By: Caffeinated Gear Review Team
After countless hours testing every model in the Sage coffee machine lineup, our team of certified baristas and coffee experts has developed an intimate understanding of these remarkable machines.
Looking for straightforward guidance on choosing the best Sage coffee machine for your needs? We’ve got you covered.
While Sage’s extensive range might seem overwhelming at first glance, we’ve developed a practical approach that makes selection surprisingly simple. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a clear picture of which Sage machine perfectly matches your coffee aspirations.
Our comprehensive review examines the current Sage coffee machine range, breaking down exactly which machine suits different types of coffee enthusiasts.
What sets Sage apart in the coffee machine market is their specialist approach to different coffee brewing needs. Unlike mainstream manufacturers who focus primarily on mass-market appeal, Sage has crafted distinct machines for specific types of coffee lovers.
While major brands typically prioritise price points and convenience features to capture the widest possible market, Sage takes a more nuanced approach. Their commitment to speciality coffee (or third wave coffee) shows in their dedication to the “four keys formula” – a professional-grade standard borrowed from commercial espresso machines.
What are they? Think of these as your personal coffee shop assistant – they’re traditional espresso machines with smart features that make crafting perfect coffee practically foolproof.
What do they make? Every coffee shop favourite you can imagine – from rich espresso shots to silky cappuccinos, velvety lattes, perfectly balanced flat whites, and smooth americanos.
Who are they for? These machines are perfect if you’re passionate about exceptional coffee but want minimal fuss. They’re ideal when pod machines leave you wanting more, but you still fancy the convenience of high-end automated brewing.
What are they? These clever machines strike a brilliant balance – they offer help when you need it but let you take control when you want to experiment.
What do they make? The full spectrum of coffee shop classics – espresso, cappuccino, latte, flat white, and americano, all crafted to your specifications.
Who are they for? Perfect for households with mixed coffee preferences. Whether you’re rushing out the door and need quick assistance, or have time to practice your barista skills, these machines adapt to your needs.
What are they? Classic espresso machines with built-in grinders – pure and simple.
What do they make? Any espresso-based drink your heart desires, limited only by your creativity and skill.
Who are they for? These are built for coffee enthusiasts ready to dive into the art of espresso making. A word of caution – while the integrated grinder is convenient, these machines require proper technique. They’re manual machines at heart, not automated systems.
What are they? Traditional home espresso machines designed to work with your choice of separate grinder.
What do they make? Any espresso-based drink you can dream up.
Who are they for? These machines suit budding home baristas keen to develop their skills. While they include user-friendly features like dual-walled baskets, they’re best for those willing to learn proper technique.
What are they? Not your ordinary filter coffee maker – we’re talking about precision brewing equipment.
What do they make? Perfect filter coffee, brewed with scientific precision.
Who are they for? These machines are for serious filter coffee enthusiasts who understand that proper temperature control and brewing times make all the difference.
What are they? Revolutionary takes on the classic Nespresso system.
What do they make? Your favourite coffee shop drinks with pod convenience.
Who are they for? Perfect for anyone seeking barista-style drinks with maximum convenience.
Currently using a bean to cup machine? Before making a switch, consider if you need an upgrade or if another bean to cup would suit you better. Check out our guide to the:
Many shoppers get confused about bean to cup machines. The key difference lies in the brewing mechanism – true bean to cup machines use an automated brewing unit instead of a traditional portafilter system.
While these machines produce excellent coffee that most people love, coffee purists might notice the difference from traditional espresso. The brewing process creates something closer to café crema, which explains their massive popularity in German-speaking countries.
This distinction matters because some of our customers mistakenly buy manual espresso machines with integrated grinders expecting fully automated operation. Without proper technique, using a traditional espresso machine like an automatic can lead to inconsistent results, especially with single-walled baskets.
Unless you choose a fully assisted model, attempting to use a manual espresso machine without learning proper technique might actually result in less satisfying coffee than your current bean to cup system.
Let’s clear up a common misunderstanding that we at the Caffeinated Gear team frequently encounter when advising coffee enthusiasts about their machine purchases.
