How do you choose a Sage piston machine?
Compare the Sage piston machines
| Bambino Plus | Barista Express | Barista Pro | Dual Boiler | Barista Touch | Oracle (Touch) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bean grinder included | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Capacity water tank | 1.9L | 2L | 2L | 2.5 | 2L | 2.5L |
| Build quality | Mid-range | High-end | High-end | High-end | High-end | High-end |
| Heating system | Thermoblock | Thermoblock | Thermoblock | Double boiler | Thermoblock | Double boiler |
| Manual vs automatic | Manually | Manually | Automatic | Manually | Automatic | Automatic |
Manual vs automatic
The later the version of the Sage piston machine, the more automatic functions it has. From pressing the coffee automatically to making your coffee specialty with a push of a button. But do you prefer to do everything yourself? Sage has made semi-automatic machines for that, like the Sage the Bambino Plus. The Sage Barista Express lets you choose the grind size, adjust the temperature, and pick a cup size yourself. This way, you can even track the whole process on the LCD screen of the Sage the Barista Pro.
The different Sage models
Sage the Bambino Plus: compact format
With the Sage the Bambino Plus, you'll get a complete piston machine. Within 3 seconds, your machine warms up and you can quickly make a cup of coffee. You can make 1 or 2 cups at the same time and simply control the machine with the useful buttons. When you make a milk specialty, you can use the automatic steam wand. This froths the milk automatically when you put the pitcher underneath the wand. You can adjust the milk temperature and the texture as you like.
Note: for this piston machine, you have to buy a separate bean grinder.
Sage Barista Express: built-in coffee grinder
The Sage Barista Express has a built-in coffee grinder. This way, the machine can grind exactly the right amount of fresh coffee, straight into the portafilter. With 18 grind settings, you can choose the right grind size for every type of coffee bean. Thanks to the stainless steel milk pitcher, the temperature control measures the temperature right away while it froths. As soon as the light turns green, your milk has the ideal temperature.
Sage the Barista Pro: with LCD screen
The Sage the Barista Pro heats up within 3 seconds, thank to the ThermoJet heating system. With the LCD screen with animations, you can track the progress of the grind and extraction. This model also has a built-in coffee grinder that provides the right amount of ground coffee for a rich flavor. Thanks to the accurate PID thermometer, the coffee doesn't burn and you'll always have a constant brewing temperature.
Sage the Dual Boiler: with a double heating system
The Sage the Dual Boiler has a dual boiler system. This allows you to make an espresso and froth milk at the same time. This way, your coffee has the right temperature for an optimal coffee flavor. On the lit display, you can keep track of the temperature and the time remaining. It also allows you to easily change settings and you'll see a shot timer. You can place the cups on top of the machine, so your coffee stays warm longer.
Note: for this piston machine, you have to buy a separate bean grinder.
Sage the Barista Touch: with touchscreen display
On the Sage the Barista Touch, you can select your coffee via the touchscreen display. This way, you can choose a latte macchiato, flat white, or a long black. Make your favorite coffee with the 3 steps grind, prepare, and milk. This allows you to choose the intensity, milk texture, and temperature yourself. You can store 8 personalized drinks. The machine grinds the beans automatically and uses exactly enough coffee for the coffee specialty you want.
Sage the Oracle Touch: fully automatic
The Sage the Oracle Touch is the most luxurious version of all Sage piston machines. For example, this version is all about automation. This makes it very easy to make the perfect milk specialty. Select a coffee specialty on the touchscreen display and the machine does the rest. This Sage machine even tamps your coffee, so your fresh coffee will be ready in no time. You can then store your own recipe under one of the 8 personalized drinks.
Conclusion
With a Sage piston machine, you're guaranteed to make a great espresso with a soft crema. Ask yourself if you want to do so manually or automatically. With the Sage the Bambino Plus, you can get started by yourself. The further you continue in the series, the more automatic the Sage coffee machines are. For example, the other machines have a built-in bean grinder. The Sage the Barista Pro has an LCD screen and the Sage the Barista Touch and the more luxurious Sage the Oracle Touch have a touchscreen display.
