Meraki Espresso Machine: Compact Dual Boiler For Home Baristas

The Meraki Espresso Machine is an all-in-one dual-boiler semi-automatic espresso machine designed and manufactured in China by Meraki Tech. It combines a built-in TIMEMORE co-engineered conical burr grinder, dual integrated gravimetric scales, dual stainless steel boilers, and a commercial-grade rotary pump into a single chassis. You control grind, dose, tamp, and extraction; the machine manages weight-based dosing, shot stopping, and temperature via three independent PID controllers.

Unlike traditional setups that require a separate grinder, scale, and machine, the Meraki integrates everything into one cohesive system. This makes it especially appealing for users who want repeatable results with less manual effort, while still maintaining meaningful control over extraction.

The original Gen 1 (V1) launched in 2025 and introduced the market to a new concept: professional-grade espresso capabilities in an integrated package under $2,000. It featured a proprietary portafilter fitting, espresso-only grinding range, and a single-stage shower screen. Early adopters praised the gravimetric workflow and rotary pump but noted limitations in accessory compatibility and grind flexibility.

The Gen 2 (V2), released in 2026, addresses those limitations directly. The portafilter fitting is now E61-compatible, opening access to the full ecosystem of third-party 58 mm accessories. The grinding range extends to filter and pour-over coarseness, not just espresso-fine. The shower screen is dual-stage for more even water distribution. The software is refined with additional language support and workflow improvements. V1 owners continue to receive firmware updates via Wi-Fi, but the hardware upgrades require the Gen 2 unit.

This is not a traditional separate-grinder setup like pairing an ECM Synchronika with a standalone grinder, nor is it a super-automatic like the Breville Oracle Touch. It occupies a unique space: integrated dual-boiler system with professional-grade internals at under $2,000. The trade-off is a first-generation product from a new brand, with workflow quirks that early adopters have documented.

At 32 lbs, the Meraki Espresso machine is lighter than most dual boiler machines (60+ lbs), but wider at 14.5 inches due to the integrated grinder. It eliminates the need for separate grinder and scale real estate while delivering capabilities typically found in $3,000+ setups.

What’s in the Box

• 58 mm bottomless portafilter with removable dual-spout attachment
• 18 g filter basket
• Blind basket (backflush disc)
• 58 mm tamper
• 58 mm distributor/leveler
• Magnetic dosing cup
• 12 oz milk pitcher
• Barista towel
• Tamping station
• Cleaning brush
• Water hardness test strips
• User manual

What’s New in Meraki Gen 2 (V2)

The V2 isn’t a cosmetic refresh. Four changes matter if you’re deciding between finding a used V1 or buying new:

E61-Compatible Portafilter. V1 locked you into Meraki’s own portafilter. Want a bottomless for diagnosing channeling? A precision basket from IMS or VST? Tough. V2 uses a standard E61 fitting, the same group head interface that’s been an industry standard since 1961. Now the whole accessory market is open to you.

Wider Grinding Range. The TIMEMORE grinder in V1 only adjusted fine enough for espresso. V2 goes coarser, not just for dialing in different espresso roasts, but actual filter coffee and pour-over territory if you want to experiment. Same 37 mm steel conical burrs, same 0.007 oz accuracy, more flexibility.

Dual-Stage Shower Screen. V1’s single-stage screen could create uneven extraction, dry spots in the puck if your prep wasn’t perfect. V2 splits water distribution into two stages, saturating the bed more evenly before full pressure hits. Less channeling, more forgiveness.

Smoother Software. The touchscreen interface got cleaner, faster, and gained language options. V1 owners get the software improvements via OTA updates, but the hardware stays put.

Note: V1 units are no longer sold new. All current inventory is Gen 2.

Meraki Gen 2 vs. Gen 1

Meraki Espresso Machine Features

TIMEMORE Co-Engineered Conical Burr Grinder

The built-in grinder uses 37 mm solid steel conical burrs developed with TIMEMORE, featuring stepless adjustment across 30 marked steps with infinite between-step settings. A de-ionizer keeps grounds static-free and fluffy. Grind speed is approximately 0.05 oz per second, a 0.6 oz dose takes roughly 10-11 seconds.

The grinder is thermally isolated in its own column, separate from the brew boiler and group head. This prevents bean heating and preserves grind consistency. A design advantage over integrated grinders that sit directly above hot components.

Grind-by-weight dosing uses the integrated scale under the grinder, accurate to 0.007 oz. Set your target dose, the grinder stops automatically. No timer drift, no separate scale on your counter.

Dual Stainless Steel Boilers

• Brew boiler: 11.8 fl oz (dedicated to espresso extraction with independent PID)
• Steam boiler: 18.6 fl oz (dedicated to milk steaming with independent PID)

Both boilers are stainless steel with separate heating elements. Brew and steam simultaneously with no temperature drop or pressure loss. The brew group head has its own third PID controller for thermal stability at the portafilter.

Commercial-Grade Rotary Pump

A genuine rotary pump delivers stable 9-bar extraction pressure with quieter operation and longer lifespan than vibration pumps. This is a feature typically found on machines above $3,000. The pump is factory-set to 9 bar with no user-adjustable pressure profiling.

Three Independent PID Controllers

• Brew boiler PID: Maintains brew water temperature
• Steam boiler PID: Maintains steam pressure
• Brew group PID: Maintains portafilter temperature

Adjustable brew temperature range: 185°F-205°F in 1° increments. The group head PID keeps the portafilter warm but not hot to the touch; a safety consideration for households with children.

Integrated Gravimetric Scales

Dual scales with 2.2 lb capacity and 0.007 oz accuracy; one under the grinder for dose weight, one under the group for shot weight. The machine stops grinding and brewing automatically at your set weights. True gravimetric dosing, not flow-meter estimation.

CoffeeSense RFID Technology

An RFID scanner behind the touchscreen reads compatible coffee bags from partner roasters. Scan a bag and the machine auto-loads recommended brew temperature, dose weight, shot weight, and suggested grind setting. Manual override is always available.

58 mm E61-Compatible Group Head (V2)

Standard E61-compatible design supports any 58 mm portafilter or precision basket. No longer restricted to proprietary accessories (upgrade from V1).

Temperature-Sensing Steam Wand

A ball-jointed pro steam wand with a 3-hole tip and built-in temperature probe. Choose auto mode (set target temperature, wand stops automatically) or manual mode for full control. Four steam texture levels from gentle to firm. The wand delivers dry steam; testing showed only 0.5 oz water added to 6 oz milk steamed to 140°F, significantly drier than most home machines.

Touchscreen Interface with Espresso OS

A circular touchscreen provides step-by-step guidance, real-time feedback, and access to settings, recipes, and maintenance. Wi-Fi enabled for over-the-air firmware updates. Program up to 20 auto-on schedules so the machine is warm when you are.

The interface prioritizes function over flash; no animations that slow workflow. Paddle switches on the brew group and steam wand allow manual operation independent of the screen.

Fast Heat-Up

Ready to brew in approximately 4 minutes. The steam boiler reaches ready state seconds after the brew boiler. Full thermal saturation of the group head requires 5-10 minutes for optimal results.

Hot Water Spout

A dedicated hot water outlet behind the brew group for Americanos and tea.

Specifications