With a retail price of around 300 euros and 330 Swiss francs, the Smeg ECF 01 espresso machine positions itself in the upper segment of entry-level espresso machines. But can this machine hold its own compared to other thermoblock-class machines, and is the premium price for the design justified when compared to the similar Delonghi Dedica EC 685?
In this article and our two test videos, we address exactly these questions. And, of course, the fundamental question looms over it all: does the espresso "Smeg"? (We couldn't resist. 😉)
A quick answer in advance: yes, with two crucial tips, you can tune 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.
Is the Smeg ECF 01 espresso machine 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 bringing in the context of the competition. However, this is hardly possible with the Smeg espresso machine. The colorful design machine is too similar to the inexpensive entry-level model from Delonghi. The controls are the same, the drip tray is similar, and the water tank is identical. And looking inside, it's also clear – these machines are highly related. The Smeg takes a different path in terms of design, but the motorization and other components inside most likely come from Delonghi's neighboring factory. From the portafilter holder to the power input (1350 W) to the annual electricity consumption as stated by the manufacturer (54 kWh), only the appearance differs.
Design is subjective. And here it is up to you to decide whether the machine's design justifies the nearly double price compared to 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
According to its own description, the Smeg ECF 01 espresso machine features a "50s Retro Style." This refers to a curved, rounded mix of plastic and metal that is available in numerous color formats. The machine is about 15 cm wide, 33 cm high, and 33 cm deep, weighs a little under 5 kg, and the water tank holds one liter.
A plastic tamper for tamping the coffee into the portafilter is included, as well as three double-walled filters. The tamper is, to put it mildly, useless for anything other than perhaps winding headphone cables. The pressing surface is slightly warped, doesn't fit neatly into the portafilter, and you cannot apply much pressure to the stick either. The dosing spoon side is also the opposite of ergonomic – and by the way, not suitable for dosing (we will cover this topic in the espresso preparation section). The drip tray is small but has a small float that clearly shows the water level.
The included double-walled filters, also known as pressurized filters, crema filters, compromise filters, or affectionately as "fake" filters, prevent truly good espresso extraction and deserve their own section below.
Here was an opportunity for Smeg to justify the price premium over its sister model with little effort. Proper filters and a decent tamper would have been enough. Opportunity missed...
On the left, the double-walled filters of the Smeg espresso machine, and on the right, the plastic tamper.
Proper filters versus double-walled compromise filters
I would very much like to start an extensive fundamental discussion at this point about the pros and cons of double-walled filters, but I will postpone that for a separate article. Instead, let's look at the functional principle of double-walled filters and briefly contextualize their advantages and disadvantages.
The operating principle of the filter is hinted at in all its names: crema filter, double-walled filter, or pressurized filter. A double-bottom structure forces the coffee to first pass through a bottom surface with many holes, only to have to flow through a second bottom surface, the actual exit surface with only one hole.
A large amount of espresso is pressed through a tiny hole here under the highest pressure. As soon as the coffee emulsion exits this space under high pressure and enters a space with lower pressure, the CO2 trapped inside expands and turns into foam. The higher the pressure difference, the more foam.
At the same time, the fine hole reduces the flow speed of the coffee, regardless of the grind size. This suggests that the coffee is flowing out slowly, similar to an espresso.
A double-walled filter cut open in a side view, also known as a pressurized basket.
Advantages:
- Old coffee can be used and crema is still produced.
- Pre-ground coffee can be used, as the flow rate is controlled by the outlet hole rather than the grind size.
- An espresso-like beverage can be brewed.
- No grinder is required.
- Even the worst coffee looks nice.
Disadvantages:
- Making good espresso is unlikely.
- Filters suggest a good flow time, but the coffee doesn't taste good anyway.
- Crema is produced, which also signals that the extraction was fine. But this is often or usually not true. Therefore, the crema is no longer suitable as an indicator of fresh and good coffee.
Double-walled filters simulate a good, desirable flow time for espresso and fake crema, which is created by high pressure, but not by fresh coffee. Crema is a positive feature only when it is created by using fresh coffee.
When using double-walled filters, underextraction occurs in large parts because coarser coffee is used. This leads to a relatively sour cup. At the same time, individual particles are highly extracted under the high exit pressure, which also promotes bitterness in the coffee. The result is unbalanced and lacks the sweetness that could balance the espresso.
Classification of double-walled filters
Double-walled filters allow an espresso-like beverage to be brewed with inexpensive espresso machines without having to purchase a grinder. We advise against this and recommend a good automatic coffee machine instead. The espresso result is likely better because the coffee is freshly ground. Espresso machines with double-walled filters are a compromise that creates no added value.
The upgrades we made to the Delonghi Dedica EC685 can partially be applied to the Smeg espresso machine as well.
