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Scored using Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0
Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 901 independent expert reviews and 1,046 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0

Smeg ECF01 Review | 73 Data compared

Avg. price:~£330Type:Manual Espresso MachineWater Container Capacity:1.000 LPump Pressure:15 barBuilt-in Coffee Grinder:noAutomatic Milk Frother:no

Smeg ECF01 Review: Compare 73 technical specifications and 9 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Coffee Machines category and whether it is worth buying.

6.7

Overall score

Score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the coffee machine's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best coffee machines on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 59% of models
Score components

95%

6.7

Technical score

5%

6.9

Review score ( 6 · 3)

Review score 5% · 6.9 · based on 9 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades.
â–²Better than 59% of coffee-machines
6.7

Technical score

Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance across brewing and drink preparation, coffee formats, maintenance and convenience, and design and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare coffee machines based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 60% of models
Score components

35%

6.4

Performance

25%

5.2

Coffee Preparation

25%

8.7

Features

15%

6.5

Design

â–²Better than 60% of coffee-machines
6.9

Review score

Review score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Grades by review (9)
6 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 1
≈ estimated
1

7.4%

9.0

coffeegrindguru.com

Video reviews 1

7.4%

9.0

Dom Cook

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 97% of coffee-machines
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Best rankings

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Technical Specifications of coffee machine Smeg ECF01

Technical score
Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance across brewing and drink preparation, coffee formats, maintenance and convenience, and design and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare coffee machines based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 60% of models
Score components:

35%

6.4

Performance

25%

5.2

Coffee Preparation

25%

8.7

Features

15%

6.5

Design

6.7
Review score
Review score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Grades by review (9)
6 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 1
≈ estimated
1

7.4%

9.0

coffeegrindguru.com

Video reviews 1

7.4%

9.0

Dom Cook

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
6.9
Popularity
Popularity
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the coffee machine.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 51% of models
Popularity:
Smeg ECF01 has a popularity of 7.7 points, which is higher than 50.9% of coffee machines.
7.7
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the coffee machine's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a coffee machine with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components:

60%

6.7

Overall score

40%

8.5

Price

7.2
Power
1,350 W
Power
1,350 W
â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
This coffee machine provides 1,350 W of heating power, which is lower than the power of 55.3% of coffee machines and equal to that of 6.8% of coffee machines.
Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
Water Container Capacity
1 L
Water Container Capacity
1 L
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
This coffee machine holds up to 1 L in its water tank, which is smaller than 71.1% of coffee machines and equal to that of 9% of coffee machines.
A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
Pump Pressure
15 bar
Pump Pressure
15 bar
â–¼ Worse than 30% of models
Market range: <15 bar – >19 bar
This coffee machine delivers 15 bar of pump pressure, which is higher than the pump pressure of 9% of coffee machines and equal to that of 61% of coffee machines.
The listed pump pressure is not necessarily the same as extraction pressure.
Heating Time
40 s
Heating Time
40 s
â–¼ Worse than 48% of models
Market range: <20 s – >60 s
This coffee machine is ready to brew in 40 s, which is faster than 36.3% of coffee machines and equal to that of 15.8% of coffee machines.
A shorter heating time means the machine is ready to use sooner.
Heating System
Thermoblock
Show more
What reviewers say
Type
Manual Espresso Machine
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This coffee machine accepts ground coffee. 40.3% of coffee machines accept ground coffee.
Compatibility with powdered coffee allows use of pre-ground coffee.
Works with Beans
no
Works with Beans
no
â–¼ Worse than 38% of models
This coffee machine does not accept whole coffee beans. 38.1% of coffee machines accept whole coffee beans.
Bean compatibility indicates whether the machine can brew from whole coffee beans.
Works with ESE Pods
yes
Works with ESE Pods
yes
â–² Better than 76% of models
This coffee machine accepts ESE pods. 76% of coffee machines accept ESE pods.
ESE pod compatibility allows use of standard Easy Serving Espresso pods.
Works with Capsules
no
Works with Capsules
no
â–¼ Worse than 29% of models
This coffee machine does not accept coffee capsules. 28.6% of coffee machines accept coffee capsules.
Capsule compatibility indicates whether the machine accepts coffee capsules.
Show more
What reviewers say
Water Level Indicator
yes
Water Level Indicator
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This coffee machine has a water level indicator. 39.8% of coffee machines have a water level indicator.
A water level indicator makes it easier to monitor the remaining reservoir water.
Water Filter
yes
Water Filter
yes
â–² Better than 64% of models
This coffee machine has a water filter. 64.3% of coffee machines have a water filter.
A water filter can improve water quality and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
Descaling Program
yes
Descaling Program
yes
â–² Better than 34% of models
This coffee machine has a descaling programme. 33.5% of coffee machines have a descaling programme.
A descaling program simplifies maintenance by guiding the machine through limescale removal.
Cleaning Alert
yes
Cleaning Alert
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This coffee machine alerts you when cleaning is needed. 40.3% of coffee machines offer cleaning alerts.
A cleaning alert reminds you when routine machine cleaning is due.
Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
no
Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
no
â–¼ Worse than 22% of models
This coffee machine does not clean its milk circuit automatically. 21.7% of coffee machines offer automatic milk circuit cleaning.
Automatic milk-circuit cleaning simplifies hygiene after preparing milk drinks.
Show more
Built-in Installation
no
Color
black
Vintage Look
yes
Vintage Look
yes
â–² Better than 88% of models
This coffee machine has vintage styling. 87.6% of coffee machines have this look.
A vintage look describes a deliberately retro or classic machine design rather than a modern aesthetic.
Housing Material
Plastic
Drip Tray Material
Plastic
Show more
What reviewers say

