Smeg ECF02 Espresso Coffee Machine vs Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Smeg ECF02 Espresso Coffee Machine

8.8/10 Great

4.4★ (4,800 owners)

15 bar, 2-cup simultaneous, manual steam, 1.4L, retro Smeg design, 7 colours. Two-cup Smeg.

Full Review

Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker

8.8/10 Great

4.5★ (3,800 owners)

Stainless mesh filter, immersion brewing, 8-cup ceramic, George Sowden design, no paper filter. Designer filter coffee.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Smeg ECF02 Espresso Coffee Machine	Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker
247Verdict Score	8.8/10	8.8/10
Owner Rating	4.4★ (4,800)	4.5★ (3,800)
Verdict	Great	Great
Design	1950s retro	George Sowden Italian

Quick Verdict

This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. Smeg ECF02 Espresso Coffee Machine: 15 bar, 2-cup simultaneous, manual steam, 1.4L, retro Smeg design, 7 colours. Two-cup Smeg. Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker: Stainless mesh filter, immersion brewing, 8-cup ceramic, George Sowden design, no paper filter. Designer filter coffee. Choose based on your specific needs. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Smeg ECF02 Espresso Coffee Machine

Brews two cups simultaneously — morning routine for two in one extraction
15-bar extraction pressure for genuine espresso crema
Iconic Smeg retro 1950s design in 7 colours matching kettle, toaster and other Smeg appliances
1.4L transparent tank shows water level without opening
Manual steam wand for those who want to develop frothing technique

Dual spout produces two smaller shots rather than one double — different extraction characteristics
Premium design pricing vs functional alternatives at lower cost
Manual steam requires technique development

Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker

Stainless mesh filter eliminates paper filter cost and waste forever
Immersion brewing extracts coffee oils for fuller, richer body than paper-filtered methods
Ceramic vessel is dishwasher safe and aesthetically distinctive on any kitchen surface
George Sowden's award-winning Italian design heritage applied to coffee brewing
Under £60 for a 8-cup coffee maker that never needs consumable filter papers

More sediment in the cup than paper-filtered methods — the fine mesh allows some passage
Requires coarser grind than paper filter methods for optimal results
Ceramic can crack under thermal shock — avoid pouring boiling water directly on cold ceramics

FAQ

Which is better, Smeg ECF02 Espresso or Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup?

Is the Smeg ECF02 Espresso worth the extra cost?

The Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.

Who is the Smeg ECF02 Espresso best suited to?

15 bar, 2-cup simultaneous, manual steam, 1.4L, retro Smeg design, 7 colours. Two-cup Smeg.

Who is the Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup best suited to?

Stainless mesh filter, immersion brewing, 8-cup ceramic, George Sowden design, no paper filter. Designer filter coffee.

What are the main downsides of each?

Smeg ECF02 Espresso Coffee Machine: Dual spout produces two smaller shots rather than one double — different extraction characteristics; Premium design pricing vs functional alternatives at lower cost. Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker: More sediment in the cup than paper-filtered methods — the fine mesh allows some passage; Requires coarser grind than paper filter methods for optimal results.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Smeg ECF02 Espresso Coffee Machine sits at 4.4★ from 4,800 verified Amazon owners, and Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker at 4.5★ from 3,800.

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