Meraki Espresso Machine - Too Good To Be True? (Dual Boiler, Rotary Pump)

[@GoPieman]

You make this easy to watch despite the fact I never expect to have an espresso machine nor $1k disposable income.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Spot on review, I share a lot of the same sentiments. Too bad the stainless on stainless doesn’t work for inserting the PF with ease. They might need to add a plastic heat resistant shim as a medium between the metals, as stainless steel is known to kind of grind against itself. Thanks for sweet review!

[@aramse]

Hey thanks Tom. Yeah the portafilter is not fun to lock in. Definitely needs to be fixed.

[@JimJimmington-e8i]

Your reviews are amazingly insightful and well thought out. I wish more reviewers had your touch because I rarely watch 20+ minute reviews and you make them interesting and enjoyable.

[@aramse]

Hey thank you so much.

[@mcb882]

What a great review! Thank you for the detail and the subtle humor!

[@coffeenerdaaron]

Absolutely fantastic review! I feel the exact same way about the prototype I have, although I haven't had the steam wand and clicking noise issues you have. I have had a few issues with the grinder stopping while grinding but it appears to be a software or communication issue. If I reset the machine the grinder starts working again. I spoke to Meraki about it and they are actively looking into the issue. I agree with your thoughts on backing a crowd founded product, but I also agree that they seem to be fully invested and have made several revisions to the units. I'm hoping to have another unit towards the end of the month with the next round of upgrades before I do my review. So far it feels like the perfect blend on all-in-one easy to use, but with enough control to make us nerds enjoy using it. And yes, once you go brew by weight you never go back!!! Great work man!

[@aramse]

Hey man thanks so much! Yeah it's really interesting machine and the team seems super nice so I hope they come through. I look forward to hearing you thoughts on it.

[@NeillSmith]

Will be keen to see if they can maintain the same build through to full production. For me the weakeness is the screen, I don't want to run all of these functions through a tiny circular touch screen you know? I do really like the thoughtful design that's gone into having so many integrated scales, the covers and the overflow vents and stuff. Very nice touches.

[@aramse]

Expect for the grinder, which I hope changes, you can do everything without the screen. It functions like a regular manual machine with the paddles.

[@stephenwilliams4406]

Good Review, thanks, and I'm now Subscribed. I purchased their Kickstarter price of $1,200 and have high confidence of their ability to delivery. They seem to know what they're up against, and I can't wait for delivery. Looking forward to you receiving the final version for another review, hopefully before the shipping date in November..

[@SandyMasquith]

This thing sure looks like just what this neophyte espresso-lover needs. Interesting, Cisco (the internet router company) makes an entry-level router/security device called Meraki. And we all know nerds love espresso. That being said, I'm still an out-of-work nerd, so I'll have to wait. Thanks for bringing this to my attention. As always, you've created an excellent video. Top production quality for video and audio. Well done, sir!

[@StefBelgium]

I agree, a carbon fiber portafilter handle would be awesome. Great review and very detailed review. Thanks. I ll definitely keep an eye on this one!

[@squallleonheart4803]

been waiting for your review

[@marcusolvera6370]

Amazing review, I’m interested to see if they take any of your recommendations for the stand alone espresso machine.

[@SunriseLAW]

Three different machines mounted together. I will be watching see how the complex electronics holds up over a couple years but I bet it won't be pretty. IMHO Meraki would dominate the market segment if they made a version w/o grinder and w/o the electronics (e.g. Gaggia CP or Rancilio Silvia) and sold it for, say, $699

[@wajdiyounes5524]

If you watched to the end of the video youd see that he said that it is in the works, a machine without the grinder. Probably wont be 699 though.

[@SunriseLAW]

@@wajdiyounes5524 I understand that, but mostly I am referring to "no complex electronics"... no display, no sensors, no scale, etc. Maybe an analog pressure and temperature gauge. If they sold it for $699 it would completely dominate that segment of the market once it showed it will last.

