed for coffee enthusiasts who value control and consistency in their daily ritual. It’s not just a scale; it’s a brewing assistant built to help you achieve a perfectly balanced cup every single time. At it’s core, the Tally Pro is super sensitive and accurate, responding quickly to every gram you add. The luminous OLED screen is easy to read, even in low kitchen light, and provides clear, immediate feedback.
This scale measures with precision down to a tenth of a gram, which is crucial for nailing coffee recipes. It’s highly responsive, stabilizing almost instantly so you can pour with confidence, knowing every drop is being counted accurately. The capacity goes up to five pounds, making it versatile enough for weighing small kitchen goods or ingredients for baking, not just your coffee beans. You can switch between units—grams, ounces, pounds, and even milliliters for water—with ease.
The standout feature is the unique Brew Assist Mode. You simply choose your preferred coffee-to-water ratio before you start. As you pour, the scale guides you visually on the screen, showing your progress in real-time until you hit your exact target weight. This takes the guesswork out of pour-over, French press, or AeroPress brewing. Plus, it offers two additional standard weighing modes for all your other kitchen tasks, giving you complete versatility from bean to bake.
Fellow Espresso Machine Buying Guide
Fellow brings a minimalist, design-forward approach to the espresso experience. This guide helps you figure out if their machine aligns with your daily routine and coffee goals. It’s about matching their unique philosophy with your practical needs.
Your Espresso Skill Level
Are you a beginner looking for a simple start, or an experienced home barista wanting full control? Fellow machines often prioritize manual, hands-on brewing. This is fantastic for those who enjoy the process, but it might feel intimidating if you just want a one-touch drink. Consider how much time and effort you really want to invest each morning.
Footprint and Kitchen Aesthetics
Counter space is precious. Fellow’s designs are typically sleek and compact, but you still need to measure your available area. Think about workflow, too. Is there room for your grinder, tamper, and milk jug? The machine should fit your space physically and visually—it’s a statement piece meant to be seen.
Pressure and Temperature Control
Consistent espresso relies on precise pressure and water temperature. Check the machine’s specs for its pump type (vibratory vs. rotary) and pressure gauge. Does it have a PID controller for stable heat? This technical stuff directly impacts your shot’s flavor, avoiding sour or bitter results. It’s where the investment pays off in your cup.
Steam Wand Performance
Do you drink mostly straight espresso, or are lattes and cappuccinos your thing? A powerful steam wand is non-negotiable for good milk texture. Look for a wand that’s easy to maneuver and creates dry, microfoam quickly. Some wands can feel slow or leave milk too wet and bubbly, which effects drink quality.
Long-Term Maintenance
Espresso machines need regular care. Consider how easy it is to access and clean the group head, drip tray, and water reservoir. Are descaling kits and replacement parts, like gaskets, readily available from Fellow? A machine that’s simple to maintain will last longer and perform better year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fellow Espresso Machine
What makes teh Fellow espresso machine different?
It focuses on precision and control. The machine is designed to give you detailed control over water temperature and pressure. This helps you pull a shot that matches your exact taste preferences.
Is it good for beginners?
Yes, but it’s best for someone who wants to learn. The interface is clean and intuitive. However, it rewards practice and attention to detail. If you enjoy the process, you’ll likely love it.
Does it steam milk well?
It has a powerful steam wand for texturing milk. You can create smooth microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. It might take a few tries to get the hang of the steam pressure, but it’s very capable.
How long does it take to heat up?
The heat up time is relatively fast for its class. You’ll be ready to brew in just a few minutes. This makes it convenient for morning use when your in a hurry.
What kind of grinder do I need?
You need a high-quality burr grinder. The machine performs best with freshly ground coffee that’s the right consistency. A good grinder is just as important as the machine itself for great espresso.
Is the maintenance difficult?
Routine maintenance is straightforward. You’ll need to backflush and descale it periodically, following the manual. The key is keeping up with it regular to prevent issues.
Can I use pre-ground coffee?
Technically, yes, but it’s not recommended. You won’t get the same freshness or control over extraction. For the best results, grinding your beans right before brewing is the way to go.
What’s the warranty like?
Fellow typically offers a standard one-year warranty. It’s always a good idea to check their official website for the most current warranty details for your region.
The Short Answer
Choose a machine focused on precise, modern coffee aesthetics. This means prioritizing clean design and repeatable results over complicated gadgets. You want a tool that feels intuitive every morning, not one that requires a manual just to get started. It should fit your space and your routine, making great coffee simple.
For many, this leads directly to teh Fellow espresso machine. It embodies that philosophy with its straightforward controls and thoughtful details. You get a focused machine built for the ritual, helping you craft a consistently excellent shot. It’s a solid choice for anyone who values design and quality in their daily cup.