Product · Sage
Sage Bambino Plus: 3-second heat-up, auto milk wand
Note: This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
The Sage Bambino Plus is for someone who wants proper espresso and textured milk in a very small footprint, and who either owns a grinder or buys freshly ground coffee. At just 19.5 cm wide, it stands out for heating to extraction temperature in 3 seconds via its ThermoJet system and for an automatic steam wand that textures milk to your chosen temperature and texture.
- Tamping help
- Not stated
- Milk
- Automatic wand, adjustable temp and texture
- Heat-up
- 3 seconds
- Baskets
- 54 mm, 19 g
- Grinder
- None
In its favour
- ThermoJet heating reaches extraction temperature in 3 seconds.
- The automatic steam wand lets you set milk temperature and texture.
- At 19.5 cm wide it fits almost any worktop, and auto purge resets the temperature after steaming.
Good to know
- There is no grinder, so you need pre-ground coffee or a separate grinder.
- Tamping is manual and no assist is listed.
Our take
Heating and extraction
ThermoJet heating reaches the optimum extraction temperature in 3 seconds, according to Sage. PID digital temperature control keeps the water at the right temperature, and low pressure pre-infusion gradually ramps pressure at the start to draw flavours out evenly.
After steaming, the machine automatically purges the heating system so the next espresso is brewed at the right temperature rather than too hot.
Portafilter and dose
The 54 mm portafilter takes a 19 g dose, which Sage presents as key to full flavour. There is no built-in grinder, so a separate grinder such as a Baratza or Sage model will be needed if you buy beans. Controls are simple: one or two cups, a steam button and adjustable milk temperature and texture.
Automatic milk texturing
The automatic steam wand lets you set milk temperature and texture, then textures the milk in the jug for you. Sage says the result is microfoam suitable for latte art. For beginners, this removes the hardest part of making a flat white. A manual option is not described in the listing.
Size, tank and build
The water tank holds 1.9 litres, generous for such a small machine. It weighs 7.15 kg and draws 1600 watts. The listed dimensions on Amazon are not the real machine size, but Sage states a width of 19.5 cm, which is the key figure for a crowded worktop. The finish is brushed stainless steel.
Against the Dedica Maestro Plus and Ninja Luxe Premier
The De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus is also compact and has Auto LatteArt with three temperatures and three textures, plus three brewing temperature profiles. The Ninja Luxe Premier adds a grinder, scale and assisted tamper at a much larger size. The Bambino Plus is the choice for speed and compactness.
Verdict
Buy the Sage Bambino Plus if you want quick, quality espresso and automatic milk in a narrow machine, and you have or will buy a grinder. If you want brew temperature profiles, the De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus is the closest rival, and if you would rather have the grinder built in, look at the Ninja Luxe Premier.
Compared with alternatives in: Best espresso machines for beginners, Best espresso machines with automatic milk texturing, Best espresso machines without a grinder, Sage espresso machines compared: Bambino Plus to Oracle
Amazon listing title: Sage Bambino Plus Compact Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel