OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
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 SES450BSS the Bambino Review | 73 Data compared

Avg. price:~£310Type:Fully Automatic Espresso MachineWater Container Capacity:1.400 LPump Pressure:?Built-in Coffee Grinder:noAutomatic Milk Frother:no

Sage SES450BSS the Bambino Review: Compare 73 technical specifications and 6 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Coffee Machines category and whether it is worth buying.

6.6

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 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 54% of models
Score components

95%

6.5

Technical score

5%

8.4

Review score

Review score 5% · 8.4 · based on 6 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.
â–²Better than 54% of coffee-machines
6.5

Technical score

Technical score
6.5/ 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 54% of models
Score components

35%

5.9

Performance

25%

5.5

Coffee Preparation

25%

8.2

Features

15%

6.3

Design

â–²Better than 54% of coffee-machines
8.4

Review score

Review score
8.4/ 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 76% of models
Grades by review (6)
6 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
✓ explicit
3

19.2%

8.0

expertreviews.co.uk

19.2%

8.0

techradar.com

15.4%

9.0

idealhome.co.uk

Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 76% of coffee-machines
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of coffee machine Sage SES450BSS the Bambino

Technical score
Technical score
6.5/ 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 54% of models
Score components:

35%

5.9

Performance

25%

5.5

Coffee Preparation

25%

8.2

Features

15%

6.3

Design

6.5
Review score
Review score
8.4/ 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 76% of models
Grades by review (6)
6 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
✓ explicit
3

19.2%

8.0

expertreviews.co.uk

19.2%

8.0

techradar.com

15.4%

9.0

idealhome.co.uk

Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.4
Popularity
Popularity
9.1/ 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 78% of models
Popularity:
Sage SES450BSS the Bambino has a popularity of 9.1 points, which is higher than 78% of coffee machines.
9.1
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 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–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components:

60%

6.6

Overall score

40%

8.6

Price

7.2
Power
1,600 W
Power
1,600 W
★ Better than 95% of models
Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
This coffee machine provides 1,600 W of heating power, which is higher than the power of 94.7% of coffee machines and equal to that of 2% of coffee machines.
Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
Water Container Capacity
1.4 L
Water Container Capacity
1.4 L
â–² Better than 46% of models
Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
This coffee machine holds up to 1.4 L in its water tank, which is larger than 46.4% of coffee machines and equal to that of 7.8% of coffee machines.
A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
Pump Pressure
?
Heating Time
180 s
Heating Time
180 s
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Market range: <20 s – >60 s
This coffee machine is ready to brew in 180 s, which is slower than 96.9% of coffee machines and equal to that of 2.4% of coffee machines.
A shorter heating time means the machine is ready to use sooner.
Heating System
ThermoJet
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
no
Works with Beans
no
â–¼ Worse than 38% of models
This coffee machine does not accept whole coffee beans. 38.1% of coffee machines accept whole coffee beans.
Bean compatibility indicates whether the machine can brew from whole coffee beans.
Works with ESE Pods
yes
Works with ESE Pods
yes
â–² Better than 76% of models
This coffee machine accepts ESE pods. 76% 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
no
Vintage Look
no
â–¼ Worse than 13% of models
This coffee machine does not have vintage styling. 12.6% 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
Stainless Steel
Show more
What reviewers say

Sage SES450BSS the Bambino vs the average coffee machine

246810TotalPerformanceCoffee PreparationFeaturesDesign
  • 200 W higher power
    Power
    1,600 W
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
    This coffee machine offers higher heating power than the average coffee machine (1600 W vs 1400 W).
    Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
    1,600 W vs 1,400 W
  • 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 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.
  • 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 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 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.
  • Accepts ESE pods
    Works with ESE Pods
    yes
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    This coffee machine accepts ESE pods, while the average coffee machine does not. 24.2% of coffee machines accept ESE pods.
    ESE pod compatibility allows use of standard Easy Serving Espresso pods.
  • 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.
  • 19.8% more popular
    Sage SES450BSS the Bambino is more popular than the average coffee machine (9.12 vs 7.6).
    9.12 vs 7.62
  • 200 W higher power
    Power
    1,600 W
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
    This coffee machine offers higher heating power than the average coffee machine (1600 W vs 1400 W).
    Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
    1,600 W vs 1,400 W
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Accepts ESE pods
    Works with ESE Pods
    yes
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    This coffee machine accepts ESE pods, while the average coffee machine does not. 24.2% of coffee machines accept ESE pods.
    ESE pod compatibility allows use of standard Easy Serving Espresso pods.
  • 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.
  • 5 min quicker shut-off
    Time Before Auto Switch-Off
    10 min
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 min – >30 min
    This coffee machine powers down sooner to conserve energy than the average coffee machine (10 min vs 15 min).
    The switch-off timer controls how long the machine remains active before shutting down.
    10 min vs 15 min
  • 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
  • 29 mm narrower body
    Width
    195.00 mm
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <129 mm – >299 mm
    This coffee machine takes up less counter width than the average coffee machine (195 mm vs 224 mm).
    Width affects how much counter space the machine needs.
    195.00 mm vs 224.00 mm
  • 15 mm shorter body
    Height
    310.00 mm
    â–² Better than 58% of models
    Market range: <251 mm – >385 mm
    This coffee machine has a lower profile under overhead cabinets than the average coffee machine (310 mm vs 325 mm).
    Height affects overhead clearance and cabinet placement.
    310.00 mm vs 325.00 mm
  • 10 mm shallower depth
    Depth
    320.00 mm
    â–² Better than 58% of models
    Market range: <245 mm – >452 mm
    This coffee machine requires less counter depth than the average coffee machine (320 mm vs 330 mm).
    Depth affects front-to-back counter space and placement clearance.
    320.00 mm vs 330.00 mm
  • 12.6% more compact volume
    Volume
    19,344 cm³
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    Market range: <0.7 cm³ – >2 cm³
    This coffee machine takes up less overall space than the average coffee machine (19344 cm³ vs 22143 cm³).
    19,344 cm³ vs 22,143 cm³
  • 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.
  • 140 s sec slower heat-up
    Heating Time
    180.000 s
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <20 s – >60 s
    This coffee machine takes longer to heat up than the average coffee machine (180 s vs 40 s).
    A shorter heating time means the machine is ready to use sooner.
    180.000 s vs 40 s
  • 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.
  • 12 cm lower cup clearance
    Maximum Cup Height
    120.00 cm
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    Market range: <89 cm – >150 cm
    This coffee machine accepts shorter cups than the average coffee machine (120 cm vs 132 cm).
    A greater maximum cup height accommodates taller cups and mugs.
    120.00 cm vs 132.00 cm
  • 93.8% more expensive
    Sage SES450BSS the Bambino is more expensive than the average coffee machine (£310 vs £160).
    £310 vs £160
  • 10% heavier body
    Weight
    4.950 kg
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    Market range: <2.29 kg – >10.5 kg
    This coffee machine is heavier and less portable than the average coffee machine (5 kg vs 4.5 kg).
    Lower weight can make the machine easier to move, while higher weight may indicate a more substantial build.
    4.950 kg vs 4.500 kg
  • 0.9% worse value for money
    Sage SES450BSS the Bambino has worse value for money than the average coffee machine (7.16 vs 7.2).
    7.16 vs 7.22
  • 93.8% more expensive
    Sage SES450BSS the Bambino is more expensive than the average coffee machine (£310 vs £160).
    £310 vs £160
  • 0.9% worse value for money
    Sage SES450BSS the Bambino has worse value for money than the average coffee machine (7.16 vs 7.2).
    7.16 vs 7.22
  • 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
  • 140 s sec slower heat-up
    Heating Time
    180.000 s
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <20 s – >60 s
    This coffee machine takes longer to heat up than the average coffee machine (180 s vs 40 s).
    A shorter heating time means the machine is ready to use sooner.
    180.000 s vs 40 s
  • 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.
  • 12 cm lower cup clearance
    Maximum Cup Height
    120.00 cm
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    Market range: <89 cm – >150 cm
    This coffee machine accepts shorter cups than the average coffee machine (120 cm vs 132 cm).
    A greater maximum cup height accommodates taller cups and mugs.
    120.00 cm vs 132.00 cm
  • 10% heavier body
    Weight
    4.950 kg
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    Market range: <2.29 kg – >10.5 kg
    This coffee machine is heavier and less portable than the average coffee machine (5 kg vs 4.5 kg).
    Lower weight can make the machine easier to move, while higher weight may indicate a more substantial build.
    4.950 kg vs 4.500 kg

