If You Really Like Milk-Based Coffee and Don't Have Much Counter Space, I Think Sage's Bambino Plus Coffee Machine Is One of Your Best Choices
With a 'hands-free' milk frothing function and a compact form, this machine is designed for those who like their coffee fuss-free
The Sage Bambino Plus is a great coffee machine option for those who are looking for something smaller that will still make a quality cup of coffee. It's a high-tech espresso machine, but with a little less going on than full-size bean-to-cup machines. I'd choose this if you want quick and easy espresso shots and milk-based drinks, but not if you want something more advanced.
-
+
Great for small kitchens
-
+
Easy to use
-
+
Sleek design
-
+
Smart milk frother
-
-
Slightly loud
-
-
No built-in grinder
-
-
Not as easy to pull a shot
Livingetc knows design. We spend hours testing and comparing the latest products, bringing only our edit of the very best to you. Find out more about how we review.
Take it from me, as a small flat dweller with three coffee machines currently on my kitchen counter: espresso machines and teeny-tiny kitchens don't often go hand-in-hand. But, often, the best machines are also the biggest, so I was keen to put the Sage Bambino Plus to the test, as I'd heard good things about both its brew and 'bambino' size.
Having just tested another Sage coffee machine, I can vouch for the brand. But would this smaller machine still have all the same capabilities? Oftentimes, smaller coffee makers mean sacrificing features like built-in grinders or milk frothers, which can make them clunkier to use. This wasn't necessarily the case with the Bambino Plus, which was missing a grinder, but does have a smart milk frother (more on that later).
So, how does the Sage Bambino Plus stack up when compared to the best espresso machines on the market? Below, I've shared all my thoughts and opinions throughout the testing period.
I tested The Bambino® Plus coffee machine in brushed stainless steel, but it's also available in a black stainless steel, black 'truffle', and 'Aboriginal Culinary Journey' patterned finish.
Olivia Wolfe has been a design writer for Livingetc since 2024, and has a master's degree in arts and lifestyle journalism from the University of the Arts London, London College of Communication. Previously, Olivia worked in the coffee industry at multiple cafes, both in London and the United States. During this time, she took training-intensive courses at coffee roasteries where coffee beans are roasted, packed, and shipped. During these trainings, Olivia learned about different types of coffee beans, how region affects flavor, roasting methods, grinding methods for different brews, and the flavor profiles of coffee. Since being at Livingetc, Olivia has tested multiple coffee machines (and currently has four on her kitchen counter).
First Impressions
The unboxing of the Sage Bambino Plus went as flawlessly as a coffee machine unboxing can go. Both Sage coffee machines I've tested were delivered quickly, and with all the necessary coffee machine accessories neatly tucked inside. This means you have everything you need to start using your machine right away — a portafilter and extra baskets, a water filter, a milk jug, cleaning supplies, an instruction manual, and more.
Once out of the box and on the counter, I was struck by how sleek this appliance was. It's small, but the build still feels sturdy and professional, and the chrome finish has that timeless kitchen appliance appeal. (That said, if you're after a color pop for your space, you might want to consider something like the De'Longhi Dedica Duo, which comes in my favorite matte sage green, instead.)
Testing the Machine
Having just tested the Sage Barista Pro (it's still on my counter), I was familiar with how Sage's products operate (not to mention I have tested my fair share of espresso machines), so I actually didn't even read the instructions. I cleaned the parts, soaked and inserted the water filter, turned it on, and began brewing. But don't worry, Sage provides a QR code video and instruction manual, too.
Unboxing and brewing the first espresso shot with the Sage Bambino Plus was a seamless, painless, and straightforward process. You can adjust the temperature for the espresso shot, opt for a single or double, and change the baskets from double to single-walled, depending on your grind type. For the size of the appliance, it really does have pretty much everything you need.
That said, this isn't a particularly advanced machine. There is no built-in grinder (you'll have to invest in a separate coffee grinder), and it did feel very limited function-wise. Once you've brewed your shot, that's it — it's only slightly more technical than a coffee pod machine. But hey, that might sound like a good thing to you; it's serendipitously simple.
Plus, I was pretty impressed with the milk steaming function. For how small this machine is, it really makes perfecting milk frothing techniques easy. There is also a smart sensor where you place the milk jug, and the machine will perfectly froth your milk on its own. You don't get this with most semi-automatic machines, especially of this size, so it is a nice touch.
One thing I will note is that the size (19.4 x 36.2 x 30.4 cm) means there is less weight on the machine, and I found that it can be a little unsteady when inserting and removing the portafilter. But that's nothing you won't easily get used to, though.
Quality of Coffee
But honestly, the most important question is: how does the coffee taste?
Full disclosure, this machine takes a few tries to get the espresso shots running smoothly. I think I pulled about three before I got a satisfying crema layer (but this isn't unusual for brand new machines).
A lot of that boils down to not being able to control the grind size and extraction rate like you can with machines like the Sage Barista Pro or the KitchenAid Semi-Automatic machine. However, if you have a quality coffee grinder like the Smeg Coffee Grinder or the top-of-the-line Fellow grinder, you'll probably pull better shots quicker.
Still, the quality of coffee was way better than a pod coffee. You get a bit more out of the coffee-making experience, too. Plus, the high-tech milk frothing function completely elevates the Sage Bambino Plus — I was really happy with the lattes I was able to pour.
Should You Buy the Sage Barista Pro Espresso Machine?
It's small but mighty, and looks sleek on your countertop.
So the final question remains: is the Sage Bambino Plus coffee machine worth it?
If you don't have a lot of room on your kitchen counter for a coffee machine, I would say you can't go wrong investing in this machine. It provides the basics of a quality coffee with high-tech functions and a slim design. It gives you more ease than a manual machine and better quality than a pod appliance.
However, if you want to upgrade to something that offers a more hands-on coffee-making experience and that feels more luxurious, then it might be worth considering a larger, semi-automatic machine. Especially if you have the counterspace.
All in all, the Sage Bambino Plus packs a mighty punch for its size. I'd definitely recommend.
Other Sage Coffee Accessories
Finding the right appliance for your home cafe can be tricky — even tossing up between a coffee maker versus an espresso machine means diving into a whole world of coffee information.
But don't worry, I'm here to help. And signing up for the Livingetc newsletter means all the guidance you need, straight to your inbox.