Smeg 50's Retro Style Aesthetic Drip Coffee Machine with 10 Cup Glass Carafe, Auto Start, Keep Warm Plate, Two Strength Settings - Cream
$259.95
In stock
- Enjoy up to 10 cups of perfectly brewed coffee with Smeg's retro drip machine.
- Wake up to fresh coffee every morning with the easy-to-set auto start timer.
- Savor your coffee at the perfect temperature for hours thanks to the keep warm plate.
- Customize your brew strength with two options: mild or bold, for your perfect cup.
- Add a stylish retro touch to your kitchen with the iconic cream-colored design.
Our Score
Smeg 50's Retro Style Drip Coffee Machine Review — Retro style with Review
The Smeg 50's Retro Style Drip Coffee Machine is a study in contrasts: a vintage-looking appliance packed with modern conveniences. It's designed for those who want their coffee maker to be a statement piece on the counter, as much as a reliable brewer. With a 10-cup glass carafe, two aroma strength settings, a programmable auto-start, and a keep-warm function, it covers the basics elegantly. The real question is whether its performance matches its premium price tag. Reviews consistently praise its brewing quality and aesthetic appeal, though some note durability concerns with the carafe and the limited keep-warm duration. This machine is best suited for households that value design and simplicity over a long list of features, and who don't mind paying extra for a retro look that actually works.
Product Overview
The Smeg drip coffee machine feels substantial without being bulky. Its footprint measures 10.25 inches wide by 14.25 inches tall by 9 inches deep, so it fits easily on most countertops without dominating the space. The body is made of plastic with a polished stainless steel finish on the front, while the carafe is glass with a plastic handle — a point of contention for some users, as the handle feels less sturdy than the rest of the machine. The water reservoir is accessible via a flip-top lid on top, and the showerhead-style spray ensures even saturation of coffee grounds. The included reusable filter is a nice eco-friendly touch, but users can also opt for standard #4 paper filters if preferred. The control panel features an LED display and push buttons for setting the clock, timer, and aroma strength. One thoughtful design element is the anti-drip valve that stops coffee flow when you remove the carafe mid-brew, preventing countertop spills. However, the water level indicator is on the back of the machine, making it a bit inconvenient to check without pulling it out. The carafe has a lid that opens wide for easy pouring and fits under most drip coffee makers. Overall, the machine's build quality feels solid except for the carafe handle, which several reviewers mention feels cheap and may break over time. Smeg offers the machine in several retro colors, including cream, pastel green, and stainless steel, so buyers can match their kitchen decor.
Key Features
Retro Aesthetic Design
- ✓50s-inspired styling with polished chrome accents and rounded edges.
- ✓Available in multiple retro colors to match any kitchen decor.
- ✓Compact footprint takes up minimal counter space.
10-Cup Glass Carafe
- ✓1.4-liter capacity serves up to 10 cups, ideal for families or entertaining.
- ✓Glass carafe with clear markings for easy water measurement.
- ✓Lid opens fully for easy pouring and cleaning.
Two Aroma Strength Settings
- ✓Choose between 'Light' and 'Intense' aroma profiles.
- ✓Intense setting slows the brew cycle to extract more flavor.
- ✓Reviewers report noticeably richer taste with the intense setting.
Programmable Auto-Start
- ✓Set the timer up to 24 hours in advance for freshly brewed coffee at a specific time.
- ✓Simple button interface for programming.
- ✓Wake up to the smell of coffee without any morning effort.
Keep Warm Function
- ✓Automatically keeps coffee warm for up to 60 minutes after brewing.
- ✓Heating plate maintains temperature without burning the coffee, according to user reports.
- ✓Auto shut-off when warming period ends.
Reusable Filter Included
- ✓Permanent gold-tone filter eliminates the need for paper filters.
- ✓Easy to rinse clean after each use.
- ✓Environmentally friendly alternative to disposable filters.
Build & Materials
The Smeg 50's Retro Style Drip Coffee Machine is a blend of plastic and metal components. The main housing is high-gloss plastic, while the front panel features a polished stainless steel finish that gives it a premium look. The carafe is made of glass with a plastic handle that attaches via a small bracket. Several reviewers have expressed concern about the handle's durability, noting that it feels flimsy compared to the rest of the machine. The water reservoir is located at the rear and is accessed by lifting a lid; the reservoir has a maximum fill line clearly marked. The filter basket is removable and accommodates either the included reusable filter or standard #4 paper filters. The control panel consists of an LED display and four buttons: one for the clock/timer, one for aroma strength, a start/stop button, and a button to adjust settings. The machine also has a side lever for setting the clock, a retro touch that some found charming and others cumbersome. Overall, the build quality is good for the price point, but the carafe handle is a weak spot.
Shot Quality
When it comes to brewing, the Smeg machine delivers consistently good results. The showerhead design evenly saturates the coffee grounds, extracting full flavor without bitterness. Users on the intense aroma setting report a richer, more robust cup, while the light setting yields a milder brew. The keep-warm plate maintains the coffee at a drinkable temperature for the full 60 minutes, and most reviewers note no burnt taste even at the end of the cycle. The auto-start feature adds convenience, allowing users to have fresh coffee ready at a preset time. However, the machine's pump can be somewhat noisy during the brew cycle, and the beeping when the cycle ends is loud enough to hear from another room. The anti-drip system works well, preventing spills when the carafe is removed mid-brew. Overall, the coffee quality is on par with or better than many similarly priced drip machines, earning praise from reviewers who switched from other brands.
Pros and Cons
What Works
- ✓Stunning retro design adds character to any kitchen.
- ✓Produces smooth, flavorful coffee with consistent temperature.
- ✓Two aroma settings allow customization of brew strength.
- ✓Programmable auto-start for convenience.
- ✓Reusable filter saves money and reduces waste.
- ✓Anti-drip system prevents messy countertops.
- ✓Easy-to-use controls with intuitive interface.
What Doesn't
- ✗Carafe handle feels cheap and may break with regular use.
- ✗Only 60-minute keep warm function; cannot adjust duration.
- ✗High price for basic feature set compared to competitors.
- ✗Water reservoir placement makes it tricky to fill with carafe.
- ✗Some units have suffered pump failure within two years.
The Verdict
The Smeg 50's Retro Style Drip Coffee Machine is a beautiful appliance that makes genuinely good coffee. Its retro design is a standout, and the brewing performance earns consistent praise from users. However, the premium price doesn't buy you advanced features or outstanding durability — the carafe handle is a known weak point, and some units have failed prematurely. If you prioritize aesthetics and are willing to pay for it, this machine will not disappoint in the short term. But if you need a workhorse that can take daily abuse, there are more robust options at half the price. We give it a solid 8 out of 10 for its design and brew quality, but subtract points for the carafe build and limited warranty period.
Price vs Value
What You Get
- Iconic retro design that doubles as kitchen decor.
- Consistent brewing with two strength settings.
- Programmable auto-start for convenience.
- Reusable filter and keep-warm function.
- 1-year limited warranty (if registered).
What You Pay
$259.95 at full retail.
Maintenance Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set the clock on the Smeg coffee maker?
Can I use paper filters instead of the reusable one?
How long does the keep-warm function last?
Is the carafe dishwasher safe?
Does it have a pause-and-serve feature?
How do I descale the machine?
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Product Specifications
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