By: The Caffeinated Gear Team
As professional baristas and coffee equipment specialists, we’ve spent months testing the Sage Barista Pro espresso machine against its siblings in the Sage lineup, including the recent Barista Express Impress.
Our comprehensive review answers the burning question: “Is the Sage Barista Pro truly worth your investment?”
We’ll help you decide if spending extra on the Barista Pro makes sense compared to the Barista Express, and whether the newer Barista Express Impress might actually be a better choice for your needs.
We’ve also thoroughly tested how the Barista Pro stacks up against both the Sage Bambino Plus and a stand alone grinder.
For our British readers, we’re discussing Sage machines as they’re known here in the UK.
If you’re reading this from sunnier shores like the United States or Australia, you’ll know this machine as the Breville Barista Pro – a simple quirk of branding rights from the 1980s.
Having extensively reviewed the Sage Barista Express previously, we’ve now put the Barista Pro through its paces in our test kitchen, creating detailed video guides and conducting side-by-side comparisons.
This review combines our in-depth analysis with practical comparisons to help you determine if the Barista Pro justifies its premium price tag versus the Barista Express.
Our verdict comes from hands-on testing, not theoretical speculation. We’ve used these machines daily, comparing them side by side, giving us unique insights into their real-world performance differences.
The Sage Barista Pro stands out as one of Sage’s most popular integrated grinder espresso machine models, sharing this feature with both the Barista Express and the touchscreen-equipped Barista Touch.
It’s worth noting that the newer Barista Express Impress, which we’ll discuss in our comparison section, takes a different approach with its assisted integration system – perfect if you’re looking to simplify the brewing process. We’ll explore these differences in detail later.
For a complete overview of Sage’s impressive range, see our detailed guide:
When comparing the latest Sage espresso machines, there’s a crucial distinction in heating technology that sets them apart. The Barista Pro, Barista Touch, and Bambino Plus (a standalone espresso machine without an integrated grinder) showcase the innovative thermojet heating system. Meanwhile, the original models—the Barista Express and Duo Temp Pro—utilise the traditional thermocoil system.
During our extensive testing at Caffeinated Gear, we’ve discovered that speed is the cornerstone of the thermojet technology. However, this has created an interesting misconception in the coffee community.
Many coffee enthusiasts have jumped to the conclusion that the Barista Pro is simply a faster-heating Barista Express in fresh packaging. Through our hands-on experience and side-by-side testing of both machines, we can confidently say this couldn’t be further from the truth.
The thermojet system’s benefits extend far beyond mere heat-up times. Our testing revealed significant improvements in steam preparation time, milk frothing efficiency, and recovery time between shots. These advantages make a real difference in your daily coffee-making routine.
While the Barista Express has been a cornerstone of Sage’s lineup, we’re seeing the Pro gain significant traction as coffee lovers recognise its comprehensive upgrades. Let’s break down what makes this machine special.
The feature list alone is impressive, significantly outpacing its predecessor, the Barista Express. We’ll explore those differences in detail shortly.
At this price point, the Barista Pro offers remarkable value. While the price tag might initially raise eyebrows, our experience in the coffee industry tells us this is actually quite reasonable for a machine that combines both espresso brewing and grinding capabilities, along with its advanced feature set.
After extensive hands-on testing alongside other Sage models, we’ve grown to appreciate this machine’s capabilities. However, there’s one aspect that gives us pause—the built-in grinder.
Ironically, while the integrated grinder is a major selling point of the Barista range, it presents some limitations for perfectionists. Despite offering excellent entry-level features for aspiring home baristas, the grinder’s adjustment range can sometimes feel restrictive when trying to achieve the perfect extraction.
Though it doubles the grind settings of the Barista Express, we’ve found that some specialty coffees require a finesse that falls between the available settings. This might not concern casual users who are happy with good results, but it could frustrate those seeking absolute precision in their coffee preparation.
