The Smeg espresso machine ECF 01 is positioned in the upper affordable entry-level segment of espresso machines at around 300 euros and 330 francs. But can the machine convince compared to other machines in the thermoblock class and is the design premium worth it compared to the structurally similar Delonghi Dedica EC 685?
In this article and our two test videos, we address exactly these questions. And of course, the cardinal question looms over everything: does the espresso smeg? (We couldn't resist. 😉)
Short answer upfront: yes, with two decisive tips you can tune the Smeg ECF 01 to make good espresso.
In addition to the short video version, we've also shot 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 typically focus on one model and try to evaluate it on its own merits without immediately bringing the competition into the picture. With the Smeg espresso machine, that's hardly possible. The colorful design machine is too similar to the affordable entry-level model from Delonghi. The controls are the same, the drip tray is similar, the water tank is identical. And even when you look inside, you notice – these machines have a high degree of kinship. The Smeg takes a different design route, but what's in there in terms of motor and other components – at most comes from Delonghi's neighboring factory. From the portafilter attachment to the input power (1350 kw) to the annual electricity consumption according to the manufacturer's specifications (54 kWh), only the appearance differs.
Design is a matter of taste. And it's up to you to decide whether the machine's design for you, your kitchen, or living room justifies nearly double the price compared to the Delonghi Dedica EC685*.
The Smeg ECF01 (right) next to the Delonghi Dedica EC685.
Appearance and scope of delivery of the Smeg espresso machine
The Smeg espresso machine ECF 01 presents itself, according to its own description, in "50s retro style". This means a curved, rounded mix of plastic and metal, available in numerous color formats. The machine is approximately 15 cm wide, 33 cm high, and 33 cm deep, weighs just under 5 kg, and the water tank holds one liter.
Included is a plastic tamper for pressing coffee in the portafilter and three double-walled baskets. To put it mildly, the tamper is good for nothing except perhaps winding up headphone cables. The pressing surface is slightly warped, doesn't fit cleanly into the portafilter, and you can't exert force on the stick. The dosing spoon side is also the opposite of ergonomic – and besides, not suitable for dosing either (we'll address this topic when preparing espresso). The drip tray is small but indicates the water level well with a small float indicator.
The included double-walled baskets, also called pressurized baskets, crema baskets, compromise baskets, or affectionately fake baskets, prevent really good espresso extraction and deserve their own section below.
This would have been an opportunity for Smeg to justify the machine's price premium over the sister model with little effort. Decent baskets and a tamper – that would have been it. Missed opportunity…
On the left the double-walled baskets of the Smeg espresso machine and on the right the plastic tamper.
Decent baskets versus double-walled compromise baskets
I wouldn't mind launching into an extensive fundamental discussion about the pros and cons of double-walled baskets here, but I'll save that for its own article. Instead, let's look at the functional principle of double-walled baskets and briefly contextualize the advantages and disadvantages.
The functional principle of the basket is suggested in all its names: crema basket, double-walled basket, or pressurized basket. A double bottom structure first lets the coffee run through a bottom surface with many holes, then it must flow through a second bottom surface, the actual outlet surface with just one hole.
A large amount of espresso is pressed through a tiny hole under the highest pressure. As soon as the coffee emulsion exits this high-pressure space and enters a space with lower pressure, the CO2 trapped in it expands and becomes foam. The higher the pressure difference, the more foam.
At the same time, the fine hole reduces the flow rate of the coffee independently of the grind size. This suggests that the coffee flows out slowly like espresso.
A double-walled basket cut open in side view, also known as a pressurized basket.
Advantages:
- Old coffee can be used and crema still forms.
- Pre-ground coffee can be used because the outlet speed is controlled by the outlet hole, not by the grind size.
- An espresso-like beverage can be brewed.
- No grinder is needed.
- Even the worst coffee looks nice.
Disadvantages:
- Making good espresso is unlikely.
- Baskets suggest good extraction time, but the coffee still doesn't taste good.
- Crema forms, which also signals that extraction was okay. But that's not true, or often not. This makes crema no longer suitable as an indicator of fresh and good coffee.
Double-walled baskets simulate a good desirable extraction time for espresso and fake crema that forms through high pressure, but not through fresh coffee. Crema is a positive characteristic when it forms through the use of fresh coffee.
When using double-walled baskets, there is largely under-extraction, as coarser coffee is used. This leads to a relatively acidic cup. At the same time, individual particles are heavily extracted under the high outlet pressure, which simultaneously promotes bitterness in the coffee. The result is unbalanced and lacks sweetness, which could balance the espresso.
Classification of double-walled baskets
Double-walled baskets allow you to brew an espresso-like beverage with inexpensive espresso machines without purchasing a grinder. We advise against it and instead recommend a good automatic coffee machine. The espresso result is rather better because the coffee is freshly ground. Espresso machines with double-walled baskets are a compromise that creates no added value.
The upgrades we made to the Delonghi Dedica EC685 can be partially carried out on the Smeg espresso machine as well.
