Sage Bambino and Coffee Machine Review: The Ultimate Beginner’s Espresso Machine

the Sage Bambino Plus is a £350 espresso machine that not only brews espresso but also automatically froths milk with the touch of a button. I won’t spoil the surprise, but this might just be the best espresso machine for beginners currently available. Even if you’re looking to upgrade from a simpler model, such as the fantastic De’Longhi Stilosa, this is an excellent option.

Its straightforward design and true ease of use are key to its appeal, and it’s one of the things I love about using it, despite having much pricier machines at home. However, this isn’t a fully automated machine that guides you through every step; you’ll need to get the hang of dialing in the right grind size and dosage for the perfect shot. Fortunately, the included tools and helpful manuals ensure that even novices can quickly find their footing.

Once you’ve brewed a few espressos and honed your skills, the Bambino Plus will gladly take over the steaming process. Just fill the included stainless steel jug with a bit of milk, place it in the drip tray, and immerse the steam wand. Press one of the small buttons on the machine and wait. The gentle rumble transforms into a steady rhythm, and in about a minute, you’ll have a jug of cold milk turned into hot, silky foam. Pour this into your espresso, and voilà—you’re a barista now. I’d like a cappuccino, please. Just don’t forget the sprinkle!

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What You Need to Know

The sleek appearance of the Bambino Plus gives it the impression of a more luxurious machine, yet its compact size fits perfectly on your countertop, making it easy to slot between a microwave and a mixer. While its price may not be considered inexpensive, it remains relatively affordable compared to high-end machines with hefty price tags.

Almost everything you need is included. The package contains tools for a stainless steel milk jug, a lightweight tamper, and a bag of coffee grounds. It also features a small pin on the tamper to clear any blockage in the steam wand from dried milk residue. Light metal portafilters come with a selection of baskets for both single and double shots.

The reason I say mostly everything is essential is that you still need a coffee grinder. If you’re okay with a hand grinder or a Baratza Encore ESP (£159.94), I’d suggest something like the Kingrinder K6 (£99). A set of scales for measuring your coffee beans will also prove invaluable; I recommend getting one that measures to at least 0.1g.

Selecting a filter basket is especially helpful for beginners. Pressurized baskets for single and double shots are perfect if you’re making espresso with pre-ground coffee from the store. The dual-wall construction enhances brewing pressure for a rich crema. However, if you have access to fresh, high-quality coffee and grinders, consider using a non-pressurized basket. That’s what I’d recommend.

Specifications

Type: Manual espresso machine with automatic milk frothing
Dimensions: 19 x 36 x 30 cm (WDH)
Water Tank: Removable 1.9L
Replaceable Water Filter: Yes
Included Accessories: 54mm portafilter (3 ears), tamper, dosing razor, water filter, 480ml milk jug, pressurized baskets (single and double), non-pressurized baskets (single and double), cleaning tool, backflush disc
Heating Time: 6 seconds
Milk Steaming Time: 56 seconds
Grinders Included: No
Noise Level: 46db (brewing), 59db (steaming)
Weight: 5.9kg
Warranty: 2 years of repair, replacement, or refund at Sage’s discretion

What We Love

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The Bambino Plus is straightforward to operate. The front panel features an intuitive layout with large buttons for both single and double shots, plus a button for milk frothing and two small buttons to adjust the milk temperature and froth level. Each setting has three preset options. It doesn’t hurt that the user manual is informative and easy to reference.

At the back, the sturdy 1.9-liter removable water tank fits securely and has a satisfying click when in place. The package includes one Claroswiss water filter that fits at the bottom of the tank and lasts up to three months. Replacement filters are available for £14.95.

Contrary to traditional boilers, the water is heated using a thermoblock that takes just 3 seconds to reach temperature. When you power on the machine, the button will flash for a few seconds, then light up continuously once it’s ready to brew. Unlike most machines in the sub-£500 range, it is equipped with a PID temperature controller which ensures stable heat. There’s even low-pressure pre-infusion, a feature generally found only in more expensive machines that allows for even extraction.

