When the Scale Outperforms the Grinder: Meraki Espresso Review

About this video

• Video Title: When the Scale Outperforms the Grinder: Meraki Espresso Review
• Channel: Kaffeemacher English
• Speakers: None explicitly named in the transcript.
• Duration: 00:11:37

Overview

This video reviews the Moroi dual boiler espresso machine, highlighting its features, performance, and drawbacks. While it boasts impressive functionalities like brew-by-weight and a quiet operation at an attractive price point, the integrated grinder is identified as a significant bottleneck, limiting its overall performance and suitability for various coffee types. The review also touches upon its build quality, user interface, steam power, and a major concern regarding its poor repairability.

Key takeaways

• Impressive Features for the Price: The Moroi dual boiler espresso machine offers advanced features like brew-by-weight and grind-by-weight for €1,800, which is considered a competitive price for a dual boiler.
• Grinder as a Bottleneck: The integrated grinder has a limited grind size range and produces a wide particle distribution with too many fines and coarse particles, significantly impacting espresso quality and making it unsuitable for all roasts and bean types.
• Scale Integration is Excellent: The brew-by-weight scale is precise, efficient, and seamlessly integrated, offering a much smoother user experience compared to other machines with built-in scales.
• Strong Steam Performance: The machine's steam system is capable of heating and steaming milk quickly and effectively, with a good swirl and automatic stop feature.
• Poor Repairability: The machine is difficult and time-consuming to repair due to its complex construction and the placement of numerous different screws, making it not designed for easy maintenance.
• Mixed Build Quality: While some components like the portafilter, baskets, and tamper are well-designed, issues such as metal-on-metal grinding when locking the portafilter and cosmetic chips on arrival detract from the overall premium feel.
• Ambivalent Recommendation: The reviewer is ambivalent about recommending the machine, suggesting it might be suitable only if the user already owns a separate, high-quality grinder.