First Look At The Meraki All-In-One Espresso Machine

[@sunvalleydrivemusic]

I have to admit, every time you show that steam wand in action, I want that machine. Steam wands done right make such a difference to me. Great detailed review, and happy to have you back in the full swing of things. Well done! (And yeah, they need to make the portafilter universal).

[@JonFairhurst]

Wow. This is a killer feature set for the money. If they can improve the quality and ensure its robustness, it would be a great choice for the casual user who wants traditional style home espresso, but who doesn’t need the handholding of a fully automatic machine. Best of luck to the development team. They clearly have some work to do, but I really like their vision for the mid-tier market.

[@savinac4425]

That espresso looks devine 😍 and the machine is absolutely gorgeous. Thank you for this review!

[@Dr_Mantis_Toboggan]

One day if this is available and they have worked out the kinks, whether it’s 1000 or 1800, I’m there! Beautiful product

[@dar7257]

Looks like Meraki is pretty dialled in with taking feedback and improving. I got in with the preorder and looking forward to the final product

[@hockeyslapper]

How did you get in with the preorder, the kickstarter hasn’t even launched yet?

[@Tech2C]

You're great at reviewing equipment! Thanks for the upload.

[@pandymitr2390]

Grinder was my biggest concern when I was considering to place the deposit so I asked Meraki. They reply, the burr is 38 mm, not the 48 mm as you mentioned, and motor has 150 W of power. For me personally it would be downgrade so I decide not to order one but for someone who have none, that machine might be perfect choice! Smart functions, dual boiler, rotary pump and integrated scales are really impressive.

[@c0mbat15]

It does look like a 38mm conical burr from one of Timemore's hand grinder's. I just don't get who's going to buy this machine to be honest. From espresso machine itself seems targeted at a fairly serious coffee nerd but the grinder is pretty basic and most of their target market will already have a better grinder. Plus, as per Sage/Breville, combining the grinder with the machine really limits your ability to upgrade the grinder at a later stage. I just can't see how they are going to sell many of these machines. Plus, as we've seen with the Meticulous kickstarter/indiegogo campaign, espresso machines are exponentially more complex than grinders and this campaign will likely be beset with similar problems. I would be careful about committing so much money to such a complex device with a company with no history or reputation. I can't help but think that this campaign is a disaster waiting to happen.

[@theVariedLife]

If they make the changes that will be a great machine. Thanks for the video.

[@atruceforbruce5388]

I feel like this machine was made for people that are new to espresso, to teach people about the scientifical variables all in 1 unit.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Very nicely narrated and edited video, Charlie! The intro was super cool too. 👍🏻 I’m very curious myself, to see how this machine will do on the market, because it’s pretty sweet and like you say, it may force other manufactures to rethink their feature sets.

[@homecafecharlie]

Thanks so much. I just saw you have a video about it too. Now that mine is out I'll take a look at your thoughts about it. I'm sure I missed a lot cos there is so much to talk about with this machine

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

@@homecafecharlie I thought your review was very thorough to be honest. Cheers!

[@by.amarmuric]

Ah, that intro turned out really nice with the Magical Edits and curious to see what you'll be making in the future. Now let's see what this machine is about. Haven't heard of Meraki before.

[@gravydoors]

I might sell my Breville Dual Boiler for this just because it looks gorgeous.

[@CannedLaughter00]

Love the look of the portafilter handle and the implementation of that bottomless conversion. Temperature probe and scale, that is really cool specially for beginners. I can see this displacing super automatic machines because of its ease of use and with the support coffee it could even compete with Nespresso. Some insight about the grind adjustment. It's better that is a stepped grinder. Speaking from experience, stepless on cheap machines is always janky and bad. The adjustment tends to wander over time and adjusting it usually isn't as precise as you would expect it to be, like on a $500 grinder

[@seniormysterioso7552]

Pretty impressive looking machine and they’ve solved some of the issues machines $1ks more haven’t. Really like the scale and drip tray. If your espresso book goes well please consider making a separate book for pourover or including a section for it.

[@ShinSuperSaiyajin]

Looks like Tom from Tom’s Coffee Corner wasn’t the only one who had an issue with the portafilter handle

[@robertebob]

all i can think is it would be nice to see a version without a grinder.

