De'Longhi vs Smeg Filter Coffee Machines

Filter coffee shoppers will notice a sharp contrast between De'Longhi and Smeg. De'Longhi's entries in this comparison are espresso and bean-to-cup machines, running from the Stilosa EC260.GR at £127 to the La Specialista Arte EC9155 at £529, with the Gran Latissima EN640.B at £419 in between. Smeg's range fits the filter category more closely, led by the retro-styled DCF02GRUK and DCF02CRU drip machines at £199 each. The Smeg ECF02WHUK espresso machine with frother sits at £319.

The technical differences lie in how each machine brews. The De'Longhi Stilosa uses a 15 bar pump with a cappuccino system and a stainless steel boiler. The Gran Latissima EN640.B pairs a 19 bar pump with a Rapid Cappuccino System and a 1.3 litre water container. The La Specialista Arte offers eight grind settings, three infusion temperature levels and a steam wand for microfoam. Smeg's drip machines take a simpler route, with five-cup capacity, an aroma function and a 40-minute stay-warm feature. The BCC13WHMUK adds 19 bar pressure, Thermoblock Technology, a built-in grinder and a 1.4 litre capacity.

De'Longhi suits households that drink milk-based coffee and want café-style drinks at home. The Gran Latissima offers capsule-based cappuccinos, while the La Specialista Arte suits people who like to control grind and temperature themselves. Smeg suits kitchens where looks count, since the retro 50s design comes in slate grey or cream. A drip machine such as the DCF02GRUK suits a small household that brews a full pot in one go.

Bottom line: choose De'Longhi if you want an espresso or bean-to-cup machine with a steam wand for milk drinks, starting at £127 for the EC260.GR. Choose Smeg if you want a true filter machine for brewing a pot, with the DCF02GRUK or DCF02CRU at £199, and a retro look to match the kitchen.