Review: This machine is fantastic and makes wonderful espresso. I bought it for its styling, overall good reviews, and to replace a machine I had that uses pods. I’m over the pods and want genuine espresso. I’ve seen a review where the person said you can’t make a good espresso with this no matter how skilled you may be, and that almost put me off buying it. But then I saw the same exact review everywhere touting another machine so I have to wonder if it’s legit because I couldn’t disagree more.
Smeg ECF01CRUS Espresso Coffee Machine Review
Posted at April 19th, 2023 | Categorised in Guides
Introduction
Nothing beats a fresh cup of coffee in the morning, especially when it’s made at home. If you’re looking for a high-quality coffee machine that delivers excellent coffee and looks great on your kitchen counter, then the Smeg ECF01CRUS Espresso Coffee Machine is an excellent choice. This machine has a lot to offer, from its user-friendly control panel to its mix steam, air, and milk wand. In this review, we’ll go over the features, pros, and cons of this product, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| User-friendly control panel with three buttons | Limited capacity of 1 liter |
| De-calc system alarm alerts for cleaning | Only accommodates smaller cup sizes |
| Single thermoblock system for faster heating | Manual operation may not suit all consumers |
| Mix steam, air, and milk wand for rich foam | No programmable options for coffee strength |
Who Is This Product For?
The Smeg ECF01CRUS Espresso Coffee Machine is perfect for coffee lovers who want to enjoy cafe-quality coffee in the comfort of their own home. The machine is ideal for those who appreciate a manual coffee-making process and want to experiment with different coffee roasts and pods. It’s also a great choice for those who value aesthetics, as the retro design of the machine adds a touch of style to any kitchen.
The Features of the Smeg ECF01CRUS Espresso Coffee Machine
User-Friendly Control Panel
The Smeg ECF01CRUS Espresso Coffee Machine’s control panel is incredibly easy to use. It features only three buttons that allow you to adjust settings and choose between single or double espresso shots or activate the steam function. This minimalist design is perfect for those who prefer a straightforward coffee-making experience. The control panel’s intuitive layout makes it easy to navigate, even for those who aren’t familiar with coffee machines. The buttons are clearly labeled and easy to press, and you can choose between single or double espresso shots with just a touch. The steam function button is also easy to access and use, allowing you to froth milk for cappuccinos or lattes quickly.
De-Calc System Alarm
One of the most significant issues with coffee makers is the build-up of limescale, which can affect the taste and quality of your coffee. The Smeg ECF01CRUS Espresso Coffee Machine features a de-calc system alarm that alerts you when it’s time to descale the machine. This feature ensures that your machine is always clean and functioning optimally, which translates to better coffee quality and a longer lifespan for your machine. The de-calc system alarm is a handy feature that takes the guesswork out of machine maintenance. Instead of wondering when it’s time to descale your machine, the alarm will alert you when it’s necessary. This feature helps ensure that your coffee always tastes great and prevents any long-term damage to your machine.
Single Thermoblock System
The Smeg ECF01CRUS Espresso Coffee Machine has a single thermoblock system that heats up the water quickly, allowing you to enjoy your coffee in no time. This system also ensures that the water is heated to the optimal temperature for brewing espresso, which means you’ll get the best coffee experience every time. Additionally, the machine has up to 15 bars of professional pressure, which is essential for producing rich and flavorful espresso. The single thermoblock system is a critical feature that allows the Smeg ECF01CRUS Espresso Coffee Machine to produce excellent espresso quickly. The water is heated to the perfect temperature in a matter of seconds, and the 15 bars of pressure ensure that the coffee is extracted efficiently. This feature is perfect for those who are always on the go and want a quick and delicious cup of coffee.
Mix Steam, Air, and Milk Wand
If you’re a fan of cappuccinos, you’ll love the Smeg ECF01CRUS Espresso Coffee Machine’s mix steam, air, and milk wand. This wand allows you to prepare a thick and rich foam for your cappuccino by mixing steam, air, and milk in a small beaker. The wand can be adjusted in different positions to accommodate different cup sizes, which means you can enjoy your cappuccino in your favorite mug. The mix steam, air, and milk wand is a standout feature that adds versatility to the Smeg ECF01CRUS Espresso Coffee Machine. With this wand, you can create rich and creamy foam for your cappuccinos or lattes with ease. The wand’s adjustability means you can use it with different cup sizes, making it a great choice for those who have a favorite mug or cup they like to use.
Final Verdict
Overall, the Smeg ECF01CRUS Espresso Coffee Machine is an excellent choice for coffee lovers who want to enjoy the cafe-quality coffee at home. It’s user-friendly, has a stylish design, and offers a rich and delicious espresso experience. Although it has a few limitations, such as a limited capacity and no programmable options, it’s still a fantastic choice for those who appreciate the manual coffee-making process. If you’re looking for a high-quality coffee machine that looks great on your countertop and delivers excellent coffee, then the Smeg ECF01CRUS Espresso Coffee Machine is definitely worth considering.
Smeg ECF01CRUS Espresso Coffee Machine, One Size, 1L, Cream
- User friendly control panel with 3 buttons to adjust preferred settings and select single/double espresso or the activation of steam function.
- De-calc system alarm will alert you when a de-calc is required.
- Single Thermoblock system to speed up the switching-on and heating of the water. Up to 15 bar professional pressure, for the best coffee experience.
- Mix steam, air and milk in a small beaker to prepare a thick and rich foam for your Cappuccino. The wand can be adjusted in different positions.
- Removable steel cup tray for easy cleaning and to accommodate taller glasses.
Top Amazon Customer Comments
Tim D. – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tim D. – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: I bought this espresso machine a little less than four years ago and I’ve used it nearly every day, so at least 1400 shots. I am not terribly disappointed that the machine is failing now when I think about the use of it over time. I looked around at replacing this machine, and ouch did the price go up about 20%. Next I thought about repairing this one since it matches the rest of the appliances already. I watched a couple of videos online and bought a replacement valve off Amazon for $10. Turns out that the inside of this machine is exactly the same as the inside of almost every other 15 – 20 bar espresso maker on the market today. It is not the easiest fix since the housing is plastic, but overall I felt confident enough to repair it.
kelly g. – ⭐⭐⭐
Review: it’s very cute, just like the picture which is why i initially bought it, but for such a high price the looks don’t make up for the quality of the espresso/steam wand/machine. the pink is plastic, not metal which i guess i should’ve expected because of how bright it is, so that’s on me. It feels cheap because of this. The handle on the portafilter/coffee handle is also plastic, making it feel cheap as well. The steam wand is ok…, but definitely not good enough to justify the overall price it’s very short and stubby, and there’s only one hole for the steam to come out of making the milk get much more large bubbles than a typical 3 hole steam wand. The espresso is just… so so. Better than drinking drip coffee over ice if making iced drinks, but i don’t know if i would buy this is you’re looking to make any sort of cappuccino or americano or otherwise hot and or unflavored espresso drink, the quality at this price range is just not there. There are other options at this price for much better espresso! If you like this because of the size, and the fact that it doesn’t take up a lot of counter space, Breville has an option this size and a similar price that would probably make much better espresso (i returned this one for the breville barista pro and it was worth it). All in all, the color is amazing cause i love pink, but everything else just outweighed the aesthetics. The espresso is ok, not horrible but not in the $500s pricerange good.
Brianna McDaniel – ⭐⭐⭐
Review: Still getting the hang of the product so may have to adjust my rating upward. Incredibly happy with this seller (Peppercorn)–shipped quickly, arrived safe and securely packaged. Will definitely order from them again.
J. Smay – ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: I’m really happy with smeg
Darya – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: Daughter loved it for her first Anniversary present. I had bought them another brand that was a couple hundred dollars cheaper in the same color. Had mixed reviews But thought I’d take the chance and it broke on them the first week. I was so upset. I returned that one and bought a smeg. Yes I paid more then I wanted to spend but let me tell you well worth the extra money. Especially for my daughter who is a espresso snob and makes espresso coffee several times a week. She used to be a barista so she knows her stuff. She was very happy with this brand and model. Said it made strong coffee verses the other one I had originally purchased for her. I stick by my motto- you get what you pay for!
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Tags : Espresso coffee maker, Smeg