Chemex Classic 6-Cup Pour-Over Coffee Maker 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.

Chemex Classic 6-Cup Pour-Over Coffee Maker

9.0/10 Excellent

4.7★ (12,400 owners)

Borosilicate glass, thick bonded filters, MoMA-displayed design, clean cup, 6-cup. The design pour-over.

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

	Chemex Classic 6-Cup Pour-Over Coffee Maker	Smeg ECF01 Espresso Coffee Machine
247Verdict Score	9.0/10	8.6/10
Owner Rating	4.7★ (12,400)	4.3★ (3,800)
Verdict	Excellent	Great
Design	MoMA collection	1950s Italian retro

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the Chemex Classic 6-Cup Pour-Over Coffee Maker edges ahead with a 9.0/10 vs 8.6/10. Borosilicate glass, thick bonded filters, MoMA-displayed design, clean cup, 6-cup. The design pour-over. 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

Chemex Classic 6-Cup Pour-Over Coffee Maker

Thick bonded paper filters remove the most sediment and oils for the cleanest, brightest cup
Iconic hourglass design displayed in the Museum of Modern Art's permanent collection
Borosilicate glass imparts no flavour and pours elegantly
Brews up to 6 cups — more than single-cup pour-over drippers
Doubles as a serving carafe — beautiful enough for the table

Chemex-specific thick filters cost more than standard paper filters
Clean cup means less body than metal-filtered or immersion methods
Glass requires careful handling

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, Chemex Classic 6-Cup or Smeg ECF01 Espresso?

Is the Chemex Classic 6-Cup worth the extra cost?

Yes — Chemex Classic 6-Cup Pour-Over Coffee Maker scores higher at 9.0/10 vs 8.6/10.

Who is the Chemex Classic 6-Cup best suited to?

Borosilicate glass, thick bonded filters, MoMA-displayed design, clean cup, 6-cup. The design pour-over.

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?

Chemex Classic 6-Cup Pour-Over Coffee Maker: Chemex-specific thick filters cost more than standard paper filters; Clean cup means less body than metal-filtered or immersion methods. 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 — Chemex Classic 6-Cup Pour-Over Coffee Maker sits at 4.7★ from 12,400 verified Amazon owners, and Smeg ECF01 Espresso Coffee Machine at 4.3★ from 3,800.

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