If you're a regular Coffeeness reader you'll know that I've reviewed quite a few SMEG products, some of which are better than others. In today's SMEG Semi-Professional Espresso Machine review I'll be looking at what promises to be the manufacturer's most exciting release yet.
If you’re a regular Coffeeness reader you’ll know that I’ve reviewed quite a few SMEG products, some of which are better than others. In today’s SMEG Semi-Professional Espresso Machine review I’ll be looking at what promises to be the manufacturer’s most exciting release yet.
I have to admit that I’m very intrigued by this gorgeous-looking espresso machine. However, I do wonder whether it’s another case of the italian brand prioritizing style over function.
Of course, I fully intend to buy the Semi-Pro so I can put it through its paces. But for the purposes of this initial review, let’s take a first look at what the SMEG Semi-Professional Espresso Machine is all about.
SMEG’s latest release
SMEG Semi-Professional Espresso Machine
This machine could prove to be a classic!
Beautiful design
Quality build
Triple thermoblock technology
Straightforward operation
Good value
Low steam pressure
SMEG Semi-Professional Espresso Machine Review Overview
Known as the SMEG Minipro in Europe, the SMEG Semi-Professional Espresso Machine has just been released in North America. Interestingly, it’s actually a collaboration between two Italian giants – SMEG and La Pavoni.
At first I was kind of surprised about that, but then I learned that SMEG now owns La Pavoni, so it totally makes sense. Anyway, SMEG can only benefit from having access to an esteemed brand with such a long history of espresso machine production.
The Semi-Professional Espresso Machine certainly looks the part. Featuring SMEG’s signature retro stylings, the Semi-Pro is sleek, streamlined and very attractive. What’s more, it’s equipped with an exposed group head, pressure gauge and a professional-style steam wand. And at $1,599.95, this SMEG espresso machine is quite competitively priced. Especially in comparison with something like the Rocket Appartamento.
Then again, while the Semi-Pro’s group head looks like a classic E61, this isn’t actually a heat exchanger machine. Rather, the SMEG Semi-Professional Espresso Machine uses thermoblock heating technology. Sure, there are three thermoblocks, which is impressive. However, I wonder if this can be classified as a true prosumer espresso machine, which is obviously what the manufacturer is going for.
At the end of the day, though, it’s an espresso machine’s performance that really counts. And given the fact that the SMEG Semi-Professional is equipped with a 58mm portafilter, manual lever control and adjustable temperature and pre-infusion gives me hope that it can deliver the goods.
SMEG Semi-Pro Espresso Machine Features
Let’s dig a little deeper into this SMEG Semi-Professional Espresso Machine review. It’s time to look at the machine’s most notable features, to see if the Semi-Pro can compete with the best prosumer espresso machines.
Size and Design
It almost goes without saying that a SMEG product is going to be distinctive. After all, everything the manufacturer produces is retro-themed. That said, if that aesthetic doesn’t float your boat, you may not find the Semi-Professional attractive.
Personally, I love the way this thing looks. Sharing a similar design language with the SMEG Fully Automatic Espresso Machine, this baby features rounded edges and a streamlined silhouette. What’s more, the E61-style group head and manual lever lend the Semi-Pro a vintage espresso machine vibe.
I’m happy to see that SMEG has used stainless steel and brushed aluminum in the machine’s construction, although there are a few plastic parts. I also appreciate the classy powder-coated matte finish on the Semi-Pro’s housing.
Size-wise, the SMEG Semi-Professional is pretty average, although it is nice and narrow. Still, I should point out that the machine is 17 inches (43 centimeters) deep, with the water tank mounted at the rear. This is something to consider if real estate is at a premium in your kitchen.
User Interface
The machine’s user interface consists of buttons, an LCD display and a manual lever. However, as with the E61 group head, the lever isn’t actually a real manual control. So, you can’t play with pressure or flow rate. However, you are in charge of starting and stopping your extraction when using the lever.
Alternatively, you can use one of the volumetric buttons, meaning the machine will dispense a set amount of espresso. And don’t worry – you can program your preferred volume if you’d like.
