OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
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REVIEWS
Scored using Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0
Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 901 independent expert reviews and 1,046 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0

Sage BES875BSS the Barista Express Review | 73 Data compared

Avg. price:~£470Type:Fully Automatic Espresso MachineWater Container Capacity:2.000 LPump Pressure:?Built-in Coffee Grinder:yesAutomatic Milk Frother:no

Sage BES875BSS the Barista Express Review: Compare 73 technical specifications and 22 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Coffee Machines category and whether it is worth buying.

7.3

Overall score

Score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the coffee machine's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best coffee machines on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 73% of models
Score components

95%

7.3

Technical score

5%

8.2

Review score ( 10 · 12)

Review score 5% · 8.2 · based on 22 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades. 4 more reviews are not scored yet.
â–²Better than 73% of coffee-machines
7.3

Technical score

Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance across brewing and drink preparation, coffee formats, maintenance and convenience, and design and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare coffee machines based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 73% of models
Score components

35%

8.3

Performance

25%

6.3

Coffee Preparation

25%

7.8

Features

15%

5.6

Design

â–²Better than 73% of coffee-machines
8.2

Review score

Review score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 63% of models
Grades by review (22)
10 reviews: 6 with a printed score, 4 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 4
✓ explicit
3

7.7%

9.0

techradar.com

7.7%

8.0

expertreviews.co.uk

6.2%

9.0

idealhome.co.uk

≈ estimated
1

6.2%

8.0

balancejournal.co

Video reviews 8

3.1%

9.5

Espresso Doc.

3.1%

9.5

The French Review

3.1%

9.0

Smalltown Coffee Roasters

3.1%

9.0

Cafelista_Coffee

3.1%

9.0

Eric the Coffee Guy

3.1%

9.0

Rose Baby

3.1%

9.0

Yovana Mendoza

1.5%

8.0

BigGibril

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 63% of coffee-machines
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Technical Specifications of coffee machine Sage BES875BSS the Barista Express

Technical score
Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance across brewing and drink preparation, coffee formats, maintenance and convenience, and design and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare coffee machines based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 73% of models
Score components:

35%

8.3

Performance

25%

6.3

Coffee Preparation

25%

7.8

Features

15%

5.6

Design

7.3
Review score
Review score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 63% of models
Grades by review (22)
10 reviews: 6 with a printed score, 4 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 4
✓ explicit
3

7.7%

9.0

techradar.com

7.7%

8.0

expertreviews.co.uk

6.2%

9.0

idealhome.co.uk

≈ estimated
1

6.2%

8.0

balancejournal.co

Video reviews 8

3.1%

9.5

Espresso Doc.

3.1%

9.5

The French Review

3.1%

9.0

Smalltown Coffee Roasters

3.1%

9.0

Cafelista_Coffee

3.1%

9.0

Eric the Coffee Guy

3.1%

9.0

Rose Baby

3.1%

9.0

Yovana Mendoza

1.5%

8.0

BigGibril

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.2
Popularity
Popularity
9.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the coffee machine.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 77% of models
Popularity:
Sage BES875BSS the Barista Express has a popularity of 9 points, which is higher than 76.7% of coffee machines.
9.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the coffee machine's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a coffee machine with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 63% of models
Score components:

