Every Meraki ships with a complete accessory kit that covers the workflow from grinding to cleaning: a 58 mm portafilter, an 18 g basket, a blind basket, a double spout, a tamper, a coffee distributor, a dosing cup, a milk pitcher, a storage box, a cleaning brush, and a cleaning cloth. The current bundle also adds an Espresso Prep Kit and an Insulated Cup Set valued at $105. This page lists what each accessory does and what you may want to add.
The Accessory List
| Accessory | What it does |
|---|---|
| 58 mm portafilter | Holds the basket for brewing |
| 18 g basket | Standard double dose basket |
| Blind basket | For backflushing the group |
| Double spout | Splits the shot into two cups |
| Tamper | Compresses the coffee bed |
| Coffee distributor | Levels the grounds before tamping |
| Dosing cup | Catches the grind from the grinder |
| Milk pitcher | For steaming and pouring |
| Storage box | Keeps accessories organized |
| Cleaning brush | Cleans the grinder and group |
| Cleaning cloth | Wipes the wand and surfaces |
The table is the box inventory. Each accessory maps to a step in the daily workflow, which is why the kit is described as covering the basics out of the box.
What Each Accessory Does in the Workflow
The workflow starts with the dosing cup: it catches ground coffee from the integrated grinder, so the dose is contained before it reaches the portafilter. The distributor levels the grounds, and the tamper compresses the bed evenly. The 18 g basket holds the standard double dose, and the portafilter locks it into the group.
The double spout splits a shot into two cups, which matters for serving two drinks from one pull. The milk pitcher supports steaming and pouring, and the blind basket enables backflushing, the routine cleaning step that keeps the group clean. The brush and cloth complete the cleaning side.
The Gift Bundle
On top of the standard kit, Meraki currently includes an Espresso Prep Kit and an Insulated Cup Set as complimentary gifts valued at $105. The gifts ship separately from the machine, and promotional gifts can change, so checking the current product page before buying is worthwhile.
The gift bundle adds value to the box, but it is not the reason to buy the machine. The standard kit covers the daily workflow; the gifts are the extra layer.
What You May Want to Add
The included kit covers the basics, and most users add a few tools over time. A dedicated steaming pitcher with a pointed spout improves milk control. A scale is unnecessary because the machine has built-in scales, but a small separate scale helps if you experiment with other brew methods. Cleaning tablets and a grinder brush extend the maintenance routine.
The honest guidance: use the included kit first, identify the friction, and add tools for the specific step that needs improvement. The 58 mm E61-style portafilter in Gen 2 accepts standard baskets and tools, so the upgrade path is open.
The Accessories and the Trial
The trial is the way to test the kit's completeness. During the 30-day home trial, use only the included accessories and note where the workflow feels limited. Most users find the kit sufficient for daily espresso; if a specific tool is missing, the trial reveals it before the purchase.
The Accessories in the Workflow
The accessory kit is designed around the measured workflow. The dosing cup catches the grind from the integrated grinder, the distributor levels it, the tamper compresses it, and the portafilter carries it to the group. The milk pitcher supports the steaming step, and the cleaning tools support the maintenance step. Each accessory maps to a step, which is why the kit is complete rather than random.
The 18 g basket is the standard double dose, and the blind basket is the backflushing tool. The double spout splits a shot for two cups, and the storage box keeps the tools organized. The kit is the workflow made physical.
What Owners Add Over Time
Owners typically add a few tools as they settle into the routine. A dedicated steaming pitcher with a pointed spout improves milk control and is the most common upgrade. A knock box for spent pucks keeps the counter clean. Cleaning tablets and a burr brush extend the grinder maintenance. A distribution tool upgrade is popular with enthusiasts.
The additions are refinements, not necessities. The included kit covers the daily workflow, and the 58 mm E61-style standard in Gen 2 keeps the upgrade path open. The honest order is to use the kit, find the friction, and add the specific tool.
The Accessory Value
The accessory kit adds to the machine's value. A separate purchase of a tamper, distributor, dosing cup, pitcher, and cleaning tools would add cost and research; the kit bundles them. The current gift bundle, an Espresso Prep Kit and Insulated Cup Set valued at $105, adds more.
