With a retail price of around 300 Euros and 330 Swiss Francs, the Smeg ECF 01 espresso machine positions itself in the upper end of the affordable entry-level segment for espresso machines. But can the machine also hold its own against other thermoblock-class machines, 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 precisely these questions. And, of course, the overarching cardinal question is: does the espresso "smeg"? (We couldn't resist. 😉)
Short answer upfront: yes, with two crucial tips, you can tune the Smeg ECF 01 for good espresso.
In addition to the short video version, we 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 usually focus on one model and try to evaluate it on its own merits, without directly bringing up the context of the competition. However, with the Smeg espresso machine, that's hardly possible. The colorful design machine is too similar to Delonghi's affordable entry-level model. The controls are the same, the drip tray is similar, and the water tank is identical. And even a look inside reveals that these machines share a high degree of kinship. The Smeg takes a different path design-wise, but what's inside in terms of motorization and other components – at most comes from Delonghi's neighboring factory. From the portafilter mount to the input power (1350 kW) to the manufacturer's stated annual power consumption (54 kWh), only the appearance differs.
One can argue about design. And here it's up to you to decide whether the machine's design justifies the almost double price compared to the Delonghi Dedica EC685* for you, your kitchen, or 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 statement, the Smeg ECF 01 espresso machine presents itself in "50s Retro Style." This refers to a curved, rounded mix of plastic and metal, available in numerous color variations. The machine is about 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 the coffee in the portafilter, as well as three double-walled filter baskets. The tamper is, to put it mildly, useless for anything except perhaps winding up headphone cables. The tamping surface is slightly warped, doesn't fit neatly into the portafilter, and no force can be applied to the rod. The dosing spoon side is also the opposite of ergonomic – and by the way, not suitable for dosing either (we'll cover that topic when preparing espresso). The drip tray is small but clearly indicates the water level with a small float.
The included double-walled filter baskets, also known as pressurized baskets, crema baskets, compromise baskets, or affectionately, fake baskets, prevent a truly good espresso extraction and deserve their own section below.
Here would have been an opportunity for Smeg to justify the machine's higher price compared to its sister model with little effort. Decent baskets and a tamper, that would have been it. Missed opportunity…
On the left, the double-walled filter baskets of the Smeg espresso machine, and on the right, the plastic tamper.
Decent filter baskets versus double-walled compromise filter baskets
I would very much like to start an extensive fundamental discussion about the pros and cons of double-walled filter baskets at this point, but I will postpone that for a separate article. Instead, let's look at the functional principle of double-walled filter baskets and briefly contextualize their advantages and disadvantages.
The functional principle of the filter basket is hinted at in all its names: crema filter, double-walled filter, or pressurized filter. A double-bottom structure first allows the coffee to pass through a bottom surface with many holes, only to then have to flow through a second bottom surface, the actual exit surface with only one hole.
A large amount of espresso is pressed here under the highest pressure through a tiny hole. As soon as the coffee emulsion exits this high-pressure chamber and enters a lower-pressure chamber, the trapped CO2 expands and turns into foam. The higher the pressure difference, the more foam.
At the same time, the fine hole reduces the flow rate of the coffee regardless of the grind size. This suggests that the coffee flows out slowly, similar to espresso.
A double-walled filter basket cut open in side view, also known as a Pressurized Basket.
Advantages:
- Old coffee can be used, and crema will still be produced.
- Pre-ground coffee can be used, as the outflow speed is controlled by the outlet hole, not the grind size.
- An espresso-like beverage can be brewed.
- No grinder is needed.
- Even the worst coffee looks nice.
Disadvantages:
- Brewing good espresso is unlikely.
- Filter baskets suggest a good outflow time, but the coffee still doesn't taste good.
- Crema is produced, which also signals that the extraction was fine. However, this is not true, or often not true. This means the crema is no longer a reliable indicator of fresh and good coffee.
Double-walled filter baskets simulate a desirable outflow time for espresso and feign crema, which is created by high pressure, but not by fresh coffee. Crema is a positive characteristic when it results from the use of fresh coffee.
When using double-walled filter baskets, there is largely underextraction because coarser coffee is used. This leads to a relatively sour 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 there is a lack of sweetness that could balance the espresso.
