# TLDR Review: Fellow Espresso Series 1

*Published: 2026-06-18 | Updated: 2026-06-18 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/fellow-espresso-series-1*

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## Product: Fellow Espresso Series 1
**Brand:** Fellow

## Pros
- Heats in under 2 minutes, speeding up your morning routine
- Precise temperature control for consistent shot quality
- Pressure profiling allows for customization of espresso extraction
- Built-in guidance makes it user-friendly for beginners
- Assisted milk steaming produces professional-quality foam and latte art
- Sleek, matte black design looks fantastic on any countertop
- Produces excellent steaming performance for rich, textured milk
- Fast warm-up time enhances efficiency
- Easier to operate than some high-end alternatives, with customizable options
- Reliable once past initial setup and calibration

## Cons
- Inconsistent espresso quality despite experimentation; difficult to get perfect shots every time
- Significant spraying issues with the porta filter causing spills
- Produces wetter-than-expected steam, which might be frustrating for some users
- The app is glitchy, requiring multiple attempts to connect
- Initial units arrived faulty, and customer service has been slow or unhelpful for some
- Cannot preset steam or hot water temperature; adjustments are manual during use
- Emits a noticeable buzzing or humming noise when powered on, which can be disruptive
- Burnt plastic smell when starting up, though it diminishes over time
- Water volume measurement isn't reliable due to bean absorption, making dosing tricky
- Price may be justified for some, but reliability over the long term is still uncertain

## Bottom Line

This Fellow Espresso Series 1 offers impressive speed, precision, and a sleek design, making it attractive for home baristas looking to elevate their coffee experience. However, recent reviews highlight some reliability issues, inconsistent shot quality, and technical frustrations like spraying and app glitches. If you're seeking a machine with premium features and are willing to troubleshoot occasional quirks, it could be a good choice. Otherwise, exploring other models with established reliability—like the La Marzocco Linea Mini or the Breville Dual Boiler—might be worth considering.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Heats in under 2 minutes, speeding up your morning routine | Inconsistent espresso quality despite experimentation; difficult to get perfect shots every time |
| Precise temperature control for consistent shot quality | Significant spraying issues with the porta filter causing spills |
| Pressure profiling allows for customization of espresso extraction | Produces wetter-than-expected steam, which might be frustrating for some users |
| Built-in guidance makes it user-friendly for beginners | The app is glitchy, requiring multiple attempts to connect |
| Assisted milk steaming produces professional-quality foam and latte art | Initial units arrived faulty, and customer service has been slow or unhelpful for some |
| Sleek, matte black design looks fantastic on any countertop | Cannot preset steam or hot water temperature; adjustments are manual during use |
| Produces excellent steaming performance for rich, textured milk | Emits a noticeable buzzing or humming noise when powered on, which can be disruptive |
| Fast warm-up time enhances efficiency | Burnt plastic smell when starting up, though it diminishes over time |
| Easier to operate than some high-end alternatives, with customizable options | Water volume measurement isn't reliable due to bean absorption, making dosing tricky |
| Reliable once past initial setup and calibration | Price may be justified for some, but reliability over the long term is still uncertain |

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*