The Smeg Espresso Machine and the DeLonghi Dedica are two of the most popular home espresso makers, but they target different users through design, size, and price. Smeg's machine is a large, retro-style statement piece with a premium price tag, while DeLonghi's Dedica is a slim, modern, and budget-friendly model focused on packing performance into a small footprint.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the right espresso machine from Smeg or DeLonghi for your kitchen counter.
Smeg ECF01 Espresso Machine
The Smeg Espresso Machine is known for its iconic 1950s retro design, making it as much a piece of decor as a functional appliance. It’s built for the user who values style and wants a machine that stands out, offering solid espresso-making capabilities in a colorful, charming package constructed from high-quality materials.
- What it is: A semi-automatic espresso machine that captures a vintage aesthetic with modern controls.
- Key features: 15-bar pressure pump, thermoblock heating system, simple three-button interface, and a built-in steam wand for frothing milk.
- Price: ~$540
- Dimensions: 13" x 6" x 12" (visually feels larger due to rounded design).
- Materials/Construction: Features a high-quality stainless steel body with a glossy, colorful finish, giving it a substantial and premium feel.
- Style: Unmistakably retro with curved lines and chrome accents. Available in a wide range of colors from pastel blue and mint green to classic red and black.
- Pros: Striking visual appeal that enhances kitchen decor. High-quality build with metal components ensures durability. Simple operation is great for beginners. Available in numerous eye-catching colors.
- Cons: High price point for its feature set. Takes up more counter space than slimline competitors. Performance is comparable to much cheaper machines.
This espresso machine is ideal for anyone who considers kitchen appliances part of their overall home decor and is willing to pay a premium for a high-style look that also delivers good coffee.
Shop this product: smeg.com/products/ECF01PGUS
DeLonghi Dedica Arte Espresso Machine
The DeLonghi Dedica is designed with one key benefit in mind: saving space without sacrificing performance. As one of the narrowest espresso machines on the market, it delivers consistent, quality espresso and milk frothing for home baristas who have limited counter real estate but don't want to compromise on their morning latte.
- What it is: A slim, modern semi-automatic espresso machine focused on performance and efficiency.
- Key features: Incredibly narrow 6" width, fast 40-second heat-up time, professional-style 15-bar pressure, and an adjustable steam wand (My LatteArt wand).
- Price: ~$350
- Dimensions: 13" x 5.9" x 12"
- Materials/Construction: Constructed mainly from durable plastics with stainless steel accents, creating a lightweight yet sturdy build.
- Style: Sleek, minimalist, and contemporary. Its narrow profile and clean lines allow it to blend into modern kitchen environments without drawing too much attention.
- Pros: Extremely compact and fits easily on crowded countertops. Excellent value for the price, offering great performance. Heats up very quickly. The steam wand provides good control for milk texturing.
- Cons: Its lightweight body can feel less stable, sometimes requiring you to hold it still when attaching the portafilter. The plastic components don't feel as premium as Smeg's all-metal body.
The Dedica is the perfect choice for apartment dwellers, small kitchen owners, and anyone who prioritizes compact efficiency and solid value over decorative flair.
Shop this product: delonghi.com/en-us/dedica-arte-manual-espresso-machine
Smeg Espresso vs. DeLonghi Dedica Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
This is the most significant functional difference between the two machines. The DeLonghi Dedica is famously narrow, measuring just under 6 inches wide. It's a game-changer for anyone struggling with limited counter space in a small kitchen or an apartment. It easily slots into tight spots other machines could never fit.
The Smeg Espresso Machine, while not massive, has a much larger visual presence. Its 6-inch width is misleading due to its deep and rounded design, making it feel substantially bigger. It's a machine that demands its own dedicated space on the counter rather than blending in or tucking away.
Materials & Construction
Smeg justifies its higher price with a more premium build. The body is primarily stainless steel, giving it a heavy, solid feel often associated with longevity and high-end appliances. Its fit and finish are excellent, reflecting its positioning as a design object.
DeLonghi takes a more pragmatic approach. The Dedica uses a combination of durable plastic and stainless steel to keep both weight and cost down. While it feels sturdy enough for daily use, it lacks the hefty, substantial presence of the Smeg. The lighter weight is noticeable when locking in the portafilter, where you may need to brace the machine with one hand.
