Quick answer
Choose the Barista Express for more grind adjustment (16 settings vs 8) and PID temperature control. Consider the La Specialista Arte if you find it discounted, or you like its three temperature profiles and included tamping mat.
| Spec | Sage Barista Express | De'Longhi La Specialista Arte |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Espresso machine | Espresso machine |
| Price* | £499.95 at Sage | RRP £549.99 |
| Built-in grinder | Yes | Yes |
| Grind settings | 16 | 8 |
| Milk | Manual steam wand | Manual steam wand |
| Tamping | Manual (tamper included) | Manual (tamper and mat included) |
| Heating / brewing | Thermocoil with PID (93°C) | 3 infusion temperature profiles |
| Drinks | Espresso; milk drinks via steam wand | Espresso; milk drinks via steam wand |
| Size (W × D × H) | 31.8 × 35.1 × 40.4 cm | Check retailer listing |
| Buy | Check price | Check price |
*Prices checked 27 September 2026. "At [brand]" is the brand's own UK price; RRP and "from" prices come from UK retailers and price comparison sites. Prices change often, so check before you buy. Specs are from manufacturers' official pages.
The key differences
- Grind settings: 16 vs 8.
- Temperature: PID at 93°C vs 3 infusion temperature profiles.
- Both: built-in grinder, manual tamping, manual steam wand.
Which should you buy?
They're direct rivals with the same manual workflow. Grind adjustment helps you dial in different beans, which favours the Express, but prices move a lot, so compare current deals.
£499.95 at Sage · Price on Sage's UK website, checked 27 September 2026. Reduced from £629.95. Prices change often.
RRP £549.99 · UK list price quoted by retailers, checked 27 September 2026. Prices change often.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte bean to cup?
It has a built-in grinder, so retailers often call it bean to cup, but it's a manual espresso machine: you tamp and steam milk yourself.