In the world of home espresso machines, the Sage Barista Express has made a name for itself as a versatile and capable coffee maker that offers a balance of convenience and customisation. This review will delve into the various aspects of the Sage Barista Express, including its functions, price, pros, and cons. Additionally, we will compare it to other popular coffee machines in the same price range.
Functions and Features we liked
One of the standout features of the Barista Express is its integrated conical burr grinder. It allows users to grind fresh coffee beans to their desired consistency, resulting in a richer and more flavorful shot of espresso. The grind size and amount are easily adjustable, giving you full control over the brewing process. This is very helpful for users who aren’t wanting to make another big investment as grinders are often very expensive.
Achieving the optimal water temperature is crucial for brewing great espresso and often only being 1 or 2 degrees off can effect the taste of the espresso. The Barista Express maintains stable temperatures with its PID digital temperature control. This ensures that your coffee is extracted at the desired temperature every time. It also means the machine will be less likely to loss temperature if you are brewing multiple coffees for yourself and some friends. This is a feature many of the other competitors in this category don’t have such as the Gaggia Classic.
The machine comes with a powerful steam wand that enables users to create velvety microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. Achieving cafe-quality steamed milk is straightforward, making it suitable for those who enjoy espresso-based drinks. It is quite low power which is actually very helpful for the beginner barista as it allows a lot more room for error, however more experienced users may be frustrated at the time it take to get perfect milk. The barista express’s big brother the Sage Dual boiler has a more powerful wand for the more experienced home barista, check out our review on that HERE.
The Barista Express offers the best of both worlds, inclusive for all levels of coffee maker. It has pre-programmed espresso shot volumes that simplify the process for beginners to get a solid shot of espresso at home, but it also allows advanced users to customize their shots by manually controlling the extraction time for that perfect brew.
The machine features a pressure gauge that visually indicates the pressure during extraction. This can be invaluable for those looking to fine-tune their espresso shots and improve their barista skills. We really like when machines have this tool as it tells us a lot about how we are grinding our bean. If the pressure is too low, grind finer. If the pressure is too high, grind courser. This can be a great tool for beginners to get in to the right ballpark for a good tasting shot.
With its sleek stainless steel design, the Barista Express has an aesthetic that fits well in modern kitchens. Its compact footprint makes it suitable for smaller spaces, which is an advantage it has over some of the other models. We thought that the stainless steel felt nice and expensive with few cheap feeling plastic parts.
Some of the things we didn’t like so much
While the Barista Express caters to both beginners and experienced users, it does have a learning curve. Achieving the perfect shot might take some practice, especially for those new to espresso-making. We do still think this is a great machine if you are getting into at home espresso. We just thought you should be aware that there is a learning curve and you may spend the first couple days to weeks having some funky coffee. But if you are invested in learning, and there are great resources out there from people like James Hoffman and Lance Hedrick both found on YouTube, then this is a great option to start your espresso journey.
The integrated grinder, while efficient, can be a bit noisy. If you’re looking for a quieter machine, this might be a drawback. We also thought that the ground coffee was often quite clumpy and messy compared to something a bit higher range like the Niche Zero grinder. A very helpful tool to fix the clumps and that has been shown to improve extraction is a WDT or Weiss distribution tool. It is used to break up the clumps for a more even coffee bed. We shall leave a link to an option HERE. However, anyone will do the job, just find a cheap option.
The water tank on the Barista Express has a capacity of 2 litres, which isn’t terrible but may require more frequent refills if you brew several cups of coffee in a row. There are some videos on YouTube that offer DIY ways to add the machine into your home plumbing, but for most it will just be a case of regular refills.
Finally, although it’s considered a mid-range machine, the Barista Express might still be a significant investment for some users. There are more budget-friendly options available if you’re on a tight budget. We will leave a brief comparison below of a couple cheaper options versus the Barista Express.
Comparison to Other Machines:
Breville Bambino Plus vs Barista Express:
- Price: The Bambino Plus is often priced slightly lower than the Barista Express, making it a more budget-friendly choice.
- Pros: It is incredibly compact, heats up quickly, and has a sleek design. The milk steaming is automated, making it beginner-friendly.
- Cons: The Bambino Plus lacks a built-in grinder and the level of customization offered by the Barista Express. It’s better for those who want simplicity and speed.
Gaggia Classic Pro vs Barista Express:
- Price: The Gaggia Classic Pro falls in the same price range as the Barista Express.
- Pros: It is a traditional espresso machine with commercial-grade components, offering excellent espresso quality. Its simplicity and durability are notable advantages.
- Cons: The Gaggia Classic Pro doesn’t have a built-in grinder and lacks some of the convenience features of the Barista Express. It also doesn’t have a PID so the temperature control has a much higher variance.
So what’s the verdict?
In conclusion, the Sage Barista Express is a versatile and capable espresso machine that stands out in its price range. Its built-in grinder, customization options, and premium build quality make it an attractive choice for those who are serious about their coffee. However, it does have a learning curve, and the noise from the grinder may not be suitable for everyone. Comparing it to alternatives like the Breville Bambino Plus and Gaggia Classic Pro, the Barista Express excels in terms of customization but comes with a slightly higher price tag. Your choice will ultimately depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re willing to invest in your coffee experience and enjoy the art of espresso making, the Sage Barista Express is a strong contender that offers excellent value for your money.
Where to find?
You can find the Sage Barista Express Here
If you are interested in the Gaggia Classic Pro or the Sage Bambino Plus, they can be found below:
Gaggia Classic Pro Here
Sage Bambino Plus Here