Smeg espresso machines are known for their beautiful retro looks, affordable price, and high quality.

In this post, I’ll cover all you need to know before buying yourself a Smeg espresso machine.

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Smeg 50s style espresso machine by an Italian brand.

Smeg is not just an espresso machine brand. They are an Italian company specializing in making premium home appliances that are affordable yet made of the best quality.

Smeg produces beautiful retro-style appliances that can upgrade the looks of your kitchen just by sitting on your kitchen counter.

Smeg’s manual Espresso Machines

The Smeg manual espresso machine is the more affordable type. It is perfect for those who love high-quality coffee but don’t need all the bells and whistles super-automatic espresso machines come with.
Manual Smeg espresso machines are a high-quality product with the distinctive Smeg vintage design but without a coffee grinder.

Pros and Cons of Owning A Smeg manual Espresso Machine

Pros:

  • High-quality espresso
  • Quiet
  • Easy to use
  • Slim and lightweight
  • Quick heating
  • Ground coffee and ESE pod compatible (but not Nespresso or other types of pods)

 

Cons:

  • Cheap-feel scoop and tamper
  • No milk jug
  • No grinder
  • No beverage options

 

Design

Generally speaking, when you choose a Smeg espresso machine, you pay for the design, which can be the perfect fit for any kitchen countertop.

Unlike most espresso machines, the Manual espresso machine from Smeg features a classy 1950s retro-style design coupled with bright color variations, making the machine look premium. For example, check out the Smeg espresso machine pastel green.

The retro-style rounded edges of the Smeg espresso machine are eye-catching and give it a unique look. All Smeg machines feature the brand name pasted boldly on the top part of the machine, which adds to the machine’s overall aesthetic.

Smeg manual espresso machines are made of stainless steel and plastic painted housing. The plastic makes them lightweight but feels a bit cheap to touch. They are available in a beautiful array of unique colors, including pastel blue, pastel green, red, white, black, cream, and pink.

 

How to use the manual Smeg espresso machine:

Using a manual Smeg espresso machine is very easy. Start by turning the machine on, and wait for the 3 buttons to start flashing, indicating the device is ready to use.

Smeg’s Thermoblock system ensures that the machine heats up fast, so it’s is ready to brew coffee within 40 seconds, which is quick enough for its price.

To brew your coffee, just press either the one-shot or two-shots buttons, and you’re done. Smeg manual espresso machines use 15 bar pressure to dispense a full-bodied espresso with a delicious aroma.

The manual espresso makers Smeg’s entry-level machines, so there aren’t many options as you get with a fully automatic espresso machine.

Manual Milk frothing

The manual models don’t allow you to froth milk and brew coffee simultaneously. However, you can brew two cups of single-shot espresso simultaneously.

It takes about 12 seconds for the milk frother to be ready, making it a quick process to switch from espresso brewing to milk frothing. The frothing wand can be adjusted to various positions, and it operates manually. This allows you to choose the right temperature for your frothed milk.

To use the wand to froth your milk, press the frothing button, and push the lever to start heating the milk. Once the milk reaches the desired temperature, push the lever back, and the milk will stop heating up.

Descaling warning and water hardness settings

Smeg’s descale warning system will let you know that you need to descale the machine according to the water hardness level at your home.

To adjust the machine for the water you use, press the double-shot espresso button for 10 seconds. When all 3 buttons flash, use them to customize the device as follows:

  • The single-shot button is for soft water.
  • The middle button is for medium hardness.
  • The frothing button is for hard water.

Once the hardness level is selected, the machine will save your setting.

Setting coffee temperature

Adjusting the desired water temperature is similar to setting the water hardness level.

Press and hold the single-shot espresso button until the button-lights start flashing. Then use the buttons to set the water temperature:

  • The single-shot button is for low temperature
  • The double shot button for medium temperature
  • The frothing button is for people who like their coffee burning hot.

 

Taste:

A Smeg manual espresso maker will make you a great-tasting espresso and a good milk froth.

We did notice that if you wish to get the right quality of coffee immediately after frothing milk, the boiler must be cooled down first to avoid a burnt taste.

 

Smeg’s Automatic Espresso Machine:

Smeg fully automatic espresso machines are designed to be used at home or office.

They can make up to three cups of espresso simultaneously. These automatic espresso machines come with a built-in coffee bean grinder, which can be set to grind at the desired level of your choice.

Some Smeg automatic models come with a milk frothing system, and others are for people who drink their espresso black.

