Sage Bambino Plus vs Barista Express
Quick answer
Choose the Bambino Plus if you mostly drink lattes or cappuccinos, have little counter space, and already own a grinder or use pre-ground coffee. Choose the Barista Express if you want to grind fresh beans without buying a separate grinder.
| Spec | Sage Bambino Plus | Sage Barista Express |
|---|---|---|
| Sage price* | £399.95 | £499.95 (was £629.95) |
| Built-in grinder | No | Yes, conical burr |
| Grind settings | — | 16 |
| Heating | ThermoJet, ready in 3 seconds | Thermocoil with PID (93°C) |
| Milk | Automatic (3 temperatures, 3 textures) | Manual steam wand |
| Tamping | Manual | Manual (tamper included) |
| Size (W × D × H) | 19.4 × 36.2 × 30.4 cm | 31.8 × 35.1 × 40.4 cm |
| Buy | Check price at Sage | Check price at Sage |
*Prices from sageappliances.com on 26 September 2026. Prices change often and other UK retailers may be cheaper, so check before you buy. Specs are from Sage's official product pages.
The real trade-off: grinder vs milk
The Barista Express has a built-in conical burr grinder; the Bambino Plus doesn't. Freshly ground coffee matters for espresso, so with a Bambino Plus you'll either use pre-ground coffee or budget for a separate grinder, which narrows the price gap.
In return, the Bambino Plus textures milk automatically, with three temperatures and three textures, while the Barista Express needs you to steam milk by hand. The Bambino Plus also heats in about 3 seconds and is far narrower: 19.4 cm wide versus 31.8 cm.
Which should you buy?
- Mostly milk drinks, small kitchen, already have a grinder: Bambino Plus.
- Mostly espresso, or no grinder yet: Barista Express.
- Want a grinder and easier technique: look at the Barista Express Impress.
Sage price on 26 September 2026: £399.95
Sage price on 26 September 2026: £499.95 (was £629.95)
Frequently asked questions
Does the Sage Bambino Plus have a grinder?
No. The Bambino Plus has no built-in grinder, so you'll need pre-ground coffee or a separate grinder.
Does the Barista Express froth milk automatically?
No. The Barista Express has a manual steam wand. The Bambino Plus has an automatic steam wand with 3 temperatures and 3 textures.
Which is smaller, the Bambino Plus or the Barista Express?
The Bambino Plus is much narrower: Sage lists it at 19.4 cm wide, versus 31.8 cm for the Barista Express.