I might’ve watched one too many sci-fi movies lately, but I can’t be the only one who thinks that the SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine looks like something straight out of a retro futuristic film set.
I might’ve watched one too many sci-fi movies lately, but I can’t be the only one who thinks that the SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine looks like something straight out of a retro futuristic film set.
Unfortunately, this stylish coffee maker can’t shoot lasers or talk like a robot, but if you’re interested in what it can do, keep reading my SMEG fully automatic coffee machine review!
Incidentally, I decided to give you the most informed review possible by buying one of these bean to cup coffee makers to test out. While there’s a version with a manual steam wand, I opted to purchase the BCC01, which has no milk frothing capabilities. Still, I’ll discuss both machines during my review.
Nothing to write home about
SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine
Back to the Future!
Looks super stylish
Intuitive user interface
Rugged and sturdy
Easy to clean
Makes good espresso
Expensive for what you get
Not many customization options
SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine Review Overview
While my first impression of the SMEG bean to cup machine was that it looks a little too much like a wall outlet (or something you’d plug your actual coffee maker into), that sleek design is what the manufacturer is famous for. If you’re someone who wants a coffee maker to look like it’s from the 1950s, you’ll appreciate the SMEG’s vibe.
In case you didn’t know, SMEG is a luxury Italian brand. The manufacturer is known for its high-end appliances, ranging from drip coffee makers to boutique fridges. While all of SMEG’s products look pretty, most of them aren’t very kind to your wallet.
As for this machine, SMEG trades the usual shiny finish for a brushed metal front, molded plastic housing and a plastic drip tray. I rarely see rounded, soft corners on coffee machines, but it manages to work with SMEG’s aesthetic. Anyway, nobody digs a square, right daddy-o? Sorry, I was just practicing my 1950s slang!
First Impressions
For $134.90, most of this machine’s appeal comes from its look. While it can do more than just sit pretty on your counter, it’ll definitely enhance your kitchen. Whether or not the SMEG is worth the money all depends on how important having an attractive coffee maker is to you.
As far as features go, the BCC01 doesn’t do a great job of standing out from the bean to cup coffee machine pack.
Still, behind that sculpted plastic and brushed metal exterior, you’re getting a durable coffee machine that could last for years. It’s also a coffee machine that handles all the hard work. Whether grinding your coffee beans, or dispensing the right amount of espresso into your cup, the SMEG coffee maker has you covered.
Of course, those are just the basics. Next up in my SMEG fully automatic coffee machine review, I’ll go into my favorite (and least favorite) parts of this coffee maker.
SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine Features
While the appearance of this coffee maker is deceptively simple, there’s more lurking beneath the surface. Or, in this case, the lid. Continuing my SMEG fully automatic coffee machine review, let’s get into the features!
Colors
You know me, I’m a sucker for any coffee maker that comes in a color that’s not just stainless steel or black plastic. All of the SMEG color options come with the brushed aluminum front, but you can pick between red, black and taupe accents.
It’s hard to complain about any of these color options. However, if you’re committed to completing the vintage look, nothing beats bright red.
Size and Design
I know I probably sound like a broken record when it comes to how sleek and smooth the outside of this machine is. In fact, this is one of the first times I’ve been happy to find plastic housing rather than stainless steel. However, once you’re treading into fully automatic territory, you won’t always find super compact machines.
Although the SMEG bean to cup coffee maker isn’t a behemoth, it’s far from compact. Sure, there’s no bulky water tank to contend with, but the machine’s 16-inch (40.6-centimeter) depth means it might be challenging to fit the thing on your kitchen counter.
Speaking of the water tank, it’s located at the rear of the machine under a removable panel. The water reservoir has a handle, making it easy to lift the thing out for filling.
Fortunately, the machine is fairly lightweight for a fully automatic, which is a plus in my book. I don’t want a workout every time I try to move my coffee maker.
User Interface
The SMEG fully automatic coffee machine ditches the normal touchscreen interface that a lot of automatics use. Instead, you’ll get four buttons for controlling the action.
