Maro Model 1 espresso machine review

Value

Maro Model 1 is constructed from a high-quality mix of materials. The housing is made of HIMACS®, a mineral material known for its durability, hygiene, and scratch resistance. It consists of aluminum hydroxide, acrylic, and pigments. This material is often used in luxury interiors and offers an elegant surface with a stone-like appearance. The surface is smooth, yet not cold, has no pores, and is therefore easy to clean. The use of this material is an interesting move by Maro. We don't know of any other espresso machine that uses this material.

• The Maro's drip tray holds 750 milliliters and is made of stainless steel. However, carrying it to the sink can be challenging. The water tank is made of the same material, holds 1.5 liters, and is dishwasher-safe. It can be pulled out from the front of the machine or filled halfway.
• For both stainless steel modules, we consider the edges to be relatively sharp and should be carefully rinsed or removed, especially with wet hands.
• The brewing group is made of lead-free brass, which, thanks to the material's conductivity, supports a consistent extraction temperature and fast heat-up times.
• This cup heater is made of anodized aluminum and is equipped with an easily controllable cup heater that allows for quick temperature regulation.
• The integrated steam wand is plasma-polished and stays cool during use, making it safer to handle and easier to clean.
• The Maro is equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen. It operates smoothly and responds quickly. This is a real blessing and stands out positively when compared to smartphone screens on the one hand and the screens of many other espresso machine manufacturers on the other.
• The Maro is equipped with a 2300-watt thick-film heater (FTH) from Ferro. This is responsible for frothing and brewing. The thick-film heater heats only the desired amount of water, resulting in good energy efficiency, fast heat-up times, and flexible temperature adjustment.
• A key tool in the Maro is a very quiet rotary pump from Fluidotech. It's a GB072 model and is controlled via pulse-width modulation (PWM) by switching it on and off in a periodic pattern. Learn more in the Pressure and Flow Rate Control chapter.

We measured the Maro at 38.5 cm in height, 30 cm in width, and 33.1 cm in depth. With the portafilter, it measures 44 cm. It weighs 22.6 kilograms. The distance between the portafilter spout and the drip tray cover is 8.9 cm.

Assessment of value

We rate the machines' quality 8.5 out of 10. The choice of materials is high-quality, and the workmanship is good to very good. The thickness of the materials (drip tray), as well as the body and cup rack, is elegant. This is also reflected in the tactile perception of the materials and their use. Gaps are a foreign concept with this machine. Deductions are made for the sharp edges inside the drip tray, the water tank, and the water tank cover.

Volume of the Maro

Is the machine running? We didn't just ask ourselves this question when there was background noise in the room around us. We even asked ourselves this question while making espresso and having a conversation. Yes, with the Maro, you have to actively listen to hear it during the brewing process.

Not only is the rotary pump extremely quiet, but the suspension and stability within the machine also ensure that the entire machine purrs quietly during brewing. We measured 48.8 decibels, the lowest value we've ever measured for an espresso machine. The test report gives the noise level 5 out of 5.

Accesories

The Maro Model 1 comes with a double-spout portafilter and a bottomless portafilter. These portafilters are made of stainless steel with a walnut handle. An IMS Competition 1- and 2-cup sieve is also included. The included tamper is also made of stainless steel and features a handle made of the same walnut wood. It sits flush with the included sieve. We measured a gap of 0.65 mm between the sieve and the tamper base.

The tamper has an additional function. The handle's cover also serves as a recessed hexagon, which can be used to lift the water intake mechanism of the water tank on the left side of the machine.

Also included in delivery is a cleaning kit with blind sieve, grease remover, milk cleaner and descaler.

Evaluation of the accessories

The accessories are good and high-quality. They include everything that's useful and necessary, and the materials are of good quality. However, Maro doesn't go the extra mile that we've seen from other manufacturers in the highest price category. Therefore, we rate the accessories 4 out of 5.

Usability and target group

The Maro is one of the most complex espresso machines on the market in terms of its controls. At the same time, it's perhaps the easiest to use espresso machine, allowing people who have never used an espresso machine before to make excellent coffee.

This balancing act is both adventurous and remarkable. You decide at which level you want to start with the Maro Model 1 and which path you want to take with it.

Three modes pave this way

• Explorer : The machine completely guides you. You select a drink like a fully automatic coffee machine, and then you're guided step by step, just like you would with a Thermomix kitchen appliance. A smart mode "repairs" brews that are too fast, making the espresso more balanced, even if something goes wrong.
• Expert : This mode is similar to that of a classic espresso machine with PID control, volumetrics, and pre-infusion. Temperature, pressure, and espresso output can be controlled. Optionally, the Smart Profiler can be used to correct or slow down brewing.
• Extreme : This mode utilizes everything the best and most flexible espresso machines on the market can offer: variable flow and pressure control, as well as phase or condition control. For example, the machine can be given a flow target in an initial phase, which is limited by a pressure target. When a certain condition is met, the machine then jumps to the next phase and follows it until another transition condition is met or the final condition is reached. This, in turn, can be met by the volume in the cup or the total brewing time.

Numerous shortcuts also simplify operation. Double-pressing the flush button immediately begins flushing the shower for a preset time. A single press opens the selection window, which provides access to the backwash and cleaning programs .

The defined recipes can be saved for each roaster and coffee, and the brewing curves, which vary in complexity depending on the type of mode, can be reviewed later.

Here, too, we like how the Maro offers the home barista something to do without being overwhelming. The brewing indicator clearly shows how much water has flowed and whether the Smart Profiler has been activated. However, the message isn't intrusive; it's presented as a possibility. Anyone who wants to can start a learning journey with the Maro and improve their skills as a home barista.

The Maro doesn't promise that a barista will be waiting inside the machine. Working with her feels like having a barista coach on hand to offer advice and guidance.

Rating of the service

For this overall package of operating options, with a very responsive display and more than just the most important setting options, the machine deserves full marks.

However, the current version doesn't have a Last Shot function. This allows an espresso to be finished even if the water tank sensor indicates that the water is empty. We also don't have the option of a water filter in the tank, which is why we rate its operation 9 out of 10.

Heating time

After 4 minutes, the Maro espresso machine indicates that it has heated up. This is one of the fastest times for high-quality espresso machines. Some inexpensive thermoblocks keep pace, but fail in various other test areas. Most espresso machines with boilers require 20 minutes or more to fully heat up and thus reach a constant temperature. There are a few exceptions with small boilers and heating times of 15 minutes, and even fewer machines that reach the target temperature in under 10 minutes. We test this the same way for all espresso machines using a sophisticated and precisely defined system .

The Maro Model 1 achieves this heat-up time because the machine only heats the necessary amount of water using a so-called thick-film heater (Fast Through Heater; FTH). Heating with the thick-film heater is similar to the principle of the thermoblock, which we know from capsule coffee machines or filter coffee machines. However, the DH can be regulated more precisely and quickly. In addition, the Maro heats the brewing head using a heating cartridge , which also heats the portafilter. In all systems, portafilters lag behind the heating elements in the machine. However, they should also be heated to avoid absorbing too much of the water temperature during brewing, thus reducing the brewing temperature.

However, the fastest heat-up time is worthless without good temperature consistency, which we'll explore in the next chapter. But first of all: The Maro's temperature consistency is also unparalleled and, in this combination, unbeatable.

With the Maro Model 1, our dreams come true! We no longer have to adjust our clock and our daily routine to the espresso machine and start the machine 20 to 40 minutes before we need to brew an espresso (which is often the case with Faema E61 models). Instead, we can decide spontaneously whether we want an espresso in 4 minutes! That's a quantum leap! And yet: We rate the Maro's heat-up time "only" 9 out of 10 points. This is because the espresso machine boots up for a full minute and only then begins heating. The actual heating time is around 3 minutes. If the Maro is further optimized in this area, it could push ahead and catch up with the Zuriga . The Zuriga heats up a little faster, but its temperature isn't as consistent as the Maro.

Temperature constancy

Buckle up for superlatives. Without further ado, we can say: The Maro Model 1 is among the top three espresso machines in terms of temperature consistency and precision. In many respects, it's even the most precise machine on the market across all price ranges and among all espresso machines we've tested to date.

