KitchenAid vs Smeg Filter Coffee Machines

KitchenAid and Smeg both focus on design as much as performance. KitchenAid's machines here run from the Artisan 5KES6503BBK at £449 and the semi-automatic 5KES6551BSX at £549, through the KF6 5KES8556BSX at £899, to the KF7 5KES8557BPL at £1,599. Smeg offers retro-styled machines from the DCF02GRUK and DCF02CRU drip filter models at £199, through the ECF02WHUK espresso machine with frother at £319, to the BCC13WHMUK bean to cup with milk system at £649.

Smeg's models are built around retro looks and simple controls. The drip filters hold five cups, have a 40-minute stay-warm feature and an aroma function, while the ECF02WHUK has a built-in milk frother, 1350W power, 12-bar pressure and makes two drinks at once. The BCC13WHMUK has a 1.4-litre capacity, 19-bar pressure, thermoblock technology and a built-in grinder. KitchenAid's Quiet Mark certification on the KF6, the 5KES6551BSX and the KF7 is a clear technical strength, along with the fast-heating thermocoil and touchscreen panel on the KF7 and the Artisan's 15-bar pump.

KitchenAid suits buyers who want a premium espresso or bean-to-cup machine that matches a KitchenAid mixer and works quietly. Smeg suits people who want a colourful worktop feature, a drip filter for a family morning brew at £199, or a bean-to-cup with a built-in grinder at £649. The Artisan at £449 is £200 below the Smeg BCC13WHMUK, so the choice depends on whether you want Quiet Mark operation or Smeg's styling and grinder. Smeg's £199 drip filters are the cheapest machines in this comparison.

Bottom line: choose KitchenAid if you want a quiet, hands-on or one-touch espresso machine from £449 that matches a KitchenAid kitchen; choose Smeg if you want retro styling, a drip filter at £199 or a bean-to-cup with a built-in grinder at £649.