Smeg has unveiled its latest innovation, the ECF03 espresso machine, which offers the ability to brew both hot and cold coffee. This new addition to Smeg’s lineup is designed to cater to a variety of coffee preferences, allowing users to enjoy a smooth cold-extracted shot of espresso in just two minutes.
The ECF03 stands out with its distinctive 1960s-inspired design, available in six appealing colors including classic red, white, black, and pastel options like cream and pale blue. These color choices align with current kitchen trends that favor soft, gelato-inspired hues. The trend was notably influenced by KitchenAid’s announcement of creamy Buttermilk as its official shade for 2025, and it has gained traction across various brands including Nespresso and Breville.
Designed to be user-friendly, the ECF03 features pressurized filters that accommodate less-than-perfect coffee grounds, enabling beginners to achieve a well-extracted shot with a rich crema. For more experienced baristas, single-walled filters are included, allowing for greater control over the brewing process, provided they have a high-quality grinder.
The machine offers three temperature settings to suit different roast types. A cooler setting is ideal for lighter roasts, while a higher temperature enhances the flavors of darker, richer coffees.
When users select the cold-brew option, the ECF03 bypasses its Thermoblock heating system. This method extracts espresso using ambient-temperature water straight from the tank. The process takes longer than traditional methods—two minutes for a single shot and four minutes for a double—but is significantly quicker than the conventional cold-brew method that requires steeping ground coffee in cold water overnight.
According to Smeg, the flavor profile produced by the ECF03 mimics that of traditional cold brew, resulting in a mellower taste with reduced acidity compared to hot water extraction.
The Smeg ECF03 is currently available for purchase at a price of £499.95 (approximately $670 or AU$1,020) through Smeg’s official channels and third-party retailers. Although this price point positions it at the higher end of the market for espresso machines, consumers can expect both aesthetic appeal and robust build quality.
As coffee enthusiasts eagerly anticipate reviews comparing the ECF03 to other leading coffee makers, the machine represents a noteworthy advancement in home brewing technology, appealing to a broad range of coffee drinkers.
