Maro Model 1 Espresso Machine in Test

Quality

Maro Model 1 is made from a high-quality material mix. The housing is made of HIMACS®, a mineral material known for its durability, hygiene and scratch resistance. It is a compound of aluminum hydroxide, acrylic and pigments. This material is frequently used in luxury interior design and offers an elegant surface with a stone-like appearance. The surface is smooth, but doesn't feel cold, is non-porous and thus easy to maintain. 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 drip tray of the Maro holds 750 milliliters and is made of stainless steel. With this fill capacity, however, it is already challenging to transport the tray to the sink. The water tank is made of the same material, holds 1.5 liters and is dishwasher safe. It can be pulled from the front of the machine or partially removed to be filled.
• For both stainless steel modules, the edges are classified by us as relatively sharp and should be rinsed or removed carefully, especially with wet hands.
• The brew group is made of lead-free brass, which due to the material's conductivity supports uniform 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 rapid temperature control.
• The integrated steam wand is plasma-polished and stays cool during use, making handling safer and cleaning easier.
• The Maro is equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen. This operates smoothly and with fast response time. This is a real blessing and stands out positively in the context of 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 only heats the desired amount of water, which results in good energy efficiency, fast heat-up time and flexible temperature adjustment.
• A central tool of the Maro is a very quiet rotary pump from Fluidotech. It is the GB072 model and is controlled via pulse width modulation (PWM) by targeted switching on and off in a periodic pattern. More on this in the Pressure and Flow Rate Control chapter.

We measure a height of 38.5 cm, a width of 30 cm and a depth of 33.1 cm for the Maro. With the portafilter we get to 44 cm. The weight is 22.6 kilograms. The distance between portafilter outlet and drip tray cover is 8.9 cm.

Quality Assessment

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

Noise Level of the Maro

Is the machine running? We asked ourselves this question not only when there was background noise in the room around us. We even asked ourselves this question when we were pulling espresso and having a conversation at the same time. Yes, you have to actively listen to hear the Maro during the brewing process.

The rotary pump is not only extremely quiet, the suspension and stability in the machine also ensure that the entire machine purrs during brewing. We measure 48.8 decibels and thus the lowest value we have measured for an espresso machine to date. 5 out of 5 possible points stand for the noise level in the test protocol.

Accessories

The Maro Model 1 comes with a portafilter with dual outlet and a bottomless portafilter. These portafilters are made of stainless steel with walnut wood handles. An IMS Competition 1x and 2x basket are also included. The included tamper is also made of stainless steel and is equipped with a handle of the same walnut wood. It closes flush with the included basket. We measure a distance of 0.65 mm between basket and tamper base.

The tamper has an additional function. The lid of the handle is also a recessed hexagon that can be used to lift the water intake mechanism of the water tank on the left side of the machine.

Also included is a cleaning kit with blind basket, degreaser, milk cleaner and descaler.

Accessories Assessment

The accessories are good and high quality. Everything that is sensible and necessary is included and this material has good quality. However, Maro doesn't go the extra mile that we've seen with another manufacturer in the highest price category. Therefore we rate the accessories at 4 out of 5 points.

Usability and Target Audience

The Maro is one of the most complex espresso machines on the market in terms of control options. At the same time, it is perhaps the easiest espresso machine to use and allows people who have never stood in front of an espresso machine to make very good coffee.

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

Three Modes Pave This Way

• Explorer: the machine takes you completely by the hand. You select a beverage like with a fully automatic coffee machine and are then guided step by step like when working with a Thermomix kitchen appliance. A smart mode "repairs" espresso shots that run too fast and makes the espresso more balanced, even if something doesn't work out.
• Expert: this mode is similar to that of a classic espresso machine with PID control and volumetrics as well as preinfusion. Temperature, pressure and espresso output amount can be controlled. Optionally, the Smart Profiler can run and correct or slow down extractions.
• Extreme: this mode calls up everything the best and most flexible espresso machines on the market can do. Variable flow and pressure control as well as phase or condition control. For example, the machine can be given a flow target in a first 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 fulfilled by volume in the cup or total brew time. These in turn can be achieved through volume in the cup or total brew time.

