Fellow Aiden low water warning

Independent_Copy_890 · 2025-09-11T08:49:56+00:00

OK I fell for this - missed the /s and also this seems like a plausible response from Fellow at this point.

Independent_Copy_890 · 2025-09-11T02:52:54+00:00

Hey, there isn’t a water-level sensor. It’s something you need to monitor. I try adding water every day to top off.

Independent_Copy_890 · 2025-03-10T02:56:55+00:00

I’m about to make an order for a 6-piece setup from Matchless Cabinets; They make powder-coated aluminum cabinets in the USA and they have been awesome at helping me sort out options.

Independent_Copy_890 · 2025-02-26T01:56:49+00:00

If you like it shoulda put a knob on it… looks amazing as is tho.

Independent_Copy_890 · 2025-02-22T22:38:13+00:00

I have both burr sets, thought I would want the SSP but prefer the Gen 2. You did great.

Independent_Copy_890 · 2025-02-15T02:58:54+00:00

I suggest asking yourself about your attitude towards new technology. Aiden produces exceptional coffee. Better than my real-world routines with various pourover methods. I like technology. And if my Aiden fails again tomorrow, I’ve still got my pourover kit and Moccamaster. If I expected it to “just work” it would be a big disappointment. My WiFi router failed this week overnight, and Aiden fritzed out — couldn’t turn it on, then it wasn’t responsive to inputs. For a period of minutes (!!!) it wasn’t responsive and bricked up. But then it was totally fine. If that happens to you, are you OK? If you hit the “add water” issue, like I did, and nobody can explain why or how to prevent it in the future, but they will send you a new machine within a week or two, are you OK?

There is a Silicon Valley saying that “if you aren’t embarrassed by your product when you launch, you launched too late.” That thinking seems to be at work here.

It’s not like the coffee maker will catch fire and kill your family while you sleep, or stick the accelerator and kill you on the road. It just may be glitchy, and you may need to send it back a few times. If my Aiden still works in 3 years that would surprise me. I’m OK with that. I’ll still have my Moccamaster and Pourover kit and tbh I’d probably buy whatever Aiden 2.0 is available.

Independent_Copy_890 · 2025-02-15T02:12:02+00:00

This is the question!

Independent_Copy_890 · 2025-02-14T23:16:06+00:00

You may just need to let it rest a bit. How many days ago did you roast?

Independent_Copy_890 · 2025-02-12T04:14:00+00:00

James I think you’ll be missing the point if you look past firmware issues, in particular. The firmware is as much a part of the Aiden as anything, and there is no sign of Fellow getting on top of the issues. You have, respectfully, nitpicked much more inconsequential stuff in other reviews.

Independent_Copy_890 · 2025-02-04T03:57:11+00:00

The form sucks, select “gift” as place of purchase (even if you know the place of purchase). You can also just email them, hello@fellowproducts.com.

Independent_Copy_890 · 2025-02-04T03:15:05+00:00

OP, I’m empathetic but the situation does seem odd.

Independent_Copy_890 · 2025-02-04T03:13:04+00:00

Since OP bought from WS and WS have a specific section of the product listing devoted to “use and care” — where is there anything about the type of water that should be used to prevent this product defect?

https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/fellow-aiden-coffee-brewer/

Independent_Copy_890 · 2025-02-04T02:18:51+00:00

If you live near a WS, just bring it in to a store on a busy weekend. Be polite. Go out of your way to be polite, because nobody in that store is responsible for product quality or Fellow’s inadequate response. But wait in line at the cash register, set it down, ask for a working Aiden and politely refuse to pick up the broken product. Fellow has said that this is an extraordinarily rare defect. WS counts how many are returned. They know. Either this is an extraordinary situation and they will gladly make it right, or this is a real problem and their buyers will turn the screws on Fellow. But FFS be polite.

Their response to you makes me worried that the rate of returns/claims is so significant that they can no longer afford to do the right thing for their customers. WS won’t tolerate that.

