Bezzera Strega Lever Espresso Machine vs Smeg ECF01 Espresso Machine
Two espresso machines side by side. They differ on boiler / heating, portafilter size, pressure gauge, water tank. The Bezzera Strega Lever Espresso Machine can brew and steam at the same time, while the Smeg ECF01 Espresso Machine heats on demand through a thermoblock.
Bezzera Strega Lever Espresso Machine
Smeg ECF01 Espresso Machine
What actually differs
- The Bezzera Strega Lever Espresso Machine can brew and steam at the same time, while the Smeg ECF01 Espresso Machine heats on demand through a thermoblock.
- Portafilter size: the Bezzera Strega Lever Espresso Machine has 58 mm, the Smeg ECF01 Espresso Machine has 51 mm.
- The Bezzera Strega Lever Espresso Machine has a pressure gauge; the Smeg ECF01 Espresso Machine does not.
- The Bezzera Strega Lever Espresso Machine has a larger water tank (3.99 L against 1 L for the Smeg ECF01 Espresso Machine).
- The Smeg ECF01 Espresso Machine is lighter at 4.7 kg; the Bezzera Strega Lever Espresso Machine weighs 30.5 kg.
- Voltage: the Bezzera Strega Lever Espresso Machine has 110V-120V (US), the Smeg ECF01 Espresso Machine has 220-240 V.
- Size, Bezzera Strega Lever Espresso Machine against Smeg ECF01 Espresso Machine: width 33 cm against 14.9 cm, depth 45 cm against 32.9 cm, height 73.7 cm against 33 cm. The Smeg ECF01 Espresso Machine is the more compact of the two.
- The Smeg ECF01 Espresso Machine sits in a lower typical price band than the Bezzera Strega Lever Espresso Machine ($$$ $700–1,500 against $$$$ $1,500+).
Which one should you buy?
Enthusiasts who want hands-on control of every shot
98 L heat-exchanger boiler and a 58 mm portafilter, giving hands-on control over pressure and flow. The trade-off is that it takes technique and practice.
Skip it if: You want a quick, repeatable routine
Full specs and review →Users seeking a compact manual-lever espresso machine with thermoblock heating.
Home users who want manual lever control and a small footprint may find this suitable. It fits setups that do not require a pressure gauge for monitoring.
Skip it if: Those who require a pressure gauge for monitoring extraction should consider other options.
Full specs and review →Where each one wins
- A pressure gauge
- A larger water tank
- A more compact footprint
- A lower typical price band
Specs compared
Rows where they differ are highlighted. Specs are from manufacturer sources; blanks are left blank, never estimated.
| Spec | Bezzera Strega Lever Espresso Machine | Smeg ECF01 Espresso Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $$$$ $1,500+ | $$$ $700–1,500 |
| Machine type | Manual lever | Manual lever |
| Boiler / heating | Heat exchanger | Thermoblock |
| Portafilter size | 58 mm | 51 mm |
| Pressure gauge | Yes | No |
| Needs mains power | Yes | Yes |
| Water tank | 3.99 L | 1 L |
| Width | 33 cm | 14.9 cm |
| Depth | 45 cm | 32.9 cm |
| Height | 73.7 cm | 33 cm |
| Weight | 30.5 kg | 4.7 kg |
| Voltage | 110V-120V (US) | 220-240 V |
What they have in common
Both record the same value for: machine type (Manual lever); needs mains power (Yes).
Bezzera Strega Lever Espresso Machine vs Smeg ECF01 Espresso Machine: common questions
What is the main difference between the Bezzera Strega Lever Espresso Machine and the Smeg ECF01 Espresso Machine?
The Bezzera Strega Lever Espresso Machine can brew and steam at the same time, while the Smeg ECF01 Espresso Machine heats on demand through a thermoblock. Portafilter size: the Bezzera Strega Lever Espresso Machine has 58 mm, the Smeg ECF01 Espresso Machine has 51 mm.
Do the Bezzera Strega Lever Espresso Machine and the Smeg ECF01 Espresso Machine use the same portafilter?
No. The Bezzera Strega Lever Espresso Machine has 58 mm and the Smeg ECF01 Espresso Machine has 51 mm.
Is the Bezzera Strega Lever Espresso Machine or the Smeg ECF01 Espresso Machine more expensive?
The Bezzera Strega Lever Espresso Machine is $$$$ $1,500+ and the Smeg ECF01 Espresso Machine is $$$ $700–1,500. Check the retailer for today's price.