Sorry Judy, I haven’t used it – and haven’t seen it until I read your post. It’s hard to judge a machine like this without seeing it in the flesh. If you drink long blacks only, and don’t want to overthink it – a pourover is the best option.

Ha, well there you go. Puck you! 🙂

Thanks Isla!

The Meraki looks like stylish little thing. But at almost $3K definitely not a budget option. I haven’t had first hand experience with it, but the first place I’d look is the quality of the grinder. You’re stuck with it forever, so let your opinion of it guide your overall decision.

I loved your article, it was so informative.

I love my coffee and silly me went for the Delonghi Magnifica S a few years ago, and the knob to turn on the steam wand broke up off as it became too hard to move (and my partner put on a makeshift knob which is super annoying. And for $600-700, you’d think they’d have a better set up for this, plus the steamwand really isn’t that great). I’ve learnt things since. I did have a Breville coffee machine many years ago that went in the cupboard because I didn’t understand how to use it properly and have never worked in a cafe unlike some of my friends. So I was too intimidated to try.

Anyway, I’m now looking for a much better machine and to give more individual features a go than a fully automatic machine. I do use a Breville Oracle I think with built in grinder but have read a separate grinder is better to have, and since using that and learning more about making coffee, I’m ready to look at other machines.

I have just come across the newer Meraki with separate but built on grinder, PID, double boiler, rotary pump etc. I’d love to see what you think of this. I’m still a bit wary as the grinder is built onto the bottom of the coffee machine, but it’s other features seem good. Or if there are other similar machines I should consider, then I’m happy to check them out.

Thank you.

Thanks for your review. I purchased a Bambino Plus on the last day of 2025 and can report that it came with both pressurised and unpressurised baskets. Does anyone give a puck? 🙂

I’ve heard mix opinion on Breville from baristas with most saying don’t go for one.

Thanks.

Yes, you’re right – the Jet may be a game changer. But I haven’t seen one in the flesh yet. I have it on my list, though. Stay tuned.