Perfecting your espresso shot will still require some trial and error. While the Bambino Plus is a manual espresso machine, Sage’s user manual and YouTube video playlist can help newcomers avoid a frustrating experience. Even without precise scales, the Razor Tool helps prevent over-tamping in the portafilter, resulting in a smooth espresso texture—it might take a little patience, but the rewards are often worth it.

Those rewards are undeniably delightful. I have experimented with various medium-roasted beans from local roasters, Crafthouse Coffee, and the Bambino Plus handled them all well. The only drawback is that the preset brewing temperature may not be optimal for lighter roasts, making it challenging to get a balanced shot. If light roasts are your preference, consider investing in a more expensive model with adjustable brewing temperatures.

If you’re wondering if you should save some money and opt for the standard Sage Bambino, I would advise against it. The Bambino lacks automatic milk frothing and doesn’t feature a positive pressure relief valve. This is crucial; in instances where the machine clogs and the espresso grinds become overly fine, the Plus can release excess pressure into the drip tray. Doing the same on the standard Bambino would require removing the portafilter, causing a sudden burst of coffee grounds and water to eject messily.

Things We Don’t Love

To truly optimize your experience with this machine, a bit of attention is required, although it’s not overly complicated. For instance, running hot water through an empty, pressurized portafilter warms everything up, making it easier to achieve a consistent tasting shot. This hot water can even be used to preheat your cups. There’s a raised area for cups on top of the Bambino Plus, but it doesn’t get hot enough during normal use.

If you find yourself missing a dedicated hot water button for Americanos and other drinks, you can activate it by pressing the single shot and milk froth buttons simultaneously. I honestly didn’t find the absence of a dedicated button too strange.

For those who prefer quick, hassle-free coffee, and who have ever considered this purchase, I suggest you think it through carefully. The processes of grinding, measuring, tamping, and brewing are part of the allure of manual espresso. However, while the Bambino Plus’s quick warm-up and automated milk frothing are great, they aren’t quite comparable to the ease of capsule machines.

Finally, I believe the pricing could be more competitive. Before the pandemic, the Bambino Plus sold for around £250. Prices rose during the pandemic and haven’t returned to those levels. If the current price of £349.95 feels excessive, patience may pay off; discounts do crop up during sales.

Warranty and Repairability

Sage offers a two-year warranty covering manufacturing defects and material issues. However, it does not cover standard wear and tear. If a replacement occurs, it’s important to note that the original warranty period won’t be extended.

For problems that arise post-warranty, most of us would prefer to keep our coffee machines out of landfills. I spoke with Radu Bria, the owner of Espresso Repair Shop in Stockport, regarding the Bambino Plus’s repairability.

He noted that it’s relatively straightforward to disassemble the machine for internal access. However, with only one official supplier in the UK, sourcing replacement parts can take longer.

Common issues faced by Bambino and Bambino Plus models include faulty solenoid coils, temperature probes/sensors, and blocked thermojets due to hard water. If you wish to maintain your machine beyond its warranty, it should last for several years. Just keep in mind that the included filter, or even a basic filter jug, won’t prevent limescale buildup; a non-scaling water softener or a reverse osmosis filter is essential for that.

Sage Bambino Plus: Should I Buy It?

In short, the Bambino Plus stands out as perhaps the ideal beginner machine. Over the years I’ve owned it, it has become one of my favorites, thanks to its ease of use, compact size, and exceptional quality. The only lingering question is whether you really need that fourth cappuccino before lunch. Those coffee beans in the cupboard await your attention.

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Sasha Muller is a freelance technician and consumer journalist, an avid coffee enthusiast, and a craft beer aficionado, with over 20 years of experience testing products. When not exploring the local woods with his kids, he’s likely found in discussions about mountain bike tires or classic drum bath vinyl.