Breville Barista Express BES875 vs Smeg ECF01 Espresso Coffee Machine (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Breville Barista Express BES875

9.6/10 Outstanding

4.6★ (9,200 owners)

The machine that changed home espresso. A proper grinder, PID temperature control, and a manual steam wand — commercial quality at home.

Full Review

Smeg ECF01 Espresso Coffee Machine

8.6/10 Great

4.3★ (3,800 owners)

15 bar, manual steam, 1L tank, retro design, 7 colours. The kitchen statement espresso machine.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Breville Barista Express BES875	Smeg ECF01 Espresso Coffee Machine
247Verdict Score	9.6/10	8.6/10
Owner Rating	4.6★ (9,200)	4.3★ (3,800)
Verdict	Outstanding	Great
Pressure	15 bar	15 bar

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the Breville Barista Express BES875 edges ahead with a 9.6/10 vs 8.6/10. The machine that changed home espresso. A proper grinder, PID temperature control, and a manual steam wand — commercial quality at home. That said, the Smeg ECF01 Espresso Coffee Machine is worth considering if 15 bar, manual steam, 1L tank, retro design, 7 colours. The kitchen statement espresso machine. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Breville Barista Express BES875

Integrated conical burr grinder with dose control
PID temperature control — precise and consistent
Manual steam wand — unlimited control over milk texture
Pre-infusion function produces better crema
Premium stainless steel build quality

Significant learning curve — takes 2–4 weeks to consistently pull great shots
Grinder, portafilter, and machine all require regular cleaning
Expensive upfront

Smeg ECF01 Espresso Coffee Machine

Iconic 1950s retro Italian design available in 7 colours to match Smeg kitchen appliance sets
15-bar pressure delivers genuine espresso quality comparable to Sage alternatives
Manual steam wand allows milk frothing technique development
1L water tank on the worktop — easy to see water level and refill
Smeg's design heritage — the most aesthetically considered espresso machine available

Premium design pricing — specification doesn't match Sage Barista Express at similar cost
No built-in grinder — requires separate grinder purchase for bean-to-cup
Manual steam wand requires practice — no automatic frothing

FAQ

Which is better, Breville Barista Express BES875 or Smeg ECF01 Espresso?

Is the Breville Barista Express BES875 worth the extra cost?

Yes — Breville Barista Express BES875 scores higher at 9.6/10 vs 8.6/10.

Who is the Breville Barista Express BES875 best suited to?

The machine that changed home espresso. A proper grinder, PID temperature control, and a manual steam wand — commercial quality at home.

Who is the Smeg ECF01 Espresso best suited to?

15 bar, manual steam, 1L tank, retro design, 7 colours. The kitchen statement espresso machine.

What are the main downsides of each?

Breville Barista Express BES875: Significant learning curve — takes 2–4 weeks to consistently pull great shots; Grinder, portafilter, and machine all require regular cleaning. Smeg ECF01 Espresso Coffee Machine: Premium design pricing — specification doesn't match Sage Barista Express at similar cost; No built-in grinder — requires separate grinder purchase for bean-to-cup.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Breville Barista Express BES875 sits at 4.6★ from 9,200 verified Amazon owners, and Smeg ECF01 Espresso Coffee Machine at 4.3★ from 3,800.

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