Espresso Machines · Head-to-head
Breville BES985 vs Fellow Series 1
The short answer
At current verified prices, the Fellow Series 1 costs about $474.05 less.
- Choose the Breville BES985 if: Low-effort automated-portafilter and milk workflow
- Choose the Fellow Series 1 if: Profile-assisted workflow for buyers with a separate grinder
Specifications
| Spec | Breville BES985 | Fellow Series 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Workflow type | Semi-assisted portafilter | Semi-assisted portafilter |
Breville BES985
Pros
- Automated espresso workflow
- Automated milk preparation
- Low-effort operation
Cons
- Cannot brew and steam simultaneously
- Automation reduces some direct control
Recommended for buyers prioritizing low-effort espresso and automated milk operation.
Full Breville BES985 review →Fellow Series 1
Pros
- Profile-assisted workflow
- Pressure and flow control
- Fast heat-up and capable steaming reported
Cons
- Requires a separate grinder
- First-generation app uncertainty
- Shot-volume precision concerns
Recommended for buyers comfortable with a first-generation, app-connected workflow and a separate-grinder setup.
Full Fellow Series 1 review →Both products are part of our guide Best Espresso Machines: Buyer-Fit Guide for Manual, Assisted, and One-Touch Brewing, where you can see every pick, how we score and current prices from each retailer.