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 dwelling espresso expertise for a variety of customers, from full newbies 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 almost plug-and-play, requiring minimal setup proper out of the field. One of the crucial difficult points for newbies is studying how you can 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 gives real-time suggestions. If a shot is pulling too rapidly or too slowly, the system prompts the consumer with clear steerage on how and when to regulate the grind measurement. These tutorial cues goal to make high-quality espresso extra accessible whereas nonetheless respecting the craft.

Extra skilled dwelling 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 completely different beans or recipes, with adjustable parameters akin to brew strain, water temperature, and movement charge. This function makes it straightforward to fine-tune the espresso expertise to go well with private preferences or carry out the distinctive character of particular coffees.

Fellow has managed to include all this performance into a pretty machine with a compact footprint. Its smooth design ought to combine properly into most kitchens or dwelling 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 throughout the premium dwelling espresso phase. For these of us not all for giving Fellow an curiosity free mortgage for 6-8 months till it begins to ship, the retail value might be $1,500. In keeping with Michael Kubba, Fellow’s Chief Product Officer, these costs are anticipated to stay secure, 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 world manufacturing choices to enhance accessibility in worldwide markets.

As with the discharge of the Aiden Espresso Maker, questions have surfaced concerning the supplies used within the Sequence 1. To realize 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. Nevertheless, 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 elements 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 (based on Fellow) to satisfy worldwide meals security requirements. Kubba added that plastic shouldn’t be merely a cost-saving measure; in sure purposes, it performs higher than metallic, particularly in the case of warmth retention and thermal effectivity.

Though the machine is, based on Fellow, near its last manufacturing model, just a few minor changes are nonetheless being thought-about. Dante Smith talked about that the button format on the highest of the machine, significantly for the steam wand and sizzling water features, is likely to be rearranged. The icons for these buttons is also up to date earlier than the ultimate launch. Whereas observing just a few demo models on the ground, I observed no less than one the place the lid for the water tank was troublesome to shut correctly. The discharge button on that unit felt overly stiff, which may very well 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 appears like a really promising addition to the house espresso panorama. The excitement on the present ground actually displays that. Enthusiastic crowds fashioned lengthy traces on the Fellow sales space, wanting to get a have 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 might turn into a significant participant within the dwelling espresso market.

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