Overview
The Smeg CGF11 updates the CGF01 with improved dosing and a refined grinding mechanism. The same gorgeous Smeg retro design carries over in updated colorways, and the grinding performance benefits from minor internal improvements. The CGF11 remains primarily a design-forward grinder where the aesthetic experience is as important as the grinding quality. For Smeg appliance collectors and design enthusiasts, the CGF11 is a beautiful addition to their kitchen.
The Smeg CGF11 Coffee Grinder features a 40mm conical burr set, crafted from steel. The burrs spin at 450 RPM, a deliberately slow speed that minimizes heat buildup and preserves coffee aromatics. Grind retention is approximately 1.8g, typical for a hopper-fed workflow.
At $280, the Smeg CGF11 Coffee Grinder is aimed at home baristas seeking a solid grinder without a premium price tag. With a 350g hopper, it's designed for a traditional hopper-fed workflow. The conical burr design is known for producing a slightly bimodal grind distribution, which many enjoy for its body and complexity in espresso.
The Smeg CGF11 Coffee Grinder is weighing 3.0 kg, manufactured in Italy, powered by a 150W motor. Its footprint measures 160 x 240 x 370 mm (W×D×H).
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Conical burr design offers a bimodal grind profile that many enjoy for its body and complexity
- Low-RPM motor minimizes heat transfer to the coffee, preserving delicate aromatics
- Well-regarded in the home espresso community for consistent grind quality in its price bracket
Cons
- Stepped grind adjustment may not allow fine enough tuning between settings for espresso
- Not optimized for single dosing — hopper-fed design may result in some grind exchange between doses
Full Specifications
| Brand | Smeg |
|---|---|
| Model | Smeg CGF11 Coffee Grinder |
| Category | Conical Burr |
| Country of Origin | Italy |
| Year Introduced | 2023 |
| Burr Size | 40 mm |
| Burr Material | Steel |
| Burr Type | 40mm conical |
| Grind Speed | 450 RPM |
| Retention | 1.8 g |
| Single Dose | No |
| Stepless Adjustment | No |
| Hopper Capacity | 350 g |
| Motor Wattage | 150 W |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 160 x 240 x 370 mm |
| Weight | 3.0 kg (6.6 lbs) |
| MSRP | $280 |
Our Verdict
The Smeg CGF11 Coffee Grinder from Smeg is a solid option in the mid-range grinder segment. Conical burrs are a popular choice for home espresso, offering good grind quality with generally lower noise and less heat buildup than flat burrs. The slightly bimodal grind distribution can produce espresso with more body and texture. Remember the golden rule: the grinder is at least as important as the espresso machine. A great grinder paired with a modest machine will outperform a modest grinder paired with a great machine every time. At this price, it's a capable starting point that will serve you well as you learn your espresso workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Smeg CGF11 Coffee Grinder grind fine enough for espresso?
Yes, the Smeg CGF11 Coffee Grinder is capable of grinding fine enough for espresso. You may need to experiment with the stepped settings to find the sweet spot for your beans.
How do the conical burrs in the Smeg CGF11 Coffee Grinder affect espresso?
Conical burrs produce a slightly bimodal grind distribution, which creates espresso with more body, texture, and complexity compared to flat burrs. Many espresso lovers prefer this characteristic — it produces a richer, more traditional espresso profile.
How do I maintain the Smeg CGF11 Coffee Grinder?
Clean out retained grounds after each use with a brush or bellows. Deep clean the burrs every 2-4 weeks by removing them and brushing away oil buildup. For the motor, occasional use of grinder cleaning tablets (like Grindz) helps remove coffee oil buildup. Never wash burrs with water.