60%

7.3

Overall score

40%

7.8

Price

7.4
Power
1,850 W
Power
1,850 W
★ Better than 97% of models
Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
This coffee machine provides 1,850 W of heating power, which is higher than the power of 97.2% of coffee machines and equal to that of 1.3% of coffee machines.
Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
Water Container Capacity
2 L
Water Container Capacity
2 L
â–² Better than 85% of models
Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
This coffee machine holds up to 2 L in its water tank, which is larger than 85.4% of coffee machines and equal to that of 4.9% of coffee machines.
A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
Pump Pressure
?
Heating Time
30 s
Heating Time
30 s
â–² Better than 55% of models
Market range: <20 s – >60 s
This coffee machine is ready to brew in 30 s, which is faster than 55.5% of coffee machines and equal to that of 19.9% of coffee machines.
A shorter heating time means the machine is ready to use sooner.
Heating System
Thermocoil
Show more
What reviewers say
Type
Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This coffee machine accepts ground coffee. 40.3% of coffee machines accept ground coffee.
Compatibility with powdered coffee allows use of pre-ground coffee.
Works with Beans
yes
Works with Beans
yes
â–² Better than 62% of models
This coffee machine accepts whole coffee beans. 62.1% of coffee machines accept whole coffee beans.
Bean compatibility indicates whether the machine can brew from whole coffee beans.
Works with ESE Pods
no
Works with ESE Pods
no
â–¼ Worse than 24% of models
This coffee machine does not accept ESE pods. 24.3% of coffee machines accept ESE pods.
ESE pod compatibility allows use of standard Easy Serving Espresso pods.
Works with Capsules
no
Works with Capsules
no
â–¼ Worse than 29% of models
This coffee machine does not accept coffee capsules. 28.6% of coffee machines accept coffee capsules.
Capsule compatibility indicates whether the machine accepts coffee capsules.
Show more
What reviewers say
Water Level Indicator
no
Water Level Indicator
no
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This coffee machine does not have a water level indicator. 60.4% of coffee machines have a water level indicator.
A water level indicator makes it easier to monitor the remaining reservoir water.
Water Filter
yes
Water Filter
yes
â–² Better than 64% of models
This coffee machine has a water filter. 64.3% of coffee machines have a water filter.
A water filter can improve water quality and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
Descaling Program
yes
Descaling Program
yes
â–² Better than 34% of models
This coffee machine has a descaling programme. 33.5% of coffee machines have a descaling programme.
A descaling program simplifies maintenance by guiding the machine through limescale removal.
Cleaning Alert
yes
Cleaning Alert
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This coffee machine alerts you when cleaning is needed. 40.3% of coffee machines offer cleaning alerts.
A cleaning alert reminds you when routine machine cleaning is due.
Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
no
Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
no
â–¼ Worse than 22% of models
This coffee machine does not clean its milk circuit automatically. 21.7% of coffee machines offer automatic milk circuit cleaning.
Automatic milk-circuit cleaning simplifies hygiene after preparing milk drinks.
Show more
What reviewers say
Built-in Installation
no
Color
Silver
Vintage Look
yes
Vintage Look
yes
â–² Better than 88% of models
This coffee machine has vintage styling. 87.6% of coffee machines have this look.
A vintage look describes a deliberately retro or classic machine design rather than a modern aesthetic.
Housing Material
Stainless Steel
Drip Tray Material
Plastic
Show more
What reviewers say