To verify temperature consistency, we run two test series on all espresso machines. The KM protocol aims to replicate a realistic home scenario. Immediately after the determined heat-up time—four minutes for the Maro—we measure five shots at one-minute intervals. We examine the standard deviation, the consistency of the shot, and the temperature difference within the shot. We then run the WBC protocol, which is typically used to test commercial machines. This protocol focuses on the machine's consistency under high performance.

In the KM protocol, the Maro espresso machine achieves a standard deviation of 0.516 degrees. This places it just behind the Dalla Corte Mina (0.43) and Dalla Corte Studio (0.51), as well as the Sanremo You (0.34). However, all of these espresso machines require longer than 12 minutes (Studio) to heat up (3). The Maro delivers this value after 4 minutes. We typically compare the brewing times from seconds 4 to 25. If we look at brewing times from seconds 9 to 25, the Maro takes the lead.

The Maro also performs impressively in the WBC protocol, which is typically used to test espresso machines for use in the World Barista Championships. We measured a standard deviation of 0.79 degrees across all 14 shots, demonstrating very high consistency between shots. For the WBC protocol, espresso machines are left on for one hour to achieve thermal equilibrium and thorough heating. This essentially contradicts the Maro, which doesn't even need to be turned on due to its short heat-up time.

By the way: once the machine is turned on and not used for a while, it switches to Eco mode. From Eco mode, the machine is quickly reactivated and ready for use.

Another strength of the thick-film heater compared to boiler espresso machines is the flexible temperature adjustment. With boiler machines, the entire boiler water is always heated to a single temperature, whereas with thick-film heaters, only the amount of brewing water for each shot is heated. These machines don't heat up bulk water. This means you can use significantly lower or higher temperatures for the next shot. Quickly switching between temperatures is no problem. If you want to quickly lower the temperature by more than 10 degrees, you should cool the portafilter with cold water on the Maro. Both the portafilter and the brewing group still retain the temperature from the last shot.

Assessment of temperature constancy

In terms of temperature consistency, the Maro is one of the three best espresso machines we've tested so far. Because it achieves this consistency after just four minutes and allows for quick switching between temperatures, we rate it the highest score of 15 out of 15. It's also worth noting that we didn't detect any offset with the Maro.

Volumetrics and quantity accuracy

The biggest weakness of the current Maro is its accuracy. The Maro offers the option of defining a precise dispensing volume on the display. It therefore provides a volumetric flow rate. However, this is not precisely measured by a flow meter; rather, it is calculated. And here, the devil lies in the detail, or rather, the accuracy. Strictly speaking, a flow meter in the cold water area measures the flow. Additionally, a pressure sensor is located in the brewing group that records the effective pressure. From this data, the Maro calculates the dispensed water volume.

Especially with custom profiles that deviate from a standard extraction, the amounts fluctuate more significantly. While in Explorer mode we occasionally encounter a 2-gram deviation in the dispensed amount and thus in the cup, with complex profiles with pressure and flow control, we can sometimes experience 3 to 5 grams in a double extraction. That's clearly too much. Maro has some catching up to do here and has already announced this. This year, among other things, an interface with a Bluetooth scale will be offered. This is already integrated into the machine's hardware. So, "only" the programming and implementation are missing.

We would like to have a way to give the machine precise feedback on how much output we weighed in the cup. This would allow us to train the machine with coffees we frequently use. Besides the profiles, it's primarily the different coffees and roasts that seem to influence the volume accuracy.

There's still a lot of room for improvement here. In its current implementation, we find the volumetrics to be sufficiently accurate only in Explorer mode. We recommend using a scale and manual timing, especially for Extreme mode.

Evaluation of volumetrics

Since the Maro sometimes brews significantly less than the target dispensing volume for different coffees, this leads to considerable uncertainty when using this function. It remains unclear whether the dispensed volume corresponds to the target amount for each brew. We rate the volumetrics in its current form 4 out of 10. However, the hardware used should allow for revision of this value, especially since the dispensing is precise in milliliters per second. We assume that the volumetrics can be improved through a software update or, at the very latest, with the integration of a scale.

