Product · Sage
Sage Barista Express: 16 settings, manual tamping
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The Sage Barista Express is the classic all-in-one for people who want to learn espresso by doing everything themselves. It pairs an integrated conical burr grinder with 16 settings with a manual steam wand, and its fixed brewing temperature of 93°C with low pressure pre-infusion is designed to draw flavours out evenly.
- Grind settings
- 16
- Dosing and tamping
- Manual tamping
- Heating
- 93°C with pre-infusion
- Milk
- Manual steam wand
- Water tank
- 2 L
In its favour
- The conical burr grinder doses straight into the portafilter.
- Water at a precise 93°C and low-pressure pre-infusion are listed for even extraction.
- The steam wand is described as powerful enough for latte art microfoam.
Good to know
- Sixteen grind settings is fewer than the Impress and Pro models.
- Tamping is fully manual, so consistency depends on your technique.
Our take
Grinding into the portafilter
The grinder delivers fresh coffee directly into the portafilter. With 16 settings, the range is narrower than the 25 on the Barista Express Impress or 30 on the Barista Pro, but it is enough to dial in for typical espresso beans. Dosing and tamping are manual, so you control the amount and pressure.
Control is via a dial.
That level of control is the point of the machine. You learn how grind size, dose and tamp pressure change the shot, which is satisfying if you enjoy the craft and frustrating if you only want a quick latte before work.
Brewing temperature and pre-infusion
Sage specifies water at 93°C and low pressure pre-infusion that gradually increases pressure. The result, according to Sage, is a creamy, caramel-coloured espresso. There is no mention of adjustable temperature.
Manual milk texturing
The steam wand is powerful, Sage says, and lets you make microfoam for latte art. This version includes a Temp Control Milk Jug, along with filters and a hot water outlet. Learning to steam takes practice but gives full control over texture.
Size and specs
The water tank holds 2 litres. The machine is 40.4 cm deep, 31.8 cm wide and 35.1 cm high and weighs 12.8 kg. Power is 1850 watts. Sage notes two bags of speciality coffee on registration.
At almost 13 kg it is also heavy enough that you will want to settle on its position before filling the tank and hopper.
Against the Express Impress and Barista Pro
The Sage Barista Express Impress adds intelligent dosing and assisted tamping with 25 settings, which makes it easier for beginners. The Barista Pro offers 30 settings and a 3 second ThermoJet heat-up. The Barista Express is the simplest of the three and leaves the most to the user.
Verdict
Buy the Sage Barista Express if you want to learn espresso from the ground up with a built-in grinder, manual tamping and a steam wand. If you would like help with dosing and tamping, the Sage Barista Express Impress is the better start, and if a faster heat-up and finer grind range matter, step up to the Sage Barista Pro.
Compared with alternatives in: Best espresso machines with a built-in grinder, Sage espresso machines compared: Bambino Plus to Oracle
Amazon listing title: Sage Barista Express, Bean to Cup Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel