Thanks for being here, Mark here. I have seen plenty of Fellow gear on café counters and home benches. The Fellow Aiden is an automatic 10-cup drip brewer that pours water in timed pulses like a hand pour-over. It sells for $399.95.
The Aiden sets brew temperature from 50 C to 99 C (122 F to 210 F) and changes it between pulses. Cups match a manual pour-over, and extraction reaches 20% to 21%. Small batches hold their quality down to 200 ml (6.8 fl oz). No hot plate cooks the coffee, and a cold brew preset finishes in about 90 minutes. The machine brews from one cup to 1.5 liters (50.7 fl oz).
The build is mostly plastic, the click-wheel controls feel slow and the app can fail to log in or sync. The Moccamaster lasts longer and carries a longer warranty. You'll find temperature control, small batches and carafe heat below. No company paid for this review.
What Is the Fellow Aiden?
The Fellow Aiden is an automatic drip coffee maker that brews like a hand pour-over. Fellow, a San Francisco brand founded in 2013 by Jake Miller, makes it. The brand also sells the Stagg EKG kettle, the Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2 and the Opus grinder.
The Aiden suits people who like pour-over flavor but want push-button brewing. One basket brews a single cup. The other basket brews a full carafe. The 10-cup machine holds 1.5 liters (50.7 fl oz) of water.
The Aiden brews filter coffee only. It has no grinder or milk frother, so a separate burr grinder is needed. Fellow sells two grinders, the Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2 and the Opus.
The Specialty Coffee Association lists the machine as a Certified Home Brewer. The label rests on SCA tests of water temperature, brewing time and Golden Cup results.
The Aiden sells for $399.95 in the US. CNET reported a $365 presale price ahead of launch. The price sits level with the Technivorm Moccamaster.
The body measures 12 by 8.9 by 8.9 inches (30.5 by 22.7 by 22.7 cm) and weighs 9.6 pounds (4.4 kg). The case is mostly plastic with a stainless steel thermal carafe. The machine runs on 110-120 V at 60 Hz. Fellow lists six colors: Storm Blue, Matte Black, Matte White, Malted Chocolate, Sesame and Woodland.
What Comes With the Fellow Aiden?
The Fellow Aiden comes with two filter baskets, a thermal carafe and a starter set of paper filters. The green basket is a single-serve cone. The blue basket is a flat-bottom batch basket.
The green cone basket brews up to 450 ml (15.2 fl oz) and takes size 2 cone filters. The blue batch basket brews 525 ml to 1.5 L (17.7 to 50.7 fl oz) and takes 8-12 cup flat-bottom filters. A drip-stop valve in the blue basket lets the carafe leave mid-brew.
The box holds 15 cone filters, 15 flat-bottom filters, a double-walled stainless steel carafe and an operation guide. Livingetc also reports a descaling product in the box. The cord is 39 inches (99 cm) long.
Box Contents:
- Green single-serve cone basket
- Blue flat-bottom batch basket
- Double-walled stainless steel thermal carafe
- 15 cone filters and 15 flat-bottom filters
- Operation guide
Clearance under the basket is 170 mm (6.7 in). The gap fits a mug or a travel cup for single servings.
How Does the Fellow Aiden Brew Coffee?
The Fellow Aiden brews coffee by pouring heated water over the grounds in timed pulses. A bloom comes first, wetting the grounds so trapped carbon dioxide escapes before the main pours. The method copies a hand pour-over.
A showerhead delivers the water in as many as 60 pulses. Each pulse can have its own temperature. Fellow split the heating unit from the water pump, so heat and flow are controlled separately.
Instant Brew starts a pot in two taps. Guided Brew asks for the roast level (light, medium, dark or cold brew) and the amount, then shows the coffee dose in grams. Manual mode opens every variable.
Eight parameters are adjustable: brew temperature, ratio, bloom ratio, bloom duration, bloom temperature, pulse count, time between pulses and pulse temperature. A single dial and a round OLED display handle the controls. The Fellow app does the same job on a phone.
