Meraki Gen 2 has been selected as “The Best Rotary-Pump Espresso Machine” in The 2026 Esquire Gadget Awards, published on 13 October 2026.
The editors’ account of several months with the machine highlights consistent results while trying different beans and recipes. For Meraki, the recognition marks a milestone for a system built around everyday home espresso.
One setup, from whole beans to the finished cup
The Meraki Gen 2 espresso machine brings a rotary pump, separate brew and steam boilers, an integrated grinder, and two weighing systems into one setup. Each component has a practical role in the process: preparing the ground dose, brewing to a target yield, and texturing milk.
The separate boilers allow espresso brewing and milk steaming at the same time. That flexibility is useful when preparing a milk drink or making coffee for more than one person, while the integrated grinder keeps the preparation steps together.
A reference for the next recipe
Changing coffee is part of home brewing. A new roast may call for a different grind or beverage yield; the same beans may also need a small adjustment as they age.
Measuring both the dry coffee dose and the espresso collected gives those changes a reference. Instead of judging a shot only by its volume in the cup, users can keep the dose and yield steady while testing a grind adjustment, then compare the flavour.
The measurements support the process. The home barista still chooses the coffee, prepares the puck, and decides what tastes right.
Recognition we are proud to share
We are proud to see Meraki Gen 2 included in this year’s awards, and we thank the owners who make it part of their daily routine.
For readers planning a new setup, the home espresso setup overview explains how the system brings grinding, brewing, and milk preparation together.