Many coffee lovers assume Sage and Breville are identical machines with different branding. While there’s a connection, it’s not that straightforward.
Here’s what you need to know: Breville Worldwide manufactures these excellent machines globally. However, due to a historical quirk – they sold their European brand rights in the 1980s – they can’t use the Breville name in the UK and most of Europe. That’s why they operate under the Sage Appliances banner in these regions.
In the UK, an American company called Newell Brands owns the Breville name. They produce their own coffee machines under the Breville brand, but these aren’t the same as Sage machines (which sell as Breville elsewhere).
Our testing team has noticed something particularly troublesome: UK Breville machines often mirror Sage designs and use similar names. We’ve seen many disappointed customers who thought they’d found a bargain Sage machine, only to discover they’d purchased a completely different product.
Key takeaway: If you’re shopping in the UK, remember that any machine labelled “Breville” is not a Sage machine – they’re entirely separate brands.
For our international readers, check out our comprehensive guide to Best Breville Espresso Machines on our US-focused site, CoffeeKev.com.
During our extensive testing sessions, we’ve discovered that some coffee enthusiasts want authentic espresso and superior milk texturing without diving into the technical complexities. If you’re seeking the convenience of a high-end bean-to-cup machine but with traditional espresso quality, Sage’s latest innovation hits the sweet spot.
Choosing becomes remarkably straightforward – there are just two options in this category, with one priced at nearly twice the other. Let’s explore the more accessible option.
The fully assisted machine category began with the Sage Oracle Touch. While the standard Oracle offered similar capabilities, its conventional button interface couldn’t match the seamless experience of its touchscreen sibling.
Through our testing, we’ve noticed widespread confusion about Sage’s integrated grinder machines. Some retailers mistakenly market simpler models as fully assisted, and we’ve seen numerous publications incorrectly label them as bean-to-cup machines.
We need to be crystal clear: machines like the Barista Express and Pro don’t offer assistance. They require the same skill level as any traditional espresso machine, regardless of their integrated grinder.
The Barista Touch Impress, however, transforms the experience. After months of testing, our team believes Sage has created something extraordinary – perhaps too extraordinary. Its brilliant performance might actually challenge sales of their premium Oracle Touch.
Despite the significant price difference (the Touch Impress costs roughly half), we’ve found its assistance features more refined and user-friendly. While the Oracle Touch maintains a slight edge in espresso quality, the shared grinder technology means the difference is minimal.
Espresso Assistance
The heart of this machine’s intelligence lies in the Impress Puck System. It handles all the technical aspects crucial for consistent, quality espresso.
During our testing, we were impressed by how the machine learns and adapts to achieve perfect dosing. It remembers settings for different beans and adjusts grinding duration automatically. The tamping mechanism particularly stood out – it converts a gentle finger push into a precise 10Kg force, with a subtle 7-degree twist for puck polishing.
We noticed that multiple tamps during the learning phase create an exceptionally smooth puck surface. For perfectionists like our team who appreciate a polished finish, a couple of extra quick tamps achieve that mirror-like surface.
Grind Size Guidance
What truly amazed our testing team was the machine’s ability to guide grind size adjustments. This feature, which we’d previously considered technically unfeasible, works brilliantly.
Here’s a real example from our testing lab: Using Chocolate Brownie Blend at grind size 13, we accidentally switched to Chocolate Fondant Blend. The machine immediately detected the faster shot and recommended changing to size 8 – which proved perfect. This level of precise guidance is unprecedented in our experience.
This advancement particularly excites our team, as we frequently field questions about correct grind settings. Now we have a machine that provides real-time, accurate guidance.
Barista Guidance
The Touch Impress stands out with its comprehensive guidance system. Our team appreciates how it walks users through every setup step, even asking about bean types (supermarket vs freshly roasted) to recommend appropriate basket types and grind settings.
This intelligence proves invaluable when dealing with commodity coffee beans. The machine understands that supermarket beans often lack roast dates and guides users towards dual-walled baskets for better results.
