When it comes to brewing espresso at home, Sage has established itself as a leader in the market with its range of high-quality espresso machines. Two popular options for home baristas are the Sage Bambino and the Sage Barista Express. Both machines offer great features and performance, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. I'm going to compare the pros and cons of the Sage Bambino and the Sage Barista Express to help you make an informed decision.
Both use a 54mm group head and come with a basic portafilter (with pressurised basket), tamper, milk jug and cleaning equipment.
Sage Bambino plus: Small, simple and powerful
Cost: Approx: £300 for the Bambino plus and £180 for the Sage Smart Grinder pro.
Pros:
- Compact Design: The Sage Bambino is sleek and compact in design, making it perfect for kitchens with limited counter space or for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic.
- Rapid Heat-Up Time: with it's ThermoJet heating system, the Bambino heats up in just 3 seconds, allowing you to brew espresso quickly and efficiently.
- Intuitive Interface: The Bambino features a user-friendly interface with straightforward controls, making it easy for beginners to master the art of espresso brewing.
- Steam Wand: Despite its compact size, the Bambino comes equipped with a powerful steam wand for frothing milk, allowing you to create lattes and cappuccinos with ease. The steam wand is pretty good at at creating foam and it has a temperature based shut-off allowing it to not overheat the milk
- Lack of Built-In Grinder: This means you can pick the right grinder for you rather than being stuck with a built in grinder. It's an additional cost but it allows more control.
Cons:
- Lack of Built-In Grinder: Unlike the Barista Express, the Bambino does not include a built-in grinder, requiring users to purchase a separate grinder for freshly ground coffee beans.
- Limited Customization Options: While the Bambino offers basic espresso brewing controls, it lacks some of the advanced customization features found in the Barista Express, such as adjustable grind size and dose. That said you can still adjust brew time and you can manually foam milk if you want.
Sage Barista Express: Versatile Performance
Cost: £629.95
Pros:
- Built-In Grinder: The Barista Express features an integrated conical burr grinder, allowing you to grind fresh coffee beans directly into the portafilter for maximum flavour and aroma.
- Precise Espresso Settings: With adjustable grind size, dose, and manual override options, the Barista Express offers unparalleled control over the espresso brewing process, catering to the preferences of experienced baristas.
- Built-In Tamper: The Barista Express includes a built-in tamper for evenly compressing coffee grounds in the portafilter, ensuring consistent extraction and superior flavour.
- Additional Accessories: In addition to its brewing capabilities, the Barista Express comes with accessories such as a milk jug, tamper, and razor dose trimming tool, providing everything you need to create cafe-quality espresso drinks at home.
Cons:
- Built-In Grinder: This limits your ability to upgrade should you want to, or means you have a redundant grinder if you do go for an upgrade.
- Larger Footprint: Compared to the Bambino, the Barista Express has a larger footprint, requiring more counter space in your kitchen.
- Longer Heat-Up Time: While still relatively quick, the Barista Express takes slightly longer to heat up compared to the Bambino, with a heat-up time of approximately 30 seconds.
Choosing between the Sage Bambino and the Sage Barista Express ultimately comes down to your individual preferences and brewing priorities. If you value compactness, simplicity, and rapid heat-up time, the Bambino may be the perfect choice for you. However, if you prioritize versatility, customization options, and integrated grinding capabilities, the Barista Express offers unmatched performance for the home barista.
Sources:
- Sage Appliances Official Website - https://www.sageappliances.com/
- Home Grounds - https://www.homegrounds.co/sage-bambino-review/
- Seattle Coffee Gear - https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/sage-barista-express-espresso-machine