The Smeg ECF 01 espresso machine, with a retail price of around €300 and a retail price of CHF 330, is positioned in the upper, affordable entry-level espresso machine segment. But does the machine also impress compared to other machines in the thermoblock class, and is the design premium worth it compared to the similarly constructed Delonghi Dedica EC 685?
We address precisely these questions in this article and our two test videos. And, of course, the overarching question is: Does the espresso smeg? (We couldn't resist. 😉)
A quick answer: yes, with two crucial tips you can get the Smeg ECF 01 to produce good espresso.
In addition to the short video version, we also filmed a half-hour test, which you can watch here .
Smeg espresso machine ECF 01 the better Delonghi Dedica EC685?
When we look at espresso machines, we usually focus on a single model and try to evaluate it on its own merits, without immediately considering its competitors. But that's hardly possible with the Smeg espresso machine. The colorful, designer machine is too similar to Delonghi's affordable entry-level model . The controls are the same, the drip tray is similar, the water tank is identical. And a look inside also reveals that these machines are very similar. The Smeg takes a different design approach, but the motor and other components inside come, at most, from Delonghi's neighboring factory. From the portafilter mount to the input power (1350 kW) to the annual power consumption according to the manufacturer (54 kWh), the only difference is the appearance.
Design is a matter of debate. And it's up to you to decide whether the design of the machine justifies the almost double price of the Delonghi Dedica EC685* for you, your kitchen, or your living room.
The Smeg ECF01 (right) next to the Delonghi Dedica EC685 .
Exterior and scope of delivery of the Smeg espresso machine
The Smeg ECF 01 espresso machine boasts a "50s retro style," according to the company. This refers to a curved, rounded blend of plastic and metal, available in a variety of colors. The machine measures approximately 15 cm wide, 33 cm high, and 33 cm deep, weighs just under 5 kg, and has a one-liter water tank.
Included is a plastic tamper for pressing the coffee into the portafilter, as well as three double-walled sieves. The tamper is, to put it mildly, useless for anything except perhaps for winding up headphone cables. The pressing surface is slightly warped, doesn't fit neatly into the portafilter, and it's difficult to exert pressure on the rod. The measuring spoon side is also the opposite of ergonomic—and incidentally, not suitable for dosing either (we'll address this topic in espresso preparation). The drip tray is small, but its small float clearly indicates the water level.
The included double-walled sieves, also called pressure sieves, crema sieves, compromise sieves or affectionately fake sieves, prevent a truly good espresso extraction and deserve their own section below.
There would have been room for Smeg to justify the machine's higher price compared to its sister model with little effort. A decent sieve and a tamper would have been enough. A missed opportunity...
On the left are the double-walled sieves of the Smeg espresso machine and on the right is the plastic tamper.
Proper sieves versus double-walled compromise sieves
I'd be tempted to launch into a detailed, fundamental discussion about the pros and cons of double-walled screens at this point, but I'll postpone that for a separate post. Instead, let's take a look at the functional principle of double-walled screens and briefly contextualize the advantages and disadvantages.
The operating principle of the sieve is indicated by all its names: crema sieve, double-walled sieve, or pressure sieve. A double-bottom structure first allows the coffee to flow through a bottom surface with many holes, before flowing through a second bottom surface, the actual exit surface, with only one hole.
A large amount of espresso is forced through a tiny hole under extreme pressure. As the coffee emulsion leaves this chamber of high pressure and enters a chamber of lower pressure, the trapped CO2 expands and turns into foam. The greater the pressure difference, the more foam .
At the same time, the fine hole reduces the coffee flow rate, regardless of the grind size. This creates the impression that the coffee flows slowly, similar to an espresso.
A double-walled sieve cut open in side view, also known as a pressurised basket.
Advantages:
- Old coffee can be used and still produce crema.
- Pre-ground coffee can be used because the dispensing speed is controlled not by the grind but by the dispensing hole.
- An espresso-like drink can be brewed.
- No mill is needed.
- The worst coffee still looks beautiful.
Disadvantages:
- Making good espresso is unlikely.
- Sieves suggest good brewing time, but the coffee still doesn't taste good.
- Crema is created, which also signals that the extraction was successful. However, this isn't true, or often isn't. Therefore, crema is no longer a suitable indicator of fresh and good coffee.
Double-walled sieves simulate a good, desirable flow time for espresso and mimic crema, which is created by high pressure, but not by fresh coffee. Crema is a positive feature when it is created by using fresh coffee.
When using double-walled sieves, under-extraction often occurs because coarser coffee is used. This results in a relatively acidic cup. At the same time, individual particles are strongly extracted under the high exit pressure, which simultaneously promotes bitterness in the coffee. The result is unbalanced and lacks the sweetness that could balance the espresso.
Classification of double-walled sieves
Double-walled sieves allow you to brew an espresso-like drink with inexpensive espresso machines without having to purchase a grinder. We advise against this and recommend a good fully automatic coffee machine instead. The espresso result is actually better, as the coffee is freshly ground. Espresso machines with double-walled sieves are a compromise that doesn't add any value.
The upgrades we made to the Delonghi Dedica EC685 can also be partially carried out on the Smeg espresso machine
Upgrade with good sieves for the Smeg espresso machine
Of course, the Smeg espresso machine's sieves can be replaced with traditional espresso sieves. This simple upgrade, combined with a decent tamper, completely transforms the espresso machine's performance.
What an espresso machine needs to deliver is consistent pressure and a decent temperature consistency of around 93 degrees Celsius . And the Smeg espresso machine has this potential if you work with our rinsing and heating protocol. The machine then initially performs at the upper limit of around 95 to 96 degrees Celsius, then drops to just under 90 degrees within the 25 to 30 seconds of extraction time, before stabilizing again. That's a good progression for a machine in this price segment, and above all, a progression that works regularly. To ensure that the brewing water bubbles out of the machine at this temperature, we have developed a short rinsing water protocol for you.
Tip: Good espresso through rinse-water protocol
First, the portafilter of the Smeg ECF01 espresso machine should be warmed up. It doesn't heat up sufficiently when the espresso machine is started, and if it's cold, it will lower the temperature during brewing. To preheat the portafilter, run the water from an espresso extraction through the empty portafilter once or twice. Be careful, the drip tray is very small! It's best to pour the water directly into a container.
Then, when preparing an espresso, follow the following temperature surfing protocol:
- Remove the pre-warmed portafilter, grind the coffee, measure it into the portafilter and tamp it carefully.
- Start the water dispensing process without the portafilter inserted. First, a pre-brew process begins, dispensing only a small amount of water. After a short pause, the main water dispensing process begins. After one second of this main water dispensing, stop the dispensing process.
- Then immediately clamp the portafilter and start the extraction.
If you use a single-walled sieve and get the brewing temperature under control with our temperature protocol, you can make good espressos with the Smeg ECF01 espresso machine.
Suitable sieves are available from Graef, for example . * However, some manufacturers have now also launched completely bottomless portafilters with matching sieves at very reasonable prices, as seen here* . This combination is more cost-effective than the conversion we show in our upgrade video.
We remove the plastic inlay to install a single-walled sieve.
Conversion of the sieve for single-walled sieve
Converting the sieve to a single-wall sieve isn't complicated and can be done even by an untrained operator. First, the inserted sieve is pried out. Our barista trainer demonstrates this in the test video at minute 18.50. Then, loosen the screw on the back and remove the plastic inlay. This prevents the installation of a different sieve.
The tension spring is reinserted and the new sieve is pushed in. The middle hole, which now remains open, is a bit unsightly. If you're making a double espresso, the hole won't be a problem—although the coffee won't flow out nicely.
A sawed-off portafilter, which then leaves the bottomless portafilter, is elegant. A well-prepared extraction without channeling is a very fine feat, but it requires a lot of practice.
Which coffee for the Smeg espresso machine?
Since the temperature of the Smeg espresso machine occasionally drops below 90 degrees Celsius, even with our suggested surf profile, we recommend medium to medium-dark espresso roasts. These naturally have less acidity, which is further emphasized by lower brewing temperatures.
From our range, coffees such as Apas or Henrique are best suited.
Adjust the grinder to prepare an espresso
If you use a single-walled sieve, you can't avoid adjusting the espresso grinder. The grind creates the resistance in the portafilter, which determines the espresso's brewing time. Since the Smeg espresso machine first goes through a pre-brewing phase, we recommend brewing times between 25 and 35 seconds, depending on the espresso.
We've explained in detail how to adjust a grinder and espresso machine here . The key is to ensure the grinder meets the basic requirements for espresso preparation. It should be able to grind finely enough, be consistently adjustable, and not accumulate too much dead space .
When purchasing a grinder and espresso machine, the importance of the grinder itself is often overlooked. However, the better the grinder, the better the conditions for a good espresso. Especially in the €500 range, the grinder can cost more than the espresso machine. The cheapest decent electric espresso grinder we've tested so far is the Sage Smart Grinder Pro . However, we also found three hand grinders in the under €100 range that grind to espresso-fine grind.
Froth milk with the Smeg ECF01
The Smeg espresso machine is capable of producing thick, textured milk foam, even suitable for latte art. However, it's not so easy to properly control the volume of air added during frothing. The large opening of the steam wand makes it difficult to carefully control and manage the frothing phases.
With a little practice, you can still froth milk. However, compared to the best milk-frothing espresso machine in a similar price segment, the Sage Bambino Plus , the Smeg espresso machine looks old-fashioned.
Conclusion on the Smeg ECF 01
The Smeg ECF01 espresso machine excels as an espresso machine with the potential to brew good espresso. It performs like the Delonghi Dedica EC685, and this is where the challenge lies when considering the Smeg. What justifies the Dedica's price, which is almost twice as high? The included equipment doesn't impress, and aside from its appearance, there are no strong pros. And here, the judgment lies in the eye of the beholder.
We can only advise one thing: upgrade, whether it's the Smeg ECF01 or the Delonghi Dedica EC685.
*We purchased the test device. This is a principle for us in all our tests. We aim to evaluate all devices impartially and without outside influence. The link is a commission link to Amazon. If you order something through the link, it won't cost you any more – but our machine test box will reduce its loss. However, if the machine is available at your local retailer, we recommend purchasing it there.