Sage BES875BSS the Barista Express vs the average coffee machine

246810TotalPerformanceCoffee PreparationFeaturesDesign
  • 450 W higher power
    Power
    1,850 W
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
    This coffee machine offers higher heating power than the average coffee machine (1850 W vs 1400 W).
    Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
    1,850 W vs 1,400 W
  • 10 more grind settings
    Number of Grinding Settings
    18
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <3 – >13
    This coffee machine provides finer control over grind size than the average coffee machine (18 vs 8).
    More grind settings allow finer adjustment of the coffee grind.
    18 vs 8
  • Has a built-in coffee grinder
    Built-in Coffee Grinder
    yes
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This coffee machine has a built-in coffee grinder, while the average coffee machine does not. 38% of coffee machines have one.
    An integrated grinder can grind beans immediately before brewing.
  • Accepts whole coffee beans
    Works with Beans
    yes
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This coffee machine accepts whole coffee beans, while the average coffee machine does not. 38% of coffee machines accept whole coffee beans.
    Bean compatibility indicates whether the machine can brew from whole coffee beans.
  • Has a water filter
    Water Filter
    yes
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    This coffee machine has a water filter, while the average coffee machine does not. 35.8% of coffee machines have a water filter.
    A water filter can improve water quality and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
  • 0.6 L larger water tank
    Water Container Capacity
    2.000 L
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
    This coffee machine has a larger water reservoir than the average coffee machine (2 L vs 1.4 L).
    A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
    2.000 L vs 1.400 L
  • Adjustable coffee temperature
    Adjustable Coffee Temperature
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This coffee machine lets you adjust the coffee temperature, while the average coffee machine does not. 42.9% of coffee machines offer coffee temperature adjustment.
    Adjustable coffee temperature lets you tailor the heat of the brewed coffee.
  • Has PID temperature control
    PID Controller
    yes
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    This coffee machine has PID temperature control, while the average coffee machine does not. 6.8% of coffee machines have this feature.
    PID control can improve temperature stability during brewing.
  • 17.5% more popular
    Sage BES875BSS the Barista Express is more popular than the average coffee machine (8.95 vs 7.6).
    8.95 vs 7.62
  • 3.1% better value for money
    Sage BES875BSS the Barista Express has better value for money than the average coffee machine (7.45 vs 7.2).
    7.45 vs 7.22
  • 450 W higher power
    Power
    1,850 W
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
    This coffee machine offers higher heating power than the average coffee machine (1850 W vs 1400 W).
    Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
    1,850 W vs 1,400 W
  • 10 more grind settings
    Number of Grinding Settings
    18
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <3 – >13
    This coffee machine provides finer control over grind size than the average coffee machine (18 vs 8).
    More grind settings allow finer adjustment of the coffee grind.
    18 vs 8
  • Has a built-in coffee grinder
    Built-in Coffee Grinder
    yes
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This coffee machine has a built-in coffee grinder, while the average coffee machine does not. 38% of coffee machines have one.
    An integrated grinder can grind beans immediately before brewing.
  • 0.6 L larger water tank
    Water Container Capacity
    2.000 L
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
    This coffee machine has a larger water reservoir than the average coffee machine (2 L vs 1.4 L).
    A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
    2.000 L vs 1.400 L
  • Has PID temperature control
    PID Controller
    yes
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    This coffee machine has PID temperature control, while the average coffee machine does not. 6.8% of coffee machines have this feature.
    PID control can improve temperature stability during brewing.
  • 10 s sec faster heat-up
    Heating Time
    30.000 s
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <20 s – >60 s
    This coffee machine reaches brewing temperature faster than the average coffee machine (30 s vs 40 s).
    A shorter heating time means the machine is ready to use sooner.
    30.000 s vs 40 s
  • Accepts whole coffee beans
    Works with Beans
    yes
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This coffee machine accepts whole coffee beans, while the average coffee machine does not. 38% of coffee machines accept whole coffee beans.