Smeg ECF01 vs the average coffee machine

246810TotalPerformanceCoffee PreparationFeaturesDesign
  • Has a water filter
    Water Filter
    yes
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    This coffee machine has a water filter, while the average coffee machine does not. 35.8% of coffee machines have a water filter.
    A water filter can improve water quality and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
  • Adjustable coffee temperature
    Adjustable Coffee Temperature
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This coffee machine lets you adjust the coffee temperature, while the average coffee machine does not. 42.9% of coffee machines offer coffee temperature adjustment.
    Adjustable coffee temperature lets you tailor the heat of the brewed coffee.
  • Has a portafilter
    Portafilter
    yes
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    This coffee machine has a portafilter, while the average coffee machine does not. 36.8% of coffee machines have a portafilter.
    A portafilter supports brewing through a filter basket with ground coffee or compatible pods.
  • Has a tray full indicator
    Drip Tray Full Indicator
    yes
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    This coffee machine has a drip tray full indicator, while the average coffee machine does not. 43.9% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A full drip-tray indicator signals when the tray needs emptying.
  • Has a steam wand
    Steam Wand
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This coffee machine has a steam wand, while the average coffee machine does not. 48.4% of coffee machines have a steam wand.
    A steam wand allows manual milk steaming and foam-texture control.
  • Has vintage styling
    Vintage Look
    yes
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    This coffee machine has vintage styling, while the average coffee machine does not. 12.6% of coffee machines have this look.
    A vintage look describes a deliberately retro or classic machine design rather than a modern aesthetic.
  • Accepts ESE pods
    Works with ESE Pods
    yes
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    This coffee machine accepts ESE pods, while the average coffee machine does not. 24.2% of coffee machines accept ESE pods.
    ESE pod compatibility allows use of standard Easy Serving Espresso pods.
  • Has a cup warmer
    Cup Warmer
    yes
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    This coffee machine has a cup warmer, while the average coffee machine does not. 41.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A cup warmer helps preheat cups before brewing.
  • Adjustable coffee temperature
    Adjustable Coffee Temperature
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This coffee machine lets you adjust the coffee temperature, while the average coffee machine does not. 42.9% of coffee machines offer coffee temperature adjustment.
    Adjustable coffee temperature lets you tailor the heat of the brewed coffee.
  • Has a portafilter
    Portafilter
    yes
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    This coffee machine has a portafilter, while the average coffee machine does not. 36.8% of coffee machines have a portafilter.
    A portafilter supports brewing through a filter basket with ground coffee or compatible pods.
  • Has a steam wand
    Steam Wand
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This coffee machine has a steam wand, while the average coffee machine does not. 48.4% of coffee machines have a steam wand.
    A steam wand allows manual milk steaming and foam-texture control.
  • Accepts ESE pods
    Works with ESE Pods
    yes
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    This coffee machine accepts ESE pods, while the average coffee machine does not. 24.2% of coffee machines accept ESE pods.
    ESE pod compatibility allows use of standard Easy Serving Espresso pods.
  • Has a water filter
    Water Filter
    yes
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    This coffee machine has a water filter, while the average coffee machine does not. 35.8% of coffee machines have a water filter.
    A water filter can improve water quality and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
  • Has a tray full indicator
    Drip Tray Full Indicator
    yes
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    This coffee machine has a drip tray full indicator, while the average coffee machine does not. 43.9% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A full drip-tray indicator signals when the tray needs emptying.
  • Has a cup warmer
    Cup Warmer
    yes
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    This coffee machine has a cup warmer, while the average coffee machine does not. 41.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A cup warmer helps preheat cups before brewing.
  • 6 min quicker shut-off
    Time Before Auto Switch-Off
    9 min
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    Market range: <1 min – >30 min
    This coffee machine powers down sooner to conserve energy than the average coffee machine (9 min vs 15 min).
    The switch-off timer controls how long the machine remains active before shutting down.
    9 min vs 15 min
  • Has vintage styling
    Vintage Look
    yes
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    This coffee machine has vintage styling, while the average coffee machine does not. 12.6% of coffee machines have this look.
