Espresso is light, creamy, and intense, and completely controllable thanks to the manual lever.
It has an impressive triple-Thermoblock heating system that allows for simultaneous espresso and milk heating and fantastic pressure maintenance.
Not only does it function well, it looks a treat too.
As in, literally made the first espresso using its traditional lever espresso machine back in 1905.
Can La Pavoni x Smegs first collaborative espresso machine live up to each brands reputations?
Find out the full story in this Smeg EMC02 Mini Pro Manual Espresso Machine review.
Both of these dual boiler machines are around the same price as the EMC02.
This is an objectively massive price for a powerful, impressive espresso machine.
For less serious coffee fanatics, Id recommend a single-boiler machine to save on some $$$.
For complete beginners, Id recommend the $499Ninja Luxe Cafe.
With the EMC02, gone is the retro-cool vibe of other Smeg gear.
The EMC02 is modern, sleek, and almost industrialist.
This is more of a versatile stylishness, and I prefer this over other Smeg options.
There are two ways to begin extraction: by pressing the single/double button or by raising the lever.
However, the water tank lid was warped and didnt fit on properly.
Even so, this does suggest a longevity issue for home users, so beware.
I was quite surprised to read that the EMC02 only has 15-bar pressure.
Considering itsverypremium price tag, I was expecting at least 19-bar.
My DeLonghi La Specialista Opera ($899) boasts a 19-bar pressure.
Even so, 9-bar is all you really need, so this is fine.
You will need one of thebest grindersto achieve delicious coffee I do not recommend pre-ground store-bought espresso, ever.
An automatic espresso machine is that: automatic.
It will make coffee at the touch of a button, and voila.
A manual espresso machine is neither: the user must dial in all prefs.
The water flow will stop at about 60 seconds, but its meant to be controlled by you.
The Smeg EMC02 also has an E61-style group head.
However, this group head is designed to look (and behave) like an E61.
The dual boilerBianca Lelit($2,199) and theRocket Appartamentoare modern examples of an E61 group head.
The EMC02s group head looks like an E61, but it heats up in minutes rather than hours.
I learnt this the hard way (ouch).
The EMC02 does have an auto function, but I dont think thats where it excels.
It is, at heart, a manual machine, and it should be treated as such.
You may disagree, and thats fine.
I think the espresso tasted perfect, even at 23 seconds.
I loaded up the double-shot non-pressurized portafilter with 18g of coffee and extracted it.
However, I got 36g in just 14 seconds, so I knew something was up.
The espresso tasted good, dont get me wrong, but it was very weak.
To take another crack, I dosed 21g of even finer ground coffee and tamped with all my might.
This time, I got 36g espresso in 23 seconds, which looked and tasted much better.
The espresso was balanced, but light and fruity, with sourness that made my tongue tingle.
One colleague said the cappuccino was the Best cappuccino youve [me, Erin] ever made.
Another (who is a coffee roaster) said the flat white was juicy and delicious.
The espresso was rich yet light, balanced yet complex.
The milk was perfect, too, with velvety microfoam.
Smeg EMC02 Mini Pro Manual Espresso Machine review: Milk
The EMC02 steam wand ispowerful.
Its much more powerful than the DeLonghi La Specialista Opera and theKitchenAid Semi Automatic espresso machines steam wands.
I was able to heat a whole jug of milk quickly and with pristine microfoam.
It’s almost identical to a professional steam wand.
As you’re free to see, the milk texture in this flat white is pretty perfect.
Speaking of commercial espresso machines, the steam wand on the Smeg EMC02 behaves almost exactly like one.
Its almost identical to a professional steam wand.
In terms of maintenance, theres the usual cleaning.
I found it easy to clean the group head too with a brush and paper towels.
Smeg EMC02 Mini Pro Manual Espresso Machine review: How does it compare?
Now, the answer to this question will depend on how confident or competent you are with espresso machines.
Do you have experience with a home espresso machine, and want to upgrade to a prosumer setup?
Then the Smeg EMC02 will delight you.
Its a dual boiler machine, which is the best punch in of espresso machine.
Youll be able to master your coffee craft with enough dedication and knowledge.
Single boiler machines like DeLonghis line of La Specialista machines, or KitchenAids home machines simply cant compare.
If youre a coffee aficionado, then a dual boiler machine is the only way forward.
I wouldnt recommend this for beginners.
Its for serious coffee drinkers.
There are no buttons telling you what to press and when; users must dial in pretty much everything.
As a result, I wouldnt recommend this for beginners.
Its a bit finicky, and might scare off newcomers rather than welcome them.
For beginners who want the best of the best, any of Brevilles espresso machines would do the trick.
TheBreville Bambino Plus($499) would probably sort you out in this regard.
Every colleague I made coffee for during testing told me it was delicious.
All in all, the Smeg EMC02 Mini Pro is not for beginners.
But if youre up for the challenge?
Oh boy, is this an espresso machine and ahalf.
