The Smeg espresso machine ECF 01 is positioned in the upper budget entry-level segment of espresso machines at around 300 euros and 330 francs. But can the machine also convince in comparison to 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 these exact questions. And of course, one cardinal question hovers above it all: does the Smeg make a smashing espresso? (We couldn't resist. 😉)
Short answer upfront: yes, with two crucial tips you can tune the Smeg ECF 01 to make good espresso.
In addition to the short video version, we also shot a half-hour test that you can hier see 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 context. With the Smeg espresso machine, however, this is hardly possible. The colorful design machine is too similar to günstigen Delonghi's entry-level model. The controls are the same, the drip tray is similar, the water tank is identical. And even a look inside reveals – these machines have a high degree of kinship. The Smeg takes a different design approach, but what's under the hood in terms of the motor and other components – at most comes from Delonghi's neighboring factory. From the portafilter mounting to the input power (1350 W) to the annual power consumption according to the manufacturer's specifications (54 kWh), only the appearance differs.
Design is a matter of opinion. And it's up to you to decide whether the machine's design justifies almost double the price compared to the Delonghi Dedica EC685* for your kitchen or living room.
The Smeg ECF01 (right) next to the Delonghi Dedica EC685.
Exterior and Included Accessories of the Smeg Espresso Machine
The Smeg espresso machine ECF 01 presents itself in "50s retro style" according to its own description. This refers to a sleek, rounded mix of plastic and metal available in numerous color options. The machine is roughly 15 cm wide, 33 cm tall, and 33 cm deep, weighs just under 5 kg, and the water tank holds one liter.
Included are a plastic tamper for tamping the coffee in the portafilter and three double-walled baskets. The tamper, to be honest, is good for nothing except perhaps winding up headphone cables. The pressing surface is slightly warped, doesn't fit cleanly in the portafilter, and you can't apply force to the stick either. The dosing spoon side is also the opposite of ergonomic – and incidentally not suitable for dosing either (we'll address this topic during espresso preparation). The drip tray is small but shows the water level well with a small float.
The included double-walled baskets, also called pressure baskets, crema baskets, compromise baskets, or affectionately fake baskets, prevent really good espresso extraction and deserve their own section below.
There would have been room for Smeg here to justify the machine's premium over the sister model with little effort. Quality baskets and a tamper – that would have been it. A missed opportunity…
On the left are the double-walled baskets of the Smeg espresso machine, and on the right is the plastic tamper.
Quality Baskets Versus Double-Walled Compromise Baskets
I would have no small desire to launch into an extensive fundamental discussion here about the pros and cons of double-walled baskets, but I'll defer that to a separate article. Instead, let's look at how double-walled baskets work and briefly contextualize the advantages and disadvantages.
The basket's operating principle is hinted at in all its names: crema basket, double-walled basket, or pressure basket. A double bottom structure first lets the coffee run through a base with many holes, and then it must flow through a second base – the actual outlet with just one hole.
A large amount of espresso is pressed here through a tiny hole under extreme pressure. As soon as the coffee emulsion exits this high-pressure space and enters a lower-pressure space, the CO2 trapped in it expands and becomes foam. The higher the pressure difference, the more Schaum.
At the same time, the fine hole reduces the coffee's flow rate regardless 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 since the flow rate 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:
- Making good espresso is unlikely.
- Baskets suggest good flow time, but the coffee tastes bad anyway.
- Crema forms, which also signals that extraction was fine. But that's not the case or often isn't. This means crema is no longer a good indicator of fresh, quality coffee.
Double-walled baskets simulate the good desired flow time for espresso and fake crema, which is created by high pressure but not by fresh coffee. Crema is a positive feature when it results from using fresh coffee.
When using double-walled baskets, there is largely underextraction because 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 also 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 buying a grinder. We advise against it and instead recommend a good super-automatic espresso machine. The espresso result is generally better since the coffee is freshly ground. Espresso machines with double-walled baskets are a compromise that creates no added value.
