Customer reviews from Fellow
Fellow - Espresso Series 1 Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with up to 9 bars of pressure and custom roast profiles - Black
Average customer rating
4.5
(159 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 159 reviews
5 Stars
118
4 Stars
24
3 Stars
4
2 Stars
3
1 Star
10
91%of customers recommend this product.
(
90 out of
99)
Customer Reviews for Fellow - Espresso Series 1 Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with up to 9 bars of pressure and custom roast profiles - Black
Customer Rating
3
Meh….
on March 4, 2026
Posted by: Graham cracker
Was really looking forward to a positive experience out of the box but shot length was completely off on a 18g pull. After calibrating with a scale I had to add an extra 14 seconds. While I was able to resolve this issue, I still haven’t gotten an answer on how to calibrate hot water output. Followed directions on the website but they don’t match the options available under settings in the menu. Sent a video…waiting on a response. So far the responses seem AI driven.
Water tank is hard to remove if your machine is under a cabinet. I have to pour water in the machine using large glass.
When the shot pulls, the initial splatter makes a mess. I find myself raising the espresso glass by resting it on another lol.
Lastly, the group head moves the entire machine trying to set it in place. Good luck getting it straight in there at 90 degrees. Mine sits a bit on an angle. Maybe it gets better with time?
Water tank is hard to remove if your machine is under a cabinet. I have to pour water in the machine using large glass.
When the shot pulls, the initial splatter makes a mess. I find myself raising the espresso glass by resting it on another lol.
Lastly, the group head moves the entire machine trying to set it in place. Good luck getting it straight in there at 90 degrees. Mine sits a bit on an angle. Maybe it gets better with time?
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting Fellow
Customer Rating
5
Yeah, it's worth it!
on March 4, 2026
Posted by: cp2boston
I ordered this about a year ago, and it finally arrived a little over a week back. That’s not a complaint — Fellow was still perfecting the machine. For context, my previous espresso maker was a Lelit Bianca, which has served me well and pulled plenty of great shots over the years. I’d say I’m fairly experienced when it comes to dialing in the grind and extraction.
The Espresso Series 1 feels like stepping into first class. The heat-up time — 90 seconds or less — is incredible, and it’s whisper quiet compared to the Lelit. My wife immediately noticed that the froth on her lattes is smoother and more consistent. And on top of everything, it’s a beautiful machine — sleek, modern, and clearly built with care. Best of all, I can still use manual controls when I want to — everything’s just easier now.
The Espresso Series 1 feels like stepping into first class. The heat-up time — 90 seconds or less — is incredible, and it’s whisper quiet compared to the Lelit. My wife immediately noticed that the froth on her lattes is smoother and more consistent. And on top of everything, it’s a beautiful machine — sleek, modern, and clearly built with care. Best of all, I can still use manual controls when I want to — everything’s just easier now.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Fellow
Customer Rating
5
Excellent, sublime for the price
on March 4, 2026
Posted by: NoTick
When I saw that fellow had announced a new espresso machine, I had already been looking in the market. I was already considering extremely expensive machines in comparison like the Decent. My problem however was always footprint. I did not have the space to accommodate something so big.
But front of the fellow espresso series 1 turned out to be perfect. It could fit underneath my older 1950s built home cabinets, while keeping a lot of the same high-end functionality as machines like the decent.
So far everything has been tremendous, temperature retention has been great, milk steaming has been great, and everything about it has delivered on what it has promised and more.
If I were to give a critique, it would be that it can only go up to 94° c.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Fellow
Customer Rating
3
Little Frustrated
on March 4, 2026
Posted by: SSW1046
I've only had the Series 1 for a few days, and I've watched most, if not all, of the videos, but I wish there were more videos of EXACTLY how to 'Make a Drink' and 'Shot Profiles'. How about a few Step by Step videos? Almost nothing as far as I can determine. I would think this type of video would be the first available??? Or, maybe there's something wrong with my machine??
Written by a customer while visiting Fellow
Customer Rating
5
I waited over a year and it was worth it
on March 4, 2026
Posted by: robmadole
Upgrading from a Breville Barista Express at home but I've used Gagia Pro and we have a Decent DE1 at the office. I'm loving this machine so far. The finish is better than I expected. The app and firmware could use some work but it's early days and I trust Fellow to keep progressing.
I know there are a lot of mixed reviews and some have fair points. But for the price point this easily beats every other thing on the market in my opinion. And the steam wand is fantastic.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Fellow
Customer Rating
5
As advertised. Really good execution on the prosumer machine.
on March 4, 2026
Posted by: Brian N
It’s the real deal. Even when you are tinkering with the really deep shot settings it makes it all easy and repeatable. Produces a great cup. Gives good grind advice. You sometimes have to dig a bit deep on the knob menus but all the settings are where you’d expect them to be, generally. Looks nice too.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Fellow
Customer Rating
5
Better than I thought it could be.
on March 4, 2026
Posted by: Anonymous
I had high expectations for this espresso machine — and somehow it still exceeded them.
From the very first use, I could tell this was something special. The build quality and design are impressive, but what really surprised me was how fun and intuitive it was to learn. The learning curve was quick, and dialing in shots felt more exciting than intimidating. Within a short time, I was pulling espresso that tasted like it came straight from my favorite café.
The final product is exceptional — rich crema, balanced flavor, and consistently great results. It genuinely elevated my daily coffee routine.
I also watched the Fellows instructional videos, and they were incredibly helpful. Clear, well-produced, and easy to follow — they made the entire setup and learning process smooth and stress-free.
If you’re considering this machine and expecting it to be good, be prepared — it’s even better than that.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Fellow
Customer Rating
5
Great machine
on March 4, 2026
Posted by: 243Don
My first espresso machine. Couldn’t be happier with this product!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Fellow