    A vintage look describes a deliberately retro or classic machine design rather than a modern aesthetic.
  • 75 mm narrower body
    Width
    149.00 mm
    â–² Better than 81% of models
    Market range: <129 mm – >299 mm
    This coffee machine takes up less counter width than the average coffee machine (149 mm vs 224 mm).
    Width affects how much counter space the machine needs.
    149.00 mm vs 224.00 mm
  • 1 mm shallower depth
    Depth
    329.00 mm
    â–² Better than 53% of models
    Market range: <245 mm – >452 mm
    This coffee machine requires less counter depth than the average coffee machine (329 mm vs 330 mm).
    Depth affects front-to-back counter space and placement clearance.
    329.00 mm vs 330.00 mm
  • 26.9% more compact volume
    Volume
    16,176.9 cm³
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    Market range: <0.7 cm³ – >2 cm³
    This coffee machine takes up less overall space than the average coffee machine (16176.9 cm³ vs 22143 cm³).
    16,176.9 cm³ vs 22,143 cm³
  • 52 cm lower cup clearance
    Maximum Cup Height
    80.00 cm
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <89 cm – >150 cm
    This coffee machine accepts shorter cups than the average coffee machine (80 cm vs 132 cm).
    A greater maximum cup height accommodates taller cups and mugs.
    80.00 cm vs 132.00 cm
  • 0.4 L smaller water tank
    Water Container Capacity
    1.000 L
    â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
    Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
    This coffee machine has a smaller water reservoir than the average coffee machine (1 L vs 1.4 L).
    A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
    1.000 L vs 1.400 L
  • 1 fewer drink recipes
    Number of Specialty Drinks
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >21
    This coffee machine offers fewer preset drink options than the average coffee machine (2 vs 3).
    More specialty-drink options provide a wider choice of preset beverages.
    2 vs 3
  • 50 W lower power
    Power
    1,350 W
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
    This coffee machine offers lower heating power than the average coffee machine (1350 W vs 1400 W).
    Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
    1,350 W vs 1,400 W
  • 2.06x more expensive
    Smeg ECF01 is more expensive than the average coffee machine (£330 vs £160).
    £330 vs £160
  • 5 mm taller body
    Height
    330.00 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <251 mm – >385 mm
    This coffee machine stands taller and requires more overhead clearance than the average coffee machine (330 mm vs 325 mm).
    Height affects overhead clearance and cabinet placement.
    330.00 mm vs 325.00 mm
  • 0.3% worse value for money
    Smeg ECF01 has worse value for money than the average coffee machine (7.24 vs 7.2).
    7.24 vs 7.22
  • 4.4% heavier body
    Weight
    4.700 kg
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <2.29 kg – >10.5 kg
    This coffee machine is heavier and less portable than the average coffee machine (4.7 kg vs 4.5 kg).
    Lower weight can make the machine easier to move, while higher weight may indicate a more substantial build.
    4.700 kg vs 4.500 kg
  • 2.06x more expensive
    Smeg ECF01 is more expensive than the average coffee machine (£330 vs £160).
    £330 vs £160
  • 0.3% worse value for money
    Smeg ECF01 has worse value for money than the average coffee machine (7.24 vs 7.2).
    7.24 vs 7.22
  • 0.4 L smaller water tank
    Water Container Capacity
    1.000 L
    â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
    Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
    This coffee machine has a smaller water reservoir than the average coffee machine (1 L vs 1.4 L).
    A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
    1.000 L vs 1.400 L
  • 50 W lower power
    Power
    1,350 W
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
    This coffee machine offers lower heating power than the average coffee machine (1350 W vs 1400 W).
    Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
    1,350 W vs 1,400 W
  • 1 fewer drink recipes
    Number of Specialty Drinks
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >21
    This coffee machine offers fewer preset drink options than the average coffee machine (2 vs 3).
    More specialty-drink options provide a wider choice of preset beverages.
    2 vs 3
  • 52 cm lower cup clearance
    Maximum Cup Height
    80.00 cm
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <89 cm – >150 cm
    This coffee machine accepts shorter cups than the average coffee machine (80 cm vs 132 cm).
    A greater maximum cup height accommodates taller cups and mugs.
    80.00 cm vs 132.00 cm
  • 5 mm taller body
    Height
    330.00 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <251 mm – >385 mm
    This coffee machine stands taller and requires more overhead clearance than the average coffee machine (330 mm vs 325 mm).
    Height affects overhead clearance and cabinet placement.
    330.00 mm vs 325.00 mm
  • 4.4% heavier body
    Weight
    4.700 kg
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <2.29 kg – >10.5 kg
    This coffee machine is heavier and less portable than the average coffee machine (4.7 kg vs 4.5 kg).
    Lower weight can make the machine easier to move, while higher weight may indicate a more substantial build.
    4.700 kg vs 4.500 kg