MilQ System With Alternative Milk Pre-sets
Our extensive testing revealed impressive automated milk frothing capabilities. Unlike other Sage models, this machine allows drink component queuing – steam milk first or pull espresso first, your choice.
This seemingly small feature saves precious morning minutes. Plus, the same queuing works for Americanos and Long Blacks, adding welcome flexibility.
The machine’s handling of alternative milks particularly impressed us. You can select your preferred milk type (dairy, oat, soy, almond), and the machine adjusts texture and temperature accordingly. While preset options work well, you can fine-tune and save your perfect settings.
Our only suggestion for improvement? We’d love the ability to overwrite main menu presets with personalised settings rather than creating new entries. However, this minor point hardly detracts from an otherwise outstanding system.
When we first heard about the Oracle Jet, our initial reaction was scepticism. It appeared to be just another variant of the Barista Touch Impress. We couldn’t have been more wrong.
While its placement in the Oracle family might raise eyebrows, this machine stands as Sage’s most technologically sophisticated offering to date. In several crucial aspects, it outperforms even the Oracle Touch.
Here’s what sets it apart:
We initially wondered if this might cannibalise Oracle Touch sales, but our testing revealed these machines serve different coffee enthusiasts. Sage has brilliantly positioned the Oracle Jet for users who prioritise instant readiness and flexibility in their coffee routine.
While the Oracle Touch suits those with structured schedules, the Jet shines for spontaneous coffee lovers who want their machine ready at a moment’s notice. Make your drinks, power down, and repeat whenever the mood strikes – it’s that simple.
We believe certain Oracle Jet features should migrate to the Touch, particularly the enhanced grinder, WiFi capability, and the upgraded processor with its superior display.
Room for improvement exists, but the WiFi functionality means enhancements roll out automatically. Our main suggestion? Expand the grind settings from 45 to around 120.
The current stepless system uses numbers purely for reference. We’re using setting 24 with our Chocolate Brownie Blend, but “24” spans quite a range – about 60 degrees of adjustment. The gaps between settings could be much finer, offering greater precision.
Minor improvements could include clearer WiFi connection indicators and firmware status displays. However, the beauty of WiFi updates means your machine evolves over time, automatically gaining new features and refinements.
As Sage’s flagship model and their first venture into this category, the Oracle Touch builds on the foundation of the Dual Boiler – a machine we use daily in our test kitchen and rate as one of the finest espresso machines in its price bracket for performance and versatility.
The dual boiler system enables simultaneous shot pulling and milk steaming, giving it a significant advantage over the Barista Touch Impress. This means faster drink preparation, especially valuable when making multiple beverages.
Temperature stability and precision get a boost from the dual boiler setup, heated group head, and twin PIDs. In theory, this should translate to superior shots compared to the Touch Impress’s Thermojet system. However, shot quality ultimately depends on the grinder, and both machines share similar grinding capabilities.
Through our extensive testing, we’ve found the Oracle Touch delivers shot quality comparable to a Sage Dual Boiler paired with their Smart Grinder Pro. While this produces excellent coffee, it doesn’t quite match the potential achieved with premium specialist grinders costing two to three times more.
Most users considering these machines might not detect the subtle differences in taste. Even with our trained palates, we’re planning blind taste tests to verify any perceptible variations.
The Oracle Touch offers practical advantages beyond coffee quality. Its wider drip tray accommodates larger cups – perfect for preparing two drinks simultaneously by splitting a double shot. The Touch Impress’s more compact tray might require using shot glasses as intermediaries.
While the Oracle Touch provides more grind settings (45 vs 30), our testing shows the Touch Impress’s dialling system works brilliantly, with the added benefit of suggesting optimal grind adjustments.
A notable difference lies in the Oracle Touch’s 21/22g double basket – essentially a triple shot capacity. This could be advantageous or not, depending on your preferences. For those splitting shots between two milk-based drinks, it allows for more intense flavours. However, if you prefer standard 40ml 1:2 ratio shots (18g in, 40g out), you’ll need to adjust the dose, which involves a straightforward Allen key adjustment of the tamp fan.
After extensive testing in our coffee lab, we’ve discovered that the Sage Barista Express Impress hits a sweet spot for coffee enthusiasts who want flexibility in their brewing approach. It’s particularly brilliant if you match any of these scenarios:
The machine’s versatility truly shines here. Our team of certified baristas particularly appreciated how seamlessly it switches between assisted and manual modes, making it an excellent choice for households with varying coffee preferences.
In comparison, while the Touch Impress offers similar capabilities, its touchscreen interface requires a few extra steps to switch between automatic and manual modes. Some coffee purists on our team preferred the Express Impress’s traditional buttons, though we found the Touch Impress might better suit households where not everyone shares the same enthusiasm for manual brewing.
For those considering the Oracle as an alternative, we noticed it shares many features with the Express Impress but at a notably higher price point. Both machines use the European Etzinger burrs (a significant upgrade from earlier models), though the Oracle offers finer temperature control. However, if you’re planning to pair your machine with a separate grinder, the Oracle’s superior temperature stability might justify the investment.
The Express Impress incorporates the innovative “Impress Puck System” – a feature our testing team found remarkably consistent. While it lacks the grind size guidance found in the Touch Impress, its machine learning dosing system and calibrated tamp lever delivered impressively consistent results during our trials.
Having extensively tested both machines, we initially favoured the Express Impress for its perfect balance of manual control and intelligent assistance. The arrival of the Touch Impress has given us pause for thought, but we still believe the Express Impress offers unmatched value for aspiring home baristas.
When choosing between the Express Impress and Touch Impress, consider your priorities: if you value quick transitions between automatic and manual modes alongside traditional controls, the Express Impress is your match. However, if features like grind guidance, automated milk steaming, and drink queuing appeal more (and budget allows), the Touch Impress might better suit your needs.
For more detailed insights, check out our comprehensive
During our extensive testing of the Barista Touch, we discovered something interesting about its market positioning. For those familiar with our review of its sibling, the Barista Touch Impress, think of this as its streamlined counterpart—minus the Impress puck system, grind guidance, and advanced milk programming features.
What struck us during our testing was the unique approach to automation. The machine offers sophisticated milk texturing assistance while leaving the espresso crafting more manual. This split personality sparked quite a debate among our team of baristas. Some questioned why a user wanting touchscreen convenience wouldn’t desire complete guidance throughout the process.
However, our real-world testing revealed an interesting niche. We found that many home baristas actually prefer having full control over their espresso shots while appreciating automated milk texturing—particularly those transitioning from simpler machines who want to maintain their hard-earned shot-pulling skills.
One substantial advantage we’ve noticed is the price point. Being a more established model in the Sage lineup means more competitive pricing among retailers. During our regular market analysis, we’ve consistently found better deals on the Barista Touch compared to its newer Impress sibling.
After months of hands-on testing, we can confidently say the Oracle is essentially the analogue version of the Oracle Touch. It shares the same robust dual-boiler foundation—a feature we particularly value for its simultaneous brewing and steaming capabilities.
During our comparative testing, we noticed something fascinating about its shot quality potential. While the Oracle inherits the excellent dual-boiler system, we discovered its built-in grinder introduces an interesting ceiling to its ultimate capabilities.
Here’s a practical example from our testing lab: When we paired a Sage Dual Boiler with different grinders, we noticed clear quality improvements as we moved up the grinder hierarchy. The Oracle’s integrated grinder, while competent, doesn’t offer this upgrade path.
Think of it like modifying a sports car. Just as you wouldn’t put a 800-horsepower engine in a standard chassis, there’s a natural limit to how much grinder quality can improve your shots with entry-level machines. However, premium machines like the Dual Boiler can handle—and benefit from—increasingly sophisticated grinders.
That said, for most users, this theoretical ceiling won’t be an issue. In our blind taste tests, even experienced baristas on our team produced outstanding espresso with the Oracle’s built-in grinder. It’s only at the most exacting levels of espresso crafting that you might notice its limitations.
