Nespresso
Nespresso Vertuo Plus by De'Longhi
$219Cheaper
Released 2017
Best Espresso Machines · head-to-head
Nespresso Vertuo Plus by De'Longhi vs Smeg ECF02
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Nespresso Vertuo Plus by De'Longhi is cheaper at $219. Every spec and price links to its source.
Smeg
Smeg ECF02
$600
Released 2019
Which is better: the Nespresso Vertuo Plus by De'Longhi or Smeg ECF02?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Nespresso Vertuo Plus by De'Longhi is the cheaper at $219.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Nespresso Vertuo Plus by De'Longhi | Smeg ECF02 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $219 | $600 |
| Brand | Nespresso | Smeg |
| Released | 2017 | 2019 |
| Type | capsule | semi-automatic |
| Boiler | thermoblock | thermoblock |
| Built in grinder | No | No |
| Grind settings | — | — |
| Milk frother | none (Aeroccino sold separately) | manual steam wand (Cappuccino System) |
| Pressure (bar) | — | 15 |
| Water tank (L) | 1.2 | 1.1 |
| Programmable | Yes | Yes |
| Release | 2017 | 2019 |
Sources — Nespresso Vertuo Plus by De'Longhi: target.com (verified 2026-06-15). Smeg ECF02: smeg.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Nespresso Vertuo Plus by De'Longhi and Smeg ECF02?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (3 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- Type: Nespresso Vertuo Plus by De'Longhi capsule vs Smeg ECF02 semi-automatic
- Milk frother: Nespresso Vertuo Plus by De'Longhi none (Aeroccino sold separately) vs Smeg ECF02 manual steam wand (Cappuccino System)
- Water tank (L): Nespresso Vertuo Plus by De'Longhi 1.2 vs Smeg ECF02 1.1
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Nespresso Vertuo Plus by De'Longhi
Two whitelisted testers reviewed this exact machine hands-on but qualitatively, with no lab measurements: TechRadar (2018, month-long test) and Reviewed/USA Today (2019). Both praise one-touch convenience and reliability, rich crema from centrifusion brewing, and the compact sleek design; both flag the aluminum-pod recycling hassle, though they split on overall value and eco-impact. (2 sourced reviews.)
Praised: One-touch, no-learning-curve convenience and reliability; Rich, crema-topped coffee from centrifusion brewing; Sleek, compact, countertop-friendly design.
Flagged: Aluminum pods are a recycling hassle and create waste; Locked into pricey proprietary Nespresso pods.
Smeg ECF02
Two whitelisted hands-on testers (Tom's Guide, Oct 2024; TechRadar, Mar 2024) agree the Smeg ECF02 is a gorgeous retro machine that pulls decent straight espresso but is undercut by a short, weak steam wand, poor heat management between brewing and steaming, and a price inflated by Smeg styling. Both also flag the flimsy thin-plastic tamper. All quotes and measured values verified against source text; both sources survived verification intact. (2 sourced reviews, 2 lab-tested.)
Praised: Statement retro 1950s design in playful colors; Decent espresso extraction with acceptable crema, good for straight espresso; Beginner-friendly with quick, easy daily cleaning.
Flagged: Short steam wand with limited movement makes milk texturing hard; Price inflated; you pay a premium for Smeg styling vs similar machines; Flimsy thin-plastic tamper/scoop.