illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule 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.

illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine

8.8/10 Great

4.4★ (4,800 owners)

19 bar, illy iPerEspresso capsules, Italian design, 1L tank, Michelin-starred coffee brand.

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

	illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine	Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine
247Verdict Score	8.8/10	8.9/10
Owner Rating	4.4★ (4,800)	4.5★ (6,800)
Verdict	Great	Great
Design	Italian	1950s retro

Quick Verdict

This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine: 19 bar, illy iPerEspresso capsules, Italian design, 1L tank, Michelin-starred coffee brand. Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine: 1.4L carafe, 10-cup, anti-drip, aroma function, retro design, 8 colours. Design-led filter coffee. Choose based on your specific needs. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine

illy is the coffee brand of Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide — the quality benchmark
iPerEspresso two-stage capsule extraction produces espresso with genuine professional crema
19-bar pressure matches professional espresso machine extraction standards
Italian design that sits as a kitchen statement piece
illy's 90-year commitment to espresso quality in the most convenient format

Proprietary illy iPerEspresso capsules only — ecosystem lock-in to a premium pod range
Pod costs are premium vs Nespresso — illy positions pods as premium coffee
Less variety than Nespresso's 30+ Original pod range

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, illy X1 iPerEspresso or Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter?

Is the illy X1 iPerEspresso worth the extra cost?

The Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.

Who is the illy X1 iPerEspresso best suited to?

19 bar, illy iPerEspresso capsules, Italian design, 1L tank, Michelin-starred coffee brand.

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?

illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine: Proprietary illy iPerEspresso capsules only — ecosystem lock-in to a premium pod range; Pod costs are premium vs Nespresso — illy positions pods as premium coffee. 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 — illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine sits at 4.4★ from 4,800 verified Amazon owners, and Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine at 4.5★ from 6,800.

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