Smeg espresso and cold brew coffee machine review I tested Smegs luxury cold brew espresso machine – it looks stunning in my office but the price put me off

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Smeg might be best known for its luxury fridges and sprawling range of high end cookers but it’s also embedded itself in the world of coffee machines – albeit on a much smaller scale.

Smeg’s espresso and cold brew machine is a simple affair with a retro design and small steam wand for milk-based drinks. It comes with a portafilter and a tamp but you’ll need to purchase a coffee grinder separately if you want to use whole beans.

The main difference between this model and its classic espresso maker is that this one comes with the addition of a cold brew function, which lets you pour ‘cold’ coffees in just a few minutes.

The addition of cold brew settings on automatic and pod machines has become very popular over the past couple of years and can even be seen on the likes of the budget friendly The GOLD Barista Absoluwhich I reviewed earlier in 2025.

The price tag is rather high for a manual espresso machine, in fact it’s closer to that of a bean-to-cup machinebut that’s to be expected given it is Smeg. The quality, style and design speaks for itself – but how good is the actual coffee? I found out.

Smeg espresso machine with cold brew

Our Verdict

Smeg’s manual espresso machine certainly looks the part but in terms of pure value for money – most of its £500 price tag is locked into the name and branding, rather than the features of this machine.

That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with that. The build quality is good and it’s easy to use. I also found it performed well in my tests, making good espresso and steamed milk, with the cold brew being a nice addition.

However, it’s hard to justify this price when the machine has so few other features. The Sage Bambinofor example, is far cheaper than the Smeg and has a better steam wand and a PID (digital temperature control). You could also pick up a De’Longhi Dedica for around £200 with very similar specs.

Of course, neither of these come with a cold brew setting but even compared to Smeg’s standard manual machine, the price difference is large.

Despite all this, if you want the Smeg design and name in your kitchen, then it might well be worth it to you. After all, style is as important as substance for a lot of us and the machine isn’t bad – you can just get better. And if you’re not sure what you want from a machine, be sure to read our guide on how to choose to choose coffee machine.

How we test

When it comes to testing coffee machines, we look at several factors including coffee quality, design, build quality, features and price.

Smeg’s manual espresso machine has a few features, but as a manual, it’s not quite as complex as the fully automatic machines we test.

This means my testing has more of a focus on how easy it is to use, how well it makes coffee and how well the steam wand performs. Alongside this I’m taking into consideration things like build quality and value for money.

To test this, I make several coffees – espresso and milk based drinks – in the machine and compare my results to similar models I’ve tested to get an overall picture of performance.

Smeg espresso coffee machine review

Design and features

Smeg has gone for a seriously retro design on this espresso machine. It’s very 1950s and you can get it in four different colours – black, cream, pastel blue and white. Some might argue this is no longer trendy in the kitchen but I quite like it.

The build quality is good, though a lot of the machine is plastic, rather than stainless steel. I think Smeg has used quality metal where it counts though. I think the build quality is a little better on Sage machines, but some of these will set you back more.

Feature-wise it’s fairly simple, it has 15 bar pressure and buttons for everything you need including the option to pour single or double espresso, longer espresso and activate the steam wand. The cold brew is also available in a single dose (100ml) or a double dose (160ml).

There’s a drip tray at the front and a 1.1L water tank at the back that’s easily accessible. It’s a fairly small machine, so would suit a wide range of kitchens, or if you’re looking for something to brighten up your at-home office.

Performance and espresso quality

If you’re looking for the absolute best quality espresso for the best price, the Smeg machine isn’t for you. If you want good espresso that’s perhaps a little more style than substance, with some cold brew thrown in for good measure, then it will definitely do the trick.

In my tests it performed perfectly well. I’m not a dab hand at making espresso with a manual machine myself but I managed to get semi-decent shots from it using some good quality beans and my coffee scales.

It took a few attempts and I think this machine does require a bit of warming up but after a few coffees I was happy with the result.

The milk frothing – or cappuccino system as Smeg calls it – makes good frothy milk for, you guessed it, cappuccinos. The result isn’t as professional as you might get from a Sage machine with a full wand but it’s good enough.

My main issue, apart from the price, is that the standard temperature setting for warm drinks is a bit low in my opinion, but you can change this via the settings menu (instructions definitely needed).

Value for money

It’s hard for me to say this machine is good value for money because you can spend the same amount on similar machines and get more features and a more consistent espresso.

I’d personally recommend getting the Sage Child instead if you’re not dead set on Smeg’s design. Though there’s no judgement here if you are – the way your kitchen or office looks is just as important as the way it functions.

How does it compare to similar products

In terms of performance, Smeg’s coffee machine can be most closely compared to the Delonghi Dedication. It’s essentially the same product in a different, cheaper shell. Of course, the Smeg has its unique design, so which one you choose is entirely based on personal preference and budget.

However, none of the machines I recommend here as cheaper alternatives have cold brew options. Indeed, it’s quite unusual for a manual espresso machine to have this, usually it’s found on more modern semi or fully automatic machines such as the Sage with Cold Extraction.

How does it rate online

Smeg’s espresso machine with cold brew is a relatively new machine, meaning there aren’t a huge number of reviews out there right now. Those that have bought it have given it mixed reviews online, with many people taking issue with the price. People do rate the coffee and of course, the design positively however.

Why trust us

Our team of reviews experts have years of experience in their respective fields. When it comes to coffee machines, Danielle knows her stuff.

She’s been reviewing them for several years and knows what separates the good from the bad. As well as being passionate about performance, she also loves machines that make an effort with their style and design.

FAQs

Why is the Smeg coffee maker so expensive?

Smeg’s products, including its coffee machines, are expensive because you’re paying for the brand name and unique Smeg design. The brand is family owned and has been producing its products in italy for many years. Smeg is well known for it’s design led products that offer style as well as substance.

Are SMEG coffee machines easy to clean?

Yes, Smeg coffee machines are very easy to clean. All machines have stainless steel parts that can be washed by hand, with some being dishwasher-safe. They also all have descaling features to ensure your machine stays fresh

What type of beans work best in a SMEG?

You should always use the best quality beans you can afford in your Smeg machine. A good machine can do a lot to make your coffee good but if you buy cheap beans, then your espresso won’t be the best it can be,