[@albertabdullayev3108]

@@SunriseLAW Agree. At least one who got real. Wow things for wow people.

[@toomanysebastians]

Excellent review, thanks. I almost jumped to back them, but my biggest scare is the durability and maintanence downtime. That many complex components all-in-one, 1 thing breaks and you are out of coffee for weeks. Guess I'll wait for 1 year mark feedbacks.

[@robertebob]

i am on team sans grinder. i have enough already. i'm so glad you had the inside info on future plans. your naughty steam wand narrative cracked me up.

[@earthalign2965]

Wow! Very nice review. Althought about stand alone espresso machine from Meraki i think it's gonna take some time... Few years or something like that, because it's silly idea to create two products in a row, before one is getting fully accepted and reviewed so i think i will go for this version and after few months buy standalone grinder anyway, we will see :D I hope and believe that, they are gonna provide everything. About one red flag - i think it's very promising is that Timemore supports them and they are working together. It's big company and well knowed, so it's rather impossible it's gonna be another kickstarter scam or something like that and i hope and also believe that they can provide everything as they said :D I would love to test one of this machine.

[@Conservator.]

17:49 “I can get my hands in there and clean it properly” 🤣👏

[@ozzy1280]

This looks incredible. I am willing to sell my whole setup for this, but I'll wait to see how things pan out with reliability.

[@itsxris]

Great review! It's interesting to see the comparisons between the 2 different prototype units and how they address different issues yet come with its own set of unique issues

[@aramse]

Hey thanks so much man. Gotta go watch yours now. I’m exhausted from this shoot and edit. Haha.

[@BrandonWatkinsBmW13294]

This is badass! They caught my attention. Side note can you do a review of the 9barista? Very interested in this from the point of travel work. Another fantastic video, thanks!

[@aramse]

Definitely want to get our hands on that machine. It’s super cool.

[@hendrikm9569]

How coarse can the grinder go? Would it be possible to use the grounds for filter coffee?

[@Itsameamario34]

I’d like to know as well

[@drnickriviera999]

Great review. Thanks

[@AmsterdamSigma]

For $1000 it's a good device.

[@Zomfoo]

Do they all go back after you review?

[@chris9923]

Great review, and great humour. As always! Not related to the machine (sorry) but I noticed that you appear to be using a distribution tool near the beginning of the review. I know they have had a lot of bad press lately with other KZbinrs, but I have always wondered whether they could be beneficial used on a shallow setting after WDT given that as a home barista my grounds are, try as I might, not always perfectly level (perhaps an imperfection not factored in by reviewers advising against using them)? Anyway, saw you using one so thought I'd ask. Thanks!

[@aramse]

It’s provided in the box so I wanted to showcase it as part of the workflow. You don’t need it, but if you want then it’s fine to use post WDT. Probably not the best choice if you’re using it as the only form of distribution.

[@chris9923]

Thanks for the reply.

[@KrishnenduKes]

I am still waiting for my Meticulous! It has been 1+ year already.

[@aramse]

I'm waiting for mine too. It's very close to production.

[@ahme050]

I subscribe to your channel u are very honest

[@CH-yp5by]

How loud is the grinder ?

[@aramse]

Fairly quite tbh

[@armanhemmat4451]

What are your thoughts on Terra Kaffe 02?

[@abhi4121]

Excellent review. Is this machine going to be available in India? I love my tricked out Gaggia but if I decide to upgrade, the price jump to a dual boiler is too large. (Please do a few reviews on Indian coffees for us home baristas in India. Esp for espresso)

[@aramse]

I think they ship worldwide. And they may even cover customs but you may need to confirm that with them. We tend to avoid reviewing coffees as it’s quite subjective but espresso recommendations off the top of my head: Bloom - Salawara yellow honey (light) Blue Tokai- Kalledevarapura PSD (medium) QBF - Vontekad Estate

[@abhi4121]

@@aramse Great! thanks for the recommendation. Will give these a try....

