Smeg Coffee Maker - Does Style Match Taste
Smeg is a distinguished brand of electronic devices recognized for its retro style design. They proffer an array of household appliances, including fridges, dishwashers, and ovens. Still, the stylish small devices that add a beautiful touch to any kitchen, such as kettles, toasters, and blenders, are most beloved by fans of the brand.
They have recently expanded their offerings to include coffee makers, drip coffee makers, and entry-level espresso machines. Although they value good design, true coffee lovers prioritize taste above all. The question is, does it meet their exacting standards?
If you're considering investing in a Smeg coffee maker but unsure if it'll produce the perfect caffeine hit, they've got you covered. The comprehensive review will cover all aspects of this stylish machine, including its performance, functionality, and the taste of its brew. Discover what you loved and what you didn't, and make an informed decision on whether this coffee maker is right for you.
ABOUT SMEG
Smeg, an Italian domestic appliance manufacturer established by the Bertazzoni family in 1948, is renowned for its high-end products. The brand offers a diverse range of appliances, from fridges and dishwashers to washing machines and ovens, as well as smaller devices such as toasters and kettles. They have recently ventured into coffee machines, expanding their impressive selection.
The brand is celebrated for its signature style, resulting from collaboration between architects and designers and cutting-edge appliance technology. While Italians are renowned for their appreciation for style, they are equally known for their love of coffee.
Review of the SMEG Drip Coffee Maker
Although the Smeg machines only offer basic coffee-making functionality, their price is not at the entry level. By exploring its performance and limitations, let's dive into if investing in a Smeg drip coffee machine is worth it.
FUNCTIONALITY
The Smeg coffee machine boasts basic yet satisfying functionality. When brewing your coffee, this machine allows you to choose the "aroma intensity." Depending on how rough your morning is, you can choose a "standard" brew or an "intense" one.
The Smeg is user-friendly and boasts an LED display that provides essential information on water levels and quality. It even has a digital clock! While its 1.4-liter capacity water tank may not be the biggest on the market, they don't necessarily see that as a disadvantage. Instead, they prefer to brew another fresh batch of coffee rather than settle for a stale pot sitting around for hours.
DESIGN
This coffee machine's standout feature is its stunning design. The retro style and pastel colors make it a striking centerpiece in any kitchen, with four color options: cream, mint green, light blue, and black. You can pair it with other Smeg appliances like kettles or toasters to create a cohesive look.
The machine isn't just a pretty face. It's built to last with high-quality materials and is slightly larger than expected. Due to its unique shape, it requires ample kitchen space. If you're unsure if it will fit, measuring your space before making the purchase is a good idea.
TASTE
Let's uncover what true coffee enthusiasts want to know: how does the coffee taste? For them, and likely for you too, a coffee maker's appearance is irrelevant if it produces subpar coffee.
The coffee relies heavily on the quality of beans used, so it's vital to put effort into sourcing the best beans and grinding them fresh with the correct grind. When you've mastered these basics, the caffeine hit made by the Smeg coffee maker is consistently smooth and delicious.
FEATURES AND DETAILS
One of the best features is the automatic turn-on function, allowing you to brew at a specific time. It means you can have a freshly-brewed cup waiting for you as soon as you wake up.
Certain details can be quite inconvenient, such as the loud beeping sounds during turn on and turn off, as well as a water reservoir that's hard to open.
While some people may be unhappy with the keep-warm function of the Smeg coffee maker, which only keeps the coffee hot for 20 minutes before shutting off, it's a clever feature. This function prevents the coffee from burning and tasting bitter, ensuring a fresh and delicious cup every time. Plus, with the easy operation of the coffee maker, making a fresh batch is a breeze.
MAINTENANCE
The Smeg drip coffee maker demands some maintenance, often requiring small adjustments and frequent descaling, which are helpfully signaled by the LED display.
The maker is quite sensitive to the water quality and will notify you if the water is too hard for brewing. Unfortunately, it also requires descaling more frequently than you prefer, which can be bothersome in the long run. All of these factors can be a tad annoying.