Foam quality and steam performance

The Maro can froth a 0.6-liter milk jug, enough for two cappuccinos, in 30 to 35 seconds. After a brief dispensing of condensed water, the espresso machine quickly begins to generate steam. At full power, the power is in the upper midrange of home espresso machines, but can be easily and quickly adjusted downwards if desired. This is thanks to the powerful 2300-watt thick-film heater, which allows for quick changeovers. It's also striking that the Maro doesn't noticeably lose power even when brewing several milk jugs in succession. This is because the machine doesn't rely on any heat storage capacity, but generates the steam during frothing. This gives the machine advantages over many portafilter machines with small boilers.

Thanks to Cool-Touch, the steam wand remains at a comfortable temperature during the frothing process. We conducted the test using the original steam wand tip and a prototype. The prototype develops even more swirl and moves the milk in the jug better. Since it will be included with future models, we are rating the machine based on this and have given it an 8 out of 10 frothing ability .

It's not possible to brew and frothing simultaneously with the Maro. However, it is possible to start frothing immediately after brewing. However, this isn't necessary for preparing milk foam at home or in small offices. We consider the ability to frothing and brewing simultaneously a criterion for an espresso machine's catering capability.

Catering and volume performance

Anyone who enjoys brewing coffee at home will quickly find themselves at the coffee stand at the next school festival or youth soccer tournament. Is the Maro the right espresso machine for this? It depends! Essentially, it depends on how many people want coffee at the same time and how much demand there is for milk-based drinks.

The Maro won't give up, as the consistent temperature during espresso brewing and the steam output allow for multiple brewings in a row. However, the high throughput is problematic because frothing and brewing cannot be done simultaneously. Another issue quickly becomes that the water tank cannot be filled while brewing, which is possible with many machines with a water tank embedded in the cup rest. There's no drain hose for the drip tray, nor is there a water connection for the water tank. So, while the machine is technically powerful, these circumstances limit its performance.

Good volumetrics are also important for us in catering, as laborious weighing of the servings takes too much time. We've already explained that volumetrics aren't a strong point of the machine.

A side note that doesn't directly impact performance, but which we noticed when using the Maro for catering: the machine is TOO QUIET. While desirable in any other setting, it takes some getting used to at a noisy trade fair or event. Since the machine doesn't start immediately after brewing and doesn't provide any audible feedback, we were unsure several times whether the machine was brewing.

In our opinion, the Maro has other strengths besides catering use. It is suitable for this purpose, but has some drawbacks in actual use. We rate its catering capability 3 out of 10 and would prefer espresso machines with a large boiler, water connection, and drain hose. (4)

Power consumption

The combination of rapid heat-up time and precise energy transfer results in the Maro Model 1 consuming very little energy. Unlike many boiler espresso machines, it doesn't heat the room. It doesn't have to heat 500 ml to 1.5 liters of water just to use 80 ml of it. Instead, after four minutes, it heats the water needed for the next double espresso .

We measured 0.06 kWh for five double espressos, including the warm-up time. For comparison, a low-power thermoblock like the Ascaso Steel Duo PID Plus requires almost twice as much power at 0.12 kWh. A dual-circuit espresso machine like the Lelit Mara X requires 0.28 kWh, 4.5 times as much, and the La Marzocco Linea Mini R consumes 0.38 kWh (with the steam boiler on, as the temperature isn't constant otherwise). The Zuriga is better than the Maro, requiring only 0.058 kWh.

The low power consumption is particularly evident when we consider the additional frothing of milk for cappuccinos and the like. The Maro requires 0.0568 kWh to heat up and prepare two cappuccinos. The Ascaso Steel DUO Pid Plus uses 0.24 kWh, and the Linea Mini consumes 0.579 kWh!

Maro Model 1 is one of the best machines in terms of energy efficiency and achieves 10 out of 10 possible points.