Numerous shortcuts also make operation easier. Double-pressing the rinse button immediately starts rinsing the shower for an adjustable time. A single press, on the other hand, opens the selection window, which opens the backflush and cleaning program.

The defined recipes can be stored per roaster and coffee, and the brew curves, which differ in complexity depending on the mode type, can be reviewed later.

We also appreciate how the Maro offers home baristas something without overwhelming them. The display of the brewing process makes it clear how much water has flowed and whether the Smart Profiler has engaged. But the message is not intrusive, but presented as an option. Those who want can begin a learning journey with the Maro and improve their skills as a home barista.

The Maro doesn't make a promise that a barista is waiting in the machine. Working with it feels like having a barista coach standing by with advice and guidance.

Usability Assessment

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

However, in the current version there is no Last Shot function integrated. Such a function allows an espresso extraction to be completed even if the water tank sensor indicates empty. We also miss the option of a water filter option in the tank, which is why we rate usability at 9 out of 10 points.

Heat-up Time

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

Maro Model 1 achieves this heat-up time because the machine only heats the necessary amount of water with a so-called thick film heater (English Fast Through Heater; FTH). Heating with the thick film heater is similar to the thermoblock principle we know from capsule coffee machines or filter coffee machines. However, the FTH allows more precise and faster regulation. Additionally, the Maro heats the brew head via heating element to also warm the portafilter. Portafilters lag behind the heating elements in all systems. However, it should also be heated to not absorb too much of the water temperature during brewing and thus reduce the brewing temperature.

The fastest heat-up time is worthless without good temperature stability, which we will examine in the following chapter. But ahead of time: The Maro's temperature stability is also unparalleled and is unmatched in this combination.

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

Temperature Stability

Buckle up for superlatives. Without much preamble, we note: Maro Model 1 is one of the best 3 espresso machines in terms of temperature stability and precision. In many respects it is even the most precise machine on the market across all price categories and across all espresso machines we have measured to date.

To check temperature stability, we measure two test series for all espresso machines. The KM protocol aims to simulate a realistic home scenario. Directly after the determined heat-up time, in the Maro's case 4 minutes, we measure 5 extractions at one-minute intervals. We examine the standard deviation, stability during the extraction and temperature difference during the extraction. Subsequently we measure the WBC protocol, which is normally used for testing commercial machines. This is about the stability of the machine under high load.

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) and behind the Sanremo You (0.34). However, all these espresso machines require more than 12 minutes (Studio) to heat up (3). The Maro delivers this value after 4 minutes. If we look at extractions from second 9 to 25, the Maro takes the top position.

And also in the WBC protocol, which is normally used to test espresso machines for use at barista world championships, the Maro impresses. We measure 0.79 degrees standard deviation over all 14 extractions and thus very high stability between extractions. For the WBC protocol, espresso machines are left on for an hour to achieve thermal equilibrium and full heating. This in principle contradicts the Maro, which due to its short heat-up time doesn't need to be left on at all.

By the way: when the machine is once on and not used for a long time, it switches into an Eco mode. From Eco mode, the machine is reactivated and ready for use in no time.

Another strength of the thick film heater compared to boiler espresso machines is flexible temperature adjustability. With boiler machines, all the boiler water is brought to one temperature, with thick film heaters only the brew water amount of the respective extraction. Heating mass is not part of the concept of these machines. So you can drive significantly lower or higher temperatures on the next extraction. Quick switching between temperatures is not a problem. Those who want to change temperatures by more than 10 degrees downward quickly should cool the portafilter with cold water on the Maro. The portafilter and brew head still carry the temperature from the last extractions.

Temperature Stability Assessment

The Maro is one of the three best espresso machines we have tested in terms of temperature stability. Since it provides this stability already after 4 minutes and allows quick switching between temperatures, we rate it with the highest score of 15 out of 15 points. It should be noted that we found no offset in the Maro.

Volumetrics and Dosing Accuracy

The biggest weakness of the current Maro is dosing accuracy. The Maro offers the ability to define an exact outlet amount in the display. So it provides for volumetrics. However, this is not measured precisely by a flow meter, but calculated. And here lies the devil in the detail or precision. To be precise, a flow meter in the cold water range measures the flow. Additionally, a pressure sensor sits in the brew group that measures the effective pressure. From this data, the Maro calculates the output water volume.

Especially with custom profiles that deviate from a standard extraction, the volumes also fluctuate more significantly. While in Explorer mode we occasionally get 2 grams deviation in output volume and thus in the cup, complex profiles with pressure and flow control sometimes show 3 to 5 grams deviation on a double extraction. This is of course far too much. The Maro has catching up to do here and has also announced this. This year, among other things, a Bluetooth scale interface is to be offered. Hardware-wise this is already provided in the machine. It's just "missing" programming and implementation.

We would like to see a way to give the machine precise feedback on how much output we weighed in the cup. This way we could train the machine with coffees we use frequently. Because it is besides the profiles especially the different coffees and roasts that seem to influence the volume accuracy.

There is still a lot of room for improvement here. In the current implementation, we find the volumetrics sufficiently accurate only in Explorer mode. Especially for Extreme mode, we recommend using a scale and manual stopping.

Volumetrics Assessment

Since the Maro sometimes brews significantly past the target output amount with different coffees, this leads in using the function to significant uncertainty. It remains unclear whether an extraction's output amount also corresponds to the target amount. We rate the volumetrics in its current form at 4 out of 10 points. The hardware used should, however, offer the possibility to revise this value, especially since the output of milliliters per second is precise. We expect the volumetrics to improve through a software update or at latest with the integration option of a scale.

Milk Frothing Quality and Steam Performance

In 30 to 35 seconds, the Maro can froth 0.6 liter of milk for two cappuccinos. After a brief condensation water release, the espresso machine quickly develops steam power. The power at full performance is in the upper middle range of home espresso machines but can easily be regulated downward if desired. Again, this is due to the powerful 2300 watt thick film heater that enables rapid switching. What is notable is that the Maro does not noticeably lose performance even when frothing multiple milk jugs in succession. This is because the machine does not depend on heat storage capacity, but generates steam during frothing. This gives the machine advantages over many single boiler machines with small boilers.

The steam wand stays at a comfortable temperature to touch thanks to Cool-Touch during the frothing process. We conducted the test with the original steam wand tip as well as a prototype. The prototype develops even more swirl and brings the milk in the jug into better motion. Since it will be supplied with upcoming models, we rate the machine on this basis and come to frothing capability of 8 out of 10 points.

It is not possible to brew and froth in parallel with the Maro. However, it is possible to begin frothing immediately after brewing. For preparing milk foam at home or in smaller offices this is however not necessary. We rate the option of simultaneous frothing and brewing as a criterion in the area of "catering capability" of an espresso machine.

Catering and Volume Performance

Those who enthusiastically brew coffee at home quickly find themselves at the next school festival or their child's soccer tournament at the coffee stand. Is the Maro the right espresso machine for that? It depends! Essentially it depends on how many people want coffee in parallel and how high the demand for milk-based drinks is.

The Maro will not buckle, because the temperature stability in espresso brewing and the steam power allow many extractions in succession. However, problematic for high throughput is that frothing and brewing are not possible in parallel. Also, it quickly becomes an issue that the water tank cannot be filled during brewing, which is possible on many machines with water tanks recessed into the cup stand. For the drip tray, no drainage hose is provided, just as no water connection to the water tank. While the machine in principle has the power, these circumstances limit its performance capability.

Good volumetrics are also important to us for catering use, as tediously weighing extractions costs too much time. We have already outlined that volumetrics is not the machine's strength.

A side note that doesn't directly impact performance, but that we noticed when catering with the Maro: the machine is TOO QUIET. What would be desirable in every other environment is unusual in a loud fair or event. Since the machine doesn't start immediately after extraction begins and provides no acoustic feedback, we were a few times unsure whether the machine was brewing.

