Fellow steps away from its usual grind with $365 Aiden coffee machine

Coffee is a drink, sure, but for many people it’s more than that. It’s a ritual to find a break in the day, rewarded with a tasty dose of caffeine. For many years, Fellow has been a priority for those looking to embrace the ritual. So it’s a bit of a surprise to see the company launch Aiden. The sophisticated drip coffee maker costs $365. But in a space where $25 gets you something serviceable, is Fellow’s device really 14 times better?

Fellow has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible when it comes to home coffee equipment. The latest addition to its fashion-forward range is the Aiden Coffee Machine, a stylish coffee maker that attempts to transform the coffee experience at home. Known for its meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality, Fellow’s announcement of Aiden is a curious one – but with an extraordinary design and a handful of sophisticated features, it just might be a contender.

So, what is its particularity?

“We make coffee products for nerds. But we also want to help as many people as possible prepare and enjoy great coffee. We’ve had a group of enthusiasts asking us to build a brewer for years and we saw a real opportunity,” said Jake Miller, CEO and founder of Fellow, in an interview with TechCrunch. “Aiden appeals to everyone, from coffee lovers to those simply looking for a reliable and convenient way to make their morning cup. Even my parents, who have Fellow products on their counter, still use a basic coffee maker. Aiden is designed for them.

The Aiden Coffee Maker promises precision and customization that rivals professional setups, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. The main innovation of the coffee maker is its adjustable shower head, which promises to ensure uniform saturation of the coffee grounds, which is essential to extract the full flavor and aroma of the coffee beans. Users can adjust water distribution and flow, which the company says mimics the techniques of a trained barista.

The other innovation is the coffee maker’s precise temperature control system, crucial for brewing the perfect cup of coffee. Aiden allows Users can adjust temperatures based on different types of coffee beans and brewing methods. This level of control can significantly affect the acidity, sweetness and overall flavor profile of the coffee, providing a brewing experience that is customizable and tailored to individual preferences.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to finally be able to introduce Aiden to the world after two years of development. With Aiden, we are bridging the gap between hand brewing and traditional drip coffee makers,” says Miller. “People no longer have to compromise on quality or convenience. I’m especially excited to welcome new users to the world of specialty coffee, whether they’re embarking on a coffee journey or simply want the perfect cup to start their day. Aiden celebrates every coffee preference and journey, and I can’t wait for people to experience it.

Everything customizable

The company is introducing customizable brew profiles, which allow users to save their preferred settings for different coffee beans and brew styles. Whether you prefer a robust, full-bodied cup or a lighter, more aromatic brew, Aiden promises to tickle your tastes at the touch of a button. This feature is especially beneficial for households with multiple coffee drinkers, as each user can quickly and easily access their favorite settings.

Of course, it’s 2024, so users will be able to connect to the machine using a mobile app, which will allow them to adjust settings remotely and help coffee newbies with feedback and advice on how to way to improve their preparation techniques. It’s a nice touch that could make coffee brewing a little less mysterious for coffee newbies, turning the task into an enjoyable and educational experience.

Design the wazoo

The design philosophy behind Aiden is deeply rooted in improving user experience and pushing the boundaries of innovation. The company says it is constantly rethinking and reshaping how coffee equipment can fit into the modern lifestyle, not just as tools, but as part of coffee lovers’ daily ritual.

Great design is 99% invisible, and Fellow’s design team has done its best to make its sleek, minimalist products better and more intuitive. It goes beyond its outward appearance: the company highlights how every aspect of Aiden was designed with the user in mind. The Fellow design team started by asking the question: “How can we make the coffee-making ritual as enjoyable and efficient as possible?” » This question led to the development of intuitive and user-friendly features.

“There is a hidden gem that excites us. Aiden comes with a discreet cord wrap feature, perfect for those looking for a clutter-free countertop. This may seem like a minor detail, but fitting it into Aiden’s slim base was quite a feat. Take a closer look and you’ll see the meticulous attention to detail our team put into every aspect of the machine,” says Miller. “It’s a small touch, but one that speaks volumes about our commitment to thoughtful design and makes me proud.”

Beyond a hidden power cord, the machine has a clean, accessible control panel that demystifies the often complex coffee-making process. The designers prioritized clear, understandable icons and a responsive touch interface, ensuring that users of all levels of coffee expertise can use the machine with confidence and ease.

As you would expect for a brewer in this price range, Aiden continues the company’s reputation for durability and durability. Constructed from high-quality materials that are both aesthetically pleasing and durable, Aiden is designed to be a kitchen staple for years to come. This commitment to quality materials not only improves the user experience, but also aligns with eco-sustainability practices by reducing the need for frequent replacements – and if something needs to be repaired, you can easily obtain replacement parts .

More than the sum of its parts?

Yes, it’s a $365 coffee machine. This does not include a grinder, so you have to spend a large amount of money on that as well. Fellow has a grinder for under $200, or a high-end edition for $350 if you’re really serious about coffee.

“The biggest challenge we faced when building Aiden was packing so much technology into such a compact design. While most coffee machines rely on a bubble pump, we were keen to create something truly innovative. Our engineering team encountered many obstacles throughout the process, with many moments where we didn’t think it was possible,” says Miller. “However, driven by our commitment to raising the standard of home coffee brewing, we persevered. The result is a brewer that defies convention. Aiden is a testament to our commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering unparalleled coffee experiences.

I love the Fellow brand and have spent a lot of my money on their products over the years, but I keep tripping over the price. I understand that technology isn’t free, and neither is thoughtful design — but I make really tasty coffee with my $35 AeroPress, and I can’t imagine spending 10 times as much for convenience. Here again, this machine is not For me – and with the incredible brand recognition of the company and the enthusiastic zeal that people have for brewed beans, I have no doubt that Fellow will sell these brewers by the pallet.

The Aiden Precision Coffee Maker is available for pre-sale today for $365 on FellowProducts.com, and the company says it will ship in September. Each pre-sale purchase includes three bags of coffee from renowned roasters—Onyx Coffee Lab, La Cabra, and Verve Coffee Roasters—designed especially for Aiden with scannable roast profiles while supplies last. The company offers its coffee makers a standard two-year warranty, extendable to three years with product registration.