Espresso potential

We've had some great espressos from the Maro. Whether in Explorer, Expert, or Extreme mode, they all deliver everything an espresso machine needs to prepare excellent espresso. The various modes are the perfect match for all experience levels. The user interface, combined with the high-precision technology, provides the perfect foundation for this.

The precise sensors in the brewing head measure pressure and temperature where it makes sense. The pump control is so precise that flow rates from 1 ml to 8 ml can be accessed and delivered in Extreme mode.

Any pre-infusion time with freely selectable pressure and flow is programmable with the Maro. We can't think of any espresso scenario that the Maro can't handle. From a blooming shot to a turbo shot to simulating a lever-operated machine—it's just as possible as making a lungo or an allongé.

The Maro's showerhead delivers a very even brewing water flow, thanks to a sophisticated distribution design for which Maro has filed a patent. The included IMS sieves are also high-quality and offer everything you need for a good espresso.

With the Maro, both the espresso novice and the advanced home barista can get the most out of their roasted coffee. There are no limits, as far as we know. Because of this, we rate the Maro espresso machine's espresso potential 14 out of 15 points.

We haven't included volumetrics in this evaluation again. It was already downgraded in the relevant section and shouldn't be penalized twice. However, to fully utilize the machine's espresso potential, a scale is definitely a good idea for precisely achieving the brewing ratio.

We have one more aspect of espresso preparation that we don't like and that urgently needs to be improved! The machine takes too long to begin brewing after being clamped in and the brew button pressed. Contact with the hot, humid atmosphere when the portafilter is clamped in place quickly causes the coffee to change its flavor. We therefore recommend that all espresso machines start brewing within 4 seconds. However, this is the time the Maro needs after the brew button is pressed to even begin brewing. As already mentioned, a speedier response between the brewing start and the machine starting would be desirable. We sometimes pressed the brew button before we had clamped the portafilter in place, but this is not the ideal process.

The brewing modes

Switching between the different modes is a breeze with just two touches of the display between shots. We mention this because we can imagine the Maro being a great fit for a shared apartment, for example. While Vera, who works in a café and likes to brew using brewing profiles, Markus might prefer Explorer mode because he's inexperienced or wants some guidance while preparing a flat white. Perhaps he'll also confidently brew a double espresso in Expert mode, with the help of the Smart Profiler.

Explorer Mode

The Explorer mode takes you completely by the hand, if you wish. Then you select a drink of your choice from the various brewing recipes (guides). Six drinks are stored with instructions: Espresso, Cappuccino, Americano, Café Latte, Latte Macchiato, and Flat White.

Clicking on a drink like a flat white first indicates that, in addition to the milk, a small frothing jug and a medium cup are needed. Next, a double espresso is prepared. The machine indicates how much coffee should be ground and the brewing recipe. We then start the brew and see it visualized. Then we unclamp as prompted and follow the frothing instructions, if they are provided for our drink.

I can select the foaming time and intensity and start the process. After cleaning the steam wand, I evaluate my brew. My drink is much too acidic. The machine suggests improvements to the recipe, such as a longer extraction time as the target.

This is saved for the selected coffee in Explorer mode. The next time I prepare an espresso with Apas, the machine will guide me through the corresponding recipe.

If I want to start an espresso directly next time, without using the guides, that's also possible. In Explorer mode, the Smart Profiler is always running. If it detects that the espresso is brewing too fast due to a coarse grind or channeling in the puck, it reduces the flow rate. The goal of the Smart Profiler is to achieve the set brewing time.

What at first glance sounds like "cheating" actually makes sense. An espresso brewed at a controlled flow rate tastes better than one that overflows because the coffee was ground too coarsely. Sensor-wise, the Smart Profiler achieved significantly better results in our shots than the uncontrolled channeling system.

Explorer Mode can take the fear out of coffee making. Even if the "machine person" isn't at home, a completely inexperienced user can still brew great coffee with the Maro Model 1.

Expert Mode

Expert mode allows you to control an espresso machine with PID and volumetric controls, and if needed, the Smart Profiler can assist you. First, we select the coffee to be brewed and save the settings for that particular coffee. We set the brewing temperature and learn that we last brewed Apas with 18 grams. We set the output to 36 grams and can optionally enter the desired time and activate the Smart Profiler to help us reach the target time.

