Expert-Grade Espresso at Home: Smeg Mini Pro Coffee Machine Review
Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine: A Delightful Brew
The Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine is a manual coffee maker that offers a taste of the barista experience. With its sleek design and user-friendly interface, it’s a pleasure to use every day. But is it worth the hefty price tag? Let’s dive in and find out.
A Taste of the Barista Experience
The Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine is a manual coffee maker that gives you the option of pulling an espresso shot with a pleasingly smooth and tactile lever, or simply twisting the filter handle into place and pressing a button to let the machine do the work for you. After trying it out, I was impressed by how easy it was to brew a perfect cup of coffee.
Design and Build
The Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine is a stunning 60s-inspired design that’s sure to turn heads. Its thoughtfully designed interface makes it a pleasure to use every day. The machine is compact and won’t dominate a tiny kitchen, making it perfect for those with limited space.
Performance
The Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine does its job extremely well, producing consistently good coffee with a rich crema. The steam wand is excellent, allowing you to adjust the pressure smoothly to achieve your preferred milk texture and temperature.
Accessories
The machine comes with a range of accessories, including a 2.3in / 58mm diameter tamper, a dishwasher-safe milk pitcher, and a 1-liter water tank. The tamper is nicely weighted, and the milk pitcher has a shape that makes it easy to achieve a good whirlpool.
Should You Buy the Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine?
If you’re looking for a high-end espresso machine with a stunning design and excellent performance, the Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine is definitely worth considering. However, at this price point, you might expect some extra pro-grade features like pressure profiling and flow control.
Buy It If
- You’re looking for a high-end espresso machine with a stunning design
- You want a machine that’s easy to use and produces consistently good coffee
- You’re willing to pay a premium for the Smeg brand name and aesthetic
Don’t Buy It If
- You’re on a budget and can’t justify the high price tag
- You’re looking for a machine with advanced features like pressure profiling and flow control
- You prefer a more compact machine with a smaller footprint
Also Consider
- The La Pavoni range of fully manual machines, which offers more affordable options with similar performance
- Other high-end espresso machines from brands like Gaggia and De’Longhi
How I Tested the Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine
I used the Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Machine instead of my usual Gaggia Classic for four weeks, typically using it two or three times a day. I usually brewed standard 60ml double-shot espressos at 92C. I used fresh coffee beans from Clifton Coffee Roasters, ground using a Dualit burr grinder, and filtered tap water. I tested the steam wand using chilled whole dairy milk and oat milk.
For more details, take a look at how we test, review, and rate at TechRadar.