We’ve seen an interesting trend among some of our readers who’ve found a clever workaround: they keep the integrated grinder for everyday use by family members while adding a premium standalone grinder for their own coffee exploration. This hybrid approach offers both convenience and the potential for growth.
In our view, the Oracle’s traditional button interface actually speeds up the workflow compared to its Touch counterpart. While we appreciate the innovations in the Barista Touch Impress’s interface—particularly its grind guidance and sophisticated milk system—the Oracle’s straightforward controls feel more efficient for experienced users.
For a deeper exploration of the Oracle’s capabilities, check out our comprehensive review:
Having extensively tested the Barista Express in our dedicated coffee lab, we’ve discovered why this machine has maintained its position as a bestseller since 2013. While it’s an excellent choice for many coffee lovers, our testing reveals it might not suit everyone’s brewing style.
The machine features Sage’s original thermocoil heating system, rather than the newer thermojet found in models like the Pro, Touch, and Touch Impress. In our side-by-side tests, we measured about 27 seconds longer heat-up time compared to newer models. However, this difference becomes less significant when you consider that the brew path, group, and portafilter need warming regardless of the heating system.
During our milk-frothing trials, we noticed the steam preparation takes roughly 20 seconds longer than thermojet machines. The steaming process itself, while producing wonderfully textured milk, operates at a more relaxed pace. We particularly observed the cooling cycle after steaming, where the distinctive sound of the flush system (reminiscent of water hitting a hot pan) lasts notably longer than in newer models.
These timing differences might seem significant on paper, but our price-performance analysis shows the Barista Express often represents exceptional value, especially during sales periods. However, we need to address a crucial point about its intended use.
Through our testing and customer feedback, we’ve identified that the Barista Express works brilliantly with mainstream coffee beans (those typically without a “roasted on” date). The machine’s 13/14 bar over-pressure valve (OPV) setting pairs perfectly with the dual-walled baskets for these types of beans.
For coffee enthusiasts planning to use freshly roasted speciality beans with traditional baskets, we’ve found the higher pressure can make dialling in more challenging than necessary. In our experience, the 9-bar OPV setting of the Barista Pro better suits this brewing style.
The machine retains the original “Full Nice” burr set, while newer models use European Etzinger burrs. While our blind taste tests showed minimal difference in cup quality, the Etzinger burrs (familiar to users of Baratza grinders) might appeal more to dedicated home baristas.
For the complete deep-dive into this machine’s capabilities, check out our detailed review:
After months of testing, we’re confident in recommending the Barista Pro as our top choice for aspiring home baristas seeking an integrated grinder machine. While the Barista Express Impress offers helpful assistance features, the Pro stands out for those wanting full manual control over their brewing process.
Comparing it directly with the Express, our measurements show the Pro brings several meaningful upgrades. The sleeker design houses 30 grind settings (versus 18), premium Etzinger burrs, and a precise 9-bar OPV setting. The modern LCD screen replaces the traditional pressure gauge, adding a practical shot timer that we’ve found invaluable for consistency.
The thermojet heating system demonstrates its worth in our timing tests, with noticeably faster heat-up and steam-ready times. The four-hole steam tip, combined with the improved heating system, significantly reduces milk texturing time while maintaining excellent microfoam quality.
During our extensive testing period, we particularly appreciated the quick cooling flush after steaming – it’s practically instantaneous compared to the Express’s longer process. While some might miss the pressure gauge, our experience shows the shot timer and programmable buttons provide more practical benefits for developing barista skills.
The Pro’s 9-bar OPV setting, combined with the increased grind adjustment range and Etzinger burrs, makes it particularly well-suited for speciality coffee enthusiasts. Yet, despite its professional capabilities, we’ve found it remains accessible for beginners while offering room for skill development.
We’re pleased to note that, like the Express, the Pro’s established market presence often leads to competitive pricing, making it an even more compelling choice for serious coffee enthusiasts.
After extensive testing in our coffee lab, we’ve found the Duo Temp Pro represents Sage’s brilliant take on traditional single boiler espresso machines, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with classics like the Gaggia Classic and Rancilio Silvia.