Using "Profile Edit," we can set a pre-infusion time and brewing pressure. Then we start the brew. The display shows the flow in grams per second and the actual pressure generated. A final screen shows us the brew analysis.

If you're new to using a portafilter espresso machine, you'll probably run through the recipes a few times in Explorer mode before moving on to Expert mode. Those who want to delve even deeper can switch to Extreme mode with all its possibilities.

Extreme Mode

In Extreme Mode, there are no limits. The library of pre-stored profiles still allows for an easy start. Standard 6 or 9 bar, Manual Lever, Long Pre-Infusion, Slow Ramp Up, Blooming Shot, and Constant Flow are the profiles that allow a gentle introduction to the vast possibilities of the Maro. They also illustrate the principle of profile control.

Profiles are controlled in phases or stages. Each stage describes a machine action that continues until a condition is met. If it is a transition condition, the machine moves on to the next phase. If the end condition is met, the brewing process ends. An end condition can be reaching the specified brewing time or water quantity. We'll come to the transition conditions in a moment. First, we decide whether we want to run a phase primarily flow-controlled or pressure-controlled. In addition to the primary target, we can set a second limit. For example, we can use 8 bar of pressure as the primary target, but never allow a flow higher than 4 ml per second. The flow can also be the primary target and regulated by a maximum pressure. The primary target can also be defined as increasing or decreasing. The limit is always linear.

The transition condition (exit) must be met to enter the next brewing phase. There are three conditions that can be set: time, grams in the cup, and flow. For example, a phase ends after 10 seconds or when a flow target is reached, or when 20 grams in the cup are reached.

Almost any number of stages can be programmed. We stopped at 100.

Pulse width modulation and pump control

To understand how flow and pressure are controlled in the Maro, we need to go back a bit. Traditionally, the pressure of rotary pumps is controlled via an expansion valve. The pump delivers a continuous flow of water through constant rotation and constant voltage. The effective pressure is created when the water flow encounters resistance – in this case, the coffee puck in the portafilter. Since the coffee puck is variable (e.g., grind size, tamper pressure, channeling, erosion of the puck consistency), the bypass valve (also known as an expansion or pressure relief valve) ensures that the maximum pressure in the system remains constant. The expansion valve is typically located in the outlet area of ​​the pump and opens when the set maximum pressure is reached, directing excess water back into the water tank or to the low-pressure side of the pump. The pump is usually adjusted manually and mechanically and checked against the pressure of the blind screen on the pressure gauge.

It's completely different in the Maro. Here, pressure and flow are generated by a sophisticated interplay of sensors, calculations, and controls. The pump is not powered by a continuous voltage, but by rapidly switching the power supply on and off (switching frequency), which is called pulse-width modulation (PMW). The pulse width (duty cycle) determines how long the pump is switched on within a time interval. A longer duty cycle (e.g., 80%) means higher pump performance, while a shorter duty cycle (e.g., 20%) results in lower performance. The PWM control regulates the pump speed, allowing the water flow to be directly controlled.

Sensor for monitoring flow

• Flow sensor behind the pump:
• Measures the water flow directly after the pump and before the thick film heater.
• Captures fluctuations to determine actual flow rate.
• Feedback allows dynamic adjustment of the PWM control to ensure constant flow or pressure.
• Pressure sensor above the brewing head:
• Check the water pressure directly in front of the coffee bed.
• Monitors whether the desired pressure rate is maintained.
• Detects pressure changes due to the resistance of the coffee puck and reports them to the control system.

The system operates as a closed-loop control system , with flow sensors continuously measuring the flow. The data is processed, and the feedback is passed on to the controller. The microcontroller adjusts the PWM signals accordingly to regulate the pump speed. This ensures that the desired pressure and flow values ​​are maintained in real time.

Advantages of PMW control

With the help of the PMW in conjunction with sensors and a processing unit, the GB072 rotary pump can be controlled precisely and, above all, flexibly. Fluctuations that can lead to channeling are reduced. Flexible elements such as smart profilers and flow control are enabled. Furthermore, energy is saved because the pump does not operate continuously at full power.

