Making cold brew at home can be a faff. I've tried it a couple of times; filtering the water, grinding the beans, leaving my French press in the fridge for 12-14 hours. I've never had results as delicious as my favorite coffee shop.
Today, SMEG launched the ECF03 espresso and cold brew machine, which can brew a single cold shot in just two minutes. It promises to become one of the best coffee makers with its new on-trend functionality.
To celebrate the launch, they created a coffee van and I was invited along to sample drinks made with the new machine, plus cold foam crafted with the new SMEG mini milk frother.
Featuring pro-level espresso extraction and a new cold brew function, the SMEG espresso machine combines the best of both worlds into one very slim machine. It also has a built-in steam wand for dreamy homemade lattes and flat whites.
If you love American-style cold brew, retro kitchen ideas, or serving perfect espresso martinis to guests, SMEG's new ECF03 2-in-1 espresso and cold brew machine is worth a closer look.
Last year, our coffee expert and former barista, Laura, tested the older SMEG ECF02 and was quite impressed, rating it four stars. The new ECF03 SMEG espresso machine, however, steps things up significantly, featuring custom temperature settings, 15-bar pressure, a 58mm portafilter, and a non-pressurised filter – the industry standards used by professional baristas.
The taste of the coffee brewed in the new SMEG ECF03 machine hit the spot, too. I tried hot and cold brews, and they were delicious. Not overly bitter, just sweet and richly flavored. Just like an expensive coffee shop, without the £5 price tag.
Like any good SMEG appliance, the new espresso machine is not just about function – the form is beautiful. I love the curvy, 50s-inspired design and bold colors. It is available in retro red, classic black, cream, white, pastel blue or baby pink.
If you're wondering: 'Are retro appliances still on trend?', my personal take is that my SMEG appliances always garner compliments when I have guests in my kitchen (I reviewed the SMEG soda maker and have it out on my countertop at all times).
Easy upgrades for barista-level cold brew at home
As I was watching the SMEG baristas whip up the drinks, I thought it looked pretty easy to make those 'sweet treat' drinks at home. These small extras can make any daily brew feel elevated and café-quality.
After sampling some gorgeous Autumnal flavorings at the SMEG pop-up, I'm keen to get that sweetly spiced maple flavor at home. Monin makes a myriad of different syrups, from white chocolate to classic pumpkin spice.
This adorable milk frother is small but mighty. It has three functions for hot milk, hot foam, and cold foam. It is under £100 too, which is rare for a luxury SMEG appliance.
I bought these glasses from Amazon last summer, and I use them every day for my iced tea and coffee at my desk. It makes me feel like I'm drinking an expensive takeaway coffee, just with no plastic in sight.
After tasting the coffee, I have my eye on the new ECF03 coffee machine (and matching milk frother), so I can quickly make that maple cold brew with vanilla cold foam at home.
I'll be getting my hands on the duo soon for a trip to the test kitchen, so I'll keep you updated with all the nitty-gritty details, plus, whether or not I add it to our guides on the best cold brew coffee makers and best espresso machines of 2025.