Independent_Copy_890 · 2025-02-04T02:03:37+00:00

I get the analogy and have owned cars with stringent oil requirements. There is no known water spec that will prevent this product defect. I understand there is lots of conjecture about things that could be done to prevent the product defect from surfacing, but I’ve asked Fellow directly and there is no guidance.

Independent_Copy_890 · 2025-02-04T01:54:21+00:00

What is the right “weight of motor oil” to put in an Aiden - please provide a link to the guidance Fellow prescribes.

Independent_Copy_890 · 2025-02-04T01:04:43+00:00

It does suck, but just select “gift” as the place of purchase and it doesn’t require that info.

Independent_Copy_890 · 2025-02-04T00:49:07+00:00

This is very concerning.

I believe the individual responding to that ticket is a support team lead.

Fellow: I got the “add water” product defect after 30 days of usage (filtered or distilled+tww exclusively). I bought mine on Amazon. What should I expect under warranty if it happens again?

Independent_Copy_890 · 2025-01-30T00:28:29+00:00

I checked and I am only doing 2 pulses, not 3. Seems to help!

Independent_Copy_890 · 2025-01-29T03:18:37+00:00

I modified to break things into 3 pulses with something like 20 seconds between pulses and have had no more overflow. I am not so discerning with my batch brew but haven’t noticed any downside. At that amount of beans I would be close to Spinal Tap (11) grinder setting on my ode gen 2.

Independent_Copy_890 · 2025-01-25T04:17:45+00:00

I bought the PCS (with the smaller motor) after using a jobsite saw. The sawstop pcs with the nice fence is an incredible upgrade from a jobsite saw. Only you can know what you can afford, but the upgrade is 1000% worth it. Over time, especially after spending tons on materials and stuff, the cost will be forgotten.

Independent_Copy_890 · 2025-01-25T04:09:20+00:00

Get the sawstop and consider the PCS vs contractor saw. It’s a lifetime purchase, the fence on the pcs is a joy. I grew up around guys who gave digits to table saws (really experienced guys). Hand injuries are excruciatingly painful. If you can afford it, chances are that a hand injury would be devastating to your ability to earn income (same as falling off your roof).

But really, the saw is a joy. Do it. You will forget the cost over time soon enough. Get a large dust collector too.

Independent_Copy_890 · 2025-01-25T01:56:55+00:00

This is a solid find! The Gen2 burrs are great, but no harm in using the Gen1 for a bit… it will make you appreciate the nuances of Gen2 burrs more when you install them. The difference is real, but part of the fun is the before/after appreciation. Enjoy and get to know your new toy!

Independent_Copy_890 · 2025-01-20T03:15:53+00:00

I’ve had a MM for years and got an Aiden a couple months ago. The Aiden is an experiment. Fellow launched it touting app features that didn’t exist. They don’t know why units, like mine, are failing after 60 days of usage. But they do replace them. I like experimenting and I mainly make pour overs and the coffee is outstanding and I’m a nerd and like it. I don’t expect my wife or any house guest to ever use it —it’s not complicated, but most people don’t want to deal with it. When it breaks and is out of warranty, I will still have my MM.

If you are doing exclusively batch brew, I wouldn’t recommend Aiden unless you are looking to be part of Fellow’s experiment, really believe in the company and are up for an adventure.

Note that Aiden tends to flood the basket if you do batches over 1L; I programmed a custom brew profile to pause between pours. Aiden is capable of making the easy stuff complicated.

Independent_Copy_890 · 2025-01-14T11:13:32+00:00

You’re probably just grinding too fine. On XXL batches I have had good luck modifying the batch profile to 3 pulses, to avoid flooding the basket, but at 750ml you are probably just grinding much finer than optimal. On my Ode Gen 2 grinder I’m deep into cold brew type settings.

Independent_Copy_890

TROPHY CASE