In our view, the Maro has different strengths than catering use. It is suitable for it, but has some disadvantages in actual use. We rate catering capability at 3 out of 10 points and would prefer espresso machines with large boilers, water connection and drainage hose. (4)

Power Consumption

The interplay of fast heat-up time and precise energy to heat transfer means that Maro Model 1 uses very little energy. It doesn't heat up the room like so many boiler espresso machines do. It doesn't need to heat 500 ml to 1.5 liters of water only to then use 80 ml of it. Instead, after four minutes that water is heated which is needed for the next double espresso.

We measure 0.06 kWh for five double espresso extractions including heat-up time. For comparison: a thermoblock with low power consumption like the Ascaso Steel Duo PID Plus requires 0.12 kWh, almost twice the value. A dual boiler espresso machine like the Lelit Mara X requires 0.28 kWh, 4.5 times as much, and the La Marzocco Linea Mini R lands at 0.38 kWh (steam boiler on, otherwise not temperature stable). Better than the Maro is the Zuriga, which only requires 0.058 kWh.

The low power consumption is particularly evident when we look at the additional frothing of milk for cappuccino and such. The Maro requires 0.0568 kWh for heating and preparing two cappuccinos. The Ascaso Steel DUO Pid Plus lands at 0.24 kWh and the Linea Mini at 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 have made 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 different modes are the right counterpart for all experience levels. The user interface works together with the highly precise technology to provide the prerequisites.

The precise sensors in the brew head measure pressure and temperature where it matters. The pump control is so precise that flow rates from 1 ml to 8 ml can be called up and delivered in Extreme mode.

Any preinfusion time with freely selectable pressure and flow is programmable with the Maro. We couldn't think of any espresso scenario that couldn't be implemented with the Maro. From blooming shots to turbo shots to simulating a lever machine extraction - that works just as well as the Turkish coffee or an allongé.

The brew water outlet from the Maro's shower is very uniform, thanks to an ingeniously designed distribution construction for which Maro has filed a patent. The included IMS baskets are also high-quality and offer everything needed for good espresso.

With the Maro, both the espresso beginner and the advanced home barista can extract everything from roasted coffee that is available. There are no limits in the known spheres. Because this is the case, we rate the espresso potential of the Maro espresso machine at 14 out of 15 points.

We have also not factored volumetrics again into this rating. This was already downgraded in the corresponding chapter and should not be penalized twice. However, to access the "espresso potential" of the machine, a scale is definitely useful for precisely achieving the brew ratio.

We have another point that we don't like about espresso preparation and which urgently needs revision! The machine takes too long after inserting and activating the extraction button to actually start brewing. Due to contact with the hot and moist atmosphere when the portafilter is inserted, a taste-altering reaction of the coffee begins relatively quickly. We therefore recommend starting extraction within 4 seconds on all espresso machines. However, this is the time the Maro needs after pressing the extraction button to start brewing at all. As stated: here acceleration between extraction start and machine action would be desirable. We sometimes pressed the extraction button before inserting the portafilter. But that's not the ideal procedure.

The Brewing Modes

Switching between the different modes is easy with two display touches between extractions. We mention this because we can very well imagine the Maro for example in a shared apartment. While Vera, who works in a café and likes to brew with profiles, uses Vera, Markus perhaps prefers Explorer mode because he's inexperienced, or wants to be guided when preparing flat whites. Perhaps he brews the double espresso confidently in Expert mode, where the Smart Profiler helps him.

Explorer Mode

The Explorer Mode takes you completely by the hand if you wish. Then you select from the various brew recipes (Guides) a beverage of your choice. Six beverages with instructions are stored with Espresso, Cappuccino, Americano, Café Latte, Latte Macchiato and Flat White.

By clicking on a beverage like the Flat White, it first shows that besides milk you need a small frothing jug and a medium cup. Then a double espresso extraction is prepared. The machine indicates how much coffee should be ground and what the brew recipe will be. Then we start the extraction and see it visualized. Subsequently we remove as instructed and follow the frothing instructions if they are provided for our beverage.

I can choose the frothing time and intensity and start. After cleaning the steam wand I come to evaluate my extraction. My beverage is far too sour. The machine suggests improvements to the recipe for me, such as a longer extraction time as a goal.

This is saved for the selected coffee in Explorer mode. The next time I prepare an espresso with Apas, the machine guides 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 always runs. If it detects that the espresso is running too fast due to a too coarse grind or channeling in the puck, it reduces the flow rate. The Smart Profiler's goal is to achieve the set brew time.

What sounds like "cheating" at first glance is sensible. An espresso brewed with adjusted flow rate tastes better than one that shoots through the coffee because it was ground too coarse. Sensorily, the Smart Profiler achieves noticeably better extractions in our experience than uncontrolled channeling.

Explorer mode can take away your fear of coffee preparation. Even if the "machine person" isn't at home, a completely inexperienced user can prepare good coffee with Maro Model 1 with guidance.

Expert Mode

Expert mode allows the control options of an espresso machine with PID and volumetrics and optionally support from the Smart Profiler. First, the coffee to be brewed is selected again and the settings are saved for that coffee. We set the brew temperature and see that we last brewed Apas with 18 grams. We set the output to 36 grams and can optionally enter the desired time and enable the Smart Profiler to help when reaching the target time.

Via "Edit Profile" a preinfusion time and brew pressure can be set. Then we start the extraction. The display shows the flow in grams per second and the actual pressure generated. A final image shows us the analysis of the extraction.

Those just beginning with a portafilter espresso machine will run through the recipes in Explorer mode a few times and then arrive in Expert mode. Those who want to dive even deeper switch to Extreme mode with all its options.

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, Lever, Long Preinfusion, Slow Ramp Up, Blooming Shot and Constant Flow are the profiles that provide a gentle start into the vastness of Maro's possibilities. They also illustrate the principle of profile control.

Profiles are controlled in phases or stages. Each stage describes an action of the machine that continues until a condition is met. If it is a transition condition, the machine moves to the next phase. When the end condition is met, extraction ends. An end condition can be reaching the set brew time or water volume. Let's come to the transition conditions next. First we decide whether we want to operate a phase primarily flow-controlled or pressure-controlled. In addition to the primary goal, we can set a second limit. For example, we can apply 8 bar pressure as the primary goal but never allow a flow higher than 4 ml per second. Flow can also be the primary goal and be regulated by a maximum pressure. The primary goal can also be defined increasing or decreasing. The limit is always linear.

The transition condition (Exit) must be met to reach a next brew phase. There are three conditions that can be set. Time, grams in the cup and flow. So for example, a phase ends after 10 seconds or at a flow target or 20 grams in the cup.

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 briefly elaborate. Classically, pressure from rotary pumps is controlled via an expansion valve. The pump delivers continuous water flow through constant rotation and constant voltage. The actual 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, tamping pressure, channeling, puck consistency erosion), the bypass valve (also called expansion or overpressure valve) ensures that 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 and diverts excess water back to the water tank or to the low-pressure side of the pump. The pump is usually manually mechanically adjusted and checked against the pressure of the blind basket at the gauge.

Quite different in the Maro. Here, pressure and flow are created through a sophisticated interplay of sensors, calculation and control. The pump is not operated through continuous voltage, but through rapid switching of power supply (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 on period (e.g. 80%) means higher pump performance, while a shorter period (e.g. 20%) results in lower performance. PWM control regulates pump speed, which directly controls water flow.

Flow Monitoring Sensor

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

The system works as a closed loop and the flow sensors continuously measure throughput. The data is processed and the conclusions are passed to the controller. The microcontroller adjusts the PWM signals accordingly to regulate pump speed. This ensures that desired pressure and flow values are maintained in real time.

Advantages of PMW Control

With the help of PMW in combination with sensors and computing unit, the GB072 rotary pump can be controlled precisely and especially flexibly. Fluctuations that could lead to channeling are reduced. Flexible elements like Smart Profiler and flow control are enabled. Additionally, energy is saved because the pump doesn't operate at full power continuously.