[@breake16]

Do they adress the issue with the not so smooth portofilter in the grouphead?

[@aramse]

Had said they will. I've informed them.

[@samtv4192]

Great review. Functionally great machine. I can not tolerate the aesthetics of the machine though.

[@aramse]

Fair

[@nihvl]

Can you review the Hafele U-Kaffee Plus 15 bar espresso machine, I’ve been seeing this everywhere recently but no professional reviews yet the product seems promising and decent value for Indian market. It’ll be great to your take on this machine

[@MyFatAdaptedLife]

Nice review. It's still on Kickstarter with nine days left. Not digging the $$$ though.

[@joshk528]

When this thing comes out in 2 years itll be pretty cool cries in Meticulous 😭😭😭

[@timowolfer6307]

I really am torn between cancelling my pledge and hoping that they run their "pro" version on kickstarter as well or getting this one and maybe selling it along the way if necessary. There ist NOTHING comparable in this price range and I dont want to be paying above 1500. Even the sage dual boiler (even if you disregard the lack of grinder) cant keep up and I really want an espresso machine with those features although I dont need a grinder because I habe the 064s at home. Do you have any insights about more "pro" features except maybe flow control.

[@aramse]

The standalone model is a while away. They need to complete this, fulfil backer orders, make refinements based on feedback and then figure how to sell more. So if you need a machine soonish I wouldn’t wait.

[@JimboJones99]

MERIKA 🇺🇸

[@saurabhmoudgil675]

Not available for shipping in India.

[@StovallsGarage]

I'd love an option without the grinder.

[@philindeblanc]

is wifi REQUIRED?

[@luibodden]

Watch out, the horde of backers who, for some reason, want this machine to be absolutely bad, is gonna come after you and accuse you of being biased 😂!

[@zumpel1337]

the machine does not remember the last settings i used?

[@misterscottintheway]

The section about the steaming wand is going to get you demonitized 😳😅

[@aramse]

Haha hopefully the algorithm isn’t such a prude.

[@AmsterdamSigma]

I didn't like the design of the steam pipe

[@SpadesHeart]

I always feel like I'm out of the loop with pricing on these things. Yes I get that it has many features that are only available on much more expensive machines, but calling $1199 USD cheap, and $1799 USD still reasonable is a bit of a stretch. The Breville you're comparing it to can be found on liquidation often for less than half of that. Not only that, you completely lost me on its so light that you have to physically hold it down to get the portafilter in. That's not indicative of long term quality. Franky all of the tech in this is a liability. Making these things more complicated as an all in one machine is a fundamental misunderstanding of why espresso machines are expensive in the first place; if maintained, they generally last forever. Why would you not just buy a Gaggia Classic or La Pavoni and trick it out? Why not just get all the little gadgetry separately where they are less likely to break and take down an almost 2k machine with it? I couldn't in good faith suggest something like this when it's so clearly going to be e-waste within the decade. A heavy metal water chamber, solid pump (could even save on that with a good lever and pressure gage), single hole milk steaming wand, and double boiler is literally all that anyone would ever need, would last forever, and frankly, could be produced cheaply, and probably with off the shelf products. Like actually cheaply. Like under $200. Make it ugly and naked, I don't care. Built to last, easy to service and fix. Why is this not something that someone is making? Lance Hedrick did a review on a machine that was barebones and didn't even have a milk wand, but because it had a couple nerd features, it commanded the $1000 price tag. He called it the new budget king. It doesn't make sense, these are not good values, they are not moving the tech ahead in any meaningful way and almost everyone would do better to buy something older, well tested, and with an active modding community. Coffee nerds (of which I do count myself one) are out of touch.

[@juliusgreshake8471]

Couldn't agree more, hopefully the gap in the market for such a barebones, no-bs machine will be filled at some point (and by a decent company)!

