Sage The Bambino

£329.95

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  • Compact, clever, and designed for serious home espresso, the Sage Bambino brings café-quality coffee to even the smallest of kitchens. This entry-level machine from Sage punches well above its weight, delivering third wave specialty coffee through its 54mm commercial-style portafilter and professional steam wand. If you're looking to step up from pod machines or drip coffee without committing to a countertop-dominating setup, the Bambino offers an ideal balance of performance, footprint, and affordability.

    What sets the Bambino apart from similarly priced espresso machines is its attention to the fundamentals that actually matter for extraction quality. The Bambino is one of the very few machines at this price point that limits pressure to the professional espresso standard of 9 bars, features PID temperature control, and delivers genuine low-pressure pre-infusion rather than simply pulsing the pump. These aren't gimmicks or marketing buzzwords; they're the technical foundations that separate mediocre espresso from genuinely excellent shots. The Bambino's fixed 93°C brew temperature makes it particularly well-suited to medium/dark to dark roasts, the kind of coffees that reward you with rich, full-bodied espresso and thick crema.

    The Bambino's headline feature is its ThermoJet heating system, which achieves the optimum extraction temperature in just 3 seconds. There's no waiting around for the machine to warm up in the morning; it's ready to brew almost instantly. Compared to traditional thermoblock heating systems, the ThermoJet uses up to 32% less energy annually, making it both convenient and economical. The machine also includes a manual steam wand for texturing milk, allowing you to create the silky microfoam required for latte art. Most lower-cost espresso machines have what's referred to as a panarello steam wand, which produces frothy rather than properly textured milk, but the Bambino features a proper pro-style wand that gives you genuine control over your milk texture.

    • Model Number: SES450
    • Water Tank Capacity: 1.38L removable reservoir
    • Pump: 15-bar Italian pump (limited to 9-bar extraction)
    • Power: 1600W
    • Dimensions: H31 x W19.5 x D32cm
    • Weight: 4.95kg
    • Portafilter Size: 54mm
    • Dose Capacity: 18-19g for double shot
    • Heat-Up Time: 3 seconds (ThermoJet heating system)
    • Brew Temperature: 93°C (fixed, PID controlled)
    • Pre-Infusion: Low-pressure, 8 seconds (factory preset, manually adjustable)
    • Milk Jug Capacity: 480ml stainless steel
    • Controls: One-touch buttons for 1-cup, 2-cup, steam, and hot water
    • Finish Options: Brushed Stainless Steel, Black Truffle, Sea Salt, Damson Blue
    • Warranty: 2-year limited manufacturer's warranty (household use)
    • Single Wall 1 and 2 Cup Filter Baskets
    • Dual Wall 1 and 2 Cup Filter Baskets
    • 480ml Stainless Steel Milk Jug
    • Aluminium Portafilter
    • Plastic Tamper
    • Steam Wand Tip Cleaning Tool
    • ClaroSwiss Filter Holder
    • ClaroSwiss Water Filter
    • Descale Powder
    • Cleaning Kit

  • Does the Sage Bambino have a built-in grinder?

    No, the Bambino does not include an integrated grinder. You'll need to purchase a separate grinder or use pre-ground coffee. For the best results with freshly ground beans, we'd recommend pairing it with a dedicated espresso grinder such as the Sage Smart Grinder Pro or Sage Dose Control Pro.

    What's the difference between the Sage Bambino and Bambino Plus?

    The Bambino doesn't have a solenoid valve, which is a feature found on the pricier Bambino Plus. This means the portafilter may drip slightly at the end of each shot and the puck can be wetter. The Bambino Plus also features automatic milk texturing with adjustable temperature and texture settings, whereas the standard Bambino has a manual steam wand only. The Plus version also features a larger water tank and is available in more colours.

    Can I use pre-ground coffee with the Sage Bambino?

    Yes. The Bambino comes with both single wall (non-pressurised) and dual wall (pressurised) filter baskets. The dual wall baskets are designed for pre-ground coffee and are more forgiving of grind inconsistencies, while the single wall baskets are intended for use with freshly ground coffee and allow for proper dialling in.

    How do I adjust the shot volume on the Bambino?

    The Bambino comes with preset volumes for single and double shots, but these can be reprogrammed. Simply press and hold the desired shot button during extraction, then release when you've reached your preferred volume. The machine will remember this setting for future use.

    Is the Sage Bambino suitable for beginners?

    Absolutely. The Bambino strikes an excellent balance between accessibility and capability. The dual wall baskets make it forgiving for those still learning, while the single wall baskets and manual steam wand offer room to grow as your skills develop. The fast heat-up time and simple controls mean you can be pulling shots within minutes of unboxing.

    What maintenance does the Bambino require?

    Regular maintenance includes backflushing with water after each session, wiping down the steam wand after each use, and emptying the drip tray. The included ClaroSwiss water filter should be replaced approximately every three months with regular use. Descaling should be performed when prompted by the machine or approximately every two to three months depending on water hardness.

    Can I make latte art with the Sage Bambino?

    Yes. The manual steam wand is capable of producing properly textured microfoam suitable for latte art. It does require practice to master, but the wand has sufficient power to texture milk quickly and create the silky consistency needed for pouring designs.

    What type of coffee works best with the Bambino?

    The Bambino's fixed 93°C brew temperature makes it best suited to medium/dark to dark roasts. These roast profiles will deliver rich, full-bodied espresso with thick crema. Lighter roasts can be more challenging to extract properly at this temperature, so if you prefer lighter, more acidic coffees, you may find some shots tasting under-extracted.

    How loud is the Sage Bambino?

    The Bambino uses a vibration pump, which produces some noise during extraction, typical of home espresso machines in this category. It's not excessively loud but is certainly audible. The pump noise is brief, lasting only the duration of the shot.

    Does the Bambino come with a warranty?

    The Sage Bambino comes with a 2-year limited manufacturer's warranty. Note that Sage products covered by this warranty are intended for private household (non-commercial) use only.

  • Enjoy peace of mind with a 2-year limited manufacturer's warranty. Please note: Sage products are intended for private household use only. For full warranty details, visit Sage Warranty Information.

  • Orders for this item will be shipped direct from our equipment partner, rather than being fulfilled from our Stafford roastery as normal. Any other items ordered at the same time will be shipped from our roastery. This means that larger orders may arrive in 2 separate parcels. If you have any shipping questions or require any help with your split delivery please contact us via the contact page and we will do our best to assist.