Elsewhere, I’m always happy to see a pressure gauge, seeing as it’ll be such a valuable tool for monitoring espresso extraction.
Incidentally, there’s more than meets the eye with the SMEG Semi-Professional. As it happens, you can adjust temperature, pre-infusion time and steam intensity via the digital menu. The parameters are fairly limited, but at least you have options!
Group Head
As I’ve already mentioned, the SMEG features an E61-style group. Now, I’m not saying this is a bad thing by any means. Actually, the machine’s brushed aluminum group head is heated with a dedicated thermoblock, which is really cool. I’ll talk more about that a little later.
Still, for now you should know that you aren’t able to make espresso and steam milk simultaneously with the SMEG Semi-Professional Espresso Machine. To be honest, that’s not a huge deal. Thanks to its thermoblock heating, the machine should be able to switch between brewing and steaming very quickly.
Portafilter
Fortunately, the SMEG Semi-Professional comes with a professional-style 58mm portafilter that’s very similar to the one I encountered during my SMEG Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine review.
So, I can tell you that this portafilter is pretty darn high quality, with great weight distribution and chrome-plated brass construction. What’s more, it comes with two single wall baskets and two pressurized filter baskets.
Triple Thermoblock Technology
OK, now it’s time to talk about the SMEG Semi-Pro’s heating system. Now, many folks will tell you that a prosumer espresso machine should have dual boilers or a heat exchanger boiler. However, I’ve come across successful models that have thermoblocks and PID temperature control. The wonderful Ascaso Dream PID immediately springs to mind.
As it happens, the SMEG Semi-Professional is equipped with three thermoblocks – one for the steam function, one for espresso and a thermoblock installed in the group head. As you might imagine, this adds up to very impressive temperature stability, as well as quick heat up times.
For reference, the Semi-Pro will be ready to rumble in under three minutes, and will be nice and toasty in around 10 minutes. In comparison with a heat exchanger machine like the Diletta Bello, which takes around half an hour to heat up, the SMEG offers a more convenient option for many folks.
Steam Wand
The SMEG Semi-Professional’s manual steam wand looks as good as I’d expect. Mounted on a ball joint for maximum ease of use, the professional steam wand is equipped with a silicone grip so you don’t burn your fingers.
You can choose from three power levels when you’re steaming, although it seems that the highest level is the only way to go for a good milk texture. Even then, I wouldn’t count on the Semi-Pro blowing you away with its milk frother steam pressure. Then again, slow and steady often wins the race, and you should be able to achieve perfectly textured milk foam.
Accessories
If you’ve checked out my guide to the best home espresso machines, you’ll know that I often get frustrated when an otherwise awesome machine is accompanied by useless coffee accessories.
The Gaggia Classic Pro is a case in point – it’s a wonderful espresso machine, but the manufacturer ships it with a stupid plastic tamper and doesn’t include a milk steaming pitcher.
Well, props to SMEG, because this Italian manufacturer knows what it’s doing. This is evidenced by the fact that the Semi-Pro comes with one of the best espresso tampers around. Plus, you’ll get a shiny stainless steel milk jug as well as a cleaning brush and steam wand cleaning pin. Heck, even the best Breville espresso machines don’t come with accessories of this quality!
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How to Use the SMEG Semi-Professional Espresso Machine
As you already know, I haven’t had my hands on the SMEG Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine yet, so I can’t tell you how it performs. Still, I can give you a brief overview of how to use the thing to make a double espresso.
For starters, you’ll want to thoroughly rinse removable parts, including the water tank and portafilter, before making coffee. Once that’s done, fill the reservoir with filtered water and turn on the machine. Ideally, you’ll have time to wait 10 minutes or so for the group head to fully heat up. Trust me, waiting is worth it seeing as you’ll get better-tasting espresso.
Once you’re ready to pull a shot, dose your portafilter with around 20 grams of finely ground coffee beans. Needless to say, you’ll need a high-quality espresso grinder to get the best out of this machine. The manufacturer has released the SMEG Semi-Professional Coffee Grinder to pair with the Semi-Pro Espresso Machine, but you’ll also find inspiration in my guide to the best burr coffee grinders.
