De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685 Espresso Machine vs Smeg ECF01 Espresso Coffee Machine (2026)
Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.
De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685 Espresso Machine
15 bar, thermoblock, manual steam wand, 6cm wide, 3 filter baskets. Slimmest espresso machine.
Full Review
Smeg ECF01 Espresso Coffee Machine
15 bar, manual steam, 1L tank, retro design, 7 colours. The kitchen statement espresso machine.
Full ReviewAt a Glance
| De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685 Espresso Machine | Smeg ECF01 Espresso Coffee Machine | |
|---|---|---|
| 247Verdict Score | 8.8/10 | 8.6/10 |
| Owner Rating | 4.4★ (18,400) | 4.3★ (3,800) |
| Verdict | Great | Great |
| Pressure | 15 bar | 15 bar |
| Steam | Pannarello wand | Manual wand |
| Tank | 1.1L | 1L |
Quick Verdict
Both are strong choices, but the De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685 Espresso Machine edges ahead with a 8.8/10 vs 8.6/10. 15 bar, thermoblock, manual steam wand, 6cm wide, 3 filter baskets. Slimmest espresso machine. 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
De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685 Espresso Machine
- Only 6cm wide — fits in kitchens where no other semi-automatic machine would
- 15-bar thermoblock heats up in 35 seconds — near-instant readiness
- Manual Pannarello steam wand creates creamy froth with simple technique
- Three basket sizes cover 1-shot, 2-shot and ESE pods
- De'Longhi's 35-year espresso heritage in their most space-efficient design
- Single boiler means waiting between espresso extraction and steaming
- 6cm width means smaller water tank (1.1L) — daily refilling for heavy users
- Pannarello steam wand produces more airy foam than traditional wands — less suited for latte art
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, De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685 or Smeg ECF01 Espresso?
Both are strong choices, but the De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685 Espresso Machine edges ahead with a 8.8/10 vs 8.6/10. 15 bar, thermoblock, manual steam wand, 6cm wide, 3 filter baskets. Slimmest espresso machine. 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.
Is the De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685 worth the extra cost?
Yes — De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685 Espresso Machine scores higher at 8.8/10 vs 8.6/10.
Who is the De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685 best suited to?
15 bar, thermoblock, manual steam wand, 6cm wide, 3 filter baskets. Slimmest espresso machine.
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?
De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685 Espresso Machine: Single boiler means waiting between espresso extraction and steaming; 6cm width means smaller water tank (1.1L) — daily refilling for heavy users. 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 — De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685 Espresso Machine sits at 4.4★ from 18,400 verified Amazon owners, and Smeg ECF01 Espresso Coffee Machine at 4.3★ from 3,800.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Popular in Coffee Machines
Also Worth Considering
Vitamix 5200 Professional Blender
The benchmark professional blender. 2+ HP motor, aircraft-grade stainless blades, and a 7-year warranty. The last blender you’ll ever buy.
Read Full Review →
Breville Barista Express BES875
The machine that changed home espresso. A proper grinder, PID temperature control, and a manual steam wand — commercial quality at home.
Read Full Review →
La Marzocco Linea Mini Espresso Machine
Commercial dual boiler, E61 group head, PID, commercial steam wand. The professional machine at home.
Read Full Review →