This automatic espresso machine is like having my own barista, and it's not by De'Longhi or Breville

5 hours ago 4

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I'm from the northeast, and I live by a cup of Dunkin'. There's really nothing better to me than the convenience of no-fuss, no-frills coffee from the orange-and-pink chain, but as I inch closer to 30, I've become more interested in maintaining and upscaling my favorite treats in the comfort of my own home.

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When the opportunity arose to try the Meraki espresso machine, my interest was piqued. Elevating my coffee experience sounded like a great idea, and what better way to do it than with a top-notch option? This dual-boiler machine hit well over $1 million on Kickstarter when it initially launched a year ago. Since then, it has won a 2025 Red Dot award for kitchen design and a 2025 iF Design Award. With all the praise already surrounding this machine, I had high expectations.

I've been working with my unit since a bit before the Christmas holiday. After multiple weeks of brewing for myself and larger groups of guests with this all-in-one espresso machine, I've felt spoiled beyond belief, and would have a hard time giving up this machine for another.

A high-end coffee upgrade

Even though I've brewed plenty of double shots and made many lattes, I still learn something new each time I use it. If you're a seasoned home barista, the Meraki machine will likely require less of a learning curve. As a novice to high-end espresso machines, it has taken me a while to become accustomed to using the setup, but the process isn't too cumbersome. Getting started is pretty intuitive, and I found the instructions to be my best friend for the first few weeks.

So what makes this machine really worth the eye-popping price tag of $1,999 ($1,799 while it's on sale)? Here's my mini review.

There really is a lot to cover about the Meraki, but if we take a glance at the specs alone, it's an enticing buy. The device features a dual stainless steel boiler, integrated scales on the grinder, a 58mm heated group head, a bottomless portafilter with an attachable splitter, a rotary pump, and a built-in TimeMore grinder with over 25 stepless adjustments. I can't forget to mention the digital control screen, which has better touch reception than the GPS screen in my car. It's also available in Black or White and would look superb on a counter or in a coffee bar setup.

The grinder setup includes a magnetic dosing cup that is coupled with a set of integrated scales. The machine grinds by weight, and it appears to be pretty accurate (this was confirmed by both me and my first-generation Italian-American family members who visited during the holidays). The grinder is relatively quiet, and once the machine is finished, you simply pop your freshly ground beans into the dosing cup within the portafilter. Then you prepare your puck, and you're ready to go.

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Your portafilter and its accessories come in a wooden stand, which is attractive for both display and storage. I choose to keep mine away when not in use due to a household with curious cats, but it's a welcome bonus for such a premium machine.

When you're ready to brew, the touchscreen makes it quick and easy. You can adjust the size and temperature to your liking, and it's as simple as a tap after that. Once that's done, you can choose to use the steam feature for drinks like lattes, but if you're content with just your shot, you can sit and enjoy (my family members like to add some Sambuca liqueur to make Caffè Correttos at this point).

Brewing is even easier if you use a CoffeeSense-compatible ground coffee with your machine. Meraki's machine can scan unique NFC tags on select participating bags of grounds, and it will automatically set up a recommended brew. I independently purchased two different types of CoffeeSense-compatible brews, and it made serving during holiday gatherings a breeze. You can also connect to the internet and access recipes and more. While this makes brewing easy, some additional add-ons are a bit more challenging.

I find using the steam wand to be one of the most complex parts of any machine, and I am definitely still learning how to use it. With that said, Meraki's steam wand has elevated settings. It has an in-built thermometer that automatically shuts off when you reach a desired set temperature, and as someone with a nervous disposition when using the steam wand, it has been tricky for me. It came to nearly 130 degrees in under 25 seconds, making it challenging to work with if you aren't confident in your abilities (I am not).

However, you can adjust the strength of the steam milk to gentle, medium, or firm. Gentle has been the best setting for me to work with right now, but my family members have preferred using medium. Meraki offers a lot of customizability, so it's really up to you to refine your settings if you're particular.

Why I recommend this product

Overall, I have enjoyed using the Meraki machine and am impressed by it. I think this is much better suited to the extreme home barista than to an average (or even above-average) user. It's truly high-end, but there are certainly other options on the market that are much cheaper if you don't need advanced features. My biggest complaint with the machine is that it is a tad difficult to turn on and off, thanks to a tricky power button, so I've resorted to unplugging it from the wall. It also has limited CoffeeSense-compatible grounds, which is unfortunate because it's my favorite feature as a less confident barista.

Regardless, it's probably among the most top-notch machines you can purchase for espresso at home, and now that it's here, I indeed won't part with it. Still, nothing will ever replace my Dunkin' completely, but if any coffee machine could convince me to, it would be this one.

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