Smeg 50's Style Espresso Machine

Important Information

This user manual is an integral part of the appliance and must be kept with it for its entire working life. It contains all instructions for managing the appliance's aesthetic and functional qualities.

For further information on the product, visit: www.smeg.com

1 Warnings

1.1 Description for Use

• The appliance is designed for preparing espresso and cappuccino coffee using ground coffee or coffee pods. Any other use is considered improper.
• This appliance is for household use only and cannot be used in commercial areas, farm holiday facilities, hotels, motels, residential environments, or bed and breakfasts.
• Persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities (including children from age 8) may use the appliance if supervised or instructed on safe use and the associated risks.
• Children must not play with the machine.
• Keep the appliance and its cable out of reach of children under 8 years of age.
• Cleaning and maintenance may be performed by children aged 8 and above, provided they are supervised by an adult.

1.2 General Safety Warnings

• Never immerse the appliance in water.
• Avoid getting the coffee machine wet and do not spray liquids onto it. If liquid contact occurs, immediately disconnect the cable from the power outlet and dry thoroughly. Electric shock hazard!
• Do not position the appliance or cable near heat sources like gas or electric hob burners, ovens, or other heat sources.
• If the appliance malfunctions or the power supply cable is damaged, it must be repaired by a qualified technician or authorized after-sales service to prevent hazards.
• Do not modify the appliance, as this may void the warranty.
• Do not pull the cable to remove the plug from the outlet.

1.3 Safety Recommendations for this Appliance

• Follow all safety recommendations for safe use.
• Read this manual carefully before use.
• Do not leave the coffee machine unattended during use.
• Always disconnect the appliance from the power outlet before assembly, disassembly, or cleaning.
• Allow the coffee machine to cool down before cleaning.
• Do not use the appliance without the water tank fitted or without water in the tank.
• Ensure adequate ventilation: leave at least 3 cm space between the machine and walls to the rear/side, and 15 cm above.
• Burns hazard! The machine generates heat and hot water during operation. Do not touch the cup warmer shelf while the appliance is operating.
• Do not use parts or accessories from other manufacturers.
• Only use original spare parts. Using non-recommended spare parts could lead to fires, electric shocks, or personal injury.
• Place the coffee machine on level and dry surfaces.
• Do not use aggressive detergents or sharp objects for cleaning.
• Never try to extinguish a fire with water. Turn off the appliance, unplug it, and smother flames with a lid or fire blanket.
• Keep the power cord away from sharp edges.
• Do not position the appliance near taps or sinks.
• If using an extension cable, ensure its rating is at least equivalent to the appliance's. If the appliance has a 3-wire earthed cable, the extension must also be 3-wire earthed. Position extension cables to prevent tripping hazards or children pulling them.

1.4 Manufacturer's Liability

• Use of the appliance for purposes other than intended.
• Failure to read the user manual.
• Tampering with appliance parts.
• Use of non-original spare parts.
• Failure to comply with safety warnings.

1.5 Disposal

Devices with this symbol are subject to European Directive 2012/19/EU. Electric and electronic appliances must be disposed of separately from household waste at designated collection centres. Proper disposal helps prevent environmental damage and health risks. Contact your local administration or the shop where the device was purchased for more information.

2 Description of the Appliance (Fig. A)

Diagram of the espresso machine with numbered parts:

2.1 Description of Accessories

Accessories included:

• Measuring/tamping scoop (12): Used to dose ground coffee into the filter and press it down.
• Filters (13, 14, 15): Includes a 1-cup filter (14), a 2-cup filter (15), and a coffee pod filter (13).
• Water hardness test strip (18): Used to determine water hardness for machine settings.

3 Use

3.1 Commissioning (Fig. G and H)

Internal circuits must be rinsed upon first use.

• Turn on the machine using the ON/OFF switch (9). The LEDs on keys (20), (21), and (22) will flash as the pre-set temperature is reached. The machine is ready when the LEDs stop flashing and show a fixed light.
• Attach the filter holder (3) with the 2-cup filter (15) to the machine.
• Place a container under the dispensing nozzles and press the double espresso key (21). Repeat this 5 times.
• Place a container under the steam wand (7). Turn the steam knob (8) anti-clockwise to dispense 100 ml of water, then turn it clockwise to stop.

It is recommended to rinse the internal circuits if the machine has not been used for a long period.

3.2 Dispensing Programme Change (Fig. A)

The machine has two dispensing menus: White Menu and Orange Menu. Press the key (23) to switch between them. In the White Menu, buttons have white lights; in the Orange Menu, they have orange lights. Refer to section "2.2 Description of controls" for specific functions.

3.3 Preparing Espresso Coffee

The machine has three filters: 1-cup (14), 2-cup (15), and pod (13). Icons indicate which filter to use.

Important: To avoid spraying, do not remove the filter holder during or immediately after dispensing. Wait a few seconds after dispensing stops. BURNS HAZARD!

Ground Coffee (Fig. B-C-E-G)

• Insert the 1-cup (14) or 2-cup filter (15) into the filter holder (3).
• Fill the filter with finely ground coffee suitable for espresso.
• Distribute coffee evenly and tamp using the scoop (12).
• Remove excess coffee from the filter holder rim. Attach the filter holder to the dispensing unit (2) and turn right until locked.
• For one cup: use a level measure of coffee (approx. 7g) in filter (14).
• For two cups: use two level measures in filter (15).
• Tamp firmly for strong coffee; tamp less for weaker coffee.
• Ensure the filter holder rim is clean before attaching it to the dispensing unit.
• Position cups under the nozzles.
• Press the desired function key. Preparation stops automatically.

After dispensing, wait a few seconds, then remove the filter holder (3) by turning it left.

Coffee Pods (Fig. B-C-F-G)

• Insert the coffee pod filter (13) into the filter holder (3).
• Insert the pod into the filter holder (3), centering it. Attach the filter holder (3) to the dispensing unit (2).
• Position cups under the nozzles and press the dispensing key (20).
• After dispensing, turn the filter holder (3) left to remove it.

Ensure the pod flap is inside the filter, not on the edge, before dispensing.

Dispensing can be stopped anytime by pressing the key again.

After dispensing, wait a few seconds, then release the filter holder and clean coffee residues from the filter.

Setting the Quantity of Coffee

The dispensed coffee quantity can be customized:

• Place a cup under the dispenser (2).
• Press a beverage key (20 or 21) for at least 3 seconds until its LED stays on.
• Stop dispensing by pressing the key again when the desired quantity is reached. The setting is stored permanently.

Recommendations for Hotter Coffee (Fig. G)

• Heat cups by rinsing them under hot water.
• Alternatively, attach the filter holder (3) with an empty filter, dispense hot water into the cup using the 1-cup key (20) to heat the cup.

If the machine has been idle for over 30 minutes, the first cups may not be at the right temperature. Repeat the procedure to obtain hotter coffee.

3.4 Dispensing Steam and Preparing a Cappuccino (Fig. H and I)

• Press the steam key (22); it will flash. Wait for a fixed light, indicating the correct dispensing temperature.
• With the LED (22) fixed, position an empty container under the steam wand (7). Turn the steam knob (8) anti-clockwise to discharge any water, then close the knob.
• Fill a container with 100 ml of cold milk per cappuccino.
• Position the container with milk under the steam wand (7), with the tip of the wand in contact with the milk.
• Turn the steam knob (8) anti-clockwise to dispense steam.
• Introduce the steam wand into the milk, creating a vortex.
• Once the ideal temperature is reached, turn the steam knob (8) clockwise to stop.
• Pour the frothed milk into cups with prepared espresso.
• For multiple cappuccinos, prepare all coffees first, then froth milk for all at once.
• After use, clean the steam wand (7) immediately with a damp cloth.
• Discharge milk residues by turning the steam knob to let steam out.
• Do not dispense steam for longer than 60 seconds.
• After heating milk, clean the steam wand (7) internally by dispensing steam for a few seconds.
• Clean the steam wand (7) after each use to prevent milk residue buildup or clogging. Refer to "Cleaning and Maintenance" for full details.

The drip tray (6) can be removed for tall cups.

For best cappuccino results, use semi-skimmed or full-fat milk at fridge temperature (approx. 5°C).

To prevent large bubbles, always clean the steam wand as described in "4 Cleaning and maintenance".

3.5 Dispensing Hot Water (Fig. H)

• Turn on the machine using the ON/OFF switch. Wait for coffee dispensing LEDs to show a fixed light.
• Position a recipient under the steam wand (7).
• Turn the steam knob (8) anti-clockwise to dispense hot water.
• Turn the steam knob (8) clockwise to stop.

3.6 Accessing the Programming Menu and Changing Settings

• Ensure the machine is ready. Press key (23) for 5 seconds until all keys flash, entering programming mode.
• Set the machine to your requirements (see next page).
• To exit, wait 30 seconds without pressing any key.

Setting the Coffee Temperature

• Access the programming menu.
• Press key (20) to set coffee temperature. The key (20) flashes 3 times, then current setting LEDs turn on.
• LEDs indicate temperature: Low, Medium, High.
• The LEDs flash sequentially. Press the key corresponding to the desired temperature (20 for Low, 21 for Medium, 22 for High).
• The selected key flashes to confirm the setting, and an audible signal may sound.

Setting Water Hardness

The machine is factory set to "Hard Water Level". It can be adjusted for actual water hardness to reduce descaling frequency.

