The Bambino Plus is Sage's answer to a question a lot of people ask: can I get genuinely good espresso at home without a machine that takes over the kitchen? It uses the same 54mm portafilter and 9-bar extraction as Sage's larger machines, and the Auto MilQ steam wand textures milk for you automatically, so you do not need to develop a steaming technique before your first flat white. It is compact at just 19.4cm wide, quick to heat up, and straightforward to use. For anyone who wants café-quality espresso without the learning curve of a semi-automatic machine, it is one of the most capable options at this size.
FEATURES
Auto MilQ steam wand: Automatically textures milk to your chosen temperature and consistency, with 3 adjustable temperature settings and 3 texture levels, plus manual mode for those who want full control.
ThermoCoil heating: Reaches extraction temperature in 3 seconds, making it one of the fastest machines to heat up in its class.
54mm professional portafilter: An 18g dose delivers full-bodied, complex espresso using the same portafilter size as Sage's larger professional machines.
9-bar extraction with pre-infusion: Low pressure pre-infusion gently expands the coffee bed before full 9-bar pressure builds, extracting more flavour and producing better crema.
Compact footprint: At 19.4cm wide, it fits comfortably on any kitchen counter without sacrificing the performance features of larger espresso machines.
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 19.4 x 36.2 x 30.4 cm (W x D x H)
Construction: Stainless steel
Power: 1600 Watts
Voltage: 220-240 Volts
Water tank: 1.9 litres (removable)
Heating system: Advanced ThermoCoil (ready in 3 seconds)
Temperature control: PID digital monitoring
Pump: 15-bar Italian pump
Extraction pressure: 9-bar with low pressure pre-infusion
Portafilter: 54mm stainless steel
Dose: 18g
Milk texturing: Automatic hands-free (Auto MilQ) and manual
Milk settings: 3 adjustable temperatures, 3 texture levels
Interface: Simple button control: 1 cup, 2 cup, steam
Shot control: 1 and 2 cup volumetric control
Warranty: 2 years (repair, replace, or refund at the sole discretion of Sage Appliances)
Included accessories: 54mm portafilter, tamper, Razor precision dosing tool, Claro Swiss water filter, 480ml stainless steel milk jug, 1 and 2 cup dual wall filter baskets, 1 and 2 cup single wall baskets, cleaning tool, cleaning disc
CARE
Before first use: Remove all packaging. Install the Claro Swiss water filter in the water tank following the included instructions. Fill the tank with fresh water and run several blank shots through the group head to flush the system.
Daily maintenance: After steaming milk, run the steam wand briefly to purge any residue and wipe immediately with a damp cloth. Rinse the portafilter and filter baskets after each use. Empty and rinse the drip tray regularly.
Weekly cleaning: Remove and wash the drip tray, water tank, and milk jug. Use the included cleaning tool to clean the steam wand tip and the group head area. Wipe down exterior surfaces with a damp cloth.
Regular descaling: The included Claro Swiss water filter reduces scale build-up significantly. Replace the filter every 2 to 3 months depending on your water hardness and usage. If you notice a change in performance, run a descaling cycle according to the instruction manual.
Filter basket care: Rinse the single and dual wall filter baskets after each use. Use the cleaning disc and a cleaning tablet periodically to backflush the group head and keep extraction consistent.
For best results: Use freshly ground beans and adjust grind size if the shot pours too quickly (grind finer) or too slowly (grind coarser). Aim for a 25 to 30 second extraction. Pre-rinse the group head before locking in the portafilter.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
This doesn't have a built-in grinder. Do I need to buy one separately?
Yes, you will need a separate grinder if you want to use whole beans, which we would strongly recommend. Pre-ground coffee loses its best flavours within minutes of grinding, so a good burr grinder makes a significant difference to the quality of your espresso. We stock a range of grinders that pair well with the Bambino Plus, and we are happy to advise if you are unsure which to choose.
How automatic is the milk steaming?
Very. The Auto MilQ wand heats and textures the milk for you once you set your preferred temperature and texture level. You position the jug, press the button, and it does the rest. There is also a manual mode for those who want to develop their steaming technique, so it works for beginners and more experienced home baristas alike.
How does this compare to the Barista Pro?
The key differences are the grinder and the steam wand. The Barista Pro has an integrated burr grinder and a manual steam wand, which gives you more control but requires more skill. The Bambino Plus has no grinder but an automatic steam wand, so the milk side is easier while the coffee side requires a separate grinder purchase. The Bambino Plus is also significantly more compact. If you already have a grinder or want automatic milk texturing, the Bambino Plus is the stronger choice.
Is this suitable for a complete beginner to espresso?
It is one of the more beginner-friendly espresso machines available. The automatic steam wand removes the hardest skill to learn, the interface is simple, and the BILT app guides you through setup step by step. The main thing to get right is grind size, which takes a little practice, but the machine itself is not complicated to operate.