The accessory value matters for the first-time buyer, who would otherwise assemble the tools after the machine. The kit makes the out-of-box experience complete, which is part of the $1,799 value.
The Accessories and Gen 2
Gen 2's E61-style portafilter compatibility connects the included kit to a broader ecosystem. The 58 mm standard means the included portafilter and basket work alongside third-party baskets and tools, so the kit is the starting point, not the ceiling. Users who want a different basket geometry or a bottomless portafilter can add them.
The compatibility also means the included tools are standard, not proprietary: a lost tamper or worn basket can be replaced with any 58 mm E61-style part. That reduces the long-term lock-in and makes the kit more valuable over time.
Maintaining the Accessories
The accessories need their own care. The portafilter and baskets should be rinsed after use, the milk pitcher washed after steaming, and the tamper and distributor wiped. The cleaning brush and cloth are the daily tools, and the blind basket supports the weekly backflush.
The maintenance is simple because the kit is designed for it: every accessory maps to a cleaning step, and the storage box keeps the tools organized. A cared-for kit lasts, which protects the workflow the machine depends on.
The Accessory Checklist for Buyers
For buyers, the checklist is short: confirm the kit includes the daily tools, confirm the gift bundle's current value, and confirm the standard portafilter compatibility for upgrades. The Meraki's kit passes all three, and the trial verifies the completeness in practice. The accessories are part of the machine's value, and understanding them makes the purchase complete.
The Accessories and the Workflow's Quality
The accessories directly affect the workflow's quality. The distributor and tamper shape the bed, which shapes the extraction; the dosing cup keeps the measured dose intact; the pitcher shapes the milk texture; and the blind basket keeps the group clean. A kit that covers these steps protects the espresso that the machine's hardware produces.
That connection is why the accessories are not afterthoughts: they are the tools the workflow depends on. Using the included kit properly is part of getting the Meraki's full value, and the trial is the place to build those habits.
What the Kit Does Not Include
The kit does not include everything. It does not include a knock box for spent pucks, cleaning tablets for deeper grinder maintenance, or a dedicated steaming pitcher for advanced milk work. Those are optional additions that some owners make over time.
The honest framing is that the kit covers the daily workflow, and the additions cover refinements. The 58 mm E61-style standard keeps the upgrade path open, so the kit grows with the user rather than capping the setup.
The Bottom Line
The Meraki ships with a complete accessory kit covering the workflow: portafilter, baskets, tamper, distributor, dosing cup, pitcher, storage, and cleaning tools, plus a $105 gift bundle. The kit is designed to make the machine usable out of the box, and the 58 mm E61-style standard keeps the upgrade path open. Use the kit first, add tools for the friction points, and test the completeness during the trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What comes in the Meraki box?
A 58 mm portafilter, an 18 g basket, a blind basket, a double spout, a tamper, a coffee distributor, a dosing cup, a milk pitcher, a storage box, a cleaning brush, and a cleaning cloth.
What is the blind basket for?
Backflushing. The blind basket blocks the flow, so the cleaning solution circulates through the group, keeping it clean.
Do I need a separate scale?
No. The machine has built-in dose and yield scales. A separate scale is only useful if you experiment with other brew methods.
Is the gift bundle included with every purchase?
The current bundle includes an Espresso Prep Kit and an Insulated Cup Set valued at $105, but promotional gifts can change. Check the current product page.
Can I use third-party accessories?
Gen 2 supports standard 58 mm E61-style portafilters, so familiar baskets and tools can be used alongside the included kit.
Place Included Accessories in the Feature Set
What comes in the box is one part of the complete system. Compare the included tools with the Meraki espresso machine features that matter most.
Confirm the Current Package Before Purchase
Included tools and promotional bundles can change over time. Confirm the latest in-box accessories, configuration, and availability on the official Meraki Espresso Machine page before ordering.
Compare the Included Package With the Complete Machine
Included tools affect setup cost and convenience, but they should be evaluated with the machine’s grinder, brewing, steaming, measurement, maintenance, and support. Use our best espresso machine guide for the full comparison.
