The Smeg 50’s Style CGF11BLUK is a premium electric coffee grinder with strong design credentials and a focus on consistency. It combines Smeg’s trademark retro look with a stainless-steel conical burr set, designed to preserve flavour while giving you fine control over grind size.
With multiple grind levels and eight preset programmes covering everything from espresso to filter, it aims to give home coffee drinkers café‑style results without the faff. A high user rating of 4.8 out of 5 from dozens of reviews suggests owners are very happy with both the build and the cup quality.
It isn’t the cheapest grinder you can buy, but it sits in that sweet spot where you get a clear step up from budget models without straying into specialist barista territory.
This grinder is ideal for coffee lovers who have moved beyond supermarket pre‑ground coffee and want to get more flavour from their beans at home. If you regularly make espresso, moka pot, AeroPress or filter coffee, the combination of 30 grind levels and dedicated programmes will suit you well.
It’s a strong fit for small to medium households that brew daily. The 350 g bean container is generous enough for multiple drinks without constant refilling, but not so large that beans sit for ages and lose freshness.
Visually, it’s aimed at anyone who cares about how their worktop looks. The 50s-style design and gloss black finish make it a statement piece rather than something you’ll want to hide in a cupboard.
If you’re a complete beginner, the presets provide an easy starting point. More experienced coffee enthusiasts will appreciate the ability to fine‑tune the grind for different brewing methods, though hardcore hobbyists chasing ultra‑precise micro‑adjustments may still look at more specialised kit.
The stainless‑steel conical burr grinder is a big plus. Unlike cheap blade grinders, burrs crush rather than chop the beans, giving a more even grind and helping to preserve the coffee’s flavour and aroma by generating less heat.
With 30 grinding levels and 8 preset functions, it covers a wide range of brew methods. That means you can switch from a fine espresso grind to a coarser setting for cafetière or pour‑over without guesswork.
The Tritan Renew bean container and grounds container are tough and clear, so you can see exactly how much you’ve got left. Tritan is also resistant to staining and odours, which is handy when it’s in daily use.
An anti‑static system is a thoughtful touch. It helps stop fine coffee particles clinging to the container and your worktop, which makes dosing more accurate and keeps day‑to‑day use much tidier.
The overall build feels premium for the price point, with stainless steel used where it matters and a decent two‑year manufacturer warranty for added peace of mind.
For a grinder at this level, the quoted “Number of Grind Settings: 3” in the spec sheet is confusing given the 30 levels highlighted elsewhere. It suggests that only a subset of those adjustments may be clearly stepped, which could frustrate serious tinkerers looking for ultra‑precise control.
The unit is relatively tall at around 46 cm, so it may be a tight fit under low wall cabinets or on crowded worktops. Make sure you measure your space before you buy.
While the design is stylish and solid, there’s no mention of extras such as integrated scales, timed dosing or a direct‑to‑portafilter cradle, which some competing grinders in this price bracket now offer.
Finally, although the price is fair for a branded burr grinder with this look and feature set, it won’t appeal if you’re strictly on a budget or just want something basic for occasional use.
Living with the Smeg CGF11BLUK is largely about convenience and consistency. Once it’s on the counter, you can leave beans in the 350 g container and simply choose your programme or grind level when you’re ready to brew.
The controls are straightforward, with presets doing the heavy lifting if you don’t want to tweak settings each time. Switching between coarser and finer grinds is quick, so it’s easy to move from a morning espresso to an afternoon cafetière without fuss.
The anti‑static system really helps keep mess down. You’re less likely to have coffee dust sprayed over the worktop when you remove the grounds container, which makes it more pleasant to use every day.
With a 1 m power cord, placement is reasonably flexible on most kitchen counters, although you’ll still want it close to a socket. Cleaning is mostly a case of brushing out the burrs and wiping the containers; the Tritan material resists staining, so it stays looking smart with minimal effort.
At the heart of this grinder is a stainless‑steel conical burr set. This design is known for delivering a consistent grind size and helping to retain the beans’ natural oils and flavours by avoiding the heat build‑up you get from basic blade grinders.
You get broad grind control with up to 30 levels, supported by 8 preset coffee programmes. These presets are tuned for common brew methods such as espresso and filter coffee, so even if you’re not an expert, you can achieve a grind that suits your machine or brewing kit.
The 350 g bean hopper is generous for home use. It’s enough to handle multiple rounds of drinks for a family or when entertaining, without constantly topping up. The matching Tritan grounds container locks neatly into place to catch the grind, keeping everything self‑contained.
The anti‑static system is a standout feature in daily performance. Static is a common annoyance with many grinders, leading to clinging grounds and waste. By reducing this, the Smeg makes dosing cleaner and more repeatable.
Build quality feels aligned with Smeg’s premium image. The stainless‑steel components in the grinding mechanism and the solid housing give a reassuring feel, and the 2‑year warranty backs that up. While it lacks bells and whistles like built‑in scales or app control, the fundamentals—flavour, control and reliability—are firmly in place.
Considering the specification, styling and brand, the Smeg CGF11BLUK offers solid value in the premium‑leaning end of the home grinder market. You’re paying not just for the logo and retro look, but for a proper burr grinder with thoughtful touches such as anti‑static technology and a sizeable bean hopper.
The very strong user score of 4.8 out of 5 from a healthy number of reviews suggests most owners feel they’ve got their money’s worth, particularly in terms of cup quality and build.
If your priority is the lowest possible price, there are simpler grinders that will cost less, though they generally compromise on consistency, features or appearance. If you want something that looks great on the counter and delivers reliably good coffee across multiple brew methods, this Smeg makes a convincing case for the money.
The Smeg 50’s Style CGF11BLUK is a well‑rounded coffee grinder that successfully mixes design flair with serious brewing credentials. Its burr grinder, generous bean capacity and wide range of grind settings give home users the tools to get noticeably better coffee from their beans.
It’s best suited to style‑conscious coffee drinkers who brew regularly and want consistency without getting bogged down in complicated adjustments. The easy presets, tidy anti‑static system and durable Tritan containers make day‑to‑day use straightforward.
If you’re chasing fully professional‑grade adjustability or want advanced extras like integrated weighing, you may want to look further up the price ladder. For most households, though, this Smeg strikes an excellent balance of performance, looks and convenience, and stands out as a very capable all‑round grinder.
