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

It’s no shock that Fellow Merchandise has a powerful presence at this weekend’s Specialty Espresso Affiliation (SCA) Expo in Houston, Texas, showcasing their full lineup of design-forward espresso gear. The centerpiece of their exhibit this 12 months is the newly introduced Espresso Sequence 1, a machine that goals to ship a top-tier residence espresso expertise for a variety of customers, from full novices to skilled baristas. To enchantment to such a broad demographic, Fellow has thoughtfully built-in options that cater to each ends of the spectrum.

For espresso newbies, the Sequence 1 is designed to be practically plug-and-play, requiring minimal setup proper out of the field. One of the difficult points for novices is studying methods to correctly dial in a shot. To assist ease that studying curve, Fellow has geared up the machine with intuitive software program and a digital show that provides real-time suggestions. If a shot is pulling too shortly or too slowly, the system prompts the person with clear steering on how and when to regulate the grind dimension. These tutorial cues intention to make high-quality espresso extra accessible whereas nonetheless respecting the craft.

Extra skilled residence baristas and professionals ought to benefit from the extra superior capabilities constructed into the machine. The Sequence 1 permits customers to create and save profiles tailor-made to totally different beans or recipes, with adjustable parameters corresponding to brew strain, water temperature, and movement fee. This function makes it straightforward to fine-tune the espresso expertise to go well with private preferences or convey out the distinctive character of particular coffees.

Fellow has managed to include all this performance into a beautiful machine with a compact footprint. Its glossy design ought to combine properly into most kitchens or residence setups. The pricing can also be price noting. Pre-orders for the Sequence 1 are at present set at $1,200, which locations it competitively inside the premium residence espresso section. For these of us not excited by giving Fellow an curiosity free mortgage for 6-8 months till it begins to ship, the retail value shall be $1,500. Based on Michael Kubba, Fellow’s Chief Product Officer, these costs are anticipated to stay steady, as tariffs have already been baked into the pricing. Kubba additionally famous that though the machines are at present manufactured in China, the corporate is actively exploring international manufacturing choices to enhance accessibility in worldwide markets.

As with the discharge of the Aiden Espresso Maker, questions have surfaced relating to the supplies used within the Sequence 1. To attain its value level and preserve design aesthetics, Fellow has made particular decisions. The machine is wrapped in a satisfying metallic wrap, and seems to make use of considerably extra metallic all through than the Aiden, giving it a extra strong and premium really feel. Nonetheless, each Kubba and Fellow’s Alex Dante Smith confirmed that PFAS-free and BPA-free plastics had been utilized in choose areas.

Most of those plastic parts are exterior, although some inside tubing additionally makes use of the identical food-safe plastics. All supplies, together with metals concerned within the brew course of, have been examined (in keeping with Fellow) to fulfill worldwide meals security requirements. Kubba added that plastic will not be merely a cost-saving measure; in sure functions, it performs higher than metallic, particularly on the subject of warmth retention and thermal effectivity.

Though the machine is, in keeping with Fellow, near its last manufacturing model, a couple of minor changes are nonetheless being thought-about. Dante Smith talked about that the button structure on the highest of the machine, notably for the steam wand and sizzling water features, is perhaps rearranged. The icons for these buttons is also up to date earlier than the ultimate launch. Whereas observing a couple of demo items on the ground, I seen at the least one the place the lid for the water tank was tough to shut correctly. The discharge button on that unit felt overly stiff, which could possibly be a results of tolerances nonetheless being refined. One would hope that points like these are addressed earlier than the machine reaches customers.

All in all, the Sequence 1 seems to be like a really promising addition to the house espresso panorama. The thrill on the present flooring actually displays that. Enthusiastic crowds fashioned lengthy traces on the Fellow sales space, wanting to get a take a look at the brand new machine or pattern a shot pulled on it. The design appears thought out, and the enchantment to each newcomers to espresso and seasoned vets is there. If Fellow delivers on the standard and expertise this prototype suggests, the Sequence 1 may turn out to be a significant participant within the residence espresso market.

Fellow is a bit hazy on the precise launch date, telling me on the Expo to anticipate it “across the holidays” (so late 4th quarter in 2025 is the earliest availability).