[@homecafecharlie]

You and me both 😎

[@emmanuelmendoza8162]

very nice review! IMO I would expect high-quality materials for that price, also it would be more attractive to have a version without the grinder (as many coffee lovers already have a grinder machine).

[@mooriginal]

I have to say balanced review for the Meraki - Toms coffee corner sounds and seems way too partisan towards them although he mentions its not a paid promotion per se. You addressed the issues i brought up in the FB group questions about build etc. Bottom line - reduced to 1k for KS and then 1700+ for 'norms' I cant see anyone crazy enough to drop 1700 on a plastic machine. 1K is bad enough for a machine with proven history at all. But they have put in place if they can stick to it a no quibble local returns policy But i suspect that is only on paper so far. Time will tell if things start to go wrong with backer units how they cope. Logically for me it seems wait for V2 - once its had all faults ironed out and use from community and experience of owners. Also even with features who would rightly pay full price of 1700 !

[@homecafecharlie]

I really like the machine and I hope they fix the issues I had with it. I got the wood handle PFs the other day and they are excellent, so that's reassuring that they are taking feedback seriously from myself and other reviewers

[@BillyMcMorran]

I paid £160 during Amazon prime day and got the Barista express mini. I also got a coffee bean grinder, the DF45, for £240. These two together are more than enough if you just want a great tasting cup of coffee 👍🏻

[@jaybeaton9301]

I still use a stovetop Bialetti that’s 40 years old 😂

[@homecafecharlie]

Those Moka pots are God tier. I still bring mine on holidays in the UK sometimes if I don't want to drag around a big dumb setup

[@DerKaffeelehrer]

My portafilter ist designed better, but I had problems with the steam wand sometimes. Meraki said that the final version comes with preinfusion and more stainless steel elements :-)

[@jsmit9484]

With those features and that design I was expecting 2500 at least.

[@jorgenderanter8562]

Curious, I am looking for a first coffee machine, so I have zero experience with them. Would you recommend this machine to be your first machine at home? Or are there better options as a starter?

[@homecafecharlie]

It really depends on your budget and how much you want to learn about espresso. This one definitely holds your hand a bit, but you still need to learn how to dial in an espresso shot. If you want to learn and make amazing espresso, I really like this one and I'm using it at home now every day, and it has a lot of potential. If you just want caffeine in the morning, and don't want to put in any effort, it might not be the right choice. Then you might just want a bean to cup machine 😉

[@jorgenderanter8562]

@@homecafecharlie Thanks Charlie for the fast feedback. Budget is difficult to tell, since I have no experience, I see machines from 300 dollar up to thousands. machines with grinder build in or without. At our place some drink any coffee, but I only drink for now a latte Machiatto since I don't like the strong coffee taste, So we do it more to enjoy coffee then to have some caffeine 😀

[@FlyingFormosa]

I'm surprised they named it Meraki with a trademark from Cisco lol best of luck to them

[@Matt-ty3hr]

ikr? I was expecting an extortionate licensing fee

[@amosmorales8738]

I could be wrong but I believe trademarks only apply in the same market

[@FlyingFormosa]

@@amosmorales8738 yeah makes sense! Probably will need a different name if coming into the US market like sage and breville situation

[@Tazinio01]

Definitely would be better having a WDT tool instead of the distributor.

[@AntonyFord-g8t]

Thank you for the review. Do you know if the grinder can grind for other coffee types like pour over, or espresso only?

[@homecafecharlie]

It's definitely a range for espresso, and I just ground out a few grams on the highest setting and I think you'll lack adjustability. I'd want to go a bit coarser for pour over, not that I do filter very often 😅

[@earthalign2965]

Do you have plan / can you prepare some comparison video of meraki vs nouva Simonelli Oscar 2? It would be nice to see how this new idea espresso machine compare in espresso/ milk coffees vs famous machine with is long time on the market.