While that might not sound like much, you’re actually getting eight functions across two menus. Don’t worry, that’s all the math you’ll have to do with this automatic coffee machine!
Most of the functions relate to how you want your espresso shot. SMEG allows you to pick between hot water, espresso, ristretto and long coffee. You can also choose “light” versions of all the coffee options. Whew, that’s a lot. Incidentally, picking light ristretto or light coffee is just going to brew your cup at half the strength of a normal brew.
If you’re like a lot of home baristas, you’ll probably find your preference and just stick with it – but it’s still nice to have choices!
Along with the four buttons, you’ll also see five alert icons on the control panel. Now, I know most espresso machines include indicator lights for the drip tray and descaling. That’s not exactly an inventive feature. Still think it’s worth mentioning that this machine has them.
With the built in grinder, you’ll also have an indicator light for when the bean compartment is empty. After all, you’re not going to get far into the brewing process if you’re missing the most important component!
Burr Grinder
If there’s one thing I’ll never stop shouting into the void about, it’s the importance of freshly ground coffee. Using whole beans adds a richness to your espresso that pre ground coffee just can’t come close to. With the built in burr grinder on this machine, you’ll have every incentive to grind beans fresh every time.
Speaking of pre ground coffee, you won’t be able to use it on this machine. While I’m not the biggest fan of pre ground bypass chutes, I can certainly understand the convenience. It’d be nice to have the option for the occasional decaf coffee. Still, the grinder is quick and quiet, so there’s not much to complain about.
With this specific machine, you’ll get five options for grind size. That’s plenty of room to experiment with, but if you’re just making standard espresso, a fine grind is your safest bet.
As far as storing those coffee beans go, the coffee bean container has a 5.3-ounce (150-gram) capacity. You’ll see the alert icon turn on when it’s empty.
Milk Froth
As I mentioned at the start of this SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine review, I bought the version without a milk frother.
However, for $793.21, you can get hold of the SMEG BCC02, which has an integrated steam wand located just to the side of the coffee dispenser. SMEG has tried its hardest to make this thing look high tech. However, at the end of the day, it’s still just your typical steam wand. No special effects or lasers here.
Now, when it comes to operating that steam wand, this is one part of the process that doesn’t feel completely intuitive. To get that delicious froth crema or silky milk foam, you’ll need to swirl the milk while keeping your jug tilted downwards.
Oh and by the way, you’ll have to purchase a stainless steel milk pitcher separately. That’s a bit of a letdown in my opinion, especially considering the machine’s price point.
Overall, the steam wand should work just fine once you get ahead of that initial learning curve.
Specialty Drinks
If there’s one thing that this bean to cup coffee maker does right, it’s specialty drinks. Being able to make your coffee shop favorites on demand is part of the magic of owning an automatic espresso machine. Plus, you don’t have to make awkward small talk with the barista just to get your americano.
As a fully automatic, I’m not surprised that the BCC01 bean to cup machine makes specialty drinks seamless. Picking between drinks like ristrettos, long shots or light espresso just takes the push of the button. Certain specialty drinks (such as latte macchiato and flat white) aren’t programmed in, but they’re almost as easy to make if you buy the BCC02.
Brew Group
If you’re tired of hearing about portafilters and filter baskets, you might appreciate the internal brewing unit on the SMEG BCC01. An Internal brewing unit is the standard on bean to cup machines, and it’s where all the action happens.
Keep in mind that just because there’s no traditional portafilter doesn’t mean you won’t have to clean the brew group. It’ll still need regular maintenance, but that’s just part of owning any espresso machine.
Boiler
If there’s one thing I can appreciate about this espresso machine, it’s a quick heat up time. Waiting 10 or 15 minutes just for your espresso machine to heat up every morning can feel like an eternity. Features like thermoblock heating tend to spoil me, and fortunately, the BCC01 has got one on board.