This slight drawback stands out because everything else about this machine truly shines. The LCD interface displays grind settings with crystal clarity, while the programmable shot buttons offer outstanding flexibility. We particularly appreciate the low-pressure pre-infusion and manual shot options.
The LCD shot timer proves invaluable, clearly indicating pre-infusion and extraction phases. Temperature adjustment is wonderfully straightforward, and accessing cleaning cycles couldn’t be simpler.
The machine’s substantial build quality impresses us—its weight provides excellent stability when locking in the portafilter, unlike lighter alternatives. The practical drip tray size surpasses many competitors, including the Bambino Plus.
Steam production is remarkably swift thanks to the thermojet system paired with the 4-hole tip. The quick recovery time between shots, enabled by minimal heat retention compared to traditional thermocoil and thermoblock systems, keeps your coffee workflow smooth and efficient.
It runs quietly, maintains cleanliness effortlessly both inside and out, and delivers exceptional performance at its price point. In fact, we find ourselves wishing Sage would offer a version without the integrated grinder, providing more cup storage space and allowing users to pair it with a capable grinder for enhanced precision.
For a detailed look at our testing process, check out our video review below:
Before diving into our detailed comparisons, let’s break down the distinctive features of each Sage espresso machine in our lineup. Our hands-on testing has revealed some fascinating insights about these popular machines.
The Duo Temp Pro sits at the entry point of Sage’s espresso machine range, essentially offering the core functionality of the Barista Express without its built-in grinder.
While it shares DNA with its integrated sibling, the Duo Temp Pro comes in a more compact package.
Like the Express, this machine uses Sage’s original thermojet heating system, which means you’ll need a touch more patience during warm-up and milk steaming phases.
Despite its attractive price point, we find ourselves hesitating to recommend it wholeheartedly. With just a £20 difference from the Bambino Plus at standard retail pricing, the value proposition becomes rather questionable.
Our team has often wondered why Sage hasn’t created a Pro variant without the integrated grinder.
Picture this: a machine with the Pro’s impressive features—LCD display, shot timer, and other professional touches—but without the grinder. At the right price point, allowing users to pair it with a capable espresso grinder, it could revolutionise the entry-level segment.
We’d want it to maintain the Pro’s dimensions though.
Through our testing experience, we’ve found that while compact machines like the Duo Temp Pro and Bambino Plus serve their purpose brilliantly, most home baristas would actually benefit from a slightly larger footprint. The Pro’s size offers practical advantages: a more substantial drip tray and that reassuring solidity you get from a bigger machine.
In our extensive testing of amazing little espresso machines, the Bambino Plus continues to astonish us. Sage has somehow engineered a marvel, cramming a generous 1.9L water tank into its modest frame.
This compact powerhouse shares several premium features with the Barista Pro, including the rapid thermojet heating system that delivers swift startup times and powerful steam performance through its four-hole tip.
Our team particularly appreciates its sophisticated temperature control system (PID) and versatile shot options, featuring both automatic and manual extraction with gentle low-pressure pre-infusion.
The milk steaming capabilities are particularly impressive, offering both manual control and automatic operation with three temperature and texture settings, plus an auto-purging steam wand.
While it lacks the Pro’s LCD display (meaning no shot timer or quick access to cleaning cycles) and doesn’t allow brew temperature adjustments, these aren’t dealbreakers for most users.
Our main critique focuses on the compact drip tray—a necessary compromise given the machine’s size. If you’re pulling shots and steaming milk regularly, you’ll need to empty it after every couple of drinks, even when catching the auto-purge water in a separate jug as we do.
These minor inconveniences shouldn’t put you off though—they simply require developing new habits. Similarly, while the machine’s lightweight frame means it can move slightly during portafilter locking, you’ll quickly adapt to its characteristics.
Also, see:
After extensive testing in our coffee lab, we’ve discovered that Sage’s latest version of the Barista Express brings genuinely revolutionary changes to home espresso making.
Let’s clear up some misconceptions straight away.
