My last blog post of 2020! As you can imagine, the week has been a whirlwind of cooking, cleaning, decorating and working. I’m ready for a much needed break and with all all the college kids home for the holiday and some out of state family visiting I’m putting away the phone and computer and just going to enjoy life. Family life! This is a blog I wrote a while back on my SMEG coffee maker . After I first got it, I didn’t even use it for over a month because it was just so pretty to look at! I purposely avoided making coffee in the pot because it’s absolutely gorgeous sitting on my counter and I didn’t want to use it and get it dirty! I know that’s silly but it goes to show how much I love the aesthetic of this pot. After a month of enjoying it just sitting on the counter, I decided it was time to fire it up and see if it’s pretty AND functional. It is! I’m happy to share that the retro style drip coffee pot looks great and it brews a really hot and tasty pot of coffee too!
The SMEG coffee maker has no bells and whistles or fancy settings. Overall, it’s a basic drip coffee pot which is another aspect I like. Have you seen some of the new coffee pots on the market with buttons and gadgets galore? You need a barista certificate to be qualified to use some of those! If there is anything to poo poo about the SMEG coffee pot it’s the price point. For a basic pot, it is is a bit pricey (around $200). BUT C’MON, JUST LOOK AT IT! Read the blog for the details on the Smeg coffee pot and what I think about it so far!
COLOR OPTIONS
The SMEG coffee pot comes in several colors including black, cream, pastel blue (GORGEOUS), pastel green, pink, red and stainless steel. White SMEG appliances are also available however, it is an exclusive color only sold by Williams & Sonoma.
THE PARTS
Other than the pot itself, the machine is equipped with a reusable, washable coffee filter with handle for easy removal and cleaning, a filter holder, measuring scoop (one scoop per 2 cups of coffee), 10 cup glass carafe, water tank level indicator and timer lever .
SETTING IT UP
On the front of the SMEG coffee maker there are four menu buttons. There are three settings to know about. To activate the settings press the 2nd menu button (bean) and 3rd menu button (pot) at the same time for three seconds. The setting options are:
- SE01 – Clock Format
- SE02 – Water Hardness Level
- SE03 – Activate or deactivate audible signals
Use the stainless steel lever toggle on the right bottom side to move through the setting options. To exit settings press any button.
FORMAT CLOCK
SE01 – In this setting, use lever toggle on side of pot to adjust time hour and minutes by moving it up or down. When set, press toggle in to confirm. To change the time you can also press the lever in for several seconds.
SET WATER HARDNESS
SE02 – In this setting use lever toggle on side of pot to adjust water hardness level by moving it up or down. Default is set to medium water hardness. Water hardness levels are HA01 – soft, HA02 – medium, HA03 hard.
AUDIBLE SIGNALS
SE03 – In this setting use lever toggle on side of pot up or down to adjust audible (sound) signals on or off.
AROMA SETTING
Have the option to set the aroma between delicate or intense. The default is set to delicate. Press the aroma button on front of pot (2nd button from left with a picture of coffee bean on the button) to change the aroma intensity. If set to intense aroma there will be a picture of two coffee beans next to the time.
4 CUP ONLY FUNCTION
The pot is defaulted to make a 10 cup pot of coffee. However, if you prefer to make a 4 pot cup of coffee you can turn on that function. Press the 3rd button once (picture of coffee pot) and the button will light up indicating the pot will only brew 4 cups of coffee. Press the button again to turn off the function (light will go off) and the pot will go back to default and brew a 10 cup pot.
*NOTE the keep warm function will not work with the 4 cup brew option (for a 10 cup brew the keep warm plate will stay on for 60 minutes).
AUTO START TIME SET UP
Set up a time chosen by you that the pot will automatically start. Ensure the clock is set to the correct time. Press and hold the button farthest on the right for three seconds. Using the toggle lever on the side of the machine change the hour and minute to the desired time you want the coffee pot to automatically start. Press toggle in to set the hour and minute. When automatic start function is set, the button will stay lit while activated.
STEAM WARNING
Once brewing process ends I suggest waiting at least three minutes before opening the lid of the machine. I have noticed that very hot steam comes out of the top back of the pot.
COMPLAINTS
The only complaint I have read about regarding the SMEG coffee pot is that the lid for the water reservoir does not open far enough back. Making it difficult to pour water from the carafe into the reservoir. This is a fact. The lid only opens about 2/3 of the way so it inhibits pouring 100% of the water from the carafe into the reservoir (can get about 75% water in before the angles just don’t allow it). I use a different vessel to pour water into the reservoir instead of the carafe which solves the issue. I agree, it is unfortunate that the carafe/lid ratio does not gel but it’s not a deal breaker for me.
MY REVIEW
It’s no secret I love the look of this machine. I’m also extremely pleased that it also brews a really tasty, hot pot of joe and with its ease of use this has been a great purchase.
Appearance – it’s stunning and really easy on the eyes. It elevates my kitchen just sitting on the counter top. Has a retro vibe while still being really classy.
Size – It is rounded and retro so it is a bit larger than traditional coffee makers. You do need a dedicated spot for this decently sized pot. I have it tucked in a corner. Aesthetically, I want it to be seen.
Taste – I’m no coffee expert but the coffee is hot and tastes pretty good to me. No subtle plastic taste in the coffee at all. It makes a plain cup of coffee. No bells and whistles so no frothy foamy latte drinks. Simple, hot, black, coffee.
Auto Shut Off – Always a good feature and this one has it.
LED display – Although it looks retro it is a digital coffee brewer. Therefore, really simple to use. LED is back lit and bright and easy to read.
Price – As far as basic drip coffeemakers go, this one is at the higher end. But if you take into consideration the SMEG brand name, the look of the machine and all the unique color options it’s up to you to decide if it is a reasonable purchase for you or not.