Classification of double-walled filter baskets
Double-walled filter baskets allow for brewing an espresso-like beverage with inexpensive espresso machines without having to buy a grinder. We advise against this and instead recommend a good automatic coffee machine. The espresso result is generally better because the coffee is freshly ground. Espresso machines with double-walled filter baskets are a compromise that creates no added value.
The upgrades we made to the Delonghi Dedica EC685 can also be partially applied to the Smeg espresso machine.
Upgrade with good filter baskets for the Smeg espresso machine
Of course, the filter baskets of the Smeg espresso machine can be exchanged for classic espresso filter baskets. This simple upgrade, combined with a sensible tamper, completely changes the espresso performance.
What an espresso machine must deliver is consistent pressure and a 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 about 95 to 96 degrees Celsius, then drops to just under 90 degrees within the 25 to 30 seconds of extraction time, and then stabilizes again. For a machine in this price segment, this is a good progression and, above all, a progression that succeeds regularly. So that the brewing water temperature bubbles out of the machine in this range, we have developed a short flush-water protocol for you.
Tip: Good espresso through flush-water protocol
First, the portafilter of the Smeg ECF01 espresso machine should be warmed up. When the espresso machine is started, it doesn't reach a sufficient temperature and, when cold, pulls the temperature down during brewing. To preheat the portafilter, run the water from one to two espresso extractions through the empty portafilter. Caution, the drip tray is very small! It is best to extract the water directly into 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 dispensing without the portafilter attached. Initially, a pre-infusion process begins, which dispenses only a small amount of water. After a short pause, the main water dispensing starts. Stop this main water dispensing after one second.
- Then immediately attach the portafilter and start the extraction.
If you use a single-walled filter basket and get the brewing temperature under control with our temperature protocol, you can brew good espresso with the Smeg ECF01 espresso machine.
Matching filter baskets are available, for example, from Graef*. However, some manufacturers have now brought completely bottomless portafilters, already with suitable filter baskets, to the market very cheaply, as seen here, for example*. This combination is cheaper than the modification we show in our upgrade video.
We are removing the plastic inlay to install a single-walled filter basket.
Conversion of the filter basket for single-walled filter basket
Converting the filter basket to a single-walled filter basket is not complicated and can be done by an untrained hand. First, the inserted filter basket is pried out. Our barista trainer demonstrates 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 basket.
The spring is reinserted, and the new filter basket is pushed in. The middle hole, which now remains open, is a bit unsightly. If you are extracting espresso doppio as double portions, the hole doesn't bother much – even if the coffee doesn't run out neatly, of course.
An elegant solution is a sawn-off portafilter, which then makes it bottomless. A well-prepared extraction without channeling is a very fine thing – but 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 even with our suggested surf protocol, 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 like Apas or Henrique are best suited.
Setting the grinder for preparing an espresso
Anyone using a single-walled filter basket cannot avoid adjusting the espresso grinder. The grind size in the portafilter creates the resistance that determines the outflow time of the espresso. Since the Smeg espresso machine undergoes a pre-infusion phase (pre-brewing) first, we recommend brewing times between 25 and 35 seconds, depending on the espresso.
We have explained exactly how to adjust a grinder and an espresso here in detail. Crucial for this is that the grinder provides the basic requirements for preparing espresso. It should be able to grind fine enough, be consistently adjustable, and not accumulate too much dead space.
When purchasing a grinder and an espresso machine, the importance of the grinder is often overlooked. However, the better it is, the better the prerequisite for good espresso. Especially in the price range up to 500 Euros, the grinder should 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 manual grinders in the price range under 100 Euros that can 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 as easy to control the air volume added during frothing. The large opening of the steam wand makes careful control and guidance of the frothing phases difficult.
With some practice, however, milk foam can still be produced. Compared to the best milk frothing 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 ECF01 espresso machine scores as an espresso machine with the potential to brew good espresso. It performs like the Delonghi Dedica EC685, and here is already the challenge when considering the Smeg. What justifies the almost twice as high price compared to the Dedica? The included equipment doesn't impress; apart from its appearance, there are no strong pro-arguments. And here, the judgment lies in the eye of the beholder.
We can only advise one thing: make the upgrades, whether on the Smeg ECF01 or the Delonghi Dedica EC685.
*We bought the test device ourselves. This is a fundamental principle for us in all tests, as 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 it will reduce the deficit of our machine testing fund. If the machine is available at your local dealer, however, we recommend buying it there.
