The Meraki Journal
Machine Guides
Explore espresso machine buying guides, reviews, features, how-to articles and care advice to choose the right setup and get more from it.
Featured
Rachelle Swannie adds Meraki to her kitchen coffee corner and shares an early look at making a latte. This recap covers the design she likes, her experience using the machine and why...
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Latest articles
Rotary vs Vibratory Pumps: What Home Espresso Machines Actually Need
Rotary pumps deliver steadier, quieter pressure, while vibratory pumps are cheaper and more common in home machines. For espresso, pressure stability matters...
Portafilters and Baskets: 58mm, 54mm, and What Size Means
The portafilter size, the diameter of the basket it holds, is one of the most important compatibility specs in espresso: 58 mm...
Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines: The Sweet Spot for Home Baristas
Semi-automatic espresso machines occupy the middle of the control spectrum: you control the shot, and the machine handles pressure and temperature. For...
Espresso Machine Troubleshooting: The 12 Most Common Problems, Fixed
Most espresso machine problems fall into twelve common categories, and most of them are fixable at home with a four-step method: observe...
What Makes an Espresso Machine Smart? A Practical Definition
A smart espresso machine is one that reduces the user's decision burden by measuring, guiding, or repeating the variables that shape the...
Cleaning vs Descaling vs Backflushing: What Each One Does
Cleaning, backflushing, and descaling are three different jobs that owners constantly confuse: cleaning removes residue from visible surfaces, backflushing removes oils from...
Espresso Machine Price Tiers Explained: What Each $500 Gets You
Espresso machine prices move in tiers, and each tier buys a specific set of capabilities: under $500 gets entry hardware, $1,500–$2,500 gets...
Best Espresso Machine for Beginners: A Buyer's Guide That Skips the Jargon
The best espresso machine for a beginner is not the cheapest one; it is the machine that makes good shots achievable and...
Smart Espresso Machines: Do They Live Up to the Hype?
Some smart espresso machine features genuinely improve your coffee; others only move the same buttons onto a phone. The useful ones measure...
The Best Espresso Machines Under $2,000: Total Cost, Not Sticker Price
The best espresso machine under $2,000 is the one that delivers great shots when you add the grinder, scale, and accessories the...
Dual Boiler Espresso Machines: What They Do and Which to Choose
A dual boiler espresso machine uses two independent heating systems, one for brewing and one for steaming, so you can pull a...
The 7 Best Espresso Machines With Built-In Grinders (Ranked for Real Workflows)
An espresso machine with a built-in grinder is only as good as the workflow it enables: grind, dose, brew, and clean up...