Smeg Minipro Espresso EMC02 Coffee Machine, White

Ever been in line at the coffee shop and thought I fancy a go of that, but never had the expertise to do it yourself? well look no further!...Machine arrived very well packages and had very clear instructions on how to use it. The water tank is a good size and holds plenty of water for multiple coffees, as we're well over a week in and still haven't had to top it up. Aesthetically it's very nice, we have the white one and it blends in great with out white worktops, the stainless still and chrome finishes also help the operational parts stand out and become a bit of a centre piece for your mini coffee station. The machine comes with several settings for different coffees, you also have a manual mode if you prefer that. There is settings to adjust the pours to ... MoreEver been in line at the coffee shop and thought I fancy a go of that, but never had the expertise to do it yourself? well look no further!...Machine arrived very well packages and had very clear instructions on how to use it. The water tank is a good size and holds plenty of water for multiple coffees, as we're well over a week in and still haven't had to top it up. Aesthetically it's very nice, we have the white one and it blends in great with out white worktops, the stainless still and chrome finishes also help the operational parts stand out and become a bit of a centre piece for your mini coffee station. The machine comes with several settings for different coffees, you also have a manual mode if you prefer that. There is settings to adjust the pours to different mugs and you can save these as the default option but we've not went down that road as the portion sizes suit our mugs fine. The Milk frother works very quickly and adds that finishing touch to any style coffee you could desire (except a black coffee obviously). Both the frother and machine are very easy to clean, again instruction manual giving detailed instruction on this. For anyone who hasn't used a machine like this before, I recommend cleaning the frother right away as it's much easier and then the machine after every use. It's not just easier but also keeps your new baby looking fantastic! Bean wise, we used Arabica beans, but others can be used depending on your tastes. All in all we're very happy with our new machine. Now I just need to buy some stencils to get some coca art on the go.Also if you've never owned one of these machines before ie switching from pods, this is the ideal machine for you as it's so easy and simple to use.

From the off, this looks like a classy machine. It's beautiful to behold, impeccably finished and is hands down the most stylish appliance or gadget in my kitchen. Plus it feels incredibly solid.I'm usually a coffee capsule person, but always wanted a "proper" coffee machine; I like the idea of becoming a connoisseur, learning how to experiment with various types of brew. This one's a traditional Italian La Pavoni E61 espresso machine, if that sort of detail matters to you.Exciting as it was to unpack it (which was also beautifully done) I haven't really found it plain sailing. Yes, it has presets for single and double shots if you're not ready for the manual feature, but I've had many occasions where the coffee has simply failed to come through. This is ... MoreFrom the off, this looks like a classy machine. It's beautiful to behold, impeccably finished and is hands down the most stylish appliance or gadget in my kitchen. Plus it feels incredibly solid.I'm usually a coffee capsule person, but always wanted a "proper" coffee machine; I like the idea of becoming a connoisseur, learning how to experiment with various types of brew. This one's a traditional Italian La Pavoni E61 espresso machine, if that sort of detail matters to you.Exciting as it was to unpack it (which was also beautifully done) I haven't really found it plain sailing. Yes, it has presets for single and double shots if you're not ready for the manual feature, but I've had many occasions where the coffee has simply failed to come through. This is regardless of how hard or soft I tamp - and I've watched videos to help me with this.Speaking of videos, it would have been helpful to be directed to the Smeg-made YouTube videos in the instructions. These aren't especially well written, and the item list is actually wrong in a few places. The videos are much more useful. So that's my top tip.The steaming function is great, and I've made pro-standard lattes and cappuccinos with relative ease. You can even use the steamer arm to dispense hot water if an Americano is more your bag.The tamper is also a lovely thing to behold (and to hold). Very weighty, it feels like you're giving your coffee the stamp of approval. I do think the inclusion of a scoop would have been a nice addition, though.Do I love it? I really wanted to. And yes the coffee is delicious...when it appears. And paired with the Smeg CGF02SSUK grinder, which sits classily alongside it, it definitely looks the business. But the results are very hit and miss. So if it's my incompetence that's leading to the wasted pucks, hopefully that's something that will improve over time. But if it's an in-office day, I'm in a hurry, and I need to leave early, I might well revert to my cheap capsule machine.

This is a high end quality coffee machine which does not disappoint. As expected the Smeg packing is second to none. The coffee machine is brilliantly packed and wrapped in cloth bags which could be reused. The box even tells you how to open it to ensure of no damages when unpacking. The instructions are a bit overwhelming as they are so detailed but they provide a QR code with easy step by step videos to help you master the coffee making process. The machine itself has the same QR code hidden on it so it's easy to scan if ever you need a little help.The machine makes brilliant coffees which are as good as well known coffee shops. The machine is easy to use however does take some trial and error to master the perfect coffee. Be warned however a standard mug is too ... MoreThis is a high end quality coffee machine which does not disappoint. As expected the Smeg packing is second to none. The coffee machine is brilliantly packed and wrapped in cloth bags which could be reused. The box even tells you how to open it to ensure of no damages when unpacking. The instructions are a bit overwhelming as they are so detailed but they provide a QR code with easy step by step videos to help you master the coffee making process. The machine itself has the same QR code hidden on it so it's easy to scan if ever you need a little help.The machine makes brilliant coffees which are as good as well known coffee shops. The machine is easy to use however does take some trial and error to master the perfect coffee. Be warned however a standard mug is too tall to slide underneath so you have to tilt it under which is easily done. The steam function is brilliant and again easy to use however I am still trying to master the milk art look on top of my coffee but it definitely elevates the taste of the coffee. I love using this machine and am now in my element making drinks for guests who have also commented on how stylish the machine looks and how great the coffee tastes. The machine itself is a lovely size which would fit nicely in most kitchens with limited space. It has many different settings to control the temperature of your drinks as does the steam function. Again the videos online help to understand how to use these settings- which I am still experimenting with. I love this machine and how it looks along with the amazing tasting coffees it can make so I would definitely recommend this to friends. I have found I have bought less coffees out since having it too.