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, Buddy has been a priority for those seeking to embrace the ritual. So, it’s a bit surprising to see the company release Aiden. The sleek drip coffee maker has a price tag of $365 to match. But in a space where $25 gets you something usefulIs Fellow’s device really 14 times better?
Fellow has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible with home coffee equipment. The latest addition to their line of hobby products is the Aiden coffee machine, a stylish coffee maker that aims to transform the coffee experience at home. Known for its meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality, Fellow’s announcement of Aiden is curious, but with an extraordinary design and a handful of sophisticated features, it may 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 create 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 aficionados to those who simply want a reliable and convenient way to brew their morning cup. Even my parents, who have Fellow products on the counter, still use a basic coffee maker. “Aiden is designed for them.”
The coffee maker has single- and multi-cup baskets, precise time control, and a double-walled stainless steel thermal carafe to keep your coffee roasted. Image credits: Buddy
The Aiden coffee maker promises precision and customization that rivals professional setups, all from the comfort of the 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 all the flavor and aroma of the coffee beans. Users can adjust the distribution and speed of water flow, which the company says mimics the techniques of a skilled barista.
The other innovation is the precise temperature control system of the coffee maker, which is crucial to brewing the perfect cup of coffee. Aiden allows Users can adjust temperatures to 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 gratifying to finally introduce Aiden to the world after two years of development. With Aiden, we are 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 particularly excited to welcome new users to the world of specialty coffee, whether they’re embarking on 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 is introducing customizable brew profiles, which allow users to save their preferred settings for different coffee beans and brew styles. Whether he prefers a robust, full-bodied cup or a lighter, more aromatic drink, Aiden promises to satisfy his tastes with the push of a button. This feature is particularly 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 via a mobile app, which allows them to adjust settings remotely and helps coffee beginners with feedback and tips on how to improve their brewing techniques. . It’s a nice touch that can make coffee-making a little less mysterious for beginners, turning the task into a fun and educational experience.
Design 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 reshaping how coffee equipment can fit into the modern lifestyle, not just as tools, but as part of the coffee enthusiast’s daily ritual.
A sleek black cube that brews coffee. Image credits: Buddy
Great design is 99% invisible, and Fellow’s design team has gone to great lengths to make their sleek, minimalist products better and more intuitive. That goes beyond its outward appearance: the company highlights how every aspect of Aiden has been designed with the user in mind. Fellow’s design team began 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 intuitive and easy-to-use features.
“There is a hidden gem that excites us. Aiden comes with a discreet cord wrap feature, perfect for those looking for a tidy countertop. It 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 has 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 features a clean, accessible control panel that demystifies the often complex coffee-making process. The designers have prioritized clear, understandable icons and a responsive touch interface, ensuring that users of all levels of coffee experience can operate the machine with confidence and ease.
As you would expect from a brewer in this price category, Aiden continues the company’s reputation for sustainability and durability. Constructed from high-quality materials that are 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 green sustainability practices by reducing the need for frequent replacements, and if something needs repair, you can easily get replacements.
More than the sum of its parts?
Yes, this is a $365 coffee machine. That doesn’t include a grinder, so you have to spend a lot of money on that too. The partner has a grinder that costs less than $200, or a high-end edition for $350 if you are really serious about coffee.
“The biggest challenge we faced when building Aiden was integrating so much technology into such a compact design. While most coffee machines rely on a bubble pump, we insist on creating something truly innovative. Our engineering team encountered numerous obstacles along the way, and at many times we thought it was not possible,” explains Miller. “However, driven by our commitment to raising the standard of home coffee brewing, we persevere. The result is a brewery that defies convention. “Aiden is a testament to our dedication to pushing boundaries and delivering unparalleled coffee experiences.”
I love me some designer porn. Image credits: Buddy
I love the Fellow’s brand and have spent a lot of my own money on their products over the years, but I still stumble over the price. I understand that technology isn’t free, nor is thoughtful design, but I’m making some really delicious coffee with my $35 AeroPress, and I can’t imagine spending 10 times that amount for the added convenience. On the other hand, this machine is not for I, and with the company’s incredible brand recognition and the enthusiasm people have for steeped grains, 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 at 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, The goat and Verve Coffee Roasters — Made specifically for Aiden with scannable roast profiles while supplies last. The company backs its coffee makers with a standard two-year warranty, extendable to three years with product registration.