THE DCF02 UPGRADE
If you're perplexed by the slight discrepancies in specifications between various reviews and websites, it's because there are two versions of this coffee machine. The Smeg, while creating the new upgraded model - DCF02- has considered the issues its customers raised. The upgraded version has extended the "keep warm" function to maintain your coffee hot for 60 minutes instead of the original 20.
The upgraded version includes several new features aimed at enhancing user experience. One such feature is toggling sound on and off, a highly requested addition for customers who found the operation beeping too loud. Additionally, the new version boasts a lid that is much easier to open, along with the convenience of selecting between 24 or 12-hour clocks.
SMEG COFFEE MACHINE MIGHT NOT BE FOR YOU IF
YOU'RE LOOKING FOR MORE ADVANCED FUNCTIONS AND CUSTOMIZABILITY
Although the Smeg coffee machine performs basic tasks adequately, it lacks the advanced functionality to customize your brew. The top drip coffee makers available today offer features such as water filtration, bean grinding, coffee bloom generation, and water temperature control, ensuring a superior-tasting cup of coffee.
The Breville Precision Brewer is a great coffee maker with various brewing options. It features temperature presets, including the "Gold" setting, which uses the water temperature and brew time recommended by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). Along with these presets, there are options for Fast, Strong, Iced, and Cold Brew, allowing you to brew your coffee exactly how you like it.
YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A BUDGET-FRIENDLY COFFEE MACHINE
While the Smeg coffee makers feature a chic retro design with a higher price tag, they are an ideal choice for those who prioritize aesthetics. However, for those not so concerned with style, many drip coffee makers in the market offer similar functionality at a more affordable price point.
The KitchenAid Coffee Maker, for instance, is nearly half the price and boasts advanced features like roast selection for ultimate versatility and pre-infusion blooming for a richer, fuller flavor.
Preferences:
· Automatic turn on
· Automatic shut off
· Easy operation
· Makes smooth and consistently tasty coffee
· Keep warm function
· Amazing retro design that will stand out in any kitchen
Dislikes:
· Few extra functions to enhance your brew
· Demands frequent descaling and maintenance
· Small pot size
· Takes up a lot of space
IS THE STYLISH SMEG WORTH THE MONEY
Undoubtedly, the Smeg machine is a perfect match for those who prioritize design and are seeking an exquisite addition to their household. However, it is imperative to scrutinize its functionality and the quality of the coffee it produces.
The drip coffee maker satisfies the palate and delivers a continuously delicious and smooth brew. It's simple operation, flavor intensity options, and keep-warm function make it an excellent choice.
The Smeg machine will suffice if you're content with simple drip coffee. But this machine may not be enough if you're seeking advanced functionality like water filtering, brew temperature customization, or pre-brewing options. It's wise to consider your preferences before making a final decision.
Frequently asked questions
Is Smeg Coffee easy to use and maintain?
Yes, the Smeg coffee machine is relatively straightforward to use and maintain. It features an easy-to-follow user manual that you can refer to for basic instructions on operating the machine safely and properly. Additionally, it requires descaling once every two months for smooth operations and optimal taste.
How much space does Smeg Coffee take up?
Unfortunately, the Smeg coffee machine is bulky, so it takes up a lot of countertop space. It measures approximately 17 inches (43 cm) in height, 9.8 inches (25cm) in width, and 16.5 inches (42cm) in depth, making it one of the larger coffee machines available on the market.
Does Smeg Coffee have a timer?
The Smeg coffee machine has an automatic shut-off timer to preserve energy. You can set it to turn off after 1 hour, 2 hours, or 4 hours. It also features a keep-warm function that will hold your coffee at the optimal temperature for up to 3 hours.
Does Smeg Coffee have a reusable filter?
The Smeg coffee machine has a permanent, stainless steel mesh filter to reuse. It is recommended to clean the filter after each use with hot water and mild soap. The filter should be changed every few months or when it shows wear and tear.
Are there any accessories available for Smeg Coffee?
Several optional accessories can be purchased separately for the Smeg coffee machine. These include milk frothers, espresso baskets and portafilters, tamper tools, steam wands, and Knock Boxes.
Does Smeg Coffee have any warranty?
Yes, the Smeg coffee machine has a two-year limited warranty covering material defects and workmanship. However, it does not cover any accidental damage or misuse of the product.
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