Video reviews

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

Not graded yet
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What reviewers agree on

Based on 7

Reviewers love the fast heat-up, compact size and tasty espresso, but criticise the portafilter accessories and lack of a grinder.
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
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
01/12/2023
Hands-on test · Compact espresso machine
Verdict
The Sage Bambino suits tight kitchens and quick brewing, but its steam wand splashes milk and the grounds come out wet.
8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
26/01/2022
Hands-on review · Compact espresso machine
Verdict
The Sage Bambino is a compact machine that pulls smooth espresso with thick crema, suiting beginners, though it drips after each shot.
9.0
idealhome.co.uk
✓ explicit
28/10/2021
Hands-on test · Compact espresso
Verdict
The Sage Bambino suits anyone with a small kitchen who wants good espresso and lattes, though brewing is noisy and the steel marks easily.
8.0
businessinsider.de
≈ estimated
01/04/2025
Hands-on test · Beginner espresso
Verdict
The Sage Bambino makes strong espresso and airy milk with little fuss, best for beginners who do not need a grinder or pressure gauge.
8.5
cafelista.com
✓ explicit
24/09/2025
Expert review · Compact espresso
Verdict
The Sage Bambino suits small kitchens and espresso beginners, with a strong steam wand, but it is light and the coffee is not very hot.
maxicoffee.com
13/07/2026
Not graded yet
9.0
manners.nl
≈ estimated
27/12/2021
Hands-on test · Barista-style espresso
Verdict
The Sage Bambino is small but makes serious espresso, and its steam is strong enough for latte art and plant milks.

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Sage SES450BSS the Bambino

  • Ultra-fast 3-second heat-up time thanks to the ThermoJet heating system
  • Compact footprint that saves valuable kitchen countertop space
  • Excellent espresso quality with a true 9-bar extraction and low-pressure pre-infusion
  • PID digital temperature control provides great temperature stability during brewing
  • Dedicated hot water button makes it easy to prepare Americanos
  • Powerful manual steam wand capable of producing silky microfoam for latte art
  • Comes with both standard (single-wall) and pressurized (dual-wall) filter baskets

What we don't like about Sage SES450BSS the Bambino

  • Extremely lightweight build requires you to hold the machine down when inserting or removing the portafilter
  • Lacks a 3-way solenoid valve, which leads to wet coffee pucks and potential 'portafilter sneeze' if opened too quickly
  • Vibrations during extraction can cause lighter cups to drift or shift on the drip tray
  • The included plastic tamper feels cheap and lacks the weight required for an optimal tamp
  • Preset brew temperature is fixed, making it difficult to properly extract lighter coffee roasts without sourness
  • Small drip tray and water tank capacity require frequent emptying and refilling
  • Does not include a built-in grinder, requiring a separate purchase for freshly ground beans

Verdict

The Sage SES450BSS "the Bambino" is a highly compact, semi-automatic espresso machine that delivers barista-quality extraction using a 15-bar Italian pump optimized via a 9-bar over-pressure valve. It features a proprietary ThermoJet heating system with an ultra-fast 3-second warm-up time, an electronic PID temperature controller delivering a fixed 93°C extraction, low-pressure pre-infusion, and a 1.4-litre water tank. Key pros include its minimal counter footprint (16cm width), intuitive one-touch 1 and 2-cup volumetric controls, a powerful manual single-hole steam wand for microfoam latte art, and the inclusion of both single and dual-wall 54mm filter baskets holding an 18-19g dose. On the downside, it lacks an integrated coffee bean grinder, possesses a very small drip tray that requires frequent emptying, can wobble or slide when locking in the portafilter due to its lightweight build, and leaves slightly wet coffee pucks because it lacks a 3-way solenoid valve.

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