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

7.0
Benjamin Hohlmann
≈ estimated
22/05/2021
Short version · hands-on espresso and milk tests
Verdict
Smeg ECF01 is a decent entry-level machine that makes good espresso after a basket upgrade, but its design doesn't justify the higher price.
9.0
infoboard.de
≈ estimated
31/10/2019
Short hands-on test · espresso, cappuccino and pod brewing
Verdict
Smeg ECF01 has a stylish retro design and simple, self-explanatory operation, with good espresso and cappuccino results.
Not graded

What reviewers agree on

Based on 9 · 3

Loved for its looks, compact size, great espresso and quick heat-up, but the accessories, filter baskets and water tank disappoint.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Smeg ECF01

  • Iconic 1950s retro design that acts as a stylish kitchen statement piece
  • Compact footprint, ideal for smaller kitchens and countertops
  • Produces good quality espresso with nice crema and consistent temperature
  • Fast heat-up time via Thermoblock technology
  • Easy to use, intuitive three-button interface
  • Versatile, with compatibility for both ground coffee and ESE pods
  • Removable drip tray allows for larger mugs

What we don't like about Smeg ECF01

  • High price point, with many reviewers citing a 'design tax'
  • Build materials consist heavily of plastic rather than metal, affecting its premium feel
  • Included plastic tamper and scoop feel cheap
  • Lightweight body requires holding the machine while locking in the portafilter
  • Steam wand can be challenging to use for latte art and is somewhat short
  • No milk jug included

Verdict

The Smeg ECF01 is a compact 1950s retro-style manual espresso machine featuring a 1350W power rating, a 15-bar pump pressure system, and a 1-litre removable water tank. Key characteristics include a fast Thermoblock heating system that warms up in roughly 40 seconds, a built-in adjustable cappuccino milk-frothing wand, and compatibility with both ground coffee and ESE paper pods via three included stainless steel filters. Main pros highlight its intuitive three-button control panel, customizable coffee length, three adjustable temperature settings, and a removable drip tray that accommodates larger mugs. However, notable cons include its premium price point, a primarily plastic outer housing despite its metallic appearance, and an included plastic tamper that feels unergonomic and cheap.

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