Sage Barista Express Coffee Machine Wins Over Tea Drinkers with £100 Saving
When a coffee machine manages to convert even the most steadfast tea enthusiasts, it clearly signifies an exceptional product worthy of attention. The Sage The Barista Express Bean To Cup Coffee Machine, typically retailing at £629.99, is currently available with a substantial £100 discount at Lakeland, reducing its price to £529.99. This premium appliance brings authentic barista-style coffee preparation directly into the home, earning widespread acclaim for its performance and quality.
Barista-Grade Features for Home Use
As a bean-to-cup machine, the Sage Barista Express requires only whole coffee beans, which it grinds freshly to enhance flavour, mimicking the experience of a professional café. It also accommodates pre-ground beans for added convenience. With 18 integrated grind settings, users have precise control over coarseness and dosage, allowing customisation to individual taste preferences. The machine operates with a 15-bar pressure system that gradually extracts flavours evenly, ensuring a rich and consistent brew every time.
For milk-based beverages, it includes a high-power steam wand and a stainless steel temperature control milk jug, perfect for creating latte art or frothy cappuccinos. Additionally, a two-litre water tank with integrated filtration and an instant hot water tap caters to Americanos and black coffee lovers. A notable advantage is the ClaroSwiss water filter, which completely eliminates the need for descaling—though the filter requires replacement every three months.
Customer Reviews Highlight Conversion Success
Boasting an impressive 4.5-star rating, the Sage Barista Express has garnered enthusiastic feedback from shoppers. One former tea drinker shared, "As a dedicated tea drinker, I bought this machine as a 'house' Christmas present... But, guess what, I'm converted. The flavour and aroma of a delicious fresh cup of coffee with steamed frothy milk has brought me round to enjoying coffee as much as tea." Another reviewer praised its ease of use, calling it a "great bit of kit" and noting, "In no time, I was making coffee like a pro. The auto grinder feature is slick."
A long-term owner remarked, "I've waited through 6 months of ownership to write this review, and it's simply superb... The level of control this one gives, the quality of construction, totally consistent performance, easy clean... I wouldn't part with this for the world." While most feedback is overwhelmingly positive, some users mentioned minor design critiques, such as the water reservoir lid feeling fragile, and noted that the machine requires more counter space, measuring 35 x 37 x 38cm.
Alternative Options for Coffee Enthusiasts
For those seeking a fully automated experience, the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Fully Automatic Bean to Cup Coffee Machine is available at De'Longhi for £369.99, down from £579.99. This model allows users to select their desired drink—from lattes to double espressos—with frothed milk, all at the touch of a button. Another contender is the Ninja Luxe Cafe Premier Espresso Machine priced at £549, which offers four espresso styles, seven drink sizes, and the ability to create filter coffee and cold brew.
Despite these alternatives, the Sage Barista Express stands out for its manual control and quality, appealing to both coffee aficionados and newcomers alike. Its current discount makes it an attractive investment for anyone looking to elevate their home coffee experience, proving that even tea lovers can be swayed by a superb brew.