Upgrade with good filters for the Smeg espresso machine
Naturally, the filters of the Smeg espresso machine can be replaced with classic espresso filters. This simple upgrade, in combination with a proper tamper, changes the entire espresso performance.
What an espresso machine must deliver is uniform pressure and decent temperature stability around 93 degrees Celsius. And the Smeg espresso machine has this potential if you work with our flushing and heating protocol. Then, the machine initially performs at the upper limit with 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. This is a good progression for a machine in this price segment, and above all, one that works consistently. To ensure the temperature of the brewing water from the machine stays in this range, we have developed a short flush-water protocol for you.
Tip: Good espresso through the flush-water protocol
First, the portafilter of the Smeg ECF01 espresso machine should be warmed up. When starting the espresso machine, it is not brought up to temperature sufficiently and, when cold, pulls the temperature down during the brewing process. To preheat the portafilter, run the water of one espresso extraction through the empty portafilter once or twice. Caution, the drip tray is very small! It is best to draw the water directly into a container.
Then, when preparing an espresso, follow this temperature-surfing protocol:
- Remove the preheated portafilter, grind the coffee, dose it into the portafilter, and tamp carefully.
- Start the water flow without the portafilter attached. A pre-infusion process begins first, which outputs only a little water. After a short pause, the main water delivery starts. Stop the draw after one second of this main water delivery.
- Immediately attach the portafilter and start the extraction.
If you use a single-walled filter and manage the brewing temperature with our temperature protocol, you can pull good espressos with the Smeg ECF01 espresso machine.
Suitable filters are available, e.g., from Graef*. In the meantime, some manufacturers have also brought completely bottomless portafilters with matching filters to the market very cheaply, seen here, for example*. This combo is cheaper than the modification we show in our upgrade video.
We remove the plastic inlay to install a single-walled filter.
Converting the filter for a single-walled filter
Converting the filter to a single-walled filter is not complicated and can be done by untrained hands. First, the inserted filter is levered 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 inlay is removed. This prevents the installation of another filter.
The tension spring is inserted again and the new filter is pressed in. The center hole, which now remains open, is somewhat unsightly. If you draw espresso doppio as double portions, the hole doesn't bother you further – even though the coffee, of course, does not flow out beautifully.
An elegant solution is a sawn-off portafilter, which then 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 drops below 90 degrees at times, even with our suggested surfing profile, we recommend medium to medium-dark espresso roasts. These naturally have less acidity, which is accentuated by lower brewing temperatures.
From our range, coffees such as the Apas or Henrique are best suited.
Adjusting the grinder for the preparation of an espresso
Anyone using a single-walled filter cannot avoid adjusting the espresso grinder. The grind size provides the resistance in the portafilter that determines the flow time of the espresso. Since the Smeg espresso machine goes through a wetting phase (pre-infusion) at the beginning, we recommend brewing times between 25 and 35 seconds, depending on the espresso.
We have explained exactly how a grinder and an espresso should be set up here here. It is crucial for this that the grinder provides the basic requirements for preparing espresso. It should be able to grind fine enough, be adjustable consistently, and not accumulate too much retention.
When purchasing a grinder and an espresso machine, the importance of the grinder is often neglected. However, the better it is, the better the prerequisite for good espresso. Especially in the range up to 500 euros, the grinder may cost more than the espresso machine. The cheapest decent electric espresso grinder we have tested so far is the Sage Smart Grinder Pro. However, we have also found three hand grinders in the price range under 100 euros that grind fine enough for espresso.
Frothing milk with the Smeg ECF01
The Smeg espresso machine is suitable for frothing milk with a thick texture that is also capable of latte art. However, it is not so easy to control the air volume added during frothing well. The large opening of the steam wand makes careful control and guidance of the frothing phases more difficult.
With some practice, milk froth can still be produced. Compared to the best milk-frothing espresso machine in a similar price segment, the Sage Bambino Plus, however, the Smeg espresso machine looks outdated.
Conclusion on the Smeg ECF 01
The Smeg ECF01 espresso machine scores as an espresso machine with the potential to brew good espresso. It performs like the Delonghi Dedica EC685, and that is already the challenge when considering the Smeg. What justifies the price, which is almost twice as high as the Dedica? The included equipment doesn't score points; apart from the appearance, there are no strong arguments in favor. And here, the verdict lies in the eye of the beholder.
We can only advise one thing: do the upgrades, regardless of whether it's the Smeg ECF01 or Delonghi Dedica EC685.
*We bought the test device. This is a fundamental principle for us for all tests. Because we want to evaluate all devices neutrally and without external influence. The link is an affiliate link to Amazon. If you order something via the link, it won't cost you more – but our machine test fund will reduce its deficit. If the machine is available at a local dealer, we recommend that you buy it there.
