I decided when the second one failed that I would go big(ger) rather than go home, and decided to go for the Sage Barista Express. It was a great choice.

Firstly, the grind size settings should satisfy any taste – a very small amount of experimentation got me to just the right size grind. The auto-grind feature is very handy, and allows you to get anything else ready whilst it does its thing – I’m a latte kind of guy, so I have enough time to sort the milk out. A few people have reported that it can end up with coffee going everywhere – I can only assume that they are grinding far too much and it is spilling out of the sides (yet another thing that is adjustable). If you want more, you can always tamp it down and top it up manually, which takes about five seconds, so no hardship at all. The tamper is held in place magnetically – another nice touch.

You can also adjust the amount of espresso that the machine makes, which is handy. You basically press a button to put it in program mode, set the machine away, and press another button when your espresso glass is full – it’s very, very easy to set up.

The water tank has a built in filter – a nice touch, though I live in a very soft water area, so not really necessary for me.

The built in thermometer on the milk jug is a nice touch (and it survives the dishwasher, though I wouldn’t recommend that)! I thought the jug looked a bit small, but I use a Starbucks Grande mug for my latte, and there is plenty of room for enough milk to fill that. Unless you go for vente all the time, you’ll probably have no issues.

The bean holder takes enough beans for around ten double espressos or so – you can also use pre-ground coffee, and the machine comes with various attachments depending on single / double / fresh or pre-ground tastes. It’s also really easy to clean – the machine mostly looks after itself and vents after every drink, so you just need to empty the drip tray every few days (it tells you when it needs attention).

This is a great machine. I wish I bought one four and a half years ago before I wasted my money on the others. The coffee tastes better (I didn’t believe it would make any difference to the taste, but somehow it does – I think it is the fact that it goes through a pre-extraction cycle on a lower pressure before going full whack – and yes, you can even see how much pressure is being applied, so you can increase / decrease the coffee ground level accordingly), and it looks great on the side.

Firstly, the ease of use is remarkable. With its intuitive controls, I was able to make my first espresso within minutes of unboxing. The machine heats up incredibly fast, ensuring I don’t have to wait long for my morning coffee fix.

The quality of espresso this machine produces is where it truly shines. The flavor is rich and robust, with a perfect crema that you’d expect from a high-end cafe. The built-in grinder is a game-changer – it grinds the beans just before brewing, which makes a significant difference in the freshness and taste of the coffee.

Moreover, the milk frothing wand is fantastic. It creates silky smooth milk for cappuccinos and lattes that are simply a delight. The temperature control is precise, ensuring the milk is always at the perfect temperature.

Cleaning the Sage Barista Express is surprisingly easy. The removable water tank and drip tray make the maintenance a breeze. I appreciate how the machine comes with all the necessary tools for cleaning and maintenance.

Lastly, the customer service from Sage is commendable. They provide clear instructions and are quick to respond to any queries.

In conclusion, the Sage Barista Express is an exceptional coffee machine that offers convenience, quality, and style. It’s perfect for anyone looking to elevate their home coffee experience. Highly recommended!