Breville Barista Express Impress vs Smeg ECF02
Quick take: The Breville Barista Express Impress has a built-in grinder; the Breville Barista Express Impress heats up faster (30 seconds).
| Spec | Breville Barista Express Impress | Smeg ECF02 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $750 | $750 |
| Rating | 4.5★ (3,400) | 4.4★ (1,200) |
| Type | Semi-Automatic | Semi-Automatic |
| Boiler | Thermoblock | Thermoblock |
| Built-in grinder | Yes | No |
| Pump pressure | 15 bar | 15 bar |
| Water capacity | 67 oz | 34 oz |
| Warm-up time | 30 seconds | 40 seconds |
| Steam wand | Manual | Manual |
| Basket type | Pressurized & Unpressurized | Pressurized & Unpressurized |
| Best for | Enthusiasts | Beginners |
| Dimensions | 13.5 x 12.5 x 15.8 in | 8.7 x 13 x 12.9 in |
| Weight | 23 lbs | 13 lbs |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Pros & cons
Breville Barista Express Impress
- ✓Integrated grinder saves counter space
- ✓Assisted tamping for consistency
- ✓Good grind quality
- ✓Great value all-in-one
- ✗Large footprint
- ✗Thermoblock not ideal for back-to-back shots
- ✗Learning curve
Smeg ECF02
- ✓Distinctive retro design in many colors
- ✓Solid build quality
- ✓Programmable shot volumes
- ✓Compact footprint
- ✓Good first "real" espresso machine
- ✗Smaller water tank
- ✗Pricey for thermoblock specs
- ✗No PID display
- ✗Steam wand could be more powerful