- The Smeg ECF03 espresso machine is on sale in the US for $840
- It brews hot and cold espresso in just three minutes
- It has launched alongside a matching multi-purpose coffee grinder
Smeg has just launched a new compact coffee maker that can brew hot and cold espresso in just three minutes. The Smeg ECF03 was previously only available in Europe, but is now on sale in the US for $840.
The new machine has a retro-inspired design with smooth curved lines, a gloss finish, and stainless steel accents, but it doesn’t just look great on your kitchen counter — it brews excellent coffee as well. I tested the Smeg ECF03 when it launched in the UK in October, and awarded it a full five stars thanks to its winning combination of style and performance.
It heats quickly and sustains steady temperature and pressure to ensure you get exactly the same results each time. During my tests, I particularly liked the front pressure gauge, which helps you see whether you’ve achieved a good extraction before you even taste your drink. The machine and its accessories feel solidly-made as well, and features like a drawer for accessories hidden behind the drip tray and a useful cup-warmer, add to the appeal.
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I noted that the ECF03 “brews consistently great hot and cold espresso”, with the cold-brew mode being particularly useful as a foundation for iced lattes and cocktails. According to Smeg, the machine can prepare cold-brew in three minutes, but during my tests, I found it was closer to two.
“Overall, the ECF03 is an absolute pleasure to use, and during my testing, I found it difficult to fault,” I concluded.
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That’s not all — Smeg has also unveiled a new coffee grinder to go alongside the ECF03, with stainless steel conical burrs and 15 grind settings so you can achieve precisely the right grind size for your preferred coffee beans.
The Smeg Multipurpose Coffee Grinder (on sale now for $300) lets you grind a preset dose, or control the dosage manually if you prefer. Its hopper holds up to 8.8oz of fresh beans, and locks closed so you can safely remove it while it’s full. The grinder also has an anti-static system to prevent the all-too-common problem where coffee clings to the grinder, resulting in a mess and waste.
It’s available in all the same colors as the ECF03 espresso machine: black, white, pastel green, cream, and pastel blue.
The two new launches come just a few days after Smeg announced that its compact Mini Milk Frother is now available in matt black and white, giving you even more options when styling your coffee nook.
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catherine.ellis@futurenet.com (Cat Ellis)