Maro Coffee Engineering

What doesn't come out enough from the article, but is the topic in our first video conversation with Maro: Behind the machine are two young men from Thuringia who are fulfilling a dream for themselves and for many home baristas with this machine. Max Grimm and Robin Kuprat are partners, founders and makers of Maro Model 1 and Maro Coffee Engineering GmbH is located in Suhl.

However, they not only developed the Maro, but also assemble every single one of the machines themselves to this day. For this reason, the available number of machines is limited for the foreseeable future.

They are supported with expertise, facilities, supply chain access and tools such as milling machines from Profectus GmbH based in Suhl. Jürgen John, partner and managing director of Profectus GmbH, serves as business angel and mentor for Maro Coffee Engineering. Profectus GmbH specializes in the development and manufacture of circuit boards and electronics. Collaboration with Profectus allows Maro to source many components like electronics locally and benefit from the industrial base in South Thuringia. This collaboration with a company in the background provides the espresso machine and the startup with stability for the future.

Who is the Maro the Right Espresso Machine For?

"For almost everyone" is somewhat imprecise, but comes close as an answer. So we turn the question around first and answer who the Maro is NOT the right espresso machine for.

• For machine purists and lovers of classic Italian espresso machines, the Maro will not be the right machine. Equipped with electronics and computer technology, large display and a complex interplay of sensors and controls, the Maro is and wants to be a completely different espresso machine. It also still needs to prove itself in terms of durability!
• For cafés or catering, since water inlet and outlet options as well as the option to brew espresso and froth in parallel are missing.
• As narrow as power consumption may be - peak demand is high because a lot of energy is used in a short time. This may complicate deployment in settings with limited power availability. The Maro requires 2300 watts. Also, the machine at 38.5 cm height, 30 cm width and 33.1 cm depth, weighing 22.6 kilograms, is anything but lightweight.

And Who Is It For?

As extensively described: the Maro adapts to the user and thus is first of all suitable for any skill level. No other machine is as accessible and beginner-friendly as the Maro thanks to built-in instructions and step-by-step guides. And at the same time, the machine scales thanks to control options in Extreme mode into spheres where only 5 to 6 other machines on the market are operating.

This breadth of performance opens up a previously fully automatic coffee machine-dominated playing field for the Maro beyond home use. With a good espresso grinder with weighing function, Maro Model 1 seems perfect to us for offices, teacher's lounges and shared apartments. The machine adapts to the user, optionally guides them or lets home barista hearts beat faster. And in doubt, the Smart Profiler saves extractions if the espresso runs too fast.

Conclusion Maro Model 1 Espresso Machine

It became extensive. If you've made it through reading this far, you've gotten a good overview of the possibilities of Maro Model 1. 4,999 euros is a lot of money and the decision to invest this in an espresso machine should be well thought out.

We have diligently tested the machine and can recommend it almost without reservation. There are still some "wishes" that we will add below and possibly add more. Some of these we consider very important and others would round out the Maro's picture.

Regardless, Maro Model 1 is a great espresso machine that is unmatched.

To bring even more precision and comparability to our espresso machine tests, we've rated the Maro alongside the content with a points scale. It's the first machine we've applied this scale to. But we've also gone back and classified already tested machines. We rate Maro Model 1 at 86.5 points out of 100 possible. The Dalla Corte Studio in comparison lands at 79 and the Sanremo You at 78 points. And that's also the price range the Maro belongs in.

This is the new reality of the coffee market. Two young entrepreneurs, technicians and coffee crazy people have overtaken the established coffee machine world with their espresso machine. This lags behind in its own inertia and in many ways is still boiler-addicted. A concept that may have its merits for brewing large amounts of coffee, but in a home context reminds of clinging to analog film while Maro and a few other companies introduce digital film.

We'll see where this leads. Until then we're glad we got one of the first Maros. We look forward to continuing to provide feedback and following the further development of the Maro.