    Bean compatibility indicates whether the machine can brew from whole coffee beans.
  • Adjustable coffee temperature
    Adjustable Coffee Temperature
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This coffee machine lets you adjust the coffee temperature, while the average coffee machine does not. 42.9% of coffee machines offer coffee temperature adjustment.
    Adjustable coffee temperature lets you tailor the heat of the brewed coffee.
  • Has a portafilter
    Portafilter
    yes
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    This coffee machine has a portafilter, while the average coffee machine does not. 36.8% of coffee machines have a portafilter.
    A portafilter supports brewing through a filter basket with ground coffee or compatible pods.
  • Has a steam wand
    Steam Wand
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This coffee machine has a steam wand, while the average coffee machine does not. 48.4% of coffee machines have a steam wand.
    A steam wand allows manual milk steaming and foam-texture control.
  • Has a pressure gauge
    Pressure Gauge
    yes
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    This coffee machine has a pressure gauge, while the average coffee machine does not. 8.7% of coffee machines have a pressure gauge.
    A pressure gauge displays brewing pressure for more direct control.
  • Has a water filter
    Water Filter
    yes
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    This coffee machine has a water filter, while the average coffee machine does not. 35.8% of coffee machines have a water filter.
    A water filter can improve water quality and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
  • Has a tray full indicator
    Drip Tray Full Indicator
    yes
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    This coffee machine has a drip tray full indicator, while the average coffee machine does not. 43.9% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A full drip-tray indicator signals when the tray needs emptying.
  • Has a cup warmer
    Cup Warmer
    yes
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    This coffee machine has a cup warmer, while the average coffee machine does not. 41.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A cup warmer helps preheat cups before brewing.
  • Has vintage styling
    Vintage Look
    yes
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    This coffee machine has vintage styling, while the average coffee machine does not. 12.6% of coffee machines have this look.
    A vintage look describes a deliberately retro or classic machine design rather than a modern aesthetic.
  • 3 mm wider portafilter
    Portafilter Size
    54.00 mm
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    Market range: <51 mm – >58 mm
    This coffee machine features a wider, commercial-standard portafilter than the average coffee machine (54 mm vs 51 mm).
    A larger portafilter diameter is associated with a wider filter basket, but compatibility depends on the machine group head.
    54.00 mm vs 51 mm
  • 30 mm shallower depth
    Depth
    300.00 mm
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    Market range: <245 mm – >452 mm
    This coffee machine requires less counter depth than the average coffee machine (300 mm vs 330 mm).
    Depth affects front-to-back counter space and placement clearance.
    300.00 mm vs 330.00 mm
  • 1 fewer boilers
    Number of Boilers
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This coffee machine has fewer independent heating circuits than the average coffee machine (0 vs 1).
    Multiple boilers can support brewing and steaming with less interruption.
    0 vs 1
  • No water level indicator
    Water Level Indicator
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This coffee machine does not have a water level indicator, while the average coffee machine does. 60.3% of coffee machines have a water level indicator.
    A water level indicator makes it easier to monitor the remaining reservoir water.
  • Fixed cup clearance
    Adjustable Cup Clearance
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This coffee machine does not have adjustable cup clearance, while the average coffee machine does. 67.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    Adjustable cup clearance allows the dispensing area or support to accommodate different cup heights.
  • 30 cm lower cup clearance
    Maximum Cup Height
    102.00 cm
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    Market range: <89 cm – >150 cm
    This coffee machine accepts shorter cups than the average coffee machine (102 cm vs 132 cm).
    A greater maximum cup height accommodates taller cups and mugs.
    102.00 cm vs 132.00 cm
  • 15 min longer before shut-off
    Time Before Auto Switch-Off
    30 min
    â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
    Market range: <1 min – >30 min
    This coffee machine stays powered on longer before turning off than the average coffee machine (30 min vs 15 min).