Price & Value
DeLonghi Dedica offers exceptional value. At around $350, you get a machine that reliably produces great espresso and properly textured milk with a very small footprint. It's a fantastic entry-to-mid-level machine that performs far better than its size and price suggest.
The Smeg comes in at a much higher price point, typically around $540. A significant portion of this cost is for the design, branding, and an all-metal build. While it functions well, its performance is comparable to an entry-level machine making it more of an investment into the style that you like, knowing your dollar could buy superior or similar quality in something less flashy.
Style & Versatility
Style is where the Smeg machine truly shines. Its 1950s aesthetic is a powerful statement. Available in a rainbow of colors, it’s designed to be a centerpiece, bringing a pop of vibrant personality to eclectic, retro, or modern kitchens that need a focal point. You buy a Smeg because you love the way it looks.
The DeLonghi Dedica, by contrast, is an exercise in minimalist, modern design. Its sleek and understated look - available in standard finishes like stainless, black, or red - is meant to blend in seamlessly. Its versatility comes from its neutrality, it doesn't fight for attention and fits cleanly into almost any contemporary kitchen decor.
Who Each One Works Best For
These two espresso machines are clearly targeted at very different customers. The DeLonghi Dedica is perfect for pragmatic coffee lovers. If your priorities are space efficiency, fast heat-up times, and excellent performance for your money, the Dedica is an unbeatable choice. It's for a user who wants great cappuccino at home, doesn't have an empty countertop to work with, and prefers performance to flair.
The Smeg Espresso Machine is for the design-conscious home dweller. If how your kitchen looks is as important to you as your morning coffee tastes, the Smeg is a joy to behold. It’s for someone that appreciates the details, has some flexibility in their countertop layout, and wants their machines to feel and be as high-quality materials.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both espresso machines make a good cup of coffee, but your choice will come down to your priorities in size, style, and cost.
Choose the Smeg Espresso Machine if:
- Your top priority is aesthetics, and you want a machine that's also a kitchen decor centerpiece.
- You appreciate the 1950s retro charm and want your appliances to have an eye-catching personality.
- You have plenty of counter space and aren't concerned about a small footprint.
- You're willing to pay a premium for a higher quality build and unique design.
Choose the DeLonghi Dedica Espresso Machine if:
- You have a tighter budget but still want quality espresso at home.
- Your counter space is limited, and you need a machine that's extremely compact.
- You prefer a modern, minimalist look that blends unobtrusively into your kitchen.
- You value practical performance and getting the job done efficiently over style.
Final Considerations
What is the main difference between the Smeg and Dedica?
The main differences are in design, size, and price. The Smeg is a retro-style statement piece that is much more expensive than the DeLonghi Dedica, which is an ultra-slim modern machine focused on space efficiency.
Is the Smeg Espresso Machine worth the extra money?
It depends on what you value. For the price, you get a unique design and a heavier all-metal build. However, its performance alone is comparable to much lower-priced options like the Dedica.
Which machine pulls a better espresso shot?
Both machines produce comparable espresso shots - especially for those with a multi-step process for pulling them. Each one is praised for its consistent performance and easy-to-use interface, making them a great option for beginners and experienced users alike.
Does the DeLonghi Dedica's slim design affect stability?
The Dedica is lighter than the Smeg, which can sometimes require users to hold the machine steady while locking in the portafilter. It's not a major issue, but something to note. The compact profile of the Smeg makes it more stable without the need for stabilization.
Can you use ESE pods with both machines?
Yes, both the Smeg Espresso Machine and the DeLonghi Dedica are typically compatible with Easy Serve Espresso (ESE) pods, offering another level of convenience for quick coffee brewing.
Which has a better steam wand for milk frothing?
Both feature steam wands, but the DeLonghi Dedica's My LatteArt wand is designed with more refinement and control for getting textured milk, making it a preference for those who like to craft their cappuccinos and lattes at home.
How easy are the machines to clean?
Both are relatively easy to clean. The Dedica's smaller parts design can make it easier to hand-wash, a unique feature for those aiming to get rid of grinds or other buildup within the machine.
What warranty do they each come with?
Both machines offer a standard one-year warranty that covers any manufacturing defects or issues with the hardware as commercial machines meant for effective home espresso experiences.
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