[@homecafecharlie]

I'm not gonna do a video about it cos it's too niche, but overall the Meraki wins in every category other than maybe price. But even then, what the Meraki offers for the price is 2 leagues ahead. I don't think there's any reason to buy the Oscar 2 in 2024 if the Meraki final build is even better than this. I'll be getting the next prototype next week, but if it's as good as I think it will be then the Oscar 2 is over 😅

[@earthalign2965]

Hello! And what is your opinion about Meraki DVT2 protype (generally) and compared to Oscar II?

[@bobby350z]

Good review and thanks for mentioning about some of those cheap plastic parts. I see that display moves when you touch it. Doesn't give much confidence about the build quality.

[@homecafecharlie]

The screen head can rotate back and forward, that's why it moves, so I'm not really concerned about that part ;)

[@christophernichols2343]

Thanks for posting the vid! I have a Sunbeam Café Series machine that will no doubt die in the near future. I love the look of the Meriki and am impressed with your critiqué. I’m going to wait and see if the criticism points you make are fixed by the makers. Will you let those who are subscribed to your channel know if and when this happens ie another test drive?

[@homecafecharlie]

Of course! I hope they will send me the final production model as soon as it's ready

[@earthalign2965]

What do You think. With one option would be better: Nouva Simonelli Oscar 22 (its just Oscar 2 with opv included) and with sirai+ Eureka mignon Specialita, all setup for 1050-1100 euro Or Meraki espresso machine Early kickstarter option (1200 US dolars + 100 for shipping) With one setup is better in Your opinion for great espresso and milk coffees? What do You think about Meraki machine vs old but still nice Nouva Simonelli Oscar II? Thank You!

[@homecafecharlie]

My Oscar 2 is gathering dust in the corner after using the Meraki. Meraki is a great start, and you can always get a better grinder later when you have budget. I'm using mine with the Mazzer Philos as the grinder and it's espresso capabilities and steam power are miles better than the Oscar 2. Not a competition in my opinion 😉

[@earthalign2965]

@@homecafecharlie oh. That was unexpected. So this machine have really better steamer than Simonelli, how? :o Do You think its safe to support their project on kickstarter? Because im scared that they run away with all the money they get.

[@homecafecharlie]

@@earthalign2965 That's the issue with Kickstarters and all kinds of projects. But they have been very professional with me and they did a video of their assembly line as well so you can see inside their factory.

[@earthalign2965]

@@homecafecharlie yes. It looks promising. Just to clarify. Can You tell me what specific aspects are better in Meraki prototype than Nouva Simonelli Oscar 2 - and how prototype can be better? I dont know what to do. Simonelli have better support (still not the best) and many reviews from users who used this for many years but Meraki have many brew options and features, but still it can be hit or sh*t after few months and im scared about fitting other portafilters or spare parts if something broke down.

[@haha7836hahah]

If I order it on kickstarter, would i be getting the final fixed version or the current version?

[@homecafecharlie]

I don't know but I'd assume they will be shipping the most recent iteration. They are making changes to the device before shipping to backers so worth checking their backer Kickstarter group for updates.

[@jamesfogel1104]

2:34 where did you get this cup? It’s amazing

[@homecafecharlie]

That's my @yuichi.artisans cup you can follow them on IG and watch my video about how I got it 😝

[@topjets5616]

Like your video, great info keep it up :)

[@JamesWhite1]

They would be better off using the barcode via a scanner for the coffee info.

[@dpactestaccount]

What coffee table are you running? I definitely need a pitcher rinser for my setup.

[@homecafecharlie]

I put it together with my friend Dan. It's an oak kitchen island and I cut a hole in it too as the rhino wares pitcher rinser, and put a flo-jet in the back

[@maxd5007]

I want one. Even at retail it's less than the barista oracle touch jet express impress or what ever they call it even in Australia. I don't care so much about the plastic parts. And the grind and brew by weight is a game changer. I have no need for breville grind assist with a grind by weight feature and the built in tamper is not my jam.

[@Gismotronics]

Interesting for me as I have limited counter top space but I prefer the idea of single dose grinders. I wonder if this machine's grinder could be used as single dose?

[@homecafecharlie]

I guess it could but the grind by weight is good, and takes a lot less time. But I still use other grinders because this one isn't as good as a nice 83mm or 64mm flat burr like the ones I have for reviews coming up!

[@josemanuel2244]

It looks very promising. Hope it will not be a disposable machine and backup with great customer support.

[@SokHeng-m7l]

Which country made it? What is estimated price?

[@homecafecharlie]

It's made in Hong Kong as far as I know.

[@c0mbat15]

Under steam your milk? I've honestly never had a flat white that was too cold. However, the issue of it being too hot is very common.

[@mariuscollyer5780]

Does it come with virtual reality - meraci 3d mask

[@misky201]

Is it Biquit Ceramics cup I spotted? 👀

[@homecafecharlie]

Yes! Love their cups!

[@EODHammer]

The xBloom sure as heck hasn't convinced any coffee roaster to put an RFID tag on their coffee. I don't see this happening but it would be nice.

[@homecafecharlie]

I think a few really great ones signed up, like Manhattan and Wendelboe. I agree it's a bit too niche for now but still possible if Meraki supports roasters to do it, or we reach a critical mass of machines that can read a chip

[@breake16]

Do you know the founders? We haven't seen who is behind the company? Are they legit?

[@Tazinio01]

Can you turn off the steam boiler and just use the group head?

[@homecafecharlie]

I don't think so 😶

[@Tazinio01]

Seems to be a simple feature to save electricity if you're just making an espresso/americano

[@rameking1]

Looks good for a Beta model, but you definitely found some major quality issues. Stepless grinder, less "plasticy" dials, a far more solid portafilter. Having it break like that at this price point is utterly unacceptable. Would be nice if they eventually made a version without the grinder to bring the price down for those of us who already have a grinder. $1,800 retail is a big investment for normies who just want a good coffee in the morning.

[@JPC326]

Would love a variant without the grinder

[@homecafecharlie]

Me too actually!

[@vakula485]

I’m your future customer, but please improve the quality and make the version in white color!

[@matthewvernelen]

Id argue its more of an alternative to the decent for ppl who are not prepared to spend that kind of money just yet rather than a competitor to the sage at 3 times the price no?

[@homecafecharlie]

It's nothing like the Decent really. Doesn't have any of the fine controls that the Decent has.

[@Platoface]

I like my Jura S8… because I’m lazy. 😂

[@JordanStambaugh1]

yeah but what about the new $500 Ninja machine?

[@MondayMornings]

it has some defects, but for 1.2K this is a homerun.

[@obiwan007]

Not if it is crappy quality... I doubt they could produce this machine for this price in quantities. Be careful if you fund it on kickstarter - many coffee gear there might never see the public again. The money is gone completely. If they manage to get the problems fixed and sell it for 2k - all fine. I'm not a fan of all the integrations like the grinder though. A seperate thing might last longer than the rest of the machine.

[@MondayMornings]

@@obiwan007 i own a decent espresso machine for 3 years, so I am not looking for any machine. and maybe you are right, they are offering a bit too much for that price. i guess once the machine is out we shall see... i also agree with you on the grinder, but i believe this machine is aimed at "new enthusiasts" that are a bit scared by the whole ecosystem. from what I see in this video with this machine you get literally everything you need to get started on your coffee journey, and this is undoubtedly a plus. build quality indeed is a big question mark.

[@obiwan007]

@@MondayMornings Ninja is starting this kind of machine too with embedded grinder and a lot of automatic adjustments. I think there is another one with a grinder from one of the established companies. They all want to grab the entry level guys who are bored of the Jura-like machines.

[@Kara-nyc]

La Marzocco Linea Mini Home Espresso Machine 🤔

[@gordanbabic8028]

Meraki sure is aggressive with their youtube campaign. Maybe if I proclaim myself to be a coffee equipment reviewer maybe they will send me one for free 😂

[@homecafecharlie]

I'm not part of their campaign. They sent me a machine but have no say over what I said😉

[@PanosMansalis]

"meraki" in greek language means "make something with love"

[@LaResistenciaEDC]

Nespresso killer. If its not mechanical its not fun. Pressing on a button is not making coffee. 🕺🏻

[@homecafecharlie]

It's a bit more on the rails but it makes great coffee, I'm enjoying it a lot. Let's see how I feel after my Odyssey Argos arrives 😅

[@basieniaa]

I was intrigued by this machine due to the very aggressive campaign 😅 I keep seeing their adds everywhere. After watching this review, I think I'm fine with my Sage barista touch impress.