The machine doesn’t use a traditional boiler. Instead, water passes through the thermoblock and is quickly heated along the way. This means it’ll only take a few seconds for the machine to be ready to go.
Cup Height
Cup height is one of those factors that you never really think about unless it becomes an issue. You probably won’t notice anything’s awry unless you’re unable to fit tall cups underneath the spout.
A lot of espresso machines allow for tall travel mugs by making their drip trays removable. While there is a removable drip tray on the BCC01, you don’t need to remove it just to get some extra room. The height of the dispenser itself is adjustable, and as compact as this machine is, there’s still plenty of space for tall cups.
Warranty
Considering the price point of the BCC01, I’d be pretty disappointed if this SMEG automatic coffee machine didn’t have a warranty. Luckily, that’s not the case. You’ll get a one year limited warranty on this bean to cup machine, which covers manufacturer defects.
How to Use the SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine
I’ve done enough yapping about the features of the BCC01 in my SMEG fully automatic coffee machine review. Let’s talk about how to use it.
Before I get into drink preparation, I want to talk about modifications. One interesting thing to note about the BCC01 is that you can customize the amount of espresso you get with each shot. Even though the machine will automatically dispense the “correct” amount for single shots, you can change that to your preference.
To do so, place your cup under the adjustable coffee dispenser. Hold the key you want for at least three seconds and wait till the machine emits a double sound. This means it’s ready to modify your preset program. Start dispensing your espresso, wait until you have the desired amount and then press the key again.
Next time you make that same drink, the BCC01 will dispense the new amount of espresso you’ve set.
Speaking of customizations, there are also ways to set water hardness and acoustic signals. However, I won’t bore you with the details here – it’s all in the user manual.
Drink Preparation
If you’re not looking to make modifications, here’s how you can make freshly brewed coffee with the BCC01 on its regular settings:
Like any espresso machine, your first step is always going to be feeding the bean compartment and filling up the water tank. Remember – use cool water and don’t exceed that little ‘MAX’ line.
Press the power button, make sure your drip tray and cup are in the right position and let the machine heat up. Since it’s fully automatic, there’s not a lot of elbow grease involved here. Really, operating the BCC01 is just a waiting game.
Once your indicator light flashes and the machine is ready, pick the type of coffee you want to dispense. Your espresso should start flowing like liquid gold and the machine will stop automatically when it’s done. That’s the beauty of fully automatics like this one: you don’t have to time your espresso shots. If you need to stop the shot early, you can press the function key again and it should stop immediately.
While you can turn the machine off manually, it also features an auto shutoff function. After 20 minutes without any activity, the BCC01 turns off automatically to save power. For those of us that don’t always remember to hit the power button when we’re rushing out the door, auto shutoff sure is handy to have.
SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine Observations
Although I’ll stick to my guns in terms of the SMEG fully automatic being too expensive for what it is, I was actually pleasantly surprised by its performance during my testing. The machine heats up really quickly, and doesn’t make much noise in the process. Speaking of noise, the grinder is extremely quiet – the Italian manufacturer has done a great job with soundproofing here.
I quickly realized that using the finest grind setting is the only way to go. And as for those “light” options – don’t even bother going there. Unless watery coffee is your thing.
I started out by brewing with my own coffee beans for fully automatic machines. And I have to say the SMEG did a fantastic job of highlighting the notes of chocolate and spice, especially when I prepared a ristretto. What’s more, the temperature of the coffee was bang on – at least for my taste.
Incidentally, I loved that the SEG BCC01 has a cup illumination feature as it’s brewing. Seeing my Coffeeness glass all lit up as the espresso flowed gave me a real thrill. Then again, I’m fairly easy to impress!
Just for good measure, I also experimented with an espresso blend from one of my favorite independent roasters. This is my go-to coffee for espresso machines because of its sweetness, body and complexity. Of course, plenty of that was missing in this case, but the SMEG produced pretty impressive crema and the coffee was tasty enough.
