How do you choose a Sage piston machine?

Written by Charlotte

Edited on

18 July 2023

·

09:40

How do you choose a Sage piston machine?

When you choose a Sage piston machine, you'll get a good quality, sturdy semi-automatic machine. For example, the heavy stainless-steel casing with anti-slip leg stands stays firmly on your counter. You can make 1 or 2 coffees at the same time. As soon as you choose a milk specialty, the steam wand will froth a soft foam automatically. We'll go through the most important differences and similarities with you.

Compare the Sage piston machines

Bambino PlusBarista ExpressBarista ProDual BoilerBarista TouchOracle (Touch)
Bean grinder includedNoYesYesNoYesYes
Capacity water tank1.9L2L2L2.52L2.5L
Build qualityMid-rangeHigh-endHigh-endHigh-endHigh-endHigh-end
Heating systemThermoblockThermoblockThermoblockDouble boilerThermoblockDouble boiler
Manual vs automaticManuallyManuallyAutomaticManuallyAutomaticAutomatic
Sage piston machines

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.

View all Sage piston machines

The different Sage models

Sage the Bambino Plus: compact format

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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Article by Charlotte

Coffee Machine Expert.

Charlotte