Smeg has unveiled the ECF03, a retro-styled manual coffee machine that can whip up cold brew in minutes rather than the usual overnight wait.
The ECF03 blends Smeg’s signature 1950s-inspired design with pro-level hardware, making it a stylish addition to any kitchen while aiming to please serious coffee fans. It’s available now for £499.95 (around $650) from Smeg’s online store and select retailers.
Cold brew in record time
Traditionally, cold brew coffee requires long steeping, often overnight, to extract its smooth, less acidic flavour. Smeg’s new ECF03 changes that with a dedicated cold brew setting. At the push of a button, you can prepare cold brew espresso in just a few minutes, which makes it ideal for entertaining, batch brewing or even mixing coffee-based cocktails.
That feature alone sets it apart from rivals; even the best espresso machines we’ve tested still have hot espresso and milk-based drinks.
Built like a barista’s machine
Beyond cold brew, the ECF03 is built with professional standards in mind. It comes with a 58mm portafilter and non-pressurised filter basket, the same size and setup used by commercial baristas. A 15-bar pump and customisable temperature controls allow more precision, while the steam wand opens the door for cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites. There’s also a hot water function for Americanos or preheating cups.
The ECF03 follows in the footsteps of the Smeg ECF01, which impressed us with its quick heat-up time and ease of use, but this update looks like a much stronger package.
Price, colours and availability
As with other Smeg appliances, design plays a big role. The ECF03 is available in five colours, letting buyers match it to existing retro-styled Smeg kettles, toasters, and fridges. At £499.95, it’s not the cheapest machine around, but Smeg is banking on a mix of style and functionality to justify the price.
Opinion
The Smeg ECF03 could be a real win for coffee lovers who want the smooth flavour of cold brew without the wait. By pairing barista-grade parts with a genuinely innovative feature, Smeg is proving that retro design doesn’t mean old-fashioned tech. At this price, it won’t be for everyone, but if it can deliver on flavour, it might just be the brand’s most compelling coffee machine yet.
