Maraqi · Reviewed by Jon Rettinger · Published 2026-08-03
Based on a review by Jon Rettinger (accessed 2026-08-03).
Based on this review alone: buy it if you care about dual boilers for simultaneous espresso brewing and milk steaming — just accept small 550ml steam boiler requires breaks when making multiple back-to-back milk drinks.
The reviewer concludes that the Meraki Espresso Machine Gen 2 is an excellent and complete setup for under two grand, especially for those outgrowing entry-level machines or intimidated by espresso making. He praises its consistency, ease of use with automated measurements, and the company's responsiveness to feedback, stating it's the machine that "ended the worst year of coffee in my life" and that Meraki did an "awesome job with this machine."
This review by Jon Rettinger covers the Meraki Espresso Machine Gen 2, detailing its features, workflow, and performance. The reviewer discusses aspects like its dual boiler system, integrated scales, grinder settings, and overall design. He also addresses potential drawbacks and identifies the target audience for the machine.
This is a highly recommended espresso machine for home baristas seeking automation and consistent quality without the high-end price tag. Its dual boilers and rotary pump ensure simultaneous brewing and steaming at precise temperatures, eliminating burnt tastes and delivering consistent espresso daily. The two integrated scales automate the grind by weight and shot yield, directly solving the common dosing issues that plague most home espresso machines. If you are an experienced user who has outgrown an entry-level machine, or intimidated by the complexities of espresso, this machine provides the most complete setup under two grand. However, if you regularly host large groups, the small steam boiler will require pauses between multiple milk drinks due to its 550ml capacity.
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The Meraki Gen 2 features two dedicated boilers: one for brewing and one for steaming milk, plus a rotary pump. This setup allows for simultaneous espresso and milk steaming at correct temperatures, contributing to consistent coffee quality.
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The machine has a conical burr grinder design and two built-in scales: one under the grinder and one under the group head. This allows the machine to grind by weight and stop at the target shot weight, then cut the shot at the target yield.
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The reviewer uses a recipe of 18 grams in and 36 grams out for a double shot, which the machine executes in around 30 seconds. This automated process ensures consistent results, preventing the burnt taste often associated with incorrect dose and yield.
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The Meraki Gen 2 heats up in about 3 minutes, allowing for a quick start to the morning coffee routine.
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The grinder settings on the Meraki Gen 2 increased from 30 to 45 compared to Gen 1. This enhancement allows the machine to handle dense, slightly roasted beans that might typically choke most built-in grinders.
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The Meraki Gen 2 switched to industry-standard E61 portafilter mounts, a significant upgrade from the proprietary mounts on Gen 1. This means any E61 portafilter accessory on the market now fits the Gen 2.
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The steam boiler is small, with a capacity of 550 ml. While it's flawless for one or two milk drinks, making back-to-back lattes for a crowd requires a short break between rounds.
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The brewing and steaming functions share a single screen, which means some menu hopping is required if running both at once.
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Oversized mugs do not fit under the group head, which could be an issue for users who prefer larger cups.
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The three-tower design of the machine creates gaps where dust and stray coffee grounds can settle, potentially making cleaning more challenging.
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The Meraki Gen 2 is priced at $1799, which is a reduction from its launch price of $1999.
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The machine offers manual paddle controls, full temperature adjustment, and the standard E61 group, allowing experienced baristas to operate it by hand for more control.
The reviewer highlights that consistency is everything for espresso and the Meraki Gen 2 delivers. Its dual boiler system ensures stable temperatures for brewing and steaming, and the integrated scales automate the grind and shot weight, leading to delicious and consistent coffee daily, unlike cheaper machines.
The Meraki Gen 2 features a dual boiler system with a separate boiler for brewing and a dedicated steam boiler. This design allows it to perform both tasks concurrently at the correct temperatures, eliminating the wait time found in single-heater machines.
The machine is designed to be very approachable for those new to espresso. It features built-in scales that handle all measurements, on-screen tutorials, and comes with essential accessories like a tamper, distributor, and milk pitcher in the box, making the complex process much simpler.
Compared to Gen 1, the Meraki Gen 2 has increased grinder settings from 30 to 45, which helps with denser beans. It also switched to industry-standard E61 portafilter mounts for broader accessory compatibility and features a redesigned shower screen for more even water distribution.
The steam boiler is small (550 ml), requiring breaks for multiple back-to-back milk drinks. The display shares functions, necessitating menu hopping when brewing and steaming. Oversized mugs do not fit, and the tower design creates gaps where dust and grounds can settle. Additionally, it lacks pressure profiling and flow control features found in more expensive, specialized machines.
The Meraki Gen 2 espresso machine is available for $1799. This is a reduction from its initial launch price of $1999.
75/100 source quality
The Meraki Espresso Machine Gen 2 is highlighted as a significant upgrade for home espresso enthusiasts, featuring dual boilers, built-in scales, and an integrated grinder for consistent, cafe-quality coffee. The review emphasizes its automated workflow, which simplifies dose and yield measurements, making it accessible for beginners while offering manual controls for experienced baristas. Key improvements over Gen 1 include expanded grinder settings and industry-standard portafilter mounts. While generally positive, the reviewer notes a small steam boiler for back-to-back drinks, shared screen for brewing/steaming, and minor design inconveniences like dust traps and lack of oversized mug clearance. The company's customer responsiveness and two-year warranty are seen as positive indicators.
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