Coffee is a drinkSure, but for many people it’s more than that. It’s a ritual of finding a break in the day that is rewarded with a delicious shot of caffeine. For many years, Fellow has been the top priority for those wishing to join the ritual. So it’s a bit of a surprise that the company is launching Aiden. The stylish filter coffee maker has a corresponding price of $365. But is Fellow’s device really 14 times better in an environment where you can get something useful for $25?
Fellow has continued to push the boundaries of what is possible with home coffee machines. The latest addition to the range for coffee lovers is the Aiden coffee maker, a stylish brewer that seeks to transform the home coffee experience. Fellow’s Announcement Aiden is known for her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality. It’s strange – but with exceptional design and a handful of unusual features, it could 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’ve had a dedicated group of enthusiasts asking us to develop 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 suitable for everyone – from coffee lovers to those who simply want a reliable and convenient way to prepare their morning cup. Even my parents, who have Fellow products on their counter, still use a simple coffee maker. Aiden is designed for them.”
The brewer features baskets for one or more cups, precise time control and a double-walled stainless steel thermal carafe to keep the coffee roasted. Photo credit: fellow
The Aiden coffee maker promises precision and customization that rivals professional facilities, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. The most important innovation of the coffee machine is its adjustable shower head, which promises safety an even saturation of the coffee grounds, which is paramount to extracting the full flavor and aroma of the coffee beans. Users can adjust the spread and speed of water flow, which the company says mimics the techniques of a skilled barista.
The other innovation is the coffee machine’s precise temperature control system, which is crucial for making the perfect cup of coffee. Aiden enables Users can set temperatures to suit different types of coffee beans and brewing methods. This level of control can significantly influence the acidity, sweetness and overall flavor profile of the coffee, allowing for a customizable brewing experience tailored to individual preferences.
“It’s incredibly fulfilling to finally introduce Aiden to the world after two years in development. With Aiden we are closing the gap between manual preparation and traditional filter coffee machines,” says Miller. “People no longer have to compromise on quality or comfort. I’m especially excited to welcome new users to the world of specialty coffee, whether they’re embarking on a coffee journey or just looking for 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 that allow users to save their preferred settings for different coffee beans and brew types. Whether you prefer a bold, full-bodied cup or a lighter, more flavorful brew, Aiden promises to indulge your taste buds at the touch of a button. This feature is particularly beneficial for households with multiple coffee drinkers, as each user can quickly and easily access their preferred settings.
Of course, it’s 2024, so users can connect to the machine via a mobile app that allows them to adjust settings remotely and provide coffee beginners with feedback and tips on improving their brewing techniques. It’s a nice touch that may make coffee-making a little less mysterious for coffee novices, making the task an enjoyable and educational experience.
Design out the wazoo
The design philosophy behind Aiden is deeply rooted in improving the user experience and pushing the boundaries of innovation. The company says it is constantly rethinking and shaping the way coffee appliances fit into modern lifestyles, not just as tools but as part of coffee lovers’ daily ritual.
An elegant black cube that makes coffee. Photo credit: fellow
Great design is 99% invisible, and the Fellow design team has gone to great lengths to make their sleek, minimalist products better and more intuitive. This goes beyond the external appearance – the company emphasizes that every aspect of Aiden was designed with the user in mind. Fellow’s design team started with the question: “How can we make the ritual of making coffee as enjoyable and efficient as possible?” This question led to the development of features that are intuitive and user-friendly.
“There is a hidden gem that we are excited about. Aiden features a discreet cable winding function, perfect for anyone looking for a tidy worktop. It may seem like a small detail, but incorporating it into Aiden’s sleek base was quite a feat. Look closer and you’ll see the meticulous attention to detail our team put into every aspect of the machine,” says Miller. “It’s a small gesture, but it speaks volumes about our commitment to thoughtful design and makes me proud.”
Aside from a hidden power cord, the machine features a clear, accessible control panel that demystifies the often complex coffee-making process. Designers prioritized clear, understandable icons and a responsive touch interface to ensure users of all coffee skills can operate the machine safely and easily.
As you would expect from a brewery in this price range, Aiden continues the company’s reputation for sustainability and longevity. Made from high quality materials that are both aesthetically pleasing and durable, Aiden is designed to remain a kitchen staple for years to come. This commitment to high-quality materials not only improves the user experience, but is also consistent with environmental sustainability practices by reducing the need for frequent replacement – and if something needs repairs, you can easily obtain replacement parts.
More than the sum of its parts?
Yes, this is a $365 coffee maker. This doesn’t include a grinder, so you’ll have to spend a lot of money on that too. Fellow has a grinder for under $200, or a high-end version for $350 if you’re really serious about coffee.
“The biggest challenge in building Aiden was integrating so much technology into such a compact design. While most coffee machines rely on an air bubble pump, we really wanted to create something truly innovative. Our engineering team encountered numerous obstacles along the way and there were many moments where we didn’t think it was possible,” explains Miller. “However, driven by our commitment to raising the standard of coffee making at home, we persevered. The result is a brewery that defies all conventions. Aiden is a testament to our commitment to pushing boundaries and providing unparalleled coffee experiences.”
Gotta love some design porn. Photo credit: fellow
I love the Fellow brand and have spent a lot of money on their products over the years, but I keep tripping up 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 can’t imagine spending ten times as much for the added convenience. Then again, this machine isn’t for I – and given the company’s incredible brand recognition and people’s enthusiasm for soaked beans, I have no doubt that Fellow will sell these brewers by the pallet.
The Aiden Precision coffee maker is available for pre-sale now for $365 on FellowProducts.com and will ship in September, according to the company. Each pre-sale purchase includes three bags of coffee from renowned roasters – Onyx Coffee Lab, La Cabra and Verve Coffee Roasters – specifically for Aiden with scannable roast profiles, while supplies last. The company backs its coffee machines with a standard two-year warranty, which can be extended to three years upon product registration.