Coffee is a beverage, sure, but for many people, it’s more than that. It’s a ritual to find a break in the day, rewarded with a delicious jolt of caffeine. For many years, Fellow it was top of mind for those who want to embrace the ritual. It’s a bit of a surprise, then, to see the company launch the Aiden. The fancy drip coffee maker is priced at $365 to match. But in a space where $25 gets you something usefulis Fellow’s device really 14x better?
Fellow has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible with home coffee equipment. The latest addition to its range of aficionados is the Aiden coffee maker, a stylish brewer that takes a stab at transforming the coffee experience at home. Known for their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality, Fellow’s announcement of the Aiden is an odd one — but with a great design and a handful of fancy features, it might just be a contender.
So what’s so special about it?
“We make coffee products for nerds. But we also want to help as many people as possible make and enjoy great coffee. We had a dedicated group of enthusiasts asking us to build a brewery for years, and we saw a real opportunity,” said Jake Miller, CEO and founder of Fellow, in an interview with TechCrunch. “Aiden is for everyone — from coffee lovers to those who just want a reliable and convenient way to brew their morning cup. Even my parents, who have Fellow products lined up on their counter, still use a basic coffee maker. Aiden is designed for them.”
The brewer features single and multi-cup baskets, precise time control and a double-wall stainless steel thermal carafe to keep the coffee toasted. Image Credits: Fellow
The Aiden coffee maker promises precision and customization that rivals professional settings, all from the comfort of the kitchen. The main innovation for the coffee maker is the adjustable shower head, which promises to ensure an even saturation of the coffee grounds, which is of prime importance to extract the full flavor and aroma from the coffee beans. Users can adjust the spread and rate of water flow, which the company suggests mimics the techniques of a skilled barista.
The other innovation is the coffee machine’s precise temperature control system, which is vital for brewing the perfect cup of coffee. Aiden enables users to dial the temperatures that suit 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 customizable brewing experience tailored to individual preferences.
“It’s incredibly satisfying to finally introduce Aiden to the world after two years of development. With Aiden, we’re bridging the gap between manual 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 starting a coffee journey or just want that perfect cup to start their day. Aiden celebrates every coffee preference and journey and I can’t wait for people to experience it.”
Customizable everything
The company introduces customizable brew profiles, which allow users to save their preferred settings for different coffee beans and brewing styles. Whether you prefer a robust, full-bodied brew or a lighter, more flavorful brew, Aiden promises to tickle your fancy at the touch of a button. This feature is especially beneficial for households with multiple coffees, 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 allows users to adjust settings remotely and helps coffee novices with feedback and tips on how to improve their brewing techniques . It’s a nice touch that might just make coffee-making a little less mysterious for coffee novices, turning the task into an enjoyable and educational experience.
Plan out the wazoo
The design philosophy behind Aiden is deeply rooted in improving the user experience and pushing the envelope of innovation. The company says it is constantly rethinking and reshaping how coffee equipment can fit into modern lifestyles, not just as tools, but as part of the coffee lover’s daily ritual.
A sleek black cube that makes coffee. Image Credits: Fellow
The great design is 99% invisible, and the Fellow design team has gone to great lengths to make its sleek, minimalist products better and more intuitive. This goes beyond its exterior – the company highlights how every aspect of Aiden has been created with the user in mind. The design team at Fellow started with the question, “How can we make the ritual of making coffee as enjoyable and efficient as possible?” This question has led to the development of features that are easy to use and user-friendly.
“There is a hidden gem that we are excited about. The Aiden has a subtle cord wrap feature, perfect for those looking for a clutter-free countertop. It may seem like a small detail, but fitting it onto Aiden’s slim base was quite a feat. Take a closer look and you’ll see the meticulous attention to detail our team has put into every aspect of the machine,” says Miller. “It’s a small touch, but one that speaks volumes for our commitment to thoughtful design and makes me proud.”
Beyond a clip-on power cord, the machine features a clean, accessible control panel that demystifies the often complicated coffee-making process. The designers have prioritized clear, understandable icons and a responsive touch interface, ensuring that users of all levels of coffee expertise can operate the machine with confidence and ease.
As you’d expect for a brewery in this price range, Aiden continues the company’s reputation for sustainability and durability. Made from high-quality materials that are aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting, Aiden is designed to be a kitchen staple for years to come. This commitment to quality materials not only enhances the user experience, but also aligns with eco-sustainability practices by reducing the need for frequent replacements — and if something needs repair, spare parts are easily sourced.
More than the sum of its parts?
Yes, this is a $365 coffee maker. This does not include a grinder, so you have to spend a chunk of cash on that as well. Fellow has a grinder under $200 or a $350 high-end version; if you are really serious about coffee.
“The biggest challenge we faced in building the Aiden was fitting so much technology into such a compact design. While most coffee machines rely on a bubble pump, we were adamant about creating something truly innovative. Our engineering team encountered many obstacles along the way, with many moments where we didn’t think it was possible,” explains Miller. “However, driven by our commitment to raise the standard of home brewing, we persevered. The result is a brewery that defies convention. Aiden is a testament to our dedication to pushing the boundaries and delivering unparalleled coffee experiences.”
Gotta love some design porn. Image Credits: Fellow
I love the Fellow brand and have spent a lot of my own money on their products over the years, but I keep tripping over the price. I understand that technology doesn’t come for free, and neither does thoughtful design — but I make really tasty coffee with my $35 AeroPress, and I can’t imagine spending 10x more for the added convenience. Again, this machine is not For me — and with the company’s incredible brand recognition and the enthusiastic zeal people have for full beans, I have no doubt that Fellow will sell these brews on the pallet.
The Aiden Precision Coffee Maker is currently available for pre-sale for $365 FellowProducts.com, and the company says it will ship in September. Each presale purchase includes three bags of coffee from well-known roasters — Onyx Coffee Lab, La Cabra and Verve Coffee Roasters — made especially for Aiden with a scannable grill profile while supplies last. The company backs its coffee makers with a two-year standard warranty, which can be extended to three years with product registration.