While I would have liked to have seen more options for customization, I actually didn’t mind not having a coffee strength adjustment option. At the end of the day, the SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine produced ristretto and long coffee that was full-bodied and delicious. What can I say – I like surprises!
SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine Cleaning
Most people aren’t as excited about cleaning and descaling their espresso machines as I am. Fortunately, the BCC01 keeps maintenance low-key. Since the removable brewing unit is internal, there’s not as much elbow grease involved as with semi automatic espresso machines.
Of course, any espresso machine is going to need external cleaning. I’d recommend doing a quick wipe down of your BCC01 – but make sure it’s completely cool. Just use a damp cloth and a little warm water to wipe it off, which should go a long way towards keeping your machine in tip top shape.
Really, there are just two golden rules for cleaning the SMEG: don’t put it in the dishwasher and don’t submerge it in water. Those could put you on the fast track to needing a new espresso machine.
Components like the water tank, drip tray and the coffee bean container will also need their fair share of maintenance. You can remove all of these parts fairly easily. Oh, and make sure you empty the coffee grounds container when the machine is on. That way, it’ll reset the counter.
As for cleaning the brew group, a quick rinse after every use is a good idea. There are clips on the side that allow you to remove the brew group, and it’s super easy to click it back into place.
Now, let’s talk descaling. I know it’s a chore, but the good news? You don’t have to do it very often and the machine gives you a heads up. Suffice to say, the frequency with which you’ll need to descale depends on your water hardness. There are more specific directions in the user manual.
SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine Specifications
| SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine | |
| Manufacturer | SMEG |
| Model number | BCC02 |
| Product category | Super automatic espresso machine |
| Removable brew group | |
| Housing material | Plastic with stainless steel parts |
| Color options | Black, Red, Taupe |
| Milk frother | None |
| User interface | Buttons and dials |
| App | |
| User profiles | Memo function only |
| Removable water reservoir | |
| Water reservoir capacity | 33.8 fl oz / 1.0 l |
| Number of boilers | 1 |
| Pump pressure | 19 bar |
| Maximum cup height | 5.3 in / 13.5 cm |
| Minimum cup height | 3.5 in / 8.9 cm |
| Grinder | Stainless steel conical burr grinder |
| Grind adjustment levels | 5 |
| Bean hopper capacity | 5.3 oz / 150.0 g |
| Pre-ground coffee bypass | |
| Grounds discard container capacity | 8 |
| Specialty drinks | 3 |
| Pre-infusion | |
| Adjustable coffee temperature | |
| Adjustable milk foam temperature | |
| Adjustable milk temperature | |
| 2-cup function | No |
| Pot function | |
| Hot water function | |
| Hot milk function | |
| Milk foam only option | |
| Water filter | |
| Power consumption | 1350 W |
| Weight | 25.1 lb / 11.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 13.3 x 7.1 x 17.0 in |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Notes | Included Accessories: Cleaning brush, water hardness test strip, instruction manual. Optional: Water filter. |
| Current price on Amazon | $809.99 |
| BUY NOW ON AMAZON |
SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine vs Others
I can’t wrap up my SMEG fully automatic coffee machine review without seeing how it handles the competition. There are tons of options in my super automatic espresso machine guide 2023, so let’s see how the SMEG measures up to a couple of alternatives.
SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine vs Jura D6
For $1,349.00, there’s not that much of a price difference between the BCC02 and the Jura D6.
The Jura D6 is less compact, but it takes its simple user interface to a whole new level. There’s one touch operation for making most of your espresso drinks, an Aroma G2 grinder and an intelligent water system (which is really just a water filter).
One thing the Jura D6 has that you won’t find with the BCC02 is smart app control. You can rely on the manual settings just fine, but using the app is an easy way to fine tune them. I’d argue that the D6 achieves the futuristic feel that SMEG is trying so hard to get with its look.
See Also: Jura D6 Review 2023
SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine vs Tchibo
Costing $N/A, the Tchibo Fully Automatic Coffee Machine definitely has a friendlier price tag than either of the SMEG machines.
