Sometimes even the most die-hard coffee lovers want a quick cup of joe. Unfortunately, this often leaves people with less satisfying sips of Java than traditional drip brewers. But now, after years of requests from customers, Fellow is finally releasing a machine it claims can deliver a casting experience at the touch of a button. And once you’ve seen it in action, there’s a lot to like.
With prices starting at $365 Aiden certainly not cheap. This compares to $500 grinders and expensive accessories it may seem like a bargain to some as many enthusiasts lust after it. But the big difference between Aiden and traditional coffee machines is that, unlike a typical drip-based brewer, it has an adjustable showerhead that mimics the traditional pour-over process. Mate also uses a thick film Ferro Techniek heating element is said to deliver accurate water temperatures (to within one degree and up to 210F). When combined with the ability to adjust bloom time, amount of water used and more, you get a ton of control over the brewing process. Fellow even includes two different baskets: a single-serve option that offers a slightly more nuanced product, or a bulk filter to accommodate large crowds (up to 10 cups at a time).
Aiden also features a guided brewing process that walks you through the various settings, though you can always create your own profiles or download instructions directly from participating roasters via a QR code and Fellow’s free companion app. However, I appreciate that if you don’t want to pull out your phone just to make a cup of coffee, you can still set up apps, start brewing, and enter information directly into the machine with its bright color LCD screen and large controls. collect
But the best thing about Aiden is how easy and convenient it is to use. It has a 1.5 liter water tank and its heating element is completely silent, so you can brew a cup in the morning without disturbing the peace. Once you’ve gathered your favorite brews, starting a party is as simple as pouring some places and getting to work (and adding water to the tank if you haven’t already). The machine will remind you to run a clean cycle or descale. Because the showerhead is so precise, if you schedule it to run before you wake up in the morning, it will be ready exactly when you say it. Not a minute too soon or too late. There’s even a cold brew mode that will slowly drip water throughout the day (and of course you can set how long or short it takes), instead of relying on long-term water as you would otherwise.
However, one feature the Aiden lacks is a keep-warm function, but that’s because most coffee lovers tend to stay away from machines with internal hot plates, which can cause burns. Instead, the Fellow uses a thermal double-wall carafe to keep things warm until you get to it (which probably won’t be long if you’re in need of caffeine).
Finally, while your tastes may differ, I like Aiden’s minimalist design. It’s short enough to fit under most kitchen cabinets, and its sleek lines and boxy shape make it easy to clean. While I was only able to sample one glass, the Scandinavian light roast I tried retained many of the subtle vanilla and hickory notes that would normally be stamped out by traditional drip producers.
However, it’s important to remember that Aiden isn’t designed for you V60 or Aeropress or whatever your preferred brewing method is. It’s designed to provide a higher quality brew than your standard drip brewer can, for situations where you simply don’t have the time or energy to make a cup yourself. From what I’ve seen so far, he does.
Pre-sales for the Aiden are live today, with deliveries expected to begin this September. Additionally, anyone who pre-orders will receive a bag of coffee specially made for this machine, complete with scannable brew profiles each from Onyx Coffee Lab, La Cabra, and Verve Coffee Roasters.
