Verdict

An exceptionally stylish unit, the Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine has a neat retro look that you'll be happy to have on display. It makes a decent jug of coffee, too, with a quick four-cup and timed mode adding convenience. One minor complaint is that the lid doesn't open quite far enough to pour all of the water out of the carafe, with a dribble remaining.

Pros

• Looks great
• Easy to use
• Timed start and four-cup modes

Cons

• Fiddly to fill up

Although not as fashionable as espresso machines, filter coffee machines are a great way to get a smooth tasting coffee. And, as the Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine proves, a functional machine doesn’t have to be restricted to functional looks. My initial review sample had a few cosmetic issues with the build quality, but I’ve been sent a new version of the machine, which rectifies the issues.

Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine – What you need to know

• Features – Simple operation with a couple of neat features, including a quick four-cup dispense and timed operation
• Coffee quality – Makes decent filter coffee through the integrated filter, although we slightly prefer the taste you get from paper filters, which can also be used.

Related: Best coffee machine

Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine design – The familiar Smeg look, but it’s a fiddly machine to fill with water

Smeg’s products are instantly recognisable, and the DCF02 is no different. Sporting the company’s stylish, retro design, this is an attractive filter coffee machine that you’d be proud to have out on display in your kitchen. Available in a choice of six colours (pastel blue, stainless steel, cream, pastel green, red and black), you’ll easily find a model to complement your other kitchen accessories.

Filter coffee machines aren’t overly complicated, and the DCF02 is pretty straightforward to use. On the front are a power button, an aroma button (this sets between two levels of coffee intensity), an auto-start mode where you can programme a start time, and a quick four-cup mode for a smaller amount of coffee.

Flipping open the top lid provides access to the washable filter and filter holder. A washable filter is convenient, but with use over time can become tainted. As such, reusable filters are a better choice for real coffee lovers, and these can be used with this machine.

Washable filters are handy for convenience, but you’ll get better taste in the long-run from paper filters

Under the lid you’ll also find access to the water tank, which takes up to 10 cups of coffee. You can fill the water tank using the provided glass carafe, which has handy cup markings on the side – but there’s one problem: the jug is too bulky to fit comfortably under the lid. Every time I attempted to fill the tank, I ended up with water left in the carafe as a result of not being able to lift it high enough. The newer sample I had made opening the lid easier, but I still ended up with a dribble of water left in the carafe.

It’s practically impossible to get the last bit of water out of the jug

With ground coffee in the filter ready to go, you can simply turn on the machine using the power button to start it brewing automatically. The Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine beeps loudly to let you know it’s working, although I’d describe the noise as sound to indicate an error message than an “I’m about to start working”. A second loud beep sounds when your coffee is ready.

If you’d rather wait until later for your coffee, you can programme the machine to come on at a set time, using the up/down level on the side of the coffee machine.

This control on the side lets you set all of the features, including the timed start

Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine Coffee quality – Deep flavours and a relatively smooth cup of coffee

I brewed a full carafe of coffee using my freshly roasted fairtrade Peruvian coffee beans. Once coffee is brewed, the hot plate will keep the coffee warm for up to 40 minutes, although you can turn it off sooner. Coffee that’s continually warmed will continue to brew, making a thermal carafe a neater solution for purists – although you’re unlikely to notice too much difference to taste over a 40-minute period.

I measured my coffee at 70ºC, which is a few degrees cooler than ideal, but drinkable nonetheless. My final cup was dark and rich-looking; I opted to use the Aroma setting for a more intense cup.

I prefer the results from a paper filter, only just. It typically gives a smoother taste. The coffee from the DCF02 was deep-flavoured, but a touch more bitter than coffee from similar machines using paper filters. However, you can ditch the provided filter and use paper filters instead. Still, there isn’t a huge amount to complain about here.

A fine-tasting cup of coffee is the end result

Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine maintenance – Very little to do bar the occasional descale

When you first turn on the coffee machine, you’ll be prompted to set your water hardness level; you can get this information from your local water company. This sets the time interval for descaling – the coffee machine will prompt you when it’s time to do the job. At this point simply add water and descaler to the tank and then press the on/off and Auto Start buttons together to run through the programme.

Other than that, there’s little maintenance bar regular cleaning. The filter, filter holder and carafe need to be washed manually following each use, and none are dishwasher safe, so you’ll have to do the job manually.

Should you buy the Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine?

If you’re looking for a stylish coffee machine then the fantastic Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine is a great choice. It makes a decent jug of coffee, too, although I recommend using paper filters where you can, as you’ll get better taste, particularly over time when the integrated filter can get tainted.

The DCF02 is a bit fiddly to fill – it would have been better if the lid had opened further to make getting  water into the tank easier. Price is an issue, as for similar money you can pick up the Melitta AromaFresh Grind and Brew, with its built-in coffee grinder. It’s not as good-looking as the Smeg – and reusable filters do add that bit of convenience for when you want them. If looks are important, then the DCF02 is a great choice.

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