    The switch-off timer controls how long the machine remains active before shutting down.
    30 min vs 15 min
  • 10 g smaller bean hopper
    Bean Container Capacity
    250.000 g
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    Market range: <150 g – >400 g
    This coffee machine holds fewer coffee beans in its hopper than the average coffee machine (250 g vs 260 g).
    A larger bean container means less frequent refilling when making several coffees.
    250.000 g vs 260.000 g
  • 2.36x heavier body
    Weight
    10.600 kg
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <2.29 kg – >10.5 kg
    This coffee machine is heavier and less portable than the average coffee machine (10.6 kg vs 4.5 kg).
    Lower weight can make the machine easier to move, while higher weight may indicate a more substantial build.
    10.600 kg vs 4.500 kg
  • 75 mm taller body
    Height
    400.00 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <251 mm – >385 mm
    This coffee machine stands taller and requires more overhead clearance than the average coffee machine (400 mm vs 325 mm).
    Height affects overhead clearance and cabinet placement.
    400.00 mm vs 325.00 mm
  • 2.94x more expensive
    Sage BES875BSS the Barista Express is more expensive than the average coffee machine (£470 vs £160).
    £470 vs £160
  • 1 fewer boilers
    Number of Boilers
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This coffee machine has fewer independent heating circuits than the average coffee machine (0 vs 1).
    Multiple boilers can support brewing and steaming with less interruption.
    0 vs 1
  • 10 g smaller bean hopper
    Bean Container Capacity
    250.000 g
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    Market range: <150 g – >400 g
    This coffee machine holds fewer coffee beans in its hopper than the average coffee machine (250 g vs 260 g).
    A larger bean container means less frequent refilling when making several coffees.
    250.000 g vs 260.000 g
  • No water level indicator
    Water Level Indicator
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This coffee machine does not have a water level indicator, while the average coffee machine does. 60.3% of coffee machines have a water level indicator.
    A water level indicator makes it easier to monitor the remaining reservoir water.
  • 15 min longer before shut-off
    Time Before Auto Switch-Off
    30 min
    â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
    Market range: <1 min – >30 min
    This coffee machine stays powered on longer before turning off than the average coffee machine (30 min vs 15 min).
    The switch-off timer controls how long the machine remains active before shutting down.
    30 min vs 15 min
  • Fixed cup clearance
    Adjustable Cup Clearance
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This coffee machine does not have adjustable cup clearance, while the average coffee machine does. 67.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    Adjustable cup clearance allows the dispensing area or support to accommodate different cup heights.
  • 30 cm lower cup clearance
    Maximum Cup Height
    102.00 cm
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    Market range: <89 cm – >150 cm
    This coffee machine accepts shorter cups than the average coffee machine (102 cm vs 132 cm).
    A greater maximum cup height accommodates taller cups and mugs.
    102.00 cm vs 132.00 cm
  • 2.36x heavier body
    Weight
    10.600 kg
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <2.29 kg – >10.5 kg
    This coffee machine is heavier and less portable than the average coffee machine (10.6 kg vs 4.5 kg).
    Lower weight can make the machine easier to move, while higher weight may indicate a more substantial build.
    10.600 kg vs 4.500 kg
  • 94 mm wider body
    Width
    318.00 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <129 mm – >299 mm
    This coffee machine takes up more counter width than the average coffee machine (318 mm vs 224 mm).
    Width affects how much counter space the machine needs.
    318.00 mm vs 224.00 mm
  • 75 mm taller body
    Height
    400.00 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <251 mm – >385 mm
    This coffee machine stands taller and requires more overhead clearance than the average coffee machine (400 mm vs 325 mm).
    Height affects overhead clearance and cabinet placement.
    400.00 mm vs 325.00 mm
  • 10 cm shorter power cord
    Cable Length
    90 cm
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <78 cm – >120 cm
    This coffee machine has a shorter electrical reach than the average coffee machine (90 cm vs 100 cm).
    A longer cable can make outlet placement more flexible.
    90 cm vs 100 cm
  • 72.3% bulkier volume
    Volume
    38,160 cm³
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <0.7 cm³ – >2 cm³
    This coffee machine takes up more overall space than the average coffee machine (38160 cm³ vs 22143 cm³).
    38,160 cm³ vs 22,143 cm³

