Sage Bambino Plus Review: The Ultimate Home Espresso Machine

Are you looking for a compact and powerful espresso machine that can deliver café-quality coffee at home? Look no further than the Sage Bambino Plus. This sleek and stylish machine is packed with features that make it easy to create barista-style coffee in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Key Features

• 19-bar pressure for rich, full-bodied espresso
• Automatic microfoam milk texturing for silky, velvety milk
• Fast heat-up time of just 3 seconds
• Compact footprint perfect for small kitchens
• Simple interface with one-touch 1 & 2 cup volumetric control

Design and Build Quality

The Sage Bambino Plus is built to last, with a brushed stainless steel body that looks great on any countertop. The machine is compact, measuring just 19.4 x 36.2 x 30.4 cm, making it perfect for small kitchens or apartments.

The portafilter is made from high-quality 54mm stainless steel, ensuring even heat distribution and consistent extraction. The water tank holds 1.9L, which is enough for several shots of espresso or cups of coffee.

Performance

One of the standout features of the Bambino Plus is its automatic microfoam milk texturing. With the touch of a button, the machine creates silky, velvety milk that is perfect for lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based drinks. The steam wand is also adjustable, allowing you to customize the milk temperature and texture to your liking.

The Bambino Plus also boasts a fast heat-up time of just 3 seconds, thanks to its advanced ThermoCoil heating system. This means you can go from bean to cup in record time, without sacrificing quality.

Ease of Use

The Bambino Plus is incredibly easy to use, even for beginners. The simple interface features one-touch 1 & 2 cup volumetric control, as well as buttons for steam and hot water. The machine also comes with a range of accessories, including a tamper, dosing tool, and cleaning tools, making it easy to keep your machine in top condition.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the Bambino Plus is a breeze thanks to its easy-to-remove drip tray and steam wand. The machine also comes with a cleaning tool and cleaning tablets that make it easy to remove coffee oils and residues.

For optimal performance, it's recommended to use charcoal water filters to remove impurities from your water. These filters are compatible with the Bambino Plus and should be replaced every 2-3 months.

Variants

The Bambino Plus is available in two stylish colors:

Color	Model
Stainless Steel	Sage Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
Black Truffle	Sage Bambino Plus Black Truffle

Accessories

To get the most out of your Bambino Plus, consider investing in some additional accessories:

• The Knock Box Mini: This handy accessory provides a convenient place to knock out used coffee grounds, keeping your workspace clean and tidy.

Comparison to Other Sage Espresso Machines

While the Bambino Plus is an excellent choice for home baristas, Sage offers a range of other espresso machines to suit different needs and budgets. Here's a quick comparison:

Model	Key Features	Price Point
Bambino Plus	Compact, automatic milk texturing, fast heat-up time	££
Barista Express	Built-in grinder, pressure gauge, manual milk texturing	£££
Barista Touch	Touch screen, automatic milk texturing, 5 pre-programmed drinks	££££
Oracle Touch	Fully automatic, touch screen, 8 customizable drinks	£££££

Verdict

The Sage Bambino Plus is an excellent choice for home baristas who want café-quality coffee without the hassle. With its automatic milk texturing, fast heat-up time, and simple interface, the Bambino Plus makes it easy to create delicious espresso-based drinks at home.

While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some of Sage's higher-end models, the Bambino Plus offers exceptional value for money and is sure to impress coffee lovers of all levels.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-ground coffee with the Bambino Plus?

   • Yes, the Bambino Plus comes with dual wall filter baskets that are suitable for use with pre-ground coffee.

2. How often should I descale my Bambino Plus?

   • It's recommended to descale your machine every 2-3 months, or more frequently if you live in an area with hard water.

3. Can I make tea with the Bambino Plus?

   • Yes, the Bambino Plus has a hot water function that can be used to make tea or Americanos.

4. What kind of milk should I use for frothing?

   • For best results, use cold, fresh milk with a fat content of 2% or higher.

5. How long does it take to heat up the Bambino Plus?

   • The Bambino Plus has a fast heat-up time of just 3 seconds, so you can start brewing almost immediately.

In conclusion, the Sage Bambino Plus is a fantastic choice for anyone who wants to enjoy barista-quality coffee at home. With its sleek design, automatic milk texturing, and fast heat-up time, the Bambino Plus is sure to impress even the most discerning coffee lovers. So why wait? Invest in a Bambino Plus today and start enjoying the perfect cup of coffee every time.