After leveling and tamping, insert the portafilter into the group head and lock it into place. Then, use either the manual lever or double shot button to start your extraction. Oh, and don’t forget that you’ll be responsible for stopping your espresso shot if you use the lever.
Try to aim for around 40 grams or 20 ounces (590 milliliters) of espresso in 24-30 seconds. Oh, and keep an eye on the pressure gauge – if all goes well, the needle will hover in the 9 bar range during extraction.
SMEG Espresso Machine Cleaning
Whether your home espresso machine costs $100 or $1,000, it’ll need to be well-loved if you want to keep making tasty espresso.
The SMEG Semi-Professional is no different, so you can expect to perform cleaning tasks on the daily. These include wiping off the steam wand with a damp cloth, scrubbing the dispersion screen to remove coffee grounds and emptying and rinsing the removable drip tray. Plus, you might want to wipe down the machine’s housing with a damp cloth to remove coffee splashes.
Once a week, you should backflush the group head using the blind filter basket and a pinch of espresso machine cleaner. It’ll only take a few minutes and will keep your espresso tasting its best.
As for descaling, the machine will let you know when it’s time. I won’t bore you with the details in this SMEG Semi-Professional Espresso Machine review, but everything you need to know is in the user manual.
SMEG Semi-Professional Espresso Machine Specifications
| SMEG Semi-Professional Espresso Machine | |
| Manufacturer | SMEG |
|---|---|
| Model number | EMC02 |
| Product category | Manual espresso machine |
| Housing material | Stainless steel with plastic parts |
| Color options | Matte Black, Matte White |
| Milk frother | Steam wand |
| User interface | Monochromatic LCD with buttons and dials |
| App | |
| User profiles | Memo function only |
| Portafilter size | 58 mm |
| Tamping | Manual |
| Removable water reservoir | |
| Water reservoir capacity | 57.5 fl oz / 1.7 l |
| Number of boilers | 2 |
| Pump pressure | 15 bar |
| Maximum cup height | 5.0 in / 12.7 cm |
| Grinder | N/A |
| Grind adjustment levels | N/A |
| Bean hopper capacity | N/A |
| Specialty drinks | 1 |
| Pre-infusion | |
| Adjustable coffee temperature | |
| Adjustable milk foam temperature | |
| 2-cup function | Yes (non-milk drinks only) |
| Hot water function | |
| Hot milk function | |
| Milk foam only option | |
| Water filter | |
| Power consumption | 1650 W |
| Weight | 28.0 lb / 12.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 14.3 x 8.8 x 16.8 in |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Notes | Included Accessories: User manual, metal tamper, stainless steel milk jug, 4 x filter baskets, cleaning brush, cleaning pin |
| Current price on Amazon | $1,599.95 |
| All specifications |
Verdict: SMEG Semi-Professional Espresso Machine Review
SMEG’s latest release
SMEG Semi-Professional Espresso Machine
This machine could prove to be a classic!
Beautiful design
Quality build
Triple thermoblock technology
Straightforward operation
Good value
Low steam pressure
That’s it for my initial SMEG Semi-Professional Espresso Machine review. If you’ve made it this far, I’m sure you can imagine how excited I am to test this machine out. If it performs as well as I think it will, it’ll definitely make it onto my list of the best espresso machines.
I mean, this beauty boasts some pretty impressive features, and I think the triple thermoblock system is a fantastic idea. And while the SMEG Semi-Pro might seem rather limiting to some coffee drinkers, I think it could bridge the gap between consumer appliances and complicated prosumer machines. That way, it’ll appeal to those who value excellent espresso but don’t want too much fuss from a really expensive espresso machine.
I’ll update this review as soon as I’ve put the Semi Pro coffee machine through its paces, so keep checking back in if you’re interested!
Have any of you taken the plunge with the SMEG Semi-Professional? Feel free to let the Coffeeness community know what you think of this machine by leaving a comment below!