Pros and Cons of Smeg Automatic Espresso Machines

Pros:

  • Beautiful, distinct retro design
  • Very easy to use
  • Large water tank.
  • Affordable, compared to high-end automatic espresso machines such as the 1500$ Delonghi Dinamica Plus. It’s around the same price range as the Philips 4300 series, but more expensive than the 600$ Philips 3200 Series, which I personally like.
  • Stainless steel with aluminum body

 

Cons:

  • There is no hot water option for tea drinkers.
  • The filter basket can be difficult to clean if you’re unfamiliar with it.

 

The distinct Smeg retro design

As in all Smeg home appliances, Smeg Automatic Espresso Machines have a retro look, reminiscent of the machines from the 1950s and 1960s.

The automatic espresso machines were designed by Matteo Cibic, the head of industrial design at Smeg. The retro look was chosen to reflect the past and pay homage to those responsible for inventing espresso machines in the first place.

The idea was to create models that would be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

 

Functionality:

The Smeg Automatic Espresso Machine is designed to make the process convenient and straightforward.

There are actually 2 types of machines:

  • A model with an automatic milk frothing system that allows making black espresso and cappuccino and latte drinks.
  • A model without a milk frother, suitable for people who drink their espresso black.

Both models have a built-in tamper, allowing users to quickly tamp down coffee grounds before brewing.

 

How to use Smeg automatic espresso machine?

Using Smeg automatic espresso machine is pretty straightforward. The on/off button is on the side of the machine. The brewing system will go through a cleaning cycle when you turn it on.
Open the top lid to fill up the water tank and coffee grinder.

Press one of the 3 espresso buttons: one for ristretto, the second one for espresso, and the third one for lungo.

The brewing process of the Smeg automatic espresso machine is relatively quiet, compared to espresso machines from other makers, like Nespresso.

 

The advanced settings of the Smeg automatic espresso machine

Above the 3 buttons, you will find several warning lights that will notify you when the water tank is empty, or a descaling process is required.

Another button allows you to get a lighter brew (press it be. Just press it before selecting your coffee size.

You can also program the machine to adjust the amount of coffee to the size of your cup.

It’s an excellent feature for Americano drinkers or if you need to like to fill your travel mug before leaving home in the mornings.

You might want to use 2 “lungo” shots instead, though, to avoid your extra-long “lungo” getting diluted.

To program the machine, press the relevant coffee-size button for 3 seconds. Let the machine brew your coffee and stop it by pressing the button again.

That’s it – from this point and on, the system will remember the size of your cup.

In addition, you can use the buttons to run a rinse cycle or set the water hardness level.

Check out these Smeg automatic espresso machines (with and without a milk frother):

Smeg espresso machines FAQ:

If you like your designer-style home appliances, you should definitely consider getting a Smeg espresso machine. They are designed with a retro 50s-60s look and a long list of features that will let you create a delicious espresso or cappuccino in the comfort of your own home. You can choose from various colors to match your style and kitchen decor, and many models have steam-powered froth that creates an authentic café-quality drink for you.

Smeg is an Italian company specializing in producing beautiful high-end home appliances. Some of their products are made in Italy. Others are manufactured or assembled in other countries, such as China.

The automatic espresso machine models run a short rinse cycle when you turn them on. If you want to run a more thorough rinse cycle, press the main button together with the steam button for 3 seconds and let the cleaning cycle run.

To clean a manual Smeg espresso machine, you can clean the drip tray and coffee filter under running water. To clean the milk frother, let some steam out to clean any milk residues and wipe the nozzle. You can also unscrew the nozzle and wash it with warm water.
You can clean the water tank of both models by removing it and washing it with water and a small amount of mild detergent. Make sure you rinse the soap thoroughly, so you don’t get a soapy espresso next time you use it.

Last time I checked – the manual machines cost around 530$. Smeg automatic espresso machine without frother costs around 850$ and the one with the milk frother is about 1000$.

Using a Smeg manual espresso machine:

Using a manual Smeg espresso machine is very easy. Start by turning the machine on, and wait for the 3 buttons to start flashing, indicating the device is ready to use.

Smeg’s Thermoblock system ensures that the machine heats up fast, so it’s is ready to brew coffee within 40 seconds, which is quick enough for its price.

To brew your coffee, just press either the one-shot or two-shots buttons, and you’re done. Smeg manual espresso machines use 15 bar pressure to dispense a full-bodied espresso with a delicious aroma.

Using a Smeg automatic espresso machine:

Using Smeg automatic espresso machine is pretty straightforward. The on/off button is on the side of the machine. The brewing system will go through a cleaning cycle when you turn it on.
Open the top lid to fill up the water tank and coffee grinder.

Press one of the 3 espresso buttons: one for ristretto, the second one for espresso, and the third one for lungo.

 

Check out this video review of the automatic Smeg espresso machine: