Smeg Retro Style Drip Coffee Machine Review

Are you tired of the same old boring coffee makers? Do you want a machine that not only brews a great cup of coffee but also adds a touch of style to your kitchen countertop? So I brought the Smeg Retro Style Drip Coffee Machine to test it for my readers. 

With its sleek and retro design, this machine is sure to turn heads. In this review, we’ll take a closer look about what makes this machine stand out, from its eye-catching design to its user-friendly functions. 

I hope this information will help you decide if this Drip Coffee Machine is the right fit for you.

A Short Overview

The Smeg Retro Style Drip Coffee Machine is a great choice if you love a blend of style and functionality. One of its standout features is its retro-inspired design, which is instantly recognizable and adds a touch of charm to any kitchen. This machine comes in various colors, so you can choose the one that best matches your kitchen decor.

It’s designed to brew large quantities of coffee in one go. This makes it perfect for households with multiple coffee drinkers or when you have guests over. After brewing, the machine has a hot plate that keeps your coffee warm for up to 40 minutes. So, if you're not ready to drink it right away, your coffee will still be nice and hot when you are.

Another handy feature is the timer function. You can set it up the night before with ground coffee and water, and then choose the time you want it to start brewing. Whether you prefer a delicate aroma or something more intense, this machine lets you choose what suits your taste.

The Smeg Drip Coffee Machine doesn't just make great coffee; it keeps it warm for up to 40 minutes, ensuring you can enjoy it at your own pace. Plus, its stylish design makes it a standout appliance that adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen. It's no surprise that it ranks among the best coffee makers out there.

Overall Look and Design

One of the first things that caught my attention about the Smeg Retro Style Drip Coffee Machine was its unique design. It's clear that the brand has made a conscious effort to blend a retro aesthetic with modern conveniences, resulting in a coffee maker that's both stylish and functional. In terms of color options, UK buyers are spoiled for choice with eight different hues to choose from, while those in the US have seven options to consider. Meanwhile, our friends in Australia have a slightly more limited range of color choices.

But aside from its distinctive looks, the other thing that really stood out to me was the sheer size of this coffee maker like Keurig k-Slim Single Serve Coffee Maker. Measuring in at 10 inches height, 14.25 inches width, and 9.6 inches depth it's a substantial appliance that's not going to fit neatly into small spaces. In fact, when I tried to place it on my kitchen counter, I realized that it was too tall to slide under my wall cabinets. So, if you're planning to buy this coffee maker, make sure you've got plenty of clearance space available.

When it comes to using the Smeg Retro Style Drip Coffee maker, one of the key features that makes it easy to operate is the lid that forms the top of the appliance. By lifting this lid, you can access the water reservoir, which is where you'll add fresh water to brew your coffee. You'll also use this space to position the filter basket and reusable filter, as well as add your ground coffee. It's a clever design that makes the entire process feel intuitive and straightforward.

Capacity

One of the key features of the Smeg Retro Style Drip Coffee Machine is its water reservoir, which has a generous capacity of 47 fluid ounces or 1.4 liters. According to Smeg, this is enough to brew 10 cups of coffee, but I have to say that I found their definition of a cup to be a bit on the small side. In reality, you'll probably get around five standard-sized mugs of coffee from a full brew, which is still a decent amount, but not quite as much as the manufacturer claims.

The carafe, which is where the freshly brewed coffee ends up, also has a capacity of 10 cups, which is great. What I really like about it is that it's made of glass, which is a nice touch. So many drip filter machines come with plastic carafes, which can sometimes impart a funny taste to the coffee. Glass is a much better material, and it's a sign that Smeg has put some thought into the design of this machine.

Now, when it comes to filling the water reservoir, I have to admit that it can be a bit of a challenge. The opening is quite small, which means you'll need to have a steady hand as you're pouring water in. It's not a huge deal, but it's definitely something to be aware of, especially if you're not exactly awake and alert in the morning.

On the other hand, I really love the stylish water level indicator on the side of the machine. It's a clever design feature that makes it easy to fill the water tank to the right level. The indicator features attractive icons that show you exactly how much water you need to add, from a minimum of two cups to a maximum of 10 cups. It's a small thing, but it's a nice touch that shows Smeg has put some thought into the user experience.

Control Panel 

The control panel on the Smeg Retro Style Drip Coffee Machine is designed to be simple and user-friendly. It consists of an LED digital display and four buttons, making it easy to understand and operate. In addition to these buttons, there’s a lever located on the side of the machine. This lever allows you to set the time and adjust the water hardness settings, which is a nice touch for customizing your coffee experience.

When I first tried using the machine, I decided to test how intuitive it was by not looking at the user manual at all. I wanted to see if I could figure everything out just by using the control panel itself. The Smeg coffee maker’s control panel is incredibly straightforward and easy to navigate. Even without any prior knowledge or instructions, I found it simple to set up and start using.

This level of user-friendliness is a big plus, especially for those who prefer appliances that don’t require a lot of time to figure out. The design of the control panel makes it easy for anyone to use the machine, regardless of their familiarity with coffee makers. Whether you're adjusting the time or setting the water hardness, the controls are clear and responsive, which adds to the overall ease of use.

Program Function 

I had the chance to test out the program timer feature on the Smeg Retro Style Drip Coffee Machine, and it was a great experience. The process was simple and straightforward. I set a specific time for the machine to start brewing my coffee. Once I programmed the time, all I had to do was wait and see if the machine would start brewing at the exact moment I had set.

As I watched the clock, I was impressed to see that, right on cue, the Smeg coffee machine began brewing my coffee at the precise time I had programmed. It was a satisfying moment to see how accurately the timer worked like BUNN BX speed brew. This feature is truly brilliant, especially for those who want their coffee ready and waiting in the morning.

One thing I noticed during the brewing process was that the machine operated with a fairly low noise level. While it wasn’t completely silent, the noise was minimal enough that it wouldn’t disturb a quiet morning routine. If you’re someone who enjoys waking up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee, this machine’s timer function would be a great way to start your day.

Aroma Setting

Another feature that really caught my attention on the Smeg Retro Style Drip Coffee Machine was the aroma setting. I was curious to see how it would affect the flavor of my coffee, and I have to admit that I was a bit excited to try it out. The aroma button is a nice touch, and I was hoping that it would make a big difference in the taste of my coffee.

So, I decided to test it. I brewed two cups of coffee, one with the normal setting and one with the intense aroma setting, which is indicated by a picture of two coffee beans. When I compared the two, I have to say that the intense aroma setting did make a bit of a difference. The coffee tasted slightly stronger, richer, and deeper, but it wasn't a dramatic difference. I was using a dark roast coffee, which might have made it harder to notice a big difference in flavor. If you want make different types of coffees, you should try Ninja CFN601 or Ninja CM371.

Despite that, I think the aroma setting is a great feature to have. It's nice to have the option to customize the flavor of your coffee, even if it's just a subtle difference. And overall, the taste of the coffee was really good. It's not fair to compare it to an espresso machine, French press, or pod coffee maker, because those types of coffee makers produce a much richer and more intense flavor. But for a filter coffee maker, the Smeg Retro Style Drip Coffee Machine produces a very clean and soft cup of coffee that's not acidic at all.

If you want coffee that tastes like it’s from a café, you might want to look at other types of coffee makers. But if you're after a good, solid cup of filter coffee, the Smeg Retro Style Drip Coffee Machine is definitely a good choice. It's easy to use, looks great on your countertop, and produces a tasty cup of coffee.

How to Clean It

The cleaning process for this drip coffee machine is straightforward and doesn’t require much effort, which is great news for anyone who values convenience. After brewing your coffee, the first step is to take out the reusable filter. This filter holds the used coffee grounds, which you can easily empty out. These coffee grounds can be disposed of in your food waste bin, or, if you’re into gardening, they can actually make excellent compost. Coffee grounds are rich in nutrients and can help enrich your soil, so they’re worth saving if you have a garden.

Once the coffee grounds are out, you can move on to cleaning the filter. This is as simple as washing it in warm, soapy water. The same goes for the jug and the lid, which are also easy to clean with just a bit of soap and water. These parts are all designed to be cleaned quickly and easily, which makes the whole process feel less like a chore.

However, there is one thing to look at while cleaning. When you lift the inside filter to clean it, you might find that some coffee spills onto your countertop. This happened to me, and it’s something that could easily happen to others as well. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to make sure the filter is completely empty before you start moving it away from the jug. Taking a moment to check can save you from having to clean up a small mess.

If you need an easy to clean coffee machine, so I recommend to check Teglu espresso machine.

Noise Level

Apparently, the company received a lot of complaints from customers about how loud their previous coffee maker models were. We're not talking about the gentle gurgling sounds that we've all come to associate with coffee makers, either. No, these machines were beeping and screeching like an angry robot, driving many customers to the brink of madness.

But the good news is that Smeg listened to their customers' feedback and took action. The new retro coffee maker now features a sound control function that allows you to silence the beeping, which is a huge relief. Let's be honest, silence really is golden, especially when you're trying to enjoy a peaceful morning cup of coffee.

When I put the machine to the test, I decided to start with the four-cup setting, which brews the perfect amount of coffee for four people. All I had to do was push the button, and the machine sprang into action. I heard a small beeping sound, followed by some gentle whirring and fizzing noises as the coffee began to brew. But the best part was that the noise level never got louder than 46 decibels, which is actually quieter than some other coffee makers on the market, like the KOTLIE 4 in 1 Espresso Coffee Machine.

It's clear that Smeg has made a conscious effort to design a coffee maker that's not only stylish and functional, but also respectful of your morning calm. And honestly, there’s nothing worse than a noisy coffee maker disrupting the calm of your morning. So, if you're looking for a coffee maker that's both quiet and efficient, the Smeg Retro Style Drip Coffee Machine is definitely worth considering.

What People Like In This Coffee Machine?

The Smeg Retro Style Drip Coffee Machine has generally received positive reviews across various platforms. Many people praised the timer setting and the large capacity, which made it a popular choice for families and larger households. These features allowed them to make enough coffee for everyone in one go, without the need for multiple brewing sessions.

The machine's quick setup and easy-to-use functions were also highlighted as major positives. Users found it very user-friendly, catering to a wide range of people, from those new to coffee makers to those more experienced. The simplicity of operation meant that anyone could get the machine up and running without any hassle.

Another aspect that people loved was the design. The stylish appearance of the Smeg Drip Filter Coffee Machine, coupled with the range of available colors, was a big hit, especially among home designers. They appreciated how the machine could serve as a functional yet beautiful addition to their kitchen. The ability to choose a color that matched their decor was an added bonus, making it not just a coffee maker but a part of the home’s aesthetic.

However, the machine wasn't without its drawbacks. One of the main issues people encountered was its size. Some users found it challenging to fit the machine under their kitchen cabinets due to its height. This made it less suitable for compact kitchens or spaces with low-hanging cabinets.

Another common complaint was related to the descale sensor. A number of users found this feature to be overly sensitive, with the sensor alerting them to descale the machine more frequently than necessary. This was frustrating for those who felt the alerts were premature and not always accurate.

There were also a few reports of the coffee maker dripping slightly when the carafe was removed. Some users suggested that this might be due to the ‘pause’ or ‘stop’ function not working as effectively as it should. They noted that the machine didn’t always stop dripping immediately when the carafe was removed, leading to some mess on the countertop. This is an area where Smeg could consider making improvements in future models.

Final Verdict

I'm really impressed with the Smeg Retro Style Drip Coffee Machine. It's a stylish and reliable coffee maker that's easy to use and produces a great cup of coffee. The retro design is a nice touch, and the machine's build quality is top-notch. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some other coffee makers, it's a great choice for anyone looking for a simple and effective way to brew their morning coffee. Plus, the program function and aroma setting are nice features that add to the machine's convenience and customization options. If you're in the market for a new drip coffee maker, the Smeg Drip Coffee Machine is definitely worth considering.