[@needmango]

Nice! Now review the ninja lux cafe please

[@homecafecharlie]

They haven't contacted me about it but I've seen it on other channels. Not sure I would have much to add

[@lukaderking1240]

I wish I had seen the video earlier now you can't buy them anymore

[@bonarges1]

This seems like a nice espresso machine, but I’m hesitant because the exterior components feel cheap, which raises concerns about the quality of the internal mechanics. In other words, the machine looks cheap-the breaking of the handle, not to mention not being able to fit other handles, the loose sliding control above the handle, etc…may not be worth the money

[@Caydnade]

I care more about internals then exterior if it's anything like a clustered up breville with chaep aluminum boiler I'll pass

[@ChessiCat]

As feature rich this thing is I think it's lacking a bit in design and 'build-quality' Build-quality in the sense that it is mostly very plasticy and loose fitting on a lot of more tactile elements on it- the "brew paddle" (Which doesn't really quite work like one) and the steam paddle thing. It's design... It just, it doesn't really know what it's trying to look like- I get that they are probably trying to be a little bit adventurous and be a little different but I feel like if I was to walk into a kitchen and see it on a bench I would probably not immediately know what it was without prior knowledge of it. The portafilter handle, the plastic one specifically.. I don't know why their first idea was to do a plastic handle but sure. At least they have revised that and and addressed the issue there, however the fact that most of the portafilters you owned did not fit in properly meant that they didn't really properly standardise the lugs by going with the LM/E61 style. It's definitely not uncommon for manufacturers to not standardise their portafilters but I think that is really something that needs to change. These types of all-in-one home machines that try and streamline the process of making espresso at home, in my opinion do take away a little bit of the joy of actually brewing your own coffee, the sort of partially-hands-on approach is just not all that satisfying. There's a few these around now trying the little electronic tags for beans and I think they are 'ok', they kinda ball-park a little but it's not as a simple as ball-parking it.. as anyone interested in espresso would know very well that your grind will change day-to-day as well as throughout the day as temperatures rise and drop. Throwing people a number for grind size just isn't really enough, especially for what I would consider to be their target audience; everyday joes who have little to no espresso experience. The lack of guidance and direction toward understanding the fundamentals is just not ideal- at least to me. It's pricing is definitely very good, but I think really for anyone who would be looking to be getting great espresso at home should consider other more hands-on options like an entry level e61 style machine so as they avoid putting themselves into a corner of no upgrade potential without having to buy anything completely new.

[@homecafecharlie]

Yeah it's still definitely a risk like any ambitious project like this. I'm still using it and I like the features, and my hope is that it doesn't go wrong. Will update the pinned comment if anything goes wrong with it

[@isnotbanan3344]

0:22 the machine is very tired, he is eepy. the machine has had a very long day of making espresso and wants to take just a smol sleeb. he eeby and neebies to sleeby. mahcin sleepy and need bed-bye time. the machine is currently experiencing critical levels of being a sleevjy lil guy and needs to go to bedb. he is ver tired and needs to slep. just a little sleejing time as a treat. mihchib neebs to slek, ver twired boyo, just a lil guy. michibeey needs his beaty sleeb. look at him go! he yawn big cause he skeejy, neebs to falafel asleep. nini time! good night, mister the misheen

[@minantraXOX]

not as good as the Ninja Luxe Cafe Espresso Machine?

[@chrish2685]

LESS CHAT,MORE DEMO

[@SarntAKluss]

Included grinder - and I'm gone...

[@ragetobe]

I find this cheap looking, the way the lcd flexes when you use it is most definitely not premium, the way it looks feels like an after thought in design. I’ve been using the Barista for 3-4 years and it’s extremely well built and I get the same coffee every single time, I just don’t think this comes close. As a furniture maker and teacher I’ve come across a phrase I think would come in handy here, keep it simple stupid, this product has ventured in to being too much in my opinion.

[@samtv4192]

This is the ugliest machine I can think of for me. I like the look of the traditional machines.

[@sggr7708]

a piece of rubbish !