SMEG Espresso Coffee Machine Discussions | Drop

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SMEG Espresso Coffee Machine

FULL DISCUSSION

CanaryBurgundy

104

Jun 30, 2019

Ok I’ll bite. Why is it called smeg

Jun 30, 2019

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mvsantorini

Jun 30, 2019

CanaryBurgundyIt's a typical Italian company name based on the initials for: "Smalterie Metallurgiche Emiliane Guastalla" You'd think that they'd have foreseen (in 1948) the product image issues that 'Red Dwarf' would have caused for them someday day in the future... But the name's not the real issue with the SMEG - if you're willing to accept the quality compromises of a thermoblock, small portafilter, auto-frothing machine, exactly tge same mechanical components and electronic controls are available in a more traditional metal case in the Delonghi EC680 series for roughly $200. Yeah, I'm cheap & don't like paying for 'style' - but the SMEG is in the pricing here....

Jun 30, 2019

CanaryBurgundy

104

Jun 30, 2019

mvsantoriniFuckin Italians man

Jun 30, 2019

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211bma

Jun 30, 2019

mvsantoriniI couldn't agree more with all of your points, and more, this is not a machine that could make a palatable (at least for my palate) espresso. I have never had an espresso from a machine with a pressurized portafilter that was very good even with excellent beans results are mediocre at best. Of course I am admittedly a coffee snob!

Jun 30, 2019

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mvsantorini

Jun 30, 2019

211bma: "Of course I am admittedly a coffee snob!..." Well, yeah - but, when the cost of 'next-level' performance is $350-500, this class of machine makes sense, but not this machine. For roughly $100 more than the SMEG's drop price, the Gaggia Classic Pro gives you a boiler, solenoid valve, full-size 58mm portafilter, and a usable steam wand - right up there with the big dogs. The 'baby' Gaggia can make very drinkable coffee - you'll eventually outgrow it, but it's a pretty effective 'gateway drug' to the full espresso experience - and isn't it our duty to breed more snobs?

(Edited)

Jun 30, 2019