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Fellow Stagg [XF]: Specs, Stagg [X] vs. [XF], and How to Brew

The Fellow Stagg [XF] is a double-wall, flat-bottom pour-over dripper brewing up to 20 oz. See how it differs from the Stagg [X], how to brew it, and how it compares to the V60.

By Jason HarrisPublished Updated 4 min read
Fellow Stagg XF brewer with paper filter, kettle, coffee beans, and cup
On This Page11 Sections

Quick Answer

The Fellow Stagg [XF] is a flat-bottom pour-over dripper made from double-wall stainless steel. It brews up to about 20 oz, uses tall Stagg [XF] paper filters, and is designed for a stable, sweet, clean cup. The smaller Stagg [X] is better for one cup and easier filters; the [XF] is better for two cups or a fill-up style brew.

Key Takeaways

  • 1The Stagg [XF] is a larger flat-bottom Fellow dripper, not a different brewing category from the Stagg [X].
  • 2Its double-wall stainless body helps keep slurry temperature stable during the brew.
  • 3The biggest practical tradeoff is filter availability: [XF] filters are taller and more specific than common Kalita-style papers.

Highlights

Method
Flat-bottom pour-over
Ratio
1:15-1:17
Grind
medium
Time
3-5 min

The Fellow Stagg [XF] is a product-specific pour-over page, so the buying details matter as much as the recipe. It is a premium dripper for people who like the Fellow design system, brew one to two cups, and want a forgiving flat-bottom cup.

What Is the Fellow Stagg [XF]?

The Stagg [XF] is Fellow's larger flat-bottom manual dripper. It has steep walls, a flat bed, double-wall stainless construction, and a silicone base that can work as a drip catcher. The bottom pattern uses holes and raised geometry to manage flow and reduce clogging.

Compared with cone brewers, the flat bed encourages more even extraction across the coffee bed. Compared with basic ceramic or plastic drippers, the insulated metal body is meant to hold heat more steadily.

Stagg [X] vs. [XF]

The main difference is size and filter format.

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FeatureStagg [X]Stagg [XF]
Best useOne cupOne large cup or two smaller cups
CapacitySmaller single-cup brewerUp to about 20 oz
FiltersShorter Stagg [X] filters; many brewers also use Kalita Wave 185 filtersTaller Stagg [XF] paper filters
WorkflowControlled poursControlled pours or fill-up style
BuildDouble-wall stainless, flat bottomDouble-wall stainless, flat bottom

Choose the [X] if you almost always brew one cup and want easier filter options. Choose the [XF] if you often brew for two, like a larger bed, or want the simpler fill-and-wait routine.

The "[XF]" name does not mean it includes a metal filter. The normal brewer uses paper filters. Reusable metal filters are separate accessories from other makers.

Basic Recipe

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VariableStarting point
Coffee40 g
Water600 g
Ratio1:15
Grindmedium to medium-fine
Water temperature92-96 degrees Celsius
Bloom30-45 seconds
Total time3-5 minutes

For a lighter cup, use 1:16 or 1:17. If drawdown stalls, grind coarser before changing the whole recipe.

How to Brew with the Stagg [XF]

  1. Place a Stagg [XF] paper filter in the brewer.
  2. Rinse the tall filter very thoroughly with hot water, then discard the rinse water.
  3. Add medium-ground coffee and level the bed.
  4. Bloom with about twice the coffee weight in water for 30-45 seconds.
  5. Pour in steady stages, keeping the bed evenly wet.
  6. Finish at your target brew weight and let the bed drain.
  7. Swirl the server or carafe before serving.

The [XF] is tall and narrow, so pour placement is less visible than on a wide dripper. Gentle, centered pours usually work better than aggressive agitation.

How It Tastes

The Stagg [XF] tends to produce a clean, sweet, structured cup. The flat bottom can feel more forgiving than a Hario V60, especially if your pouring is not perfect. Compared with Kalita Wave, it adds Fellow's insulated steel build and a taller, more premium feel.

Stagg [XF] vs. V60 vs. Kalita Wave

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BrewerShapeEaseCup styleMain tradeoff
Stagg [XF]Flat bottomForgivingClean and sweetPremium price and specific filters
Hario V60ConeTechnique-sensitiveBright and expressiveMore pour-dependent
Kalita WaveFlat bottomForgivingBalanced and cleanLess heat-retentive than Stagg

For broad technique, see Pour Over. For the most direct rival, compare Kalita Wave.

Pros and Cons

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ProsCons
Clean, sweet extraction from a flat bedPremium price
Double-wall body helps heat retention[XF] filters are more specific and can cost more
Ratio-aid base can help without a scaleTall shape makes pour placement harder to see
Good for one large cup or two smaller cupsLess travel-friendly than small plastic drippers
Strong design and build qualityPaper filters still need thorough rinsing

Common Mistakes

Common Brew Method Mistakes
Common Brew Method Mistakes
MistakeBetter fix
Using too fine a grind in a deep bedCoarsen until drawdown lands around 3-5 minutes.
Under-rinsing the tall filterRinse with plenty of hot water before brewing.
Buying [XF] for single small cups onlyConsider the smaller Stagg [X].
Treating it like a V60Use flat-bottom pacing and avoid excessive agitation.

Bottom Line

The Fellow Stagg [XF] is a premium, forgiving flat-bottom dripper for people who like clean, sweet pour-over and often brew more than one small cup. It is not the cheapest way to make filter coffee, and the filters are the main practical annoyance. If you want one cup and easier filters, look at Stagg [X] or Kalita Wave. If you want the larger Fellow workflow, the [XF] makes sense.

Common Questions Before You Brew

What is the difference between Fellow Stagg [X] and [XF]?
The main difference is size. The [X] is smaller and better for one cup, while the [XF] is larger, brews up to about 20 oz, and uses taller [XF] filters.
How much coffee does the Stagg [XF] make?
It can brew up to about 20 oz, or roughly 600 ml, which is enough for one large serving or two smaller cups.
What filters does the Stagg [XF] use?
It uses tall Stagg [XF] paper filters. Rinse them well before brewing to avoid paper flavor.
Does the Stagg [XF] come with a metal filter?
No. The standard brewer uses paper filters. Metal filters are separate third-party accessories.
Is the Fellow Stagg better than a V60?
It is more forgiving and often sweeter, while the V60 is brighter and gives more direct pour control.
What grind and ratio should I use?
Start with medium grind and a 1:15-1:17 ratio. A 40 g coffee to 600 g water recipe is a strong baseline for the [XF].

Sources and Further Reading