Fellow
Fellow Espresso Series 1
Matte black, UK model 1SMB-UK
Editorial review Reviewed 21 October 2026 How we assess products
The Fellow Espresso Series 1 makes sense when you want to experiment with how an espresso shot develops, rather than simply choose its length. Preset profiles offer a starting point, and adjustable pressure and temperature let you shape a recipe as your skills grow. The display shows pressure and shot progress, while feedback on fast or slow extraction helps you decide what to change next. It earns its place through useful brewing control at a lower price than many traditional enthusiast machines. At about £1,300, it costs less than a Lelit Bianca while offering repeatable digital recipes. It does not replace the Bianca’s manual flow paddle or plumbed-in setup. Choose the Gaggia Classic GT for separate brew and steam boilers, or the Bambino Plus for a simpler milk-drink routine.
Key facts
Use these figures as a starting point. If a specification is critical to your choice, confirm it on the retailer or manufacturer page before buying.
- Water Tank
- 2L
- Milk
- Temperature-sensing steam wand
- Controls
- Display and dial
- Type
- Pressure profiling
Strengths
- Preset and adjustable pressure profiles with brew-temperature control
- Guided recipes, manual brewing and shot-speed feedback
- Pressure, shot progress and timing shown on the display
- Temperature-sensing steam wand with automatic temperature stop
- 58mm basket and a machine-specific portafilter handle
- 2L removable tank; UK matte-black 1SMB-UK model
- Brew heater ready in under two minutes; warm the cup and handle too
- Pressure profiles can be repeated and refined as skills grow
- Helpful feedback makes grind changes easier to understand
- Guided and manual modes serve different levels of confidence
- Temperature stop helps avoid overheating the milk
Limitations
- A capable separate espresso grinder is essential
- Body may need steadying when locking the handle
- Low steam wand limits jug manoeuvring space
- Wet pucks make emptying less tidy
- Portafilter handles need exact compatibility, despite the 58mm basket
- Does not replace the Bianca’s manual paddle or plumbed-in setup
- Milk texture and coffee preparation still need hands-on work
- Allow room for the separate grinder, scale and removable tank; fast heater readiness does not warm a cold cup
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