Besides the two bags of coffee beans that you get with Tchibo, there’s little to recommend the machine. Its user interface is a little more limited and certainly not as intuitive as the SMEG’s.
If you’ve read my Tchibo review, you’ll know I’m not always the biggest fan of this manufacturer. Its fully automatic didn’t do a great job of impressing me, but then again, it’s definitely pretty budget-friendly for a bean to cup machine.
See Also: Tchibo Coffee Machine Review 2023
SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine vs Others Comparison Chart
| SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine | Jura D6 Coffee Maker | Tchibo Espresso Machine | |
| Manufacturer | SMEG | Jura | Tchibo |
| Model number | BCC02 | 15215/15216 | The Tchibo |
| Product category | Super automatic espresso machine | Super automatic espresso machine | Super automatic espresso machine |
| Removable brew group | |||
| Housing material | Plastic with stainless steel parts | Plastic with stainless steel parts | Plastic with stainless steel parts |
| Color options | Black, Red, Taupe | Piano Black, Platinum | Black |
| Milk frother | None | Cappuccinatore | None |
| User interface | Buttons and dials | Text display with buttons and dials | Touchscreen |
| App | |||
| User profiles | Memo function only | Memo function only | Memo function only |
| Removable water reservoir | |||
| Water reservoir capacity | 33.8 fl oz / 1.0 l | 64.2 fl oz / 1.9 l | 37.2 fl oz / 1.1 l |
| Number of boilers | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Pump pressure | 19 bar | 15 bar | 19 bar |
| Maximum cup height | 5.3 in / 13.5 cm | 4.4 in / 11.2 cm | 6.1 in / 15.5 cm |
| Minimum cup height | 3.5 in / 8.9 cm | 2.6 in / 6.6 cm | 3.5 in / 8.9 cm |
| Grinder | Stainless steel conical burr grinder | Stainless steel conical burr grinder | Stainless steel conical burr grinder |
| Grind adjustment levels | 5 | Infinitely variable | 5 |
| Bean hopper capacity | 5.3 oz / 150.0 g | 6.8 oz / 200.0 g | 5.6 oz / 160.0 g |
| Pre-ground coffee bypass | |||
| Grounds discard container capacity | 8 | 16 | 10 |
| Specialty drinks | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Pre-infusion | |||
| Adjustable coffee temperature | |||
| Adjustable milk foam temperature | |||
| Adjustable milk temperature | |||
| 2-cup function | No | Yes (non-milk drinks only) | Yes (non-milk drinks only) |
| Pot function | |||
| Hot water function | |||
| Hot milk function | |||
| Milk foam only option | |||
| Water filter | |||
| Power consumption | 1350 W | 1450 W | 1350 W |
| Weight | 25.1 lb / 11.4 kg | 18.0 lb / 8.2 kg | 16.5 lb / 7.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 13.3 x 7.1 x 17.0 in | 13.6 x 11.0 x 16.3 in | 15.6 x 7.0 x 12.4 in |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years | 1 year |
| Notes | Included Accessories: Cleaning brush, water hardness test strip, instruction manual. Optional: Water filter. | Included Accessories: Instruction Booklet. App connectivity with optional Jura Smart Connect (not included). | Included Accessories: Coffee bean compartment expansion, Cleaning Brush, Instruction manual. |
| Current price on Amazon | $809.99 | $1,349.00 | $529.00 |
| BUY NOW ON AMAZON | BUY NOW ON AMAZON | BUY NOW ON AMAZON |
| SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine | Jura D6 Coffee Maker | Tchibo Espresso Machine | |
| Manufacturer | SMEG | Jura | Tchibo |
| Model number | BCC02 | 15215/15216 | The Tchibo |
| Product category | Super automatic espresso machine | Super automatic espresso machine | Super automatic espresso machine |
| Removable brew group | |||
| Housing material | Plastic with stainless steel parts | Plastic with stainless steel parts | Plastic with stainless steel parts |
| Color options | Black, Red, Taupe | Piano Black, Platinum | Black |
| Milk frother | None | Cappuccinatore | None |
