All-in-one espresso machines for fresh espresso and milk drinks

If you're considering an espresso machine with a built-in grinder, two popular choices are the Sage Barista Express and the Sage Barista Pro . Both are all-in-one machines that allow you to brew fresh espresso and milk-based drinks, but there are a few key differences that may influence your choice.

Praktijkvergelijking van Sage Barista Express en Sage Barista Pro tijdens espresso zetten en melk opschuimen, met zicht op verschillen in gebruiksgemak.

1. Ease of use and interface

  • Barista Express works with buttons and an analog pressure gauge — that feels classic and works well, but you don't see any digital information about what's happening.
  • The Barista Pro features an LCD display that shows you the grinding time, shot flow time, and other useful information in real time. This makes operation much clearer.

Want to fine-tune your espresso extraction?

An espresso scale with a timer is an easy way to keep track of your brewing time and extraction. You can see exactly what's happening—without needing another machine.

Scales for the Sage

View all
Sage Barista Pro espressomachine met LCD-display en ThermoJet-verwarming, gericht op snelle workflow en meer inzicht tijdens het espressozetten.

2. Warm-up time

  • The Barista Express heats up according to a traditional system and often needs a little more time before it is ready for use.
  • The Barista Pro uses a ThermoJet heating system , which heats the machine up in seconds. This means faster brewing and switching between espresso and milk frothing.

Do you want your espresso or cappuccino to be at the right temperature immediately, without any extra waiting time?

A good barista-style cup helps more than you think. The thin porcelain walls heat up quickly, while the shape and balance are tailored to working with a Sage. This way, you get more smoothness and consistency from every brew—no matter how quickly your machine heats up.

Barista tip: Rinse your cup briefly with hot water before you start. This way, you'll make the most of your machine's quick heat-up time.

Porcelain barista cups

View all
Sage Barista Express espressomachine met analoge knoppen en drukmeter, geschikt voor thuisbarista’s die handmatig espresso willen leren zetten.

3. Grinder and settings

Both machines have a built-in grinder, but the Pro has more grind settings (approximately 30), allowing for more precise adjustments for different beans and flavors. The Express has fewer (approximately 18), which is fine but offers slightly less scope for fine-tuning.

Want to get the most out of your Sage's grinding capacity?

Fresh coffee beans make the biggest difference. They respond more consistently to your grind, allowing you to fine-tune flavors better—whether you're using fewer or more grind settings.

Fresh specialty coffee beans

View all
Sage Barista Express en Sage Barista Pro naast elkaar op een keukenblad, met espresso en cappuccino, ter vergelijking van bediening, display en workflow voor thuisbarista’s.

4. Workflow and precision

  • Thanks to the display and faster heat-up time, the Barista Pro feels a bit more modern and smoother to use, especially when making multiple drinks in a row.
  • The Barista Express is excellent if you like basic functions and want to learn how to use your machine without a screen — it's a classic among home espresso machines.

Do you want your workflow to remain smooth, especially when you're making multiple drinks one after the other?

Barista tools like a cleaning cloth help you work neatly and consistently. This way, you maintain speed and control—with or without a digital display.

Cleaning wipes for a smooth workflow

View all

Which Sage machine should you choose?

  • Choose the Barista Express if you want a solid, good machine with everything you need for espresso and milk drinks, and you don't mind doing a bit more manual work.
  • Choose the Barista Pro if you value a faster heat-up process, a clear LCD display, and finer grind input settings — especially useful if you regularly use a variety of beans.
Verse koffiebonen worden afgewogen op een digitale Barista Essentials weegschaal voor het zetten van filterkoffie met de juiste verhouding.

Want more control over your espresso, regardless of which Sage you use?

Then an espresso scale with a timer is the most valuable tool. You see what's happening, learn faster, and brew more consistently—without changing your setup.

Scales

Others also view

Geertjandebaristaman geeft als barista coach en koffie training uitleg over melkschuim en latte art tijdens een prive workshop aan huis

Would you prefer personal guidance in setting up your Sage?

Then a private barista workshop at home can help you build confidence and consistency faster — tailored to your machine and taste.

Learn to use your Sage optimally

☕ Discover even more related articles with barista tips and coffee knowledge 📖

View all
  • Drukke horeca-espressobar waar barista’s tijdens piekmomenten espresso bereiden, illustrerend waarom een goed afgestelde koffiemolen essentieel is voor consistente smaak en snelheid.

    Why properly adjusting a coffee grinder is esse...

    In the hospitality industry, a poorly adjusted coffee grinder leads to inconsistent taste, slow service, and unnecessary stress behind the bar. Proper adjustment—supported by on-site measurement and training—leads to consistent...

    Why properly adjusting a coffee grinder is esse...

    In the hospitality industry, a poorly adjusted coffee grinder leads to inconsistent taste, slow service, and unnecessary stress behind the bar. Proper adjustment—supported by on-site measurement and training—leads to consistent...

  • Hero banner met Sage Barista Express en Sage Barista Pro naast elkaar op een keukenblad, gebruikt als visuele vergelijking voor het kiezen tussen beide espressomachines.

    What is the difference between the Sage Barista...

    The Sage Barista Express and Sage Barista Pro both offer complete espresso experiences, with the Express excelling in classic, manual operation, while the Pro stands out with a faster heat-up...

    What is the difference between the Sage Barista...

    The Sage Barista Express and Sage Barista Pro both offer complete espresso experiences, with the Express excelling in classic, manual operation, while the Pro stands out with a faster heat-up...

  • Hoe jouw gepersonaliseerde mok wordt geproduceerd

    How your personalized mug is produced

    This blog explains how your personalized mug is produced using professional sublimation technology, which permanently embeds the design into the mug for a sharp, durable print that's suitable for everyday...

    How your personalized mug is produced

    This blog explains how your personalized mug is produced using professional sublimation technology, which permanently embeds the design into the mug for a sharp, durable print that's suitable for everyday...

1 3
View all

Let customers speak for us

from 134 reviews
Rohan Nicholls
Latte art cursus/course met/with Geertjandebaristaman

English below
--------------------------- Nederlands --------------------------------------------
Ik kreeg deze latte-artcursus als cadeau. Na maanden zelf oefenen had ik wel vooruitgang geboekt, maar ik miste nog steeds consistentie en een paar belangrijke basisprincipes.

GeertJan was enorm vriendelijk en deskundig. Hij keek eerst naar mijn melk-steamingtechniek en gaf meteen een gouden tip: lucht toevoegen terwijl de melk nog koud is, en daarna de stoomlans dieper plaatsen om op te warmen. Daardoor verdwijnen de grote bellen wél wanneer je de kan op het aanrecht tikt.

Daarna bekeken we mijn schenktechniek, waar ik veel meer te leren had. We begonnen met een simpele hartvorm en bouwden daarop verder. Tijdens de les maakte ik veel cappuccino’s, waardoor de principes eindelijk duidelijk voor me werden. De sessie was ontzettend leerzaam én gezellig — veel gelachen en fijn contact.

Ik moest wel een paar oude gewoontes afleren, en dat kost tijd. Maar na een paar maanden oefenen (alleen ’s ochtends, dus geen honderden per dag!) zijn de resultaten veel consistenter, zowel met soja- als havermelk. Ik maak nu niet alleen mooie harten, maar ook bloemen en meerlaagse vormen. Zodra de basis weer klopte, ging de vooruitgang veel sneller.

Kortom: deze cursus is een uitstekende investering om je fundament te verbeteren en je latte-artskills snel naar een hoger niveau te tillen. Aanrader!

-------------------- Engels ------------------------------------------------------------

I received this latte art course as a gift, after months of trying to improve the art in our morning coffees and chai lattes. I’d made some progress on my own, but I was still inconsistent and felt I was missing some core principles.

GeertJan was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. After I explained my situation, he first checked my milk-steaming technique — which, thanks to practice, was already decent — but he immediately gave me one invaluable tip: start introducing air while the milk is still cold, then lower the steam wand to finish heating. This simple correction makes a huge difference; if you add air once the milk is warmer than body temperature, the bubbles are tougher and won’t pop when you knock the jug.

After that, we focused on my pouring technique, where I had a lot more room to grow. We started with a basic heart and then moved on. I made a lot of coffees during the lesson, and the principles finally “clicked” in my mind. The session was incredibly helpful and gave me a framework to evaluate my results and know exactly how to adjust. On top of that, I had a lovely chat with GeertJan — lots of laughs and a great atmosphere.

One thing worth mentioning: I had to unlearn some old habits. Like when Tiger Woods rebuilt his golf swing, it takes time to replace ingrained patterns — especially when you’re only practicing once a day at home. It took me a couple of months to fully adjust, but the results are absolutely worth it. My latte art is now much more consistent with both soy and oat milk, and I’ve moved beyond simple hearts to flowers, layered designs, and more. Once the basics were properly reset, progress became much faster.

Overall, this course is an excellent investment if you want to refine your fundamental techniques and accelerate your latte art skills. I highly recommend it.

De Barista Shop
büşra ören

De siroop smaakt heerlijk, ik gebruik hem bij het maken van matcha :)

Siroop Pomp | Goud
Siroop Pomp | Goud
Jara
Leerzame workshop!

Veel geleerd over onze eigen koffiemachine in korte tijd, door veel zelf uit te proberen en te kijken waar aanpassingen nodig zijn. Uiteindelijk kwam er zowaar een lekkere koffie uit! Dank voor de leuke workshop!

De Barista Shop
Myrthe
Super leuke workshop

Super leuke workshop, leerzaam en waardevolle tips gekregen. Wij kunnen thuis aan de slag!

Review Barista Workshop Amsterdam
Review Barista Workshop Amsterdam
Myrthe
Heel inhoudelijke workhop

Heel inhoudelijke workhop met een late-art praktijkelement. Super!!

Review Barista Workshop Amsterdam
Review Barista Workshop Amsterdam
Myrthe
Top!

Rustige uitleg, aanstekelijke feitjes en goede vakkennis bij ingebrachte vragen! Top!

Review Barista Workshop Amsterdam
Review Barista Workshop Amsterdam
Milou
Super geslaagde workshop thuis

Geweldige en gezellige Barista workshop gehad aan huis. Geert-Jan legt alles heel goed en duidelijk uit, waardoor je na 2 uurtjes alle kennis hebt om je eigen Barista koffies te maken. Ook heel leuk om cadeau te geven aan een koffie liefhebber. Kortom, super goede investering wat mij betreft!

De Barista Shop
Fenna de Wilde
Top workshop

interessante workshop, nuttige informatie en gelijk in de praktijk kunnen toepassen!

De Barista Shop
Elif

It was a great class! Every step of the coffee-making process (from choosing the beans to creating latte art) was explained in detail. We then practiced both espresso making and latte art. The instructor was extremely helpful and informative at every stage. I’m definitely going home with lots of useful knowledge, and I’d highly recommend it!

De Barista Shop
Myrthe van Gellekom
Hele leuke en fijne barista training!

Ik heb een hele fijne en duidelijke cursus gekregen van Geert-Jan. Geert-Jan vertelt sowieso met heel veel passie en enthousiasme! Gestart met wat interessante informatie over koffie, die je echt helpt met het zetten van je eigen koffie. Alle tips en tricks voor bij de Sage machine waren ook heel handig en fijn! Ik kan nu heel fijn mijn eigen koffie maken! Veel dank!

De Barista Shop
Duco Smit

Mooie opbouw van de cursus. Echt leerzaam.

De Barista Shop
Hugo van Amerongen

Helemaal top!

De Barista Shop
Eeke Smit

Super leuke cursus! Veel info over alle aspecten van de koffie

De Barista Shop
roos Lot

Super fijn cursus! Aanrader:)

De Barista Shop
Jaap Groenland

Geweldige uitleg, duidelijk een expert van het vak. We gaan aan de slag met alle essentiële info voor de juiste cappuccino!

De Barista Shop
Hero banner met Sage Barista Express en Sage Barista Pro naast elkaar op een keukenblad, gebruikt als visuele vergelijking voor het kiezen tussen beide espressomachines.

What is the difference between the Sage Barista Express and the Sage Barista Pro

Sage Barista Express vs. Sage Barista Pro: What's the Difference?

If you're considering an espresso machine with a built-in grinder, two popular choices are the Sage Barista Express and the Sage Barista Pro . Both are all-in-one machines that allow you to brew fresh espresso and milk-based drinks, but there are a few key differences that may influence your choice.

1. Ease of use and interface

  • Barista Express works with buttons and an analog pressure gauge — that feels classic and works well, but you don't see any digital information about what's happening.
  • The Barista Pro features an LCD display that shows you the grinding time, shot flow time, and other useful information in real time. This makes operation much clearer.

2. Warm-up time

  • The Barista Express heats up according to a traditional system and often needs a little more time before it is ready for use.
  • The Barista Pro uses a ThermoJet heating system , which heats the machine up in seconds. This means faster brewing and switching between espresso and milk frothing.

3. Grinder and settings

  • Both machines have a built-in grinder, but the Pro has more grind settings (approximately 30), allowing for more precise adjustments for different beans and flavors. The Express has fewer (approximately 18), which is fine but offers slightly less scope for fine-tuning.

4. Workflow and precision

  • Thanks to the display and faster heat-up time, the Barista Pro feels a bit more modern and smoother to use, especially when making multiple drinks in a row.
  • The Barista Express is excellent if you like basic functions and want to learn how to use your machine without a screen — it's a classic among home espresso machines.


Which one should you choose?

  • Choose the Barista Express if you want a solid, good machine with everything you need for espresso and milk drinks, and you don't mind doing a bit more manual work.

  • Choose the Barista Pro if you value a faster heat-up process, a clear LCD display, and finer grind input settings — especially useful if you regularly use a variety of beans.

Would you prefer personal guidance in setting up your Sage?
Then a private barista workshop at home can help you build confidence and consistency faster — tailored to your machine and taste.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.