The machine’s operation couldn’t be more straightforward. A simple rotary dial controls everything – turn left for espresso, right for steam or hot water. The ‘Duo Temp’ name comes from its two temperature settings, making it refreshingly simple to use.
In our testing, we discovered it shares the same reliable thermocoil as the Barista Express. While it doesn’t include fancy extras like a pressure gauge or programmable buttons, that’s precisely its charm. You’ll follow the traditional espresso-making sequence: grind, dose, turn the dial left for your shot (which begins with an 8-second pre-infusion), then switch right for steam or hot water.
Our community feedback has been consistently positive. Many of our readers appreciate its no-nonsense approach to espresso making, backed by professional features like the 9-bar OPV and PID temperature control.
When customers ask us about choosing between the Gaggia Classic Pro and Sage Bambino Plus, we often suggest considering the Duo Temp Pro instead. It’s a more natural comparison to the Classic, especially if you value precise temperature control and perfect pressure straight from the box.
While the Gaggia Classic remains unbeatable for longevity (we’ve got a 20-year-old model still pulling perfect shots), the Duo Temp Pro stands out as Sage’s most reliable model. Its simplified electronics and standard components make it more serviceable beyond warranty.
Comparing it to the Bambino family, think of it as choosing between traditional and modern approaches. The Bambinos offer programmable shots, rapid heating, and automated steaming (on the Plus), while the Duo Temp Pro focuses on traditional reliability and longevity.
When paired with the Smart Grinder Pro versus the Barista Express or Pro, we’ve found similar shot quality potential – both feature 9-bar OPVs. Though the Barista Pro’s thermojet differs from the Duo Temp’s thermocoil, our blind taste tests showed negligible difference in the cup.
The Duo Temp Pro’s advantage lies in its upgrade potential. While the Barista Pro offers more features (LCD screen, programmable shots, temperature control), the Duo Temp Pro paired with a Smart Grinder Pro leaves room for future grinder upgrades without redundant equipment.
However, the upgrade ceiling isn’t as high as with premium machines. Unlike the Sage Dual Boiler, where upgrading from the Smart Grinder Pro (in the Dynamic Duo package) to a Baratza Forte or Niche Zero dramatically improves output, the Duo Temp Pro’s improvements are more modest.
For those interested in grinder options, we recommend checking our detailed guides:
While pairing the Duo Temp Pro with a higher-end grinder will improve your shots, the gains aren’t as dramatic as with more advanced machines. Some users combine the Barista Express or Pro with separate grinders, which, while space-consuming, provides backup grinding capability.
For coffee enthusiasts seeking a straightforward, reliable espresso machine without unnecessary complexity, the Duo Temp Pro proves an excellent choice. It delivers professional-quality shots without the distraction of excessive features.
For our comprehensive analysis, visit our detailed review:
After extensive testing in our coffee lab, we’ve found the Bambino Plus stands out as one of Sage’s most sought-after espresso machines – and for good reason.
The ThermoJet heating system truly impressed us with its swift performance. We measured remarkably quick heat-up times, near-instant steam readiness, and minimal waiting between shots.
What really caught our attention was the sophisticated auto-steaming function. With three texture levels and three temperature settings, it consistently produces café-quality microfoam. In fact, when we’re creating latte art for our social media content, we often reach for the Bambino Plus over manual steaming – it’s that reliable.
However, we did notice two minor drawbacks during our testing:
The drip tray’s capacity is somewhat limited. While the 3-way solenoid valve gives you those satisfyingly dry pucks without any portafilter sputter (unlike brew valve machines), it does mean more water ends up in the drip tray, requiring frequent emptying.
The included portafilter, while superior to most competitors in this price range, doesn’t quite match the professional-grade ones supplied with other Sage machines. It features more plastic components and shorter spouts. The good news? Bambino Plus owners can upgrade to the higher-quality portafilter used in the Barista Express & Barista Pro.