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Smalltown Coffee Roasters
≈ estimated
25/04/2025
Hands-on review · setup, programming and milk steaming
Verdict
Sage BES875BSS the Barista Express has a lot going for it, despite some cheap-feeling plastic parts.
9.5
Espresso Doc.
≈ estimated
28/01/2024
Long-term review · six months of regular use
Verdict
Sage BES875BSS the Barista Express is highly recommended as a smart buy that makes better coffee than most coffee shops.
9.5
The French Review
≈ estimated
11/09/2020
Long-term test · six months of near-daily use
Verdict
Sage BES875BSS the Barista Express is an excellent machine that rewards patience and is clearly recommended for home espresso, with one small complaint about the tank.
Overview video
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

What reviewers agree on

Based on 10 · 12

Reviewers praise the solid build, great espresso and value, but find it tricky to master, and the grinder divides opinion.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
balancejournal.co
≈ estimated
13/05/2026
Hands-on review · Integrated grinder
Verdict
The Sage Barista Express suits buyers who want one machine on the counter and drink medium to dark roast, but light roast exposes the grinder's limits.
espressorabbithole.com
17/02/2026
Not graded yet
9.0
idealhome.co.uk
✓ explicit
31/03/2024
Home test · Grinder and espresso
Verdict
The Sage Barista Express suits a patient beginner who wants control over each shot, though automatic dosing takes time to learn.
8.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
18/07/2024
Expert review · All-in-one espresso
Verdict
The Sage Barista Express is a sturdy all-in-one for anyone wanting full control of their shots, though its grinder cannot easily feed other machines.
9.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
20/07/2022
Hands-on test · Dial-in controls
Verdict
The Sage Barista Express suits coffee fans who want control over every shot and don't mind a learning curve.
which.co.uk
2013 (Updated)
Not graded yet
8.0
coffeecircle.com
≈ estimated
19/10/2026
Hands-on test · Portafilter machine
Verdict
The Sage Barista Express suits beginners wanting a simple portafilter machine with an even grinder, though its small basket and weak steam wand hold it back.
7.8
computerbild.de
✓ explicit
19/10/2023
Lab test · Espresso with grinder
Verdict
The Sage Barista Express is a well thought-out portafilter machine that makes very good espresso and milk foam, though it is noisy and has no temperature display.
coffeeness.de
27/08/2023
Not graded yet
testit.de
13/07/2026
Not graded yet
8.0
espressorabbithole.com
✓ explicit
30/07/2026
Long-term review · Built-in grinder
Verdict
The Sage Barista Express still suits beginners who know basic extraction, with a better built-in grinder than rivals, though competition is growing.
7.0
coffeeness.de
≈ estimated
20/09/2023
Expert review · Hand-operated espresso
Verdict
The Sage Barista Express suits beginners who want to learn espresso by hand, with plenty of settings, though its grinder and tamper have limits.
baristaencasa.cafe
No especificada
Not graded yet
7.0
muycomputer.com
≈ estimated
18/04/2023
Hands-on review · Customisable espresso
Verdict
The Sage Barista Express is a sturdy, well-designed machine that makes very good espresso, best for people who enjoy the process rather than a quick one-button coffee.
coffeeness.de
05/09/2021
Not graded yet
8.0
koffienoob.nl
✓ explicit
30/10/2025
Weeks-long test · Pump espresso machine
Verdict
The Sage Barista Express is a sturdy all-in-one machine for patient beginners, though it takes weeks to master and steams milk slowly.
coffeeness.de
05/09/2021
Not graded yet
misterbarish.nl
10/03/2021
Not graded yet
vivakoffie.nl
20/01/2022
Not graded yet

Third-party reviews

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What we like about Sage BES875BSS the Barista Express

  • Integrated conical burr grinder allows for fresh grinding before extraction
  • Excellent value for money, acting as an all-in-one 'mini cafe' for the kitchen
  • Includes analog pressure gauge providing real-time feedback for better espresso extraction
  • User-friendly for beginners, though it requires a learning curve of 2-3 weeks
  • Durable, with a high-quality stainless steel design
  • Fast heat-up time (around 30 seconds)

What we don't like about Sage BES875BSS the Barista Express

  • The integrated grinder has limited adjustment, making it difficult to dial in light roast coffee
  • Single boiler system prevents simultaneous espresso brewing and milk steaming
  • The steam wand is slower and takes time to build pressure
  • Requires regular maintenance and cleaning, especially the grinder
  • Can be loud during operation

Verdict

The Sage BES875BSS The Barista Express is an all-in-one manual espresso machine constructed from brushed stainless steel, featuring an integrated 250g conical burr grinder with 16 to 18 grind settings, a 2-litre removable water tank, and a 1850W thermocoil heating system. It utilizes precise PID digital temperature control to deliver water at exactly 93°C, alongside a 15-bar Italian pump that applies low-pressure pre-infusion followed by an optimal 9-bar extraction through a 54mm stainless steel portafilter. Key advantages include an intuitive interface equipped with an analogue pressure gauge for real-time extraction feedback, programmable volumetric shot control, a dedicated hot water spout, and a 360° manual steam wand that creates high-quality milk microfoam. However, notable drawbacks include a steep learning curve for beginners, the inability to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously due to its single-boiler setup, a slower milk steaming time compared to higher-end models, and the lack of a water tank level sensor.

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