Maro Coffee Engineering

What isn't sufficiently revealed in the article, but the topic of our first video conversation with Maro, is that behind the machine are two young men from Thuringia who are fulfilling a dream for themselves and many home baristas with this machine. Max Grimm and Robin Kuprat are shareholders, founders, and creators of Maro Model 1 and Maro Coffee Engineering GmbH in Suhl.

Not only did they develop the Maro, but they also continue to assemble each of the machines themselves. For this reason, the number of available machines is limited until further notice.

They are supported by Profectus GmbH, based in Suhl, with expertise, premises, supply chain access, and tools such as milling machines, among others. Jürgen John, shareholder and managing director of Profectus GmbH, acts as a business angel and mentor for Maro Coffee Engineering. Profectus GmbH specializes in the development and production of printed circuit boards and electronics. The collaboration with Profectus allows Maro to source many components, such as electronics, locally and benefit from the industrial base in southern Thuringia. This collaboration with a company behind the scenes provides stability for the future of the espresso machine and the startup.

Who is the Maro the right espresso machine for?

"For almost everyone" is a bit imprecise, but it's a reasonable answer. So let's turn the question around and answer who the Maro isn't the right espresso machine for.

• For machine purists and lovers of classic Italian espresso machines, the Maro won't be the right choice. Equipped with electronics and computer technology, a large display, and a complex interplay of sensors and controls, the Maro is and aims to be a completely different espresso machine. It also has yet to prove its worth in terms of durability!
• For cafes or catering, as there is no waste water or water supply and no option to brew espresso and foam at the same time.
• As low as its energy consumption may be, peak demand is high because a lot of energy is used in a short period of time. This may complicate its use in settings with low energy availability. The Maro requires 2300 watts. Furthermore, with a height of 38.5 cm, a width of 30 cm, a depth of 33.1 cm, and a weight of 22.6 kilograms, the machine is anything but lightweight.

And who is it for now?

As already described in detail, the Maro adapts to this, making it suitable for every skill level. Thanks to its built-in manuals and step-by-step guides, no other machine is as accessible and beginner-friendly as the Maro. At the same time, thanks to the control options in Extreme Mode, the machine scales to levels where only five or six other machines on the market actually do.

This broad performance opens up a field for the Maro, not only for home use but also for a range of applications previously dominated by fully automatic coffee machines. Featuring a good espresso grinder with a weighing function, the Maro Model 1 seems perfectly suited to offices, staff rooms, and shared apartments. The machine adapts to the user, either taking them by the hand or making home baristas' hearts race. And when in doubt, the Smart Profiler saves the day if the espresso is brewing too quickly.

Conclusion Maro Model 1 Espresso Machine

It was detailed. If you've read this far, you've gained a good overview of the capabilities of the Maro Model 1. €4,999 is a lot of money, and the decision to invest that much in an espresso machine requires careful consideration.

We have thoroughly tested the machine and can recommend it almost without reservation. There are still a few "requests" that we will add here and possibly further. Some of these we consider very important, while others would further round out the Maro's picture.

Undoubtedly, the Maro Model 1 is a great espresso machine that is second to none.

To bring even more precision and comparability to our espresso machine tests, we rated the Maro not only based on its performance but also on a point scale. It's the first machine to which we've applied this scale. However, we also went back and ranked previously tested machines. We rated the Maro Model 1 86.5 out of 100 points. The Dalla Corte Studio in our comparison scored 79, and the Sanremo You 78. This is also the price range in which the Maro fits.

This is the new reality in the coffee market. Two young entrepreneurs, technicians, and coffee enthusiasts have overtaken the established coffee machine world with their espresso machine. This world is hamstrung by its own inertia and is largely still dependent on boilers. A concept that may have its justification for preparing large quantities of coffee, but in a domestic context, it's reminiscent of a clinging to analog film, while Maro, along with a few other companies, is introducing digital film.

We'll see where this leads. Until then, we're happy to have secured one of the first Maros. We look forward to providing further feedback and monitoring the Maro's further development.