| User interface | Buttons and dials | Text display with buttons and dials | Touchscreen |
| App | |||
| User profiles | Memo function only | Memo function only | Memo function only |
| Removable water reservoir | |||
| Water reservoir capacity | 33.8 fl oz / 1.0 l | 64.2 fl oz / 1.9 l | 37.2 fl oz / 1.1 l |
| Number of boilers | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Pump pressure | 19 bar | 15 bar | 19 bar |
| Maximum cup height | 5.3 in / 13.5 cm | 4.4 in / 11.2 cm | 6.1 in / 15.5 cm |
| Minimum cup height | 3.5 in / 8.9 cm | 2.6 in / 6.6 cm | 3.5 in / 8.9 cm |
| Grinder | Stainless steel conical burr grinder | Stainless steel conical burr grinder | Stainless steel conical burr grinder |
| Grind adjustment levels | 5 | Infinitely variable | 5 |
| Bean hopper capacity | 5.3 oz / 150.0 g | 6.8 oz / 200.0 g | 5.6 oz / 160.0 g |
| Pre-ground coffee bypass | |||
| Grounds discard container capacity | 8 | 16 | 10 |
| Specialty drinks | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Pre-infusion | |||
| Adjustable coffee temperature | |||
| Adjustable milk foam temperature | |||
| Adjustable milk temperature | |||
| 2-cup function | No | Yes (non-milk drinks only) | Yes (non-milk drinks only) |
| Pot function | |||
| Hot water function | |||
| Hot milk function | |||
| Milk foam only option | |||
| Water filter | |||
| Power consumption | 1350 W | 1450 W | 1350 W |
| Weight | 25.1 lb / 11.4 kg | 18.0 lb / 8.2 kg | 16.5 lb / 7.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 13.3 x 7.1 x 17.0 in | 13.6 x 11.0 x 16.3 in | 15.6 x 7.0 x 12.4 in |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years | 1 year |
| Notes | Included Accessories: Cleaning brush, water hardness test strip, instruction manual. Optional: Water filter. | Included Accessories: Instruction Booklet. App connectivity with optional Jura Smart Connect (not included). | Included Accessories: Coffee bean compartment expansion, Cleaning Brush, Instruction manual. |
| Current price on Amazon | $809.99 | $1,349.00 | $529.00 |
| BUY NOW ON AMAZON | BUY NOW ON AMAZON | BUY NOW ON AMAZON |
Verdict: SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine Review
Nothing to write home about
SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine
Back to the Future!
Looks super stylish
Intuitive user interface
Rugged and sturdy
Easy to clean
Makes good espresso
Expensive for what you get
Not many customization options
To wrap up my SMEG fully automatic coffee machine review, I’ll just say this: while I love the BCCO1’s simplicity and futuristic design, most of its features are just standard for bean to cup machines. In fact, I’d put it in the same category as the underwhelming Philips Carina. The SMEG fully automatic is priced fairly high in that regard, especially since you can find superior machines for a lot less.
Listen, if looks are a big deal, it’ll be hard to find an automatic that looks quite as cute in your kitchen. And if you’re a SMEG collector, the BCC01 will fit right in with your retro fridge! That said, if you’re more interested in special features or just getting the most bang for your buck, you might want to look elsewhere.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine review. I’d love to know what you think about this bean to cup beauty, so keep the comments coming!
SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine FAQ
SMEG has a reputation for creating luxury Italian products, including coffee makers like the SMEG fully automatic coffee machine.
As mentioned in my SMEG fully automatic coffee machine review, this coffee maker is more than capable of delivering great espresso.
The SMEG fully automatic coffee machine has an extremely intuitive user interface, making it very easy to use.
You can make a latte with the BCC02 version by preparing a shot of espresso and using the steam wand to create milk foam.