• If water hardness is unknown, use the supplied test strip (18).
• Submerge the strip in water for one second, remove, shake lightly, and read results after one minute.
• 5 blue stripes: select "soft water".
• 1 or 2 pink stripes: select "average water".
• 3, 4, or 5 pink stripes: select "hard water".
• Access the programming menu.
• Press key (21) to set water hardness. The key (21) flashes 3 times, then current setting LEDs turn on.
• LEDs indicate water setting: Soft, Medium, Hard.
• The LEDs flash sequentially. Press the key corresponding to the desired water hardness.

Water Hardness Table (°dH, °fH, mg/l CaCO3):

The selected key flashes to confirm. An audible signal may sound.

For optimal machine operation and coffee flavour, use the optional Smeg Water Softener Filter and set water hardness to "Soft" after installation.

Setting the Automatic Shut-off Time

To save energy, the machine has an automatic shut-off function. It turns off after a period of inactivity. Press any button to turn it back on.

• Access the programming menu (section "3.6").
• Press key (22) to set the automatic shut-off time.
• The key (22) flashes 3 times, then current setting LEDs turn on.

Time Settings:

The LEDs flash sequentially. Press the corresponding button (20, 21, or 22) for the desired time. The selected key flashes to confirm.

Restoring Factory Values

• Hold keys (21) and (23) simultaneously for at least 10 seconds.
• All buttons will flash once to indicate settings have been reset.

Activation/Deactivation of Acoustic Signals

• Acoustic signals are deactivated by default.
• Hold keys (20) and (23) down for 5 seconds to disable/enable signals.
• Key (20) flashes three times to confirm the setting.

4 Cleaning and Maintenance

4.1 Warnings

Electrocution hazard:

• Remove the plug from the power outlet before cleaning.
• Never immerse the appliance in water or other liquids.
• Allow the appliance to cool down before cleaning.

Risk of damage to surfaces:

• Do not use steam jets for cleaning.
• Do not use cleaning products containing chlorine, ammonia, or bleach on metal surfaces (anodised, nickel, chrome-plated).
• Do not use abrasive or corrosive detergents (powder products, stain removers, metal scourers).
• Do not use rough or abrasive materials or sharp metal scrapers.

4.2 Cleaning the Coffee Machine Body

Clean external surfaces regularly with a soft, damp cloth after use and once cooled down.

4.3 Cleaning the Coffee Machine Components

Cleaning the Drip Tray (Fig. I)

The drip tray (6) has a red float (5) that indicates when the maximum liquid level is exceeded.

• Remove the cup holder tray (4), then remove the drip tray (6) to empty it.
• Clean the drip tray (6) with a cloth and re-position it with the cup holder tray (4).
• Dry components and reassemble.

Cleaning the Coffee Filters

Clean filters (13, 14, 15) regularly under running water. If clogged, use the supplied needle (19).

Cleaning the Steam Wand (Fig. L)

Clean the steam wand (7) immediately after use.

• Turn the steam knob (8) anti-clockwise to release a little steam and allow milk residue to flow out.
• Check the steam exit hole is not blocked. If blocked, use the supplied needle (19) to clean it.

Cleaning the Dispensing Unit

Rinse the dispensing unit (2) every 200 coffees by dispensing approx. 500 ml of water using coffee keys (20) or (21) without coffee or pods.

Cleaning the Water Tank

Clean the water tank (11) approximately once a month with a moist cloth and mild detergent.

4.4 Descaling

The machine needs descaling when the orange LED on the steam key (22) flashes. This warning appears each time the machine exits standby until descaling is performed.

• Empty the water tank (11) completely and remove the water softening filter (if present).
• Fill the water tank (11) to MAX with a water and descaler solution as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Remove the filter holder (3). Place a container under the dispenser (2) and the steam wand (7).
• Turn on the machine using the ON/OFF button.
• When ready, press and hold key (22) for 10 seconds until the orange LED is fixed.
• Turn the steam knob (8) anti-clockwise.
• Press key (22) to start descaling; the key (22) will flash.
• The descaling cycle performs automatic rinse cycles until the tank (11) is empty.
• The cycle stops, and the white LED (22) turns on.
• Empty and rinse the water tank (11).
• Fill the tank (11) with fresh water to the MAX level and reinsert it.
• Place an empty container under the steam wand (7), another under the dispensing unit (2), and ensure the steam knob (8) is horizontal.
• Press the steam key (22) again to start the rinse cycle.
• When the tank (11) is empty, the rinse cycle is complete, and the machine returns to ready status.
• Turn the steam knob (8) clockwise.

Personal injury hazard: Descaler contains acids that can irritate skin and eyes. Follow manufacturer's instructions and warnings carefully. Use only Smeg-recommended descaler products to prevent damage.

What to do if...

Contact local technical support if the problem is not solved or in case of other faults.