Some of the upgrades we made to the Delonghi Dedica EC685 can also be done to the Smeg espresso machine
Upgrade with Quality 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, completely transforms espresso performance.
What an espresso machine must deliver is consistent pressure and decent Temperaturkonstanz around 93 degrees Celsius. And the Smeg espresso machine has this potential if you follow our rinsing 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 during the 25 to 30 second extraction time, then stabilizes again. For a machine in this price range, this is a good progression and above all one that happens consistently. For the brewing water temperature to flow from the machine in this range, we've developed a short rinsing water protocol for you.
Tip: Good Espresso Through a Rinsing Water Protocol
First, the portafilter of the Smeg espresso machine ECF01 should be heated. When you start the espresso machine, it doesn't heat up sufficiently, and in a cold state it pulls down 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 direct the water straight into a cup.
Then follow this temperature-surfing protocol when preparing an espresso:
- Remove the preheated portafilter, grind the coffee, dose it into the portafilter, and tamp carefully.
- Start water extraction without the portafilter inserted. First, a pre-brewing process begins, which outputs only a little water. After a short pause, the main water output starts. After one second, stop this main water output.
- Then immediately insert the portafilter and start the extraction.
If you use a single-walled basket and get the brewing temperature under control with our temperature protocol, you can pull good espresso with the Smeg espresso machine ECF01.
Suitable Siebe baskets are available, for example, from Graef*. In the meantime, however, some manufacturers have also brought completely bottomless portafilters with matching baskets to the market very cheaply, z.B. like here*. This combo is cheaper than the upgrade 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 untrained hand. First, the installed basket is pried out. Our barista trainer shows this in the Testvideo 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 reinserted and the new basket is pressed in. The middle hole that now remains open is somewhat unsightly. If you pull espresso doppio as double shots, the hole won't bother you further – even if the coffee doesn't flow out nicely, of course.
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 Smeg espresso machine's temperature, even with our proposed surfing profile, temporarily drops below 90 degrees, we recommend medium to medium-dark espresso roasts. These have less acidity to begin with, which is further emphasized by lower brewing temperatures.
From our range, coffees like the Apas"> or Henrique are best suited.
Adjusting the Grinder for Espresso Preparation
If you go with a single-walled basket, there's no getting around adjusting the espresso grinder. The grind size creates the resistance in the portafilter that determines the espresso's flow time. Since the Smeg espresso machine first goes through a preheating phase (pre-brewing), we recommend brewing times between 25 and 35 seconds depending on the espresso.
We've explained in detail hier here exactly how to adjust a grinder and espresso. The crucial thing is that the grinder provides you with the basic requirements for espresso preparation. It should be able to grind fine enough, adjust consistently, and not accumulate too much dead space.
When purchasing a grinder and espresso machine, the importance of the grinder is often neglected. However, the better it is, the better the foundation 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 Baratza Sette 270 Smart Grinder Pro. However, we've also found three Handmühlen burr grinders in the price range under 100 euros that grind fine enough for espresso.
Steaming Milk with the Smeg ECF01
The Smeg espresso machine is suitable for steaming thick-textured microfoam that's also capable of latte art. However, it's not so easy to control the air volume that's added during steaming. The large opening of the steam wand makes careful control and guidance of the steaming phases difficult.
With some practice, you can still produce quality microfoam. Compared to the best milk-steaming espresso machine in a similar price range, the Sage Bambino Plus, however, the Smeg espresso machine looks outdated.
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 where the challenge lies when considering the Smeg. What justifies the almost double price compared to the Dedica? The included equipment doesn't score points; apart from its appearance, there are no strong arguments in favor. And here the verdict lies in the eye of the beholder.
We can only give you one piece of advice: do the upgrades, whether on the Smeg ECF01 or the Delonghi Dedica EC685.
*We purchased the test device. That's a principle for us on 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 through the link, it won't cost you more – but our machine testing fund reduces its deficit. If the machine is available at your local retailer, however, we recommend buying it there.