Adjustable Parameters:
- Brew temperature
- Brew ratio
- Bloom ratio
- Bloom duration
- Bloom temperature
- Pulse count
- Time between pulses
- Pulse temperature
The showerhead turns to match the basket color, which spreads water evenly over the coffee bed. A rubber gasket on the lid keeps steam inside during the brew.
A couple of cups takes about four minutes, Coffeeness found. A five-cup pot takes about seven minutes. The pump and heater run quietly.
How Does the Fellow Aiden Control Temperature?
The Fellow Aiden controls temperature from 50 C to 99 C (122 F to 210 F) in single-degree steps. A fixed-temperature brewer such as the Moccamaster holds about 92 to 96 C (198 to 205 F).
Coffee Chronicler attached temperature probes to check the claim. The Aiden hit each target accurately. It even handled an alternating profile of 50 C, 90 C, 50 C and 90 C.
Bloom and brew temperature can differ. Fellow's Dark Roast profile blooms at 99 C (210 F) and brews at 85 C (185 F). Darker beans are more porous, so a lower brew temperature cuts bitterness.
Basic Barista built a profile with a 30-second bloom at 70 C (158 F) followed by two pours at 95 C (203 F). Copying that by hand takes two temperature-control gooseneck kettles.
The Specialty Coffee Association asks for water at 197 to 205 F (92 to 96 C) touching the grounds for 4 to 8 minutes. The Aiden covers that window and reaches far below it.
Coffee Chronicler's medium roast profile started at 93 C (199 F) and dropped to 88 C (190 F) across the pulses. The cups lost the bitterness that a fixed 93 to 94 C brewer left behind.
Can the Fellow Aiden Make Cold Brew?
Yes. The Fellow Aiden makes cold brew through a preset in Guided Brew. The cycle opens with a hot bloom and then pulses room-temperature water over the grounds.
A steeped cold brew takes 12 to 24 hours. The Aiden finishes in a fraction of that time. Expert Reviews measured about 90 minutes for a full 1.5 L (50.7 fl oz) carafe.
The faster method changes the cup only a little. The result tastes clean and sweet and comes close to a traditional cold brew. Coffeeness found it not quite identical. The machine brews a concentrate that can be diluted to taste. A slightly coarser grind is advised.
The Aiden also has an Instant Hot Water mode. It dispenses 200 F (93 C) water on demand. The setting suits tea, an Americano or rinsing a filter.
Does the Fellow Aiden Make Good Coffee?
Yes. The Fellow Aiden makes good coffee that matches a manual pour-over. Expert Reviews, Coffee Chronicler, Basic Barista and Eight Ounce Coffee all reached that verdict.
Cups in Expert Reviews' tests ranged from floral, tea-like light roasts to nutty, chocolate-heavy dark roasts. The Guided Brew presets delivered those results with little tweaking.
Coffee Chronicler's refractometer read extraction between 20% and 21%. The SCA Golden Cup standard targets extraction of 18% to 22% of the coffee's weight, so the Aiden lands mid-range. The cups still tasted clean and balanced rather than harsh.
In blind tastings against a Moccamaster, using the same coffee, water and grind, Coffee Chronicler picked out the Aiden by its smoother feel and cleaner finish. The gap was widest with medium roasts.
The showerhead wets the whole coffee bed evenly. No hole forms in the middle, so the grounds need no stirring or basket rotation during the brew.
The machine shows up stale beans and uneven grinds. The Fellow Ode Gen 2 and Opus grinders are the usual pairings. Clive Coffee suggests a medium grind like sea salt, with settings 3 to 5 on the Ode Gen 2 for hot coffee.
Does the Fellow Aiden Brew Small Batches Well?
Yes. The Fellow Aiden brews small batches well, holding full quality down to 200 ml (6.8 fl oz). Coffee Chronicler tested single cups through 1.5 L batches and found consistent results.
The cone basket works like a V60 and brews up to 450 ml (15.2 fl oz) straight into a mug. Livingetc found a five-cup pot takes about seven minutes.
The Moccamaster struggles with batches under 0.5 L (17 fl oz). The Breville Precision Brewer also struggles with small brews. The Aiden keeps the quality of a full carafe.
The two baskets confuse some households. The green basket caps a brew at 450 ml (15.2 fl oz), and Expert Reviews notes the reason to pick one over the other is unclear without the manual. The display warns when the basket does not match the amount.
What Are the Problems With the Fellow Aiden?
The Fellow Aiden has several problems, led by its plastic build, clunky controls and condensation. Software accounts for most of the rest. The cup quality outweighs them for many buyers.
The body is mostly plastic and feels lighter than expected at this price. Coffee Chronicler found the water reservoir lid flimsy. The build resembles Fellow's budget Opus grinder more than the sturdier Ode.
The interface runs through one click wheel with no back button or shortcuts. Naming and creating profiles on the wheel is slow. Saved profile details stay hidden unless the app or the edit screen is open.
Closing the lid on a wet basket traps moisture inside. Coffee Chronicler noticed a mildew smell the next morning. Wiping out the basket housing or leaving the lid open lets the machine dry.
The workflow asks for water volume before coffee dose, which feels backward to many home baristas. The large basket cannot brew into small containers, because the machine insists on the thermal carafe.
Livingetc calls the machine quite big for a drip maker and notes that it does not suit milk-based drinks. Coffeeness warns that the tall brew chamber lid may touch overhead cabinets.
Main Problems:
- Plastic build that feels light for the price
- Click-wheel interface with no back button
- Condensation and mildew risk after brewing
- Carafe lid that does not mix the coffee
- App login, pairing and sync issues
Is the Fellow Aiden App Reliable?
No. The Fellow Aiden app is not fully reliable, with login, pairing and sync problems. Coffee Chronicler had to log in and grant permissions every time the app opened.
Pairing an iPhone failed for several days and then worked on its own. Fellow's server apparently queues connections. Coffee Chronicler found no way to speed up the pairing.
Profiles built in the app do not sync to the brewer automatically. The app has no refresh button to force a sync.
When connected, the app handles scheduling, profile editing and recipes. Wi-Fi sets the on-screen clock and installs firmware updates automatically. Fellow states that the Aiden works without the app, though it recommends the app for updates and features.
Fellow Drops delivers roaster-designed brew profiles to the Aiden. A scan of the code on a bag loads the recipe. The preorder coffees came from Onyx, La Cabra and Verve.
Most complaints are software issues, so firmware updates can fix them. Basic Barista's demo unit shipped with software that later received an update.
Does the Fellow Aiden Carafe Keep Coffee Hot?
Yes. The Fellow Aiden carafe keeps coffee hot for one to two hours when it is full. Small brews cool faster.
Expert Reviews brewed a 500 ml (17 fl oz) test batch at just over 78 C (172 F). The coffee fell below 60 C (140 F) after about an hour. It held near 70 C (158 F) for about 30 minutes.
Coffee Chronicler measured about 70 C (158 F) at both 50 and 120 minutes on a larger batch. A Moccamaster with a hot plate matched that result in the same test.
Holding heat for that long means the coffee sits in the carafe for a while. The lid has no funnel to mix the coffee as it pours in. James Hoffmann found coffee at the bottom of the carafe nearly twice as strong as coffee at the top. Large batches need a stir before serving.
The carafe keeps coffee hot without a hot plate, so the coffee never cooks after brewing. Any vessel that fits under the basket works, including a mug or a pour-over server.
Cleaning is simple because the spout is unsealed and the mouth is wide. The carafe pours without dripping but is not dishwasher safe.
How Does the Fellow Aiden Compare With Rivals?
The Fellow Aiden compares with its rivals as the best cup of the three but the lightest build. The Moccamaster and the Breville Precision Brewer both feel sturdier.
The Technivorm Moccamaster and the Breville Precision Brewer are the two closest rivals. Both target buyers who care about temperature control and cup quality.