Our hands-on experience with this machine revealed that many online discussions (particularly from American reviewers) have missed the mark entirely.
The changes go far beyond the new tamping mechanism that’s gotten so much attention.
We’ve also noticed widespread confusion about operating pressure.
Through our rigorous testing with a calibrated portafilter pressure gauge, we can confirm that this machine – like all Sage espresso makers – operates at precisely 9 bars of pressure, not the commonly misquoted 14-15 bars.
What makes the Barista Express Impress truly special is its groundbreaking assisted operation system – a first for Sage.
This positions it uniquely between fully manual machines and automated options.
Think of it as having a skilled barista guiding your technique rather than doing everything for you.
This distinction matters because it’s different from Sage’s Oracle line, which automates the entire process.
The Express Impress instead coaches you through the more technical aspects of espresso making.
Many coffee enthusiasts assume the standard Barista Express and Pro models offer some form of assistance because they’re often marketed alongside bean-to-cup machines.
Our testing shows this isn’t the case – those models require complete manual control.
Getting the perfect espresso involves more science than many realise.
The relationship between dose (amount of coffee), headspace (gap between coffee and shower screen), and grind size creates a complex interplay that can perplex even experienced baristas.
For instance, when you adjust the grind size finer to slow down extraction, you’re also affecting the dose size.
Without compensating for this, you might inadvertently create more headspace, leading to under-extraction – the very problem you were trying to fix.
This is where the Impress truly shines.
Its intelligent system monitors your dosing with remarkable precision, providing real-time feedback.
Better yet, it learns from your preferences.
Once you’ve dialled in your perfect shot, the machine remembers your settings.
When you switch coffee beans and need to adjust the grind, it maintains precise dose control while ensuring consistent tamping pressure.
This dramatically simplifies what is traditionally one of espresso making’s trickiest aspects.
We’re frequently asked whether coffee enthusiasts should choose the Barista Express or Pro.
Now, with the Impress available, we believe the more relevant comparison is between the Impress and the Barista Pro.
For anyone seeking guidance in their espresso journey, the Impress offers significant advantages over the non-assisted Pro model.
During our extensive testing period, we found the Barista Touch offers a fascinating hybrid approach to espresso making.
This touchscreen-equipped machine reimagines the Barista Pro’s capabilities in an intriguing way.
While the Oracle series (which we’ll examine shortly) pairs Dual Boiler technology with automated barista functions, the Touch takes a different approach.
It combines the Barista Pro’s core capabilities with an interactive guide system and automated milk steaming.
The intuitive touchscreen interface walks you through each coffee creation, allowing you to fine-tune every drink to your exact specifications.
Making perfect espresso at home requires mastering several crucial steps: grinding your beans, tamping with precision, using the razor tool for consistent dosing, and properly inserting the portafilter before starting your shot.
While machines like the Barista Touch handle milk texturing automatically, there’s an important distinction to make.
Despite its sleek touchscreen interface that might suggest otherwise, this isn’t a fully automatic bean-to-cup machine.
The core barista skills – dialling in your grinder, perfecting your dose, and developing proper tamping technique – remain essential skills you’ll need to master.
What sets the Touch apart is its clever balance: you’ll follow the same learning curve for espresso preparation as with other manual machines, but you get the advantage of automated milk texturing and helpful on-screen guidance for your espresso journey.
And now, we’re particularly excited to introduce an impressive new addition to the lineup…
When it comes to serious home espresso, the Dual Boiler stands as Sage’s crowning achievement.
This powerhouse machine comes equipped with two dedicated boilers, a generous 2.5L water tank, and a PID-controlled heated group head. While we won’t delve too deeply into specifications here, what’s remarkable is how much professional-grade capability Sage has packed into this machine.
At first glance, the price might raise eyebrows. However, in the realm of dual boiler machines, this actually sits at the entry-level price point – and when you consider its build quality and feature set, it offers remarkable value for money.
Think of the Oracle as Sage’s brilliant fusion of the Dual Boiler’s capabilities with an integrated grinder and automated barista features. It’s their innovative response to traditional bean-to-cup machines.
Where most automatic machines sacrifice coffee quality for convenience, the Oracle achieves something rather special – it strikes a remarkable balance, consistently producing coffee that surpasses what you’d typically expect from automated systems.
Beyond its dual boilers, precise PID temperature control, and heated group head, the Oracle handles grinding, dosing, and tamping automatically. It even manages milk steaming to your exact specifications for temperature and texture.
Your role? Simply manage the portafilter, clear the used coffee puck, and pour your milk. Having extensively tested this machine, we can confirm that even complete beginners can achieve truly impressive results.
We know this firsthand – the Oracle was actually our first professional review unit from Sage. Despite our then-limited home barista experience, the quality of both espresso and milk drinks was genuinely outstanding.
For our complete analysis, see:
The Oracle Touch adds a sophisticated touchscreen interface to the original Oracle’s capabilities. While the £500 premium might seem steep for a touch interface, there’s more to consider.
This model brings pre-programmed drink options to the table, allowing you to simply swipe and select your desired coffee – much like high-end bean-to-cup machines.
But it goes further – you can fine-tune every aspect of your drinks, from coffee strength to milk texture and temperature. Better still, you can save these customised settings and even create your own signature drinks with personalised names.
Having covered Sage’s premium offerings, let’s examine how the Barista Pro compares to its siblings, focusing on practical differences and value propositions.
This comparison tops our most-asked list, with the central question being: does the Pro justify its higher price tag?
The roughly £100 price difference isn’t just about faster heating – there are several meaningful distinctions. While espresso quality potential remains similar (though the Pro’s 30 vs 18 grind adjustments offer finer control), here are the key differences worth considering:
Our testing revealed impressive improvements in steaming efficiency, as demonstrated in this video:
Using identical conditions (200ml milk to 60°C), the Pro achieved proper temperature in 47 seconds compared to the Express’s 72 seconds – a 25-second improvement.
While the Pro’s 4-hole steam tip (versus the Express’s single hole) contributes to this efficiency, it’s not the whole story. Even with a 4-hole tip fitted to the Express, the Pro’s thermojet heating system maintains its speed advantage.
These time savings add up – saving 37 seconds per drink means nearly 40 minutes saved monthly for someone making just two coffees daily, or about 8 hours annually.
The Pro’s thermojet system offers another practical advantage – near-instant temperature recovery after steaming. The Express, using a thermocoil system, requires about 30 seconds of pump operation to return to brew temperature.
Temperature adjustment on the Pro is remarkably straightforward – simply turn a dial and select your setting. The Express, while perfectly capable, requires a more complex series of button combinations.
The Pro’s LCD display includes a shot timer and brewing phase indicator – a significant upgrade that streamlines your workflow. While you’ll still want scales for precise dose measurement, you won’t need them for timing.
Maintenance routines are more intuitive on the Pro, with clear menu navigation via the LCD screen. The Express’s button-combination system, while functional, can be trickier to master.
For those with under-cabinet placement or limited lighting, the Pro’s LCD display offers clear visibility of grind settings – no more squinting or reaching for your phone torch.
The Pro’s 30 grind settings (versus the Express’s 18) provide finer adjustment control while maintaining the same overall range. This offers more precise dialling in capability, though both machines are fully capable of grinding fine enough for proper espresso – even with lighter roasts.
Now, let’s address a common misconception about these machines’ grinding capabilities.
Many coffee enthusiasts initially misunderstand the grinder settings because both machines come configured for dual compatibility with standard and pressurised baskets (both types are included with the Express and Pro models).
Here’s what our testing revealed: these espresso machines, including the Smart Grinder Pro, feature 10 internal grind settings on the upper burr, complementing the external adjustment dial.
The factory setting of 6 is actually a bit too coarse for standard basket espresso shots – we’ve confirmed this through extensive testing.
The solution is brilliantly simple: just adjust the internal grind setting one or two notches finer.
For those working with fresh burrs, we’ve found that setting 5 typically delivers excellent results without any need for further tweaking.
While both machines register similar decibel levels, there’s a notable difference in their operational sounds.
The Express, bless its heart, has quite the personality when it comes to noise. After steaming milk, it launches into what we affectionately call its ‘cool-down concert’ – a series of distinctive sounds as the heater resets to brewing temperature.
The Pro, by contrast, maintains a more professional demeanour. It operates quietly, making noise only during essential functions: grinding, shot pulling, and milk steaming.
Through our comparative testing, we’ve identified three distinct advantages the Express holds over the Pro:
The Pro commands a £100 premium at regular retail pricing. While both machines occasionally see discounts, historically the Express has enjoyed some particularly attractive price reductions, sometimes widening this gap further.
Recently, discounts have become scarcer due to high demand outpacing supply. The only regular savings we’ve observed come through discount codes, which typically apply the same percentage reduction across both models.
The Express features a pressure gauge, which is absent on the Pro – likely due to space constraints created by the LCD display.
Based on our extensive testing, we actually prefer the Pro’s shot timer and additional LCD features over the Express’s pressure gauge. In practice, achieving the perfect grind size is more reliably indicated by shot timing than pressure readings.
The original thermocoil design in the Express generates and retains more heat than the Pro’s newer thermojet system. As a result, our temperature measurements confirm that the Express’s cup warming surface reaches and maintains higher temperatures.
Speaking of cups:
After extensive testing in our coffee lab, we’ve noticed a significant shift in what our readers are asking about the Barista Pro.
While previous comparisons focused on the Barista Express, the introduction of the Barista Express Impress at the same price point has created an intriguing new decision for coffee enthusiasts.
Our testing reveals that when comparing the Sage Barista Express Impress to the Sage Barista Pro, the technical specifications become secondary to one crucial distinction: the fundamental difference between an assisted manual espresso machine and a fully manual one.
Through our conversations with hundreds of coffee enthusiasts, we’ve discovered something interesting.
If you’re drawn to the Barista Pro thinking it offers automated assistance, we strongly recommend considering the Barista Express Impress instead.
Based on our experience, the Impress delivers the guided experience many people mistakenly expect from the Express and Pro models, which are often incorrectly marketed as bean-to-cup machines.
However, if you’re specifically seeking a manual experience and simply want the convenience of an integrated grinder, our testing suggests the Barista Pro would be your ideal match.
During our café workshops, we frequently field questions about choosing between the Barista Pro and a Bambino Plus paired with a separate grinder.
Drawing from years of professional barista experience, our team firmly believes that separate components offer superior results for serious home baristas.
The primary advantage lies in grinder flexibility.
Our testing shows that whether you opt for the Dose Control Pro, Smart Grinder Pro, or venture into higher-end territory with the Eureka Mignon Specialita or Barazza Sette 270, you’ll achieve notably better control over your grind settings and, consequently, superior espresso quality.
Furthermore, our experience shows that the separate machine approach offers more strategic upgrade possibilities.
We’ve found that investing in grinder improvements yields the most significant impact on your coffee’s taste.
A modest investment of £100-£150 in upgrading to a premium grinder will dramatically improve your coffee quality compared to spending the same amount on machine upgrades.
However, our hands-on testing reveals this isn’t a straightforward comparison.
The Barista Pro offers several distinct advantages over the Bambino Plus setup:
That said, the Bambino Plus counters with automatic milk steaming functionality, which isn’t available on the Pro.
Based on our comprehensive testing and analysis, we’ve provided the essential information to guide your decision.
Your choice should align with your specific needs – whether that’s the integrated convenience of the Barista Pro, the assisted features of the Barista Express Impress, or the flexibility of separate components.
We anticipate the Barista Express Impress becoming the Pro’s main competitor, particularly for users seeking guided assistance – a feature notably absent from the Barista Pro.
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