Smeg BCC02

Few brands channel faux retro better, or more consistently, than Smeg. Available in three matte colourways, and altogether more contemporary looking than the cheaper ECF01BL, there’s more than a hint of reinvented early 70s Gaggia about the svelte BCC02.

Useful design touches abound: an illuminated dispenser that moves up and down to accommodate different-sized cups, an easily removeable drip tray (useful if you want to fill up even taller travel mugs), plus an easily removeable grounds tray behind it. Warning LEDs even tell you if you’re out of beans, water, or if you need to descale the machine.

Simplicity of operation, as well as form, really is the byword here. If you’re hankering after fine-tuning features like digital temperature control and manual dosing then walk on by: this is coffee-making for dummies. Put your beans in the hopper, select the coarseness of your grind, and then just pick your preferred poison: choose from light/full strength versions of ristretto, espresso or americano. A long button press can set your preferred coffee volume but the machine takes care of the rest.

And it does brilliantly. Grinding is a tad noisy (and can’t be avoided as this machine doesn’t take ground coffee) but it’s quick, consistent (as evidenced by the grounds) and the brewing process itself is relatively quiet. The attached steam wand proves both effective and easy to use though the absence of a gratis milk jug rankles a bit, especially given the price tag.

But the BCC02’s efficiency – and the excellent results – will make up for that. It extracts espressos very consistently, invariably delivering them with a decent crema. Cappuccinos, meanwhile, have a singularly nice texture, that steam wand foaming milk up beautifully.

Downsides? The white graphics on the top panel wear away over time. But by that stage you’ll know what the buttons do off by heart, anyway, so not a major issue.

Not cheap, then, but be assured, this machine’s beauty is definitely much more than skin-deep. For coffee lovers who need a quick, quality fix it’s a satisfying option.