Simple, intuitive, elegant and capable of producing a rich and creamy espresso with each extraction. This is the Sage Bambino coffee maker, the entry model to the world of coffee lovers that I have been using since last December.
The theme is the modelthe baby” by Sage Electrodomesticos, available in Portugal from €299.90 (recommended pvp). The machine is well equipped for barista beginner or enthusiast, with various accessories and a quick start system in 3 seconds, one of the factors that stood out most immediately.
In short, this is the best manual coffee maker up to €300, compact and with plenty of space (and capabilities) to customize drinks with a large steam system for milk foam, for example, as well as above-average build quality .
We will then use the Sage Bambino nomenclature throughout this article for ease of reading. The machine has proven itself over the last month with several daily draws, different types of coffee and grinds.
The design of the Sage Bambino coffee maker
The Sage Bambino machine has a modern, minimalist design with a stainless steel finish and some plastic elements that do not detract from this look. cousin. In short, it is a machine that fits into any modern kitchen.
In addition, thanks to its compact dimensions, it is easy to store on any bench. In short, its aesthetics are very nice, but even better is its general build quality and ease of cleaning thanks to the metallic surfaces.
On the other hand, the machine is light and when putting on and taking off the handle of the machine, we have to use the other hand to prevent the Bambino from dragging. That is, we have to hold it with one hand, while with the other we clench our fist at each extraction/cleaning.
This “phenomenon” is constant, but apart from extra care, it does not deform the machine. On the other hand, its buttons are clearly usable, with a good “click”. However, I wish it had a knob to control the steam/hot water function.
That is, we have a button for single extraction, double extraction, hot water and for the steam function. To turn off the machine, press the single draw and hot water button at the same time, as shown at the end of the video.
The simple design particularly appealed to me. The same can be said for the well-executed, removable drip tray with a small red signal float, a visual reminder when it’s full of water.
In summary, we have a short learning curve which, by the way, can be facilitated through the Android and/or iOS smartphone with the BILT (interactive digital manual) app – for android, well as for iOS/iPhone.
The ease of use of the Sage Bambino machine
In case you have a capsule coffee machine, as well as an automatic coffee machine. They are polar opposites – of price and practical approach to coffee – where this Sage Bambino fits between the two as a manual machine.
Baby is easy to use. Start-up and heating are extremely fast: it’s ready to make coffee in 3 seconds, and it’s just as easy to use. We put the desired portion in the filter (18 grams or 23 grams of coffee), squeeze and put the fist.
Excellent milk microfoam result in a compact machine
Then simply select one of the two buttons for single or double extraction. But there is more, this machine has an excellent, if not perfect, steam system for dairy drinks and for all fans of cappuccino and similar beverages.
By pressing the steam button in a short time we have temperatures of 130 °C, in a single jet, which is not ideal, but it already guarantees a milk microfoam.
Keep in mind, though, that it took me several weeks (and several tutorials later) to be happy with the milk froth results.
The biggest lack of this coffee maker is a control to regulate the steam jet since after pressing the button we have a small initial jet of water.
Then we have to put the milk jug in immediately, or turn off the function, insert the jug on the steam wand and turn on the steam function again. Therefore, it is not an ideal start (and finish), but the results obtained are very good.
The stainless steel milk jug is an accessory that I end up using almost every day, and for best results I advise you to place the steam wand in the slot of the milk jug, submerging the tip of the milk jug .
The rest? Lots of practice, but great results can be achieved with a compact machine.
Between each use of this function, it is necessary to clean the steam wand, rubbing it externally with a damp cloth and internally using the hot water function.
The extracted coffee is consistent, creamy and at the right temperature
What good milk foam would be without coffee? cousin To accompany? Fortunately, the Sage Bambino machine provides both, with a 9 bar high pressure system, 93°C water and an extremely fast ‘ThermoJet’ heating system.
The extracted coffee is, above all, consistent. This is due to the quality of the machine components, for example the pressure created at 9 bar, as well as the high temperature that is maintained during extraction.
More specifically, we have a digital temperature control that provides water at the exact temperature for extraction. In addition, the low pressure pre-infusion is followed by a 9 bar high pressure extraction process provided by the 15 bar Italian water pump.
With the technical jargon out of the way, the important thing to remember is the quality of the coffee, and that surprised me. The foam is rich and velvety, perfect for fans of espresso, with rich and intense flavors, depending on the type of coffee used and the filter chosen for the extraction.
For a smoother coffee we have single wall filters. For coffees with foam and intense character, we have double-wall filters that force the coffee to pass through an additional barrier.
The process of changing these filters always requires some force and care, as with other manual machines. On the other hand, a positive emphasis should be given to the personalization of the preinfusion.
In short, at Bambino we have all the accessories, tools and the possibility of customization that allow us not only to learn, but also to experiment with different types of coffee extraction.
The trick? Experiment, use some of the advice on Handbook, and little by little, approaching the various factors that contribute to the extraction of a coffee.
This is where the Sage Bambino shines against cheaper manual coffee machines. It is a well-made product, from the instruction manual, to the packaging, the included accessories and, above all, the capabilities of the machine itself.
We have various accessories included with the Sage Bambino
First of all, the coffee maker reaches the consumer full of accessories, also helping to justify its price. cousin for the segment of manual machines.
That is, we have the following accessories in your box:
We have a total of 4 coffee baskets, two single-walled and two double-walled for extractions (coffees) with more foam. There is also a positive note for the 1.4L high capacity tank/water tank and the great build quality.
Thus we find everything necessary to awaken our barista potential, or just have a great cup of coffee from time to time. In any case, the range of accessories is very wide and their quality is good.
Conclusion: consistency and quality in the extractions in this compact format
