Sage Barista Touch Impress Espresso 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.

Sage Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine

9.3/10 Excellent

4.6★ (3,200 owners)

Touchscreen, Impress assisted tamping, auto milk texturing, integrated grinder, 58mm. The guided touchscreen barista.

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

	Sage Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine	Smeg ECF01 Espresso Coffee Machine
247Verdict Score	9.3/10	8.6/10
Owner Rating	4.6★ (3,200)	4.3★ (3,800)
Verdict	Excellent	Great

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the Sage Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine edges ahead with a 9.3/10 vs 8.6/10. Touchscreen, Impress assisted tamping, auto milk texturing, integrated grinder, 58mm. The guided touchscreen barista. 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

Sage Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine

Touchscreen with step-by-step guidance walks you through every drink from grind to pour
Impress assisted tamping applies consistent 10kg pressure with a barista-style polish
Automatic milk texturing creates microfoam to your chosen temperature and texture
Integrated conical grinder with precise dose control
58mm commercial portafilter with the largest accessory ecosystem

£1,000+ — the most expensive Barista-range Sage
Larger footprint with the touchscreen and grinder
Single boiler — brief wait between brewing and steaming

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, Sage Barista Touch Impress or Smeg ECF01 Espresso?

Is the Sage Barista Touch Impress worth the extra cost?

Yes — Sage Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine scores higher at 9.3/10 vs 8.6/10.

Who is the Sage Barista Touch Impress best suited to?

Touchscreen, Impress assisted tamping, auto milk texturing, integrated grinder, 58mm. The guided touchscreen barista.

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?

Sage Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine: £1,000+ — the most expensive Barista-range Sage; Larger footprint with the touchscreen and grinder. 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 — Sage Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine sits at 4.6★ from 3,200 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.