Fellow Aiden

Redefining the Automatic Drip Experience The Fellow Aiden has been on my counter for a year and a half, and it has fundamentally changed how I approach morning coffee. After nearly daily use, it is clear that Fellow didn't just want to build another drip machine; they wanted to automate the intricate variables of a manual pour-over. This isn't just about hot water meeting grounds; it is about high-resolution control over temperature profiling, agitation, and bloom cycles. While the $399 price tag places it in the premium tier, its ability to pivot between a massive 1.5-liter batch and a delicate single-serve cup makes it a unique hybrid in a crowded market. Design Language and Build Compromises Visual aesthetics remain a sticking point for many. The Aiden features the signature circular screen and knob found on the Fellow EKG, a design choice that remains surprisingly divisive. While I find the interface intuitive, the construction materials leave something to be desired. Transitioning from the all-metal Fellow Ode, the Aiden is encased in a plastic shell. When compared to the Ratio 6 or the Breville Precision Brewer, both of which offer more metallic, premium-feeling builds, the Aiden feels less substantial. However, the internal technology—specifically the rapid heating system and the dual showerhead design—is where the real value lies. The Dual Showerhead and Hacking Single Serve The engineering brilliance of the Aiden resides in its versatility. It utilizes a dual-nozzle system: a wide showerhead for large batches and a concentrated center nozzle for single-serve cups. The machine detects which basket you are using via small magnets on the bottom. For those who want to use their own brewers, like a Hario V60, a simple "magnet hack" allows you to bypass the stock baskets and use the machine's precision water delivery for any device. This flexibility is bolstered by a built-in spring-activated drip stop that ensures no messy spills when the carafe is removed. Granular Control Through the Companion App To unlock the Aiden's full potential, you must engage with the app. It provides a level of granularity that rivals the XBloom Studio. You can program temperature declines throughout the brew, set specific bloom ratios, and dictate the timing between pulses. The machine even supports "hot blooming" for cold brew, allowing for better extraction before a long steep. A standout feature is the integration with Fellow Drops, allowing users to download exact recipes from world-class roasters. While the interface forces you to choose water volume before coffee dose—a minor UX annoyance—the sheer level of customization is unparalleled for a batch brewer. Performance Analysis and Final Verdict In testing, the flow rate averages a robust 5 grams per second, providing significant agitation for even extractions. Is it perfect? Not quite. The water measurement can occasionally drift by 5-8%, and the straight-walled carafe design makes aggressive swirling difficult without spilling. However, compared to the Moccamaster, the Aiden wins on consistency, speed, and versatility. It bridges the gap between the "set it and forget it" crowd and the obsessive enthusiast. If you value the ability to share a large pot of coffee without sacrificing the quality of your afternoon single-cup pour-over, the Aiden is the best machine currently on the market.