[@ilkzode1822]

Man this comment was a pleasure to read. It reminds me of the MX Aries Grinder. Just an awkward looking machine with questionable longevity issues thats marketed to impulsive buyers. The fact that this is targeted to compete with Breville doesnt justifies its steep price tag over $1000. The grinder on this and breville are conical and cheap. Attaching it to the workload means of it fails which it will , now you have more deadweight. It just reminds me of the sub $70 no name brand grinders on Amazon. Touch screens can be real delicate and if it goes down, will there be a way to manually male your coffee? No!!! The steam wand with temp sensor is clever though i have to give them that. I think the coffee community is beginning to realize , WHICH THEY SHOULD OF FEW YEARS AGO, that theres an overly saturated market with each company asking for big $$$$. Zerno, ,philos, Meraki, mx aries, breville oracle , just every ome of them want want aant over $1k . Marketplace is such a joy to find used coffee gear. Found the Niche Zero for 300 , had some fun with it and then sold it off. Not paying these clones that kind of money for coffee. Thats why DF(turin) keep making crazy sales at the same time giving the consumer something to look forward too with decent build too. I dont care what Lance Hedrick says anymore. Hes a promoter like most and not funny whatsoever. ARAMSE is freaking hilarious and even without any intention of getting new gear , love to watch his channel due to his humor. I hope more nerds stop following the trend and really reflect what they are buying. Timemore sculptor took forever to ship, meticulous still iant out and now this on kickstarter. Its a gamble

[@gurmeherchawla]

Please do a review of Meticulous if possible. I find it much futuristic in terms of design, build and tech. I’m not a fan of built in grinders, especially ones with a hopper

[@aramse]

An in-depth review of meticulous is on our channel already.

[@simon_sky]

I am not so thrilled about boiler machines any more, you can shame their design, but the thermojet tech from Sage should be state of the art. Also I really don't think that RFID chips need to be incorporated on coffee bags, is this really something anyone was asking for?

[@philindeblanc]

Reason why people skip the Breville is too much plastic. this dont help. Even if they added a little where it counts, that factor would be checked off the marketing list. the retail price would make up for it, because they would gain "on the fence" Brev customers, AND take from the metal classics. A must on the next pro level model, I would suggest.

[@CantonSecurity]

What glass were you using? It looks like a nice tasting cup similar to the Kruve…

[@aramse]

Icosa brew Avensi wave collection espresso cup.

[@commandodude333]

Damn sure doesn't take much to beat ANY Breville, but this machine looks like overpriced disposable garbage like most modern shit these days.

[@BettyWinfred]

Harris Brian Thomas Barbara Lee Margaret

[@randomshotsbyks]

Ninja is much better at less price and breville is realiable

[@albertabdullayev3108]

Take a Chinese noname espresso machine with touch screen for 100usd, grinder 80usd (agree with other guys to use their name), scale 15usd, create a Frankenstein, call it something and sell for 1200usd. Absolutely useless low quality thing. I'm pulling ideal espresso with my 180usd Delonghi non-pressurized, 26-30gr out of 14gr, using Brazilian Santos, and yes I can taste almond. Don't make review, do review, grind/brew 10 times and check that "Grind by weight"/"Brew by weight" with a good quality scale for consistency at least. At most do lab tests, certified checks etc. Check temperature stability, pressure. I'm more than sure that the numbers are consistent and precise on the screen only. Stop digitalizing the taste of espresso, a good espresso does not depend on nice numbers on a nice screen. All fake. Yes, too good to be real. Sure won't do a year without a problem.

[@aramse]

Wow you sound angry not sure why. I guess you didn’t watch the full review either. We’ve tested this extensively over 2 months. If you’re happy with your Delonghi then great!

[@albertabdullayev3108]

@@aramse Ok, so after 2 months of your extensive tests, you still can't say if it is overpriced or not? Of course I'm happy with Delonghi, would also like to see any Meraki users happy, have you? The only comment I saw is a guy complaining about not working scales after 1 week of using) Saying overpriced is a little bit weird though, it shouldn't be priced at all, because even if it was 50usd, buying it would be just a waste of money.