Upgrade with good baskets for the Smeg espresso machine
Of course, the Smeg espresso machine's baskets can be replaced with classic espresso baskets. This simple upgrade, combined with a decent tamper, changes the entire espresso performance.
What an espresso machine must deliver is consistent pressure and decent temperature stability around 93 degrees Celsius. And the Smeg espresso machine has this potential if you work with our flushing and preheating protocol. The machine then initially performs at the upper limit with approximately 95 to 96 degrees Celsius, then drops within the 25 to 30 seconds extraction time to just under 90 degrees, then stabilizes again. For a machine in this price segment, this is a good progression, and especially one that works reliably. So that the brew water temperature in this range flows from the machine, we've developed a short flushing water protocol for you.
Tip: Good espresso through flushing water protocol
First, the portafilter of the Smeg espresso machine ECF01 should be preheated. When starting the espresso machine, it is not heated sufficiently and in the cold state pulls down the temperature during brewing. To preheat the portafilter, run the water from an espresso extraction through the empty portafilter once or twice. Warning, the drip tray is very small! It's best to catch the water directly in a container.
Then when preparing an espresso, follow this temperature surfing protocol:
- Remove the preheated portafilter, grind coffee, dose it into the portafilter, and tamp carefully.
- Start water extraction without the portafilter locked in. At first, a pre-brew process begins that outputs only a little water. After a short pause, the main water discharge starts. After one second, stop the main water discharge.
- Then immediately lock in the portafilter and start the extraction.
If you use a single-walled basket and get the brew temperature under control with our temperature protocol, good espressos can be extracted with the Smeg espresso machine ECF01.
Suitable baskets are available, for example, from Graef*. Meanwhile, some manufacturers have brought complete bottomless portafilters to the market with matching baskets very cheaply, such as seen here*. This combination is cheaper than the modification we show in our upgrade video.
We remove the plastic insert to install a single-walled basket.
Converting the basket to a single-walled basket
Converting the basket to a single-walled basket is not complicated and can be done by an unskilled hand. First, the installed basket is pried out. Our barista trainer shows this in the test video at minute 18.50. Then the screw on the back is loosened and the plastic insert is removed. This prevents the installation of a different basket.
The tension spring is reinstalled and the new basket is pressed in. What's a bit unsightly is the middle hole that now remains open. If you extract espresso doppio as double portions, the hole won't bother you further – even if the coffee doesn't flow out nicely.
An elegant solution is a sawed-off portafilter, which makes it bottomless. A well-prepared extraction without channeling is something very fine – but requires a lot of practice.
Which coffee for the Smeg espresso machine?
Since the temperature of the Smeg espresso machine, even with our suggested surf protocol, temporarily drops below 90 degrees, we recommend rather medium to medium-dark espresso roasts. These naturally have less acidity, which is further emphasized by lower brew temperatures.
From our selection, coffees like the Apas or Henrique are best suited.
Setting the grinder for espresso preparation
If you opt for a single-walled basket, you can't avoid adjusting the espresso grinder. The grind size forms the resistance in the portafilter that determines the espresso's extraction time. Since the Smeg espresso machine initially goes through a wetting phase (pre-brew), we recommend brew times between 25 and 35 seconds depending on the espresso.
We've explained in detail here how to set a grinder and an espresso exactly. What's decisive for this is that the grinder provides you with the basic prerequisites for espresso preparation. It should be able to grind fine enough, be able to adjust consistently, and not accumulate too much retention.
When purchasing a grinder and espresso machine, the importance of the grinder is often overlooked. However, the better it is, the better the basis for good espresso. Especially in the range up to 500 euros, 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've also found three hand grinders in the under 100 euro range that grind espresso-fine.
Steaming milk with the Smeg ECF01
The Smeg espresso machine is suitable for steaming milk foam with thick texture that is also capable of latte art. However, it's not so easy to control the air volume that's added during steaming well. The large opening of the steam wand makes careful control and management of the steaming phases difficult.
With some practice, you can still produce milk foam. Compared to the best milk-steaming espresso machine in a similar price segment, the Sage Bambino Plus, the Smeg espresso machine looks old.
Conclusion on the Smeg ECF 01
The Smeg espresso machine ECF01 scores as an espresso machine with the potential to brew good espresso. It performs like the Delonghi Dedica EC685, and here's already the challenge when considering the Smeg. What justifies the nearly double price compared to the Dedica? The included equipment doesn't score points; apart from the appearance, there are no strong pro arguments. And here the verdict lies in the eye of the beholder.
We can only advise one thing: make the upgrades, whether on the Smeg ECF01 or Delonghi Dedica EC685.
*We bought the test device. This is a principle for us with all tests. Because we want to evaluate all devices neutrally and without outside influence. The link is a referral link to Amazon. If you order something via the link, it doesn't cost you more – but our machine test till reduces its deficit. If the machine is available at your local dealer, however, we recommend you buy it there.