The Moccamaster costs about $364 to $369 and brews 1.25 L (42 fl oz) at a fixed 92 to 96 C (198 to 205 F). The Breville BDC450 holds about 1.8 L (60 fl oz) and uses PID temperature control. US listings range from $329.95 to $444.99. The Aiden costs $399.95 and holds 1.5 L (50.7 fl oz).
Coffee Chronicler found the Aiden made better coffee than both rivals. Temperature curves, pulse timing and water spread explain the gap.
The Moccamaster is handmade in the Netherlands and easy to repair, and it is SCA certified. The Breville has a larger tank, a more intuitive display and a two-year warranty, the same as the Aiden.
Aiden, Moccamaster and Breville Compared:
| Spec | Fellow Aiden | Moccamaster | Breville |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.95 | $364-$369 | $329.95-$444.99 |
| Capacity | 1.5 L (50.7 fl oz) | 1.25 L (42 fl oz) | 1.8 L (60 fl oz) |
| Temperature | 50-99 C (122-210 F) | 92-96 C (198-205 F) | PID controlled |
| Warranty | 2 years | 5 years | 2 years |
Fellow Aiden vs Moccamaster: Which Is Better?
The Fellow Aiden is better for coffee quality, while the Moccamaster is better for longevity. Coffee Chronicler tested both side by side.
Coffee Chronicler's blind tests favored the Aiden, especially with medium roasts. With manual bloom and stirring, the Moccamaster gets close on light roasts but not all the way.
The Moccamaster holds 92 to 96 C (198 to 205 F) for the whole brew with no adjustment. The Aiden sets 50 to 99 C (122 to 210 F) for each phase of the brew. It can change the heat as the brew moves along.
The Moccamaster wins on how long it lasts. It is handmade in the Netherlands and has easily replaceable parts. It carries a 5-year warranty, and Coffee Chronicler credits it with a record of lasting 10 years or more. The Aiden carries a 2-year warranty and has less history to judge.
Batch size also separates the two. The Moccamaster brews half to full pots of up to 1.25 L (42 fl oz). It struggles under 0.5 L (17 fl oz). Its hot plate can also cook coffee within 5 to 10 minutes. The Aiden has no hot plate and brews from one cup to 1.5 L (50.7 fl oz).
The controls differ as well. The Moccamaster is simple, with one switch and no screen. The Aiden suits tinkerers who enjoy a screen, a dial and an app.
Fellow Aiden vs Breville Precision Brewer: Which Is Better?
The Fellow Aiden is better than the Breville Precision Brewer for taste and small batches. The Breville wins on build and tank size.
The Breville measures 35.8 x 17.0 x 39.9 cm (14.1 x 6.7 x 15.7 in) and holds about 1.8 L (60 fl oz). The Aiden measures 22.7 x 22.7 x 30.5 cm (8.9 x 8.9 x 12 in) and holds 1.5 L (50.7 fl oz). The Breville has the larger tank.
The Breville also feels more substantial. It has buttons and a large display, so its interface is more intuitive. The Aiden's plastic body and click wheel feel lighter and slower to use.
The Aiden handles 200 ml (6.8 fl oz) brews with confidence. Coffee Chronicler could not say the same of the Breville.
Spare parts for the Breville, especially the glass carafe, can be nearly impossible to find. Breville's website lists them anyway.
How Do You Clean the Fellow Aiden?
Cleaning the Fellow Aiden takes a rinse of the basket and carafe and a wipe of the body after each brew. The routine is short.
The carafe is not dishwasher safe, so it needs hand washing. Warm water and dish soap clean it. Coffee stains can still build up inside. Urnex Cafiza, used as a weak solution or a longer soak, lifts those stains from the carafe interior.
The body needs less work. Fellow recommends a regular wipe with a damp cloth for the exterior. The water tank is removable, and a cable tidy under the base stores the cord.
Moisture is the main hygiene risk. Wiping out the basket housing and leaving the lid open after brewing prevents condensation and a mildew smell.
