The Sage The Barista Express Bean To Cup produces coffee that is reportedly good enough to convert tea drinkers
When a coffee machine has managed to convert even the most dedicated of tea drinkers, it’s a pretty good indication that it’s something worth investing in. The Sage The Barista Express Bean To Cup Coffee Machine is a pretty hefty purchase considering its retail cost of £629.99, but it’s currently on sale at Lakeland with £100 off, meaning it now costs £529.99.
With many people citing how it’s ‘worth it’, the Sage The Barista Express Bean To Cup Coffee Machine brings some serious barista-style coffee making into the home and is a bean-to-cup machine. Meaning shoppers only need to buy whole coffee beans, which the machine will then grind to perfection – just like at a cafe – adding to its taste.
As someone who is a bit of a coffee snob and a former coffee-shop worker, I can confirm that whole beans make all the difference, although the machine also works with ground beans. Fixed with 18 integrated grind settings, users have complete control over the coarseness of the grind as well as dosage settings, meaning it can be tailored to the owner’s preference and taste.
The 15-bar pressure builds gradually, to ensure flavour is extracted evenly and efficiently, too. To achieve that perfect latte art or frothy cappuccino, the coffee machine also features a high-power steam wand and comes with a stainless steel temperature control milk jug.
With a two-litre water tank and integrated filtration, it’s also got an instant hot water tap, which is ideal for Americanos and black coffees. Those who already own a coffee machine will be well aware that cleaning it is a bit of a pain – the descaling, for example, is more fiddly than necessary. But for this machine, its ClaroSwiss water filter completely eliminates the need to descale the machine – although something to note is that it lasts three months, after which it’ll need to be replaced.
Shop the Sage The Barista Express Bean To Cup Coffee Machine
£629.99
£529.99
Lakeland
Buy Now on Lakeland
The Sage The Barista Express Bean To Cup Coffee Machine is an advanced bean-to-cup kitchen gadget that is relatively simple to use and is ideal for users who want a barista experience at home.
While the machine has settings to brew espresso shots (single and double) and a steam wand to help perfect the silkiest milk, those who don’t want the hassle of learning this craft may prefer the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Fully Automatic Bean to Cup Coffee Machine, on sale at De’Longhi for £369.99 from £579.99. It comes with advanced technology where users can select the type of drink they want and the machine will make it entirely for them – from a latte to a cappuccino to a double espresso – at the touch of a button – complete with frothed milk.
Ninja’s Luxe Cafe Premier Espresso Machine at £549 is another good option for coffee lovers as it has four different espresso styles, four different coffee drinks, seven drink sizes and four froth presets. It can also create filter coffee and cold brew.
Although shoppers have been left thoroughly impressed with the Sage model, with its testimonials showcasing high praise indeed, with an overall 4.5-star rating. One person raved: “As a dedicated tea drinker, I bought this machine as a ‘house’ Christmas present to be able to offer a nice cup of coffee to visitors, and for the enjoyment of my coffee-drinking adult kids & their friends. But, guess what, I’m converted.
“I found the flavour and aroma of a delicious fresh cup of coffee with steamed frothy milk has brought me round to the idea of enjoying a cup of coffee every bit as much as a cup of tea. The machine was a bit fiddly to set up and understand; however, once you’ve got the hang of it, it’s very easy and quick to operate, is compact, and looks good (bought in black).”
Another hailed it as a ‘great bit of kit’ and said: “I’m no expert, but I love coffee. The machine was a doddle to set up- just set everything to factory suggestions, ran a few coffees through the machine to get to grips with it and boom. In no time, I was making coffee like a pro. The auto grinder feature is slick. Use the tamper to flatten off the biscuit and then into the machine head.
“I then use the milk frother and easy-to-use temp jug to make some flat white milk. Push the button, and then pour the milk in. I need to work on my latte art (it’s bad), but it’s the best excuse for more coffee. Highly recommend this machine- it’s a great bit of kit.”
Someone else, who’d done plenty of research before taking the plunge, noted: “I’ve waited through 6 months of ownership to write this review, and it’s simply superb. I had spent a couple of months looking at what felt like every sub £1k coffee machine on the market. I’ve had various ‘pod’ and espresso machines in the past.
“The level of control this one gives, to vary the grind and dose for different beans, the quality of construction (superb!), totally consistent performance, easy clean, ability to use other coffee grounds without having to empty the bean hopper, and above all a blinding cup of coffee – I wouldn’t part with this for the world.”
While most features have been great for most customers, one particular shopper shared their one gripe: ” The only criticism I would make would be about the design of the lid for the water reservoir. It has a fragile feel to it and could have been made less complicated, but it does not impinge on the overall functionality.”
Another point to be aware of is that it is ‘a bit more time consuming’ than that of, say, a pod machine, but it is ‘much more environmentally friendly’, shared one shopper. Meanwhile, it may require ample counter space as it measures 35 x 37 x 38cm.
