How do you properly adjust the Sage Barista Express for perfect espresso?
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Why doesn't my coffee taste good with the Sage Barista Express?
You just got yourself a beautiful Sage Barista Express – and yet your coffee tastes… well, let's just say: not like it does at that cute coffee shop around the corner . Frustrating? Absolutely. But the good news: it's probably not the machine itself, but a few adjustable factors.
This blog post answers the following questions from Sage users:
- “How do I get the most out of my Sage Barista Express?”
- “Why does my coffee taste bitter or sour with the Sage?”
- How do I adjust the Sage Barista Express for the perfect espresso?
Let's take your coffee to barista level together!
1. Start with the basics: fresh coffee beans
The flavor of your espresso depends entirely on the beans you use. Many people buy a bag of "freshly roasted" beans, but did you know that supermarket coffee is often months old?
What do you pay attention to?
- Choose specialty coffee : beans with a clear roasting date (different from an expiration date!).
- Use beans within 2 months of roasting date for optimal flavor.
- No burn date on the bag? ➝ Red flag!
👉 Recommended: Barista Essentials Specialty Coffee – fresh, complex and perfectly roasted for home baristas.
2. The right ratio: weighing = knowing
Your Sage uses a double filter basket – it holds approximately 16 grams of coffee. (You can optionally use a single basket after adjusting your grinder with your double basket for optimal extraction.)
What should you do?
- Use a precision scale to put exactly 16 grams into your filter holder.
- Then let 60 ml of water run through it. This is your output .
- Please note the time: a good extraction takes ±25 seconds .
📏 Rule of thumb: 16 grams in ➝ 60 ml out ➝ in 25 seconds.
3. Grind like a pro: adjusting your grind size
The grind size determines how quickly or slowly the water flows through your coffee.
How do you know what's good?
- Is the water running too fast? ➝ The coffee is ground too coarsely; grind finer.
- Does it take much longer than 25 seconds? ➝ The coffee is ground too finely; grind coarser.
🔧 Adjusting your grinder:
There's a dial on the side of your Sage. The lower the number, the finer the grind. Start around setting 5-7 and adjust based on the brew time.
4. Consistency = success
Repeat the process each time with:
- 16 grams of coffee
- 60 ml output
- Measure time (goal: 25 seconds)
- Example: 16 grams in - 60ml out - 15 seconds ➝ grinder set too coarse ➝ move the wheel one step to a smaller number ➝ start again.
Every small adjustment—to grind size, quantity, or flow time—impacts the flavor. Take the time to get to know your machine.
5. Cleaning & maintenance: your secret weapon for good coffee
Even with perfect beans and settings, your coffee can still be disappointing if your machine isn't clean. Oils, coffee grounds, and limescale affect the flavor and clog components.
Daily:
- Flush the steam wand immediately after each use.
- Wipe away milk residue with a damp cloth.
- Clean the brewing unit with water.
Weekly:
- Blind filter with Barista Essentials brewing unit cleaner .
- Clean the coffee grinder with coffee grinder cleaner (removes grease and residues).
Monthly:
- Descale with the special descaler for your thermoblock or boiler.
- Clean the milk system with milk frothing cleaner for a fresh cappuccino.
💡 Tip: Always use cleaning agents that are suitable for espresso machines – such as those from Barista Essentials.
Finally: practice makes coffee
The Sage Barista Express is a fantastic machine, but it requires patience and practice. With the right beans, precise settings, and proper maintenance, you'll soon be making espressos that will amaze your guests.
☕️ Are you still having trouble with the correct adjustment?
Book a private workshop at home with Geertjandebaristaman .
