illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine 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.

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 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

	illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine	Smeg ECF01 Espresso Coffee Machine
247Verdict Score	8.8/10	8.6/10
Owner Rating	4.4★ (4,800)	4.3★ (3,800)
Verdict	Great	Great
Pressure	19 bar	15 bar
Design	Italian	1950s Italian retro

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine edges ahead with a 8.8/10 vs 8.6/10. 19 bar, illy iPerEspresso capsules, Italian design, 1L tank, Michelin-starred coffee brand. 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

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 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, illy X1 iPerEspresso or Smeg ECF01 Espresso?

Is the illy X1 iPerEspresso worth the extra cost?

Yes — illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine scores higher at 8.8/10 vs 8.6/10.

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 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?

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 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 — illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine sits at 4.4★ from 4,800 verified Amazon owners, and Smeg ECF01 Espresso Coffee Machine at 4.3★ from 3,800.

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