MEROL ME-720 Super Automatic

For morning espresso without leaving the kitchen, the MEROL ME-720 Super Automatic Espresso fits into a fairly compact footprint.

At 15 inches wide and 2.5 kg, it takes up just a slice of counter space. The built-in grinder feeds a 15 g dose into the basket, and the 20 bar pump pulls a 30 ml shot in about 45 seconds. A 1200 w element keeps water in the 1.8 L reservoir ready to brew at around 90 deg C.

Rather than treating each cup as a separate task, a super automatic espresso machine like this one handles grinding, dosing, and extraction in one sequence. For those looking to cut down on steps in the morning, having those actions linked into a single routine can free up time without sacrificing a short shot. With room for roughly 60 single shots before needing a refill, the 1.8 L tank is sized more for a couple of daily drinkers than a crowd. Between shots, the 1200 w element recovers temperature quickly enough that the 45 second cycle stays consistent through a morning round.

Shifting focus to control, the integrated grinder allows adjustment across multiple grind levels, giving room to tune extraction without swapping parts. With a 20-bar pump as part of the setup, pressure remains consistent during the pull, and the integrated milk system can froth milk for milk-based drinks when needed. The touchscreen makes volume and basic adjustments straightforward, while built-in cleaning functions reduce day-to-day upkeep. A bean hopper sized for regular use pairs with a water tank that stays in place for top loading, keeping refills infrequent without adding bulk to the footprint.

Clearing space becomes less of a guessing game on a standard 25 inch deep counter. Fifteen inches of width leaves plenty of room upfront for a cup or pitcher, and the unit stays planted when the grinder runs. Even so, clearance under wall cabinets matters since both the bean hopper and the 1.8 L reservoir load from the top. For apartments or tighter layouts, sliding the machine aside for a quick wipe-down takes little effort given its weight balance.

Pragmatism carries through to upkeep. A one-touch purge option helps when switching beans, and automatic cleaning routines limit manual descaling steps between longer intervals. These practical details matter more over time than extra presets, especially when the goal is a predictable shot at the start of the day.

In the end, the balance of footprint, grind control, pressure consistency, and tank capacity makes sense for anyone wanting a fresh shot on demand without giving up half the counter to do it. For a small kitchen, those numbers tell a practical story that holds up across a typical morning round.

Tuning grind, pressure, and milk texture

Grind and pressure tuning on the MEROL ME-720 Super Automatic Espresso

For day-to-day flexibility, having 15 grind settings gives a useful range without overcomplicating the process. Finer adjustments can help bring out more from medium roasts, while coarser settings keep flow more open for different beans. The 20-bar pump maintains consistent pressure through the extraction window, so small changes in grind tend to show up predictably in the cup.

When it comes to milk-based drinks, the integrated milk system produces a velvety texture with adjustable froth levels. The adjustable spout height helps accommodate different cup sizes, from a short espresso cup to a taller mug, reducing splashing during dispensing. For households that switch between black coffee and milk drinks, these adjustments happen without swapping accessories or adding separate devices to the counter.

Capacity planning is straightforward. A 1.8 L water tank limits trips to the sink for a couple of regular drinkers, while the bean hopper holds enough for several days of use. Top-loading access keeps refills easy, though it does mean leaving clearance under cabinets. On the maintenance side, one-touch purge and automatic cleaning routines cut down on manual steps, and removable parts make occasional deeper cleaning manageable.

Practical tradeoffs remain clear. The footprint stays compact at 15 inches wide, but the unit's weight keeps it stable during grinding. Heat-up is quick enough for a morning routine, and temperature recovery between shots stays consistent for a round of drinks. These are the kinds of details that tend to matter more in a small kitchen than a long list of niche presets, especially when reliability and predictability are the priority.

Beyond the basics, the combination of a conical burr grinder and dose control plays a big role in consistency from shot to shot. By keeping the dose stable and grind adjustable, the machine limits the kind of variation that comes from manual tamping. The 20 bar pump delivers pressure through the extraction window at a level suited to standard espresso parameters, and with proper grind adjustment it holds extraction time in a reasonable range without constant tweaking.

For everyday use, small conveniences add up. The touchscreen interface keeps common actions within easy reach, and status alerts for water, beans, or maintenance help avoid running dry mid-routine. When switching beans, a quick purge clears old grounds from the path to reduce carryover between roasts. These touches are less about novelty and more about keeping a predictable routine day after day.

Looking at the overall package, what stands out is restraint. Rather than packing in every possible preset, the focus stays on grind, pressure, temperature, and milk control , the elements that most directly affect a shot of espresso or a milk-based drink. For a small kitchen where counter space is at a premium, that focus translates to a compact footprint without giving up the core functions people in practice use. Paired with a 1.8 L reservoir and enough bean capacity for regular use, the MEROL ME-720 Super Automatic Espresso is a practical path to a fresh, consistent shot on demand.

For those setting up a first routine, it helps to focus on a few basics. Start with fresh beans, adjust grind one step at a time, and pay attention to shot time rather than changing multiple settings at once. These small checks go a long way toward a stable result, and they take only a moment once the process becomes familiar.