Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine vs Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter 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 Touch Espresso Machine

9.1/10 Excellent

4.5★ (8,400 owners)

Built-in grinder, steam wand, colour touchscreen, 30 guided recipes, auto-purge. Guided barista learning.

Full Review

Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine

8.9/10 Great

4.5★ (6,800 owners)

1.4L carafe, 10-cup, anti-drip, aroma function, retro design, 8 colours. Design-led filter coffee.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine	Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine
247Verdict Score	9.1/10	8.9/10
Owner Rating	4.5★ (8,400)	4.5★ (6,800)
Verdict	Excellent	Great

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine edges ahead with a 9.1/10 vs 8.9/10. Built-in grinder, steam wand, colour touchscreen, 30 guided recipes, auto-purge. Guided barista learning. That said, the Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine is worth considering if 1.4L carafe, 10-cup, anti-drip, aroma function, retro design, 8 colours. Design-led filter coffee. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine

Colour touchscreen displays step-by-step guidance for every recipe — genuine learning resource
Integrated conical burr grinder with 30 grind settings eliminates separate grinder purchase
Auto-purge function cleans group head after each shot automatically
30 built-in recipes guide through espresso, flat white, latte and more with video tips
Sage (UK)/Breville (US) engineering pedigree — same manufacturer as Sage Barista Express

£700+ for a semi-automatic with guided screen — Sage Barista Express delivers equivalent extraction without the touchscreen at lower cost
Touchscreen durability concerns in steamy kitchen environments over years
Video guidance is useful initially but rarely referenced by experienced users

Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine

Matching 1950s retro design pairs with Smeg kettle, toaster and espresso machine for coordinated kitchen
1.4L carafe serves 10 cups — ideal for households or entertaining
Anti-drip function allows removing carafe mid-brew without spillage
Aroma function blooms the coffee before brewing for better extraction
8 colours match the full Smeg kitchen appliance range

£130 for a filter coffee machine — Moccamaster is the quality upgrade for serious drinkers
No temperature control — brews at a single temperature across all settings
Design premium over functional alternatives at lower cost

FAQ

Which is better, Breville Barista Touch or Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter?

Is the Breville Barista Touch worth the extra cost?

Yes — Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine scores higher at 9.1/10 vs 8.9/10.

Who is the Breville Barista Touch best suited to?

Built-in grinder, steam wand, colour touchscreen, 30 guided recipes, auto-purge. Guided barista learning.

Who is the Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter best suited to?

1.4L carafe, 10-cup, anti-drip, aroma function, retro design, 8 colours. Design-led filter coffee.

What are the main downsides of each?

Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine: £700+ for a semi-automatic with guided screen — Sage Barista Express delivers equivalent extraction without the touchscreen at lower cost; Touchscreen durability concerns in steamy kitchen environments over years. Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine: £130 for a filter coffee machine — Moccamaster is the quality upgrade for serious drinkers; No temperature control — brews at a single temperature across all settings.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine sits at 4.5★ from 8,400 verified Amazon owners, and Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine at 4.5★ from 6,800.

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