Sage Bambino Espresso Machine

Description

After extensive testing in our coffee lab, we’ve discovered the Sage Bambino stands worlds apart from budget-friendly machines like the DeLonghi Dedica and its similarly priced competitor, the Smeg ECF01.

Features and Benefits

• 1.4 L Water Tank
• 3 Second Ready Time
• Low Pressure Preinfusion
• PID Temperature Control
• 9 Bar Espresso Extraction
• Standard + Pressurized Baskets
• Hot Water Button
• Compact Size: 19cm wide, 30.4cm deep, 31cm height

Our experience with entry-level espresso machines has shown they typically share these limitations:

• Pressurized baskets or portafilters only
• Excessive espresso pressure
• Unreliable brew temperature
• No preinfusion capability
• Basic Panarello steam wand

While spending a few hundred pounds more usually addresses some of these issues, we’ve found that even £500+ machines often retain one or two of these drawbacks.

What makes the Bambino remarkable? It’s the most affordable espresso machine we’ve tested that breaks free from every single one of these limitations.

Traditional Baskets

For serious coffee enthusiasts looking to dial in the perfect shot, traditional baskets are essential. The Bambino includes both traditional baskets for fresh, specialty coffee and pressurised options for pre-ground beans, offering incredible versatility for all brewing preferences.

9 Bars of Pressure

Through our testing, we’ve confirmed the Bambino maintains professional-grade 9 bar pressure thanks to its built-in OPV (overpressure valve). While many manufacturers boast about “15 bars of pressure” from their vibration pumps, we know that 9 bars is the sweet spot for exceptional espresso extraction.

Temperature Stability

In our extensive side-by-side testing, temperature stability proved crucial for shot consistency. The Bambino’s PID (proportional integral derivative) controller maintains precise temperature control – a feature typically found in machines costing twice or three times as much.

Many cheaper machines require temperature surfing – a technique to compensate for temperature swings. Even respected models like the Gaggia Classic and Rancilio Silvia, while superior in build quality and longevity, need aftermarket PID installations (£100-£150) to match the Bambino’s temperature consistency.

Pre-Infusion

The pre-infusion phase (we like to call it “the gentle wake-up call for your coffee”) is crucial for preventing channeling – when water finds the path of least resistance through your coffee puck. The Bambino delivers genuine low-pressure pre-infusion, unlike some machines that simply pulse their pumps at full pressure.

The factory setting provides an 8-second pre-infusion, but we’ve discovered you can manually control this by holding down either shot button. This flexibility lets you fine-tune the process to your specific beans and roast levels.

Pro Steam Wand

Most budget machines come with panarello steam wands – automated systems that produce somewhat dated, stiff foam better suited to 1990s-style cappuccinos. The Bambino, however, features a commercial-grade steam wand with precision-engineered tips, giving you complete control over milk texturing.

Based on our testing with countless milk alternatives and dairy options, we’ve found Sage’s steam wand design particularly forgiving for beginners while still offering the precision needed for creating silky microfoam for modern coffee drinks.

For our comprehensive analysis of both the Bambino and its sibling the Bambino Plus, check out our detailed comparison: