Smeg ECF01BLUK 50's retro style espresso coffee machine, stainless steel filter holder, an anti-drip system, 1L, Black

This SMEG coffee machine is expensive, but like most things, it is worth paying for quality. Overall, the machine is easy to use, the build quality and the design are excellent and it makes very good coffee. As to downsides, the milk frother is a little fiddly to remove so that it can be cleaned and the instructions are quite complicated and require some careful study. So, I can recommend this machine if you want a coffee machine that doesn't cost a fortune and looks good in the kitchen. I made the decision to buy the SMEG because when I tried to replace my old Krups coffee machine with a like-for-like Krups product, I found the new Krups machine (which was a quarter of the price of the SMEG) to be cheap, nasty and it didn't work.

How much do I love this machine? Looks good, easy to use and makes great coffee. What more could you ask? Okay so it wasn't the cheapest but I totally forgive it for that, it makes up for it in looks alone. In fact it looks so good I had to buy the matching grinder!

Excellent first espresso machine, really fast and simple to use would highly recommend

Only 11 months old the item broke and although I have a warranty still no replacement don’t bother buying

Fabulous. Makes wonderful coffee, lovely crema on your Americana and Espresso. I don’t like milky coffee, so rarely use the steamer, but the black coffee beats Costa and Starbucks every time.

It is the best espresso I have used finely engineered, like a Mercedes sports car.

Even though the SMEG ECF01 is similar to the DeLonghi Dedica, it is slightly better finished and has a more solid feel. This was a Xmas present (I wanted a Sage Bambino Plus) as my other half preferred the look of this and wouldn't allow anything else. Since I prefer flat whites to anything else, I needed to change the steam nozzle to a "proper" single-hole type. I managed to buy a twist-on stainless steel one from China to replace the black silicone insert and it's fantastic, my milk now looks like the perfect brilliant white emulsion paint every time - great for latte art. It's a very tight fit, but a modification that won't void the warranty, unlike other "mods" out there that require taking the entire thing to bits. This machine wasn't my first choice, but I've now grown to like it.My main gripe is that it's typically twice the price of a DeLonghi Dedica and rarely discounted. I'm just glad that it wasn't my money, as I could've got the Sage for less.

Great to look at and substantial.The handbook needs to be clearer and more precise.Cup warmer doesn’t heat up. Cups can vibrate off dispensing plate and coffee holder needs great strength to get it into position.Customer service leaves much to be desired. Too much emphasis on company systems and not on company service. Have returned machine with great regret.