In our comparative analysis, the Bambino Plus stands in a class of its own. When we pit it against the popular Gaggia Classic Pro, it’s like comparing a Tesla to a classic Land Rover Defender – both brilliant machines, but with completely different philosophies. For its price point and user-friendly approach, we haven’t found anything that truly rivals the Bambino Plus, except perhaps its smaller sibling, the Bambino.
For an in-depth look at our findings, check out our comprehensive review:
As Sage’s entry-level machine, the standard Bambino packs quite a punch. During our testing, we discovered it’s actually the most affordable traditional espresso machine on the market that comes properly equipped with standard baskets and a correctly calibrated 9-bar OPV straight out of the box.
Its compact footprint particularly impressed us – at just 31cm tall, it fits comfortably under standard kitchen cabinets, making it perfect for smaller spaces.
While the Duo Temp Pro might offer better long-term value due to its simpler internal mechanics, the Bambino delivers outstanding immediate value for money. We regularly recommend it to beginners who might be considering machines like the DeLonghi Dedica or Swan Retro, particularly those planning modifications or aftermarket portafilter upgrades.
The temperature stability from the PID controller, while perhaps not quite matching the Sage Dual Boiler’s precision, significantly outperforms most machines in this price bracket. We appreciate the inclusion of both standard and pressurised baskets, along with the water filtration system. The plastic tamper, while not our favourite, certainly beats the plastic measuring scoop tampers common at this price point.
Rather than a 3-way solenoid valve, it uses a brew valve. In practice, this means:
The manual steam wand actually offers some advantages over the Plus model’s auto-steaming system. Its ball joint provides more positioning flexibility compared to the Plus’s up-down movement, and there’s a dedicated hot water button – a feature absent on the Plus.
During our extensive testing period, we found just two notable limitations:
Firstly, you’re restricted to using the included portafilter – the upgraded version compatible with the Plus won’t properly seal on this model. Though this might not bother most users (our test kitchen’s resident expert has used the Bambino at home for years without complaint), those accustomed to weightier portafilters might notice the difference.
Secondly, unlike the Plus, it doesn’t include the Razor dosing tool. While available separately for about £5, we consider this tool valuable for maintaining consistent dose volumes – a crucial factor in extraction that many newcomers overlook. Even when weighing doses precisely, volume consistency remains key for optimal extraction.
After extensive testing in our coffee lab, we can confidently say the Sage Dual Boiler stands as the crown jewel in Sage’s espresso machine lineup. Our team of certified baristas ranks it among the world’s finest espresso machines – a sentiment shared across the global coffee community.
The machine’s shot quality and customisation options are nothing short of remarkable for its price point. We were particularly impressed by its temperature stability, achieved through an ingenious dual PID system connecting the brew boiler and group head. This level of precision typically demands a much steeper investment.
What sets this machine apart is its exceptional temperature control range. During our testing, we found the 10-degree span (86-96°C) in precise 1°C increments, combined with adjustable pre-infusion power and timing, opens up exciting possibilities for coffee exploration. These features make it particularly suited for light roast enthusiasts who want to extract the perfect shot.
In our experience, achieving this level of control usually requires investing in premium machines like the Decent Espresso, La Marzocco GS3, or Slayer – often costing between £4,000 and £10,000. Yet the Sage Dual Boiler delivers comparable flexibility at a fraction of the price. We’ve even discovered that a simple, reversible modification allows manual flow profiling using the water knob!
For a comprehensive breakdown of our findings and detailed testing results, we invite you to read our complete analysis here:
When we say this is a standout filter coffee machine, we’re actually underselling it.
The Precision Brewer sits in a class of its own, which explains why Sage hasn’t felt the need to expand their filter coffee range.
In our professional testing, this machine consistently outperformed traditional filter coffee makers in every meaningful way.
What sets it apart? First, there’s the precise PID temperature control – a feature we rarely see in filter coffee machines.
This sophisticated technology ensures remarkable consistency in every brew.
But that’s just the beginning.
The interface offers unprecedented control over crucial brewing variables: temperature, bloom time, bloom volume, and flow rate.
We’ve found this level of customisation invaluable for getting the absolute best from different coffee beans.
For those who prefer simplicity, the SCA-approved ‘gold’ setting automatically optimises all these variables.
During our testing, we discovered some brilliant practical features:
Instead of the traditional hot plate (which often leads to bitter, burnt-tasting coffee), this machine takes a more sophisticated approach.
The generous 1.7L capacity impressed us during our group testing sessions.
One feature we particularly appreciated was the programmable start time – imagine walking into your kitchen to freshly brewed coffee every morning.
For an expert second opinion on this remarkable machine, we recommend watching James Hoffmann’s detailed review:
For our complete analysis of this exceptional machine, please see our detailed review:
Through our extensive hands-on testing, we’ve found the Creatista Plus to be a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Creatista Uno.
The premium all-stainless steel construction immediately catches the eye, but it’s the enhanced functionality that truly impressed our testing team.
The colour digital display provides intuitive control over an expanded range of settings.
While it’s marketed as ‘one-touch’, we should note that you’ll still need to pour the milk manually – but we see this as an advantage.
It provides a perfect opportunity to develop your latte art skills, adding a creative dimension to your coffee-making experience.
The customisation options are impressive:
In our detailed comparison testing, we found the Creatista Pro offers several meaningful improvements over the Plus model.
The innovations here create what we consider to be the ultimate premium Nespresso experience.
Key differences we discovered during testing:
While the price point is substantial, our testing team believes the additional features justify the investment – especially if you can take advantage of seasonal promotions from authorised retailers like Sage Appliances, John Lewis, or Amazon.
After extensive testing in our coffee lab, we’ve found the Creatista Vertuo to be a game-changing addition to the Nespresso lineup. As professional baristas, we’re particularly impressed by how this machine bridges the gap between convenience and café-quality drinks.
The key innovation here lies in Vertuo’s approach to coffee volume. Traditional Nespresso machines use 5-6g pods, which we’ve always found limiting for milk-based drinks. When crafting a flat white, for instance, you’d typically need multiple pods to achieve proper coffee intensity – something our team considers less than ideal for daily use.
Vertuo’s expanded pod range is a brilliant solution to this challenge. Whether you’re after a robust double espresso for your morning cappuccino or a larger mug-sized brew, there’s a pod to match your preference. We particularly appreciate the carafe-sized options for those times when you’re entertaining guests.
However, we should note that this convenience comes with a trade-off. While original Nespresso machines benefit from a wide range of compatible pods from various manufacturers, the Vertuo system currently remains exclusive to Nespresso’s own pods. Based on our industry experience, we expect this limitation to continue for some time.
The Creatista Vertuo itself combines the best features of its predecessors. It maintains the precise temperature and texture controls (three settings for each) that we loved in the discontinued Creatista Uno, while sporting the premium stainless steel finish of the Pro and Plus models.
For coffee enthusiasts weighing their options, here’s our professional recommendation: if you’re content with reloading pods for larger drinks, the Original Creatista line might better suit your needs. However, if you value the convenience of larger coffee doses and appreciate exceptional milk texturing, the Creatista Vertuo stands out as the most sophisticated Vertuo machine currently available.
Having tested countless coffee machines in our time, we’re confident in saying this model perfectly balances automation with the control that passionate coffee lovers demand. While it may not offer the pod variety of original Nespresso machines, its versatility in drink sizes and professional-grade milk texturing capabilities make it a standout choice for those seeking café-quality drinks at home.
We’ve covered everything there is to know about Sage coffee machines in extensive detail.
If you followed our guidance in the introduction about selecting the right machine type for your needs, you’ll have saved yourself considerable time by focusing only on the most relevant options.
After years of testing and working with various coffee machines, our team of baristas and coffee experts consistently ranks Sage among the finest manufacturers in the entry to mid-range market.
Their commitment to quality and attention to detail makes them particularly outstanding for speciality coffee enthusiasts.
While Sage produces excellent machines, you might want to explore other options. For a comprehensive look at alternatives, check out our guide to
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