Description

The coffee world changed dramatically when the Barista Express hit the market.

Before its arrival, aspiring home baristas faced a significant hurdle: purchasing separate espresso machines and grinders that demanded both considerable counter space and a hefty budget.

Our testing team remembers the excitement when this machine first appeared – it brilliantly addressed a crucial gap in the market by offering quality espresso-making capabilities to coffee enthusiasts working with limited space and moderate budgets.

This innovative approach paid off handsomely. The Barista Express quickly became a worldwide bestseller, dominating the traditional espresso machine category in the UK and beyond.

While the market now offers various integrated-grinder options, we’ve found the Barista Express continues to hold its position as one of Britain’s most popular espresso machines.

Features and Benefits

• 2.0 L Water Tank
• 30 Second Ready Time
• Low Pressure Preinfusion
• PID Temperature Control
• 9 Bar Espresso Extraction
• Standard + Pressurized Baskets
• Hot Water Button
• Dimensions 32 cm wide & 31 cm deep, 40 cm tall

The Barista Express pioneered the integrated-grinder espresso machine category. We should note that this isn’t a bean-to-cup machine – it’s a traditional espresso maker with a built-in grinder, offering genuine barista-style control.

In our extensive testing of similar machines, we’ve concluded that the real competition comes primarily from within the Sage family – specifically the new Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro.

We’ve noticed that many competing machines often fall short in crucial areas:

• Limited grind settings
• Unreliable temperature control
• Excessive brew pressure above 9 bar
• Rigid shot volume options
• Weak steam pressure

Grind Settings

Through our hands-on experience, we’ve found that integrated-grinder machines work best for broad grind adjustments. For those seeking ultra-precise control, a standalone setup might be more appropriate.

However, we want to stress that fewer grind settings doesn’t mean you can’t achieve excellent shots – it simply means relying more on other variables to balance your espresso.

The Barista Express offers 16 distinct grind settings, with the ability to position between steps, effectively providing 32 options. Based on our testing, this range suits most home baristas perfectly. When we compare this to competitors like the DeLonghi La Specialista with just 8 settings, the Sage’s superiority becomes clear.

Temperature Stability

Through our extensive testing, we’ve learned that temperature stability is crucial for consistently excellent espresso. Many budget machines struggle here, but Sage machines stand out in their price brackets.

The secret? A PID (proportional integral derivative) controller – essentially a sophisticated temperature management system that maintains consistent brewing temperatures.

While it might not match the remarkable stability of higher-end models like the Sage Dual Boiler or Oracle, our comparisons show the Barista Express leads its price category in temperature consistency.

Programmable Shot Volumes

The machine features straightforward single and double shot buttons that you can easily program, plus the option for manual control.

Our testing revealed an advantage over competitors here – while many machines advertise programmable volumes, they often have high minimum settings that technically exceed proper espresso ratios.

We particularly appreciate that the Barista Express allows programming for true ristretto (1:1), normale (1:2) espresso, and lungo shots.

Powerful Steam Pressure

For coffee lovers who enjoy milk-based drinks, steam pressure is crucial. The Barista Express uses a thermocoil heating system rather than a boiler, which provides consistent steam output.

While it uses the original thermocoil rather than the newer thermojet found in the Barista Pro, our testing confirms it delivers ample steam power. Though it takes slightly longer to reach steam temperature than newer models, it still outpaces most similarly priced machines.

We’ve found Sage machines particularly well-suited for learning milk texturing – they offer sufficient power without being overwhelming for beginners.

Conclusion

Based on our extensive testing, the Barista Express stands out as an excellent choice for those wanting an all-in-one espresso solution capable of producing exceptional coffee and cafe-quality milk drinks.

Just remember – this machine doesn’t include automated features, so you’ll need to develop your barista skills. For those eager to learn the craft, we find it’s a perfect entry-level choice.

However, if you’re looking for more guidance in your espresso journey, we recommend checking out the newer Barista Express Impress.