No hot plate sits under the carafe, so drips never bake on.
How Often Does the Fellow Aiden Need Descaling?
The Fellow Aiden needs descaling often, roughly every three to six months, depending on water hardness. Hard water shortens the interval.
A built-in reminder on the display says when the descale is due. The reminder removes the guesswork.
Fellow recommends a high quality, biodegradable and phosphate-free liquid descaler. Urnex Dezcal is the named example. A retailer listing also describes a built-in descale program on the machine.
The Aiden has no built-in water filter. Expert Reviews recommends a water filter jug to reduce limescale.
How Much Does the Fellow Aiden Cost?
The Fellow Aiden costs $399.95 at US retailers. Clive Coffee, Best Buy and Amazon all sell it.
CNET reported a $365 presale price ahead of launch. The price has since risen by $34.95, so a buyer who saw the early figure should expect the higher one.
The Moccamaster KBGV Select sells for about $364 to $369. That puts the two machines at almost the same cost, and price alone does not separate them.
The machine itself is not the only cost. It brews with paper filters, and these must be bought again and again. The single basket takes size 2 cone filters. The batch basket takes 8-12 cup flat-bottom filters, which Expert Reviews found hard to buy in supermarkets.
Power is another point to check before buying. The machine draws 1,700 W at 110 V on a 15 amp circuit.
A good burr grinder also adds to the budget. The Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2 costs $399.95 at Fellow. Paired with the Aiden, that makes a matched setup of about $800. The cheaper Opus is the budget pairing.
Setup Cost:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Fellow Aiden | $399.95 |
| Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2 | $399.95 |
| Matched setup | About $800 |
What Warranty Does the Fellow Aiden Have?
Buyers of the Fellow Aiden have a two-year standard warranty from Fellow. Registering the machine adds a year.
Clive Coffee states that registering the machine with Fellow extends coverage to three years. Fellow's own product page lists the two-year standard warranty with an option to extend it.
The Moccamaster, a competing coffee maker, carries a five-year warranty. That is longer than the Aiden's two years, and longer than the three years it reaches with registration.
Consumer Reports has too little survey data to rate Fellow's reliability as a brand.
Is the Fellow Aiden Worth It?
Yes. The Fellow Aiden is worth it for buyers who want pour-over flavor without the work. The cup quality justifies the price.
Expert Reviews calls it the best filter coffee machine there is. Basic Barista and Livingetc also recommend it after hands-on testing.
The Aiden earns its price with cup quality, per-phase temperature control and strong small-batch results. No hot plate protects the coffee after the brew, and scheduling gets a pot ready for the alarm.
Pros:
- Pour-over quality cups
- Temperature set per brew phase
- Strong small-batch results
- No hot plate
- Scheduling and cold brew
The plastic build, clunky controls, buggy app and two-year warranty hold the Aiden back. The track record is short compared with the Moccamaster.
Cons:
- Plastic build
- Clunky click-wheel controls
- Buggy app
- Two-year warranty
The Moccamaster is easier to recommend for repair and longevity. The Aiden makes the better cup. A decent burr grinder and fresh beans are needed to show its strengths. With the Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2, a matched setup costs about $800.
Who Should Skip the Fellow Aiden?
Latte drinkers, switch-and-go buyers and long-term keepers should skip the Fellow Aiden. Each group loses out on what the machine does best.
The following are the three groups that lose out, and why:
- Latte drinkers: Milk-based drinks fall outside what the machine does. Livingetc says latte lovers will not suit it, since the Aiden brews filter coffee only.
- Switch-and-go buyers: Anyone who wants a switch-and-go machine and pre-ground coffee will not use its features. Coffeeness doubts that many buyers will dial in every setting.
- Long-term keepers: Buyers who want a repairable appliance for ten or more years do better with a Moccamaster. Its five-year warranty and replaceable parts back that up.
Tight counters also count against the Aiden. The tall lid needs headroom under cabinets. Households that need more than 1.5 L (50.7 fl oz) per brew outgrow the tank.
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