Sage Barista Pro review: ready in 3 seconds, with a display that helps you dial in

The Sage Barista Pro heats up in 3 seconds with ThermoJet and shows your grind setting and shot time on its display, while you still dose, tamp and steam yourself. In this review we go through its features, compare it with the Barista Express Impress and share what we think. You can find the machine in our shop: Sage Barista Pro.

1. The most important features of the Sage Barista Pro
2. Pros and cons
3. The difference between Sage Barista Pro and the Sage Barista Express Impress
4. Maintenance and longevity
5. What we at OR Coffee Roasters think about the Sage Barista Pro
6. Final thoughts on the Sage Barista Pro

The Sage Barista Pro is equipped with several features that cater to both seasoned baristas and beginners. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this machine a standout choice.

The Barista Pro we sell has a brushed stainless steel body. Sage lists it at 35.4 cm wide, 34.3 cm deep and 40.6 cm high. The LCD display on the front shows the information you need while you make your coffee.

The ThermoJet heating system in the Sage Barista Pro is a standout feature that sets this machine apart from many others. This system utilizes a high-performance heater that reaches the optimal extraction temperature in just 3 seconds. The technology behind ThermoJet involves a high-speed thermal system that rapidly heats the water, allowing you to brew your coffee almost immediately. This quick heat-up time is incredibly convenient for those who are short on time, ensuring you don’t have to wait for the machine to warm up before making your coffee. The ability to get your espresso quickly without compromising on quality is particularly beneficial for busy mornings or when you need a quick caffeine fix.

The LCD screen on the Barista Pro is a significant upgrade from the pressure gauge found on the Barista Express. This clear and intuitive screen provides real-time updates on several key aspects of the brewing process. It displays the current grind level, progress of the grinding process, and extraction time, making it easy to monitor and adjust settings as needed. By providing visual feedback and step-by-step instructions, the LCD screen enhances the user experience, helping both beginners and experienced users achieve the best results with minimal hassle.

The Barista Pro has an integrated conical burr grinder with 30 grind settings, so you can match the grind to your beans and roast. It grinds straight into the 54 mm portafilter, and the dosing funnel keeps the grounds in the basket.

Two features drive the extraction. Low-pressure pre-infusion wets the coffee first so it extracts more evenly, and the 15 bar pump then extracts at 9 bar. ThermoJet with precise temperature control keeps the water temperature steady from shot to shot.

For those who enjoy crafting milk-based coffee drinks, the advanced steam wand of the Barista Pro is designed to deliver exceptional results. This steam wand generates powerful 130 °C steam to create silky, velvety microfoam, which is essential for achieving café-quality cappuccinos, lattes, and other specialty drinks. The steam wand's design allows for precise control over the texture of the milk, making it easier to produce the right consistency for your preferred beverages. With some practice, users can even master the art of latte art, adding a professional touch to their homemade coffee creations. The ability to create high-quality microfoam enhances the overall coffee experience, making the Barista Pro a versatile machine for both espresso and milk-based beverages.

• Intuitive LCD display guides you through the brewing process, making it easy to monitor and adjust settings.
• ThermoJet heating system heats up in just 3 seconds, offering quick and efficient coffee preparation.
• Advanced steam wand creates excellent microfoam for milk-based drinks and allows for latte art.
• Conical burr grinder with 30 grind settings provides precise and customizable grinding for optimal espresso.
• Elegant design with a durable build and beautiful stainless steel finish complements any kitchen.

• Grinding can be noisy, which might be a consideration if you prefer a quieter coffee-making experience.

The Sage Barista Pro features an LCD screen that provides real-time information and guidance throughout the coffee-making process. This modern interface offers a more interactive and user-friendly experience compared to the traditional buttons and dials of the Barista Express Impress. The screen helps users easily monitor grind levels, extraction times, and more, making it simpler to achieve consistent results.

One of the key differences is the ThermoJet heating system in the Barista Pro, which heats the machine to the optimal brewing temperature in just 3 seconds. In contrast, the Barista Express Impress has a reliable but slower heating element. While the Express Impress delivers excellent performance, the Pro's faster heat-up time offers added convenience for those on the go.

The Barista Pro has 30 grind settings, the Barista Express Impress 25. What the Pro does not have is the Impress lever: you dose and tamp by hand, where the Express Impress tamps for you and calculates your next dose.

Both machines texture milk with a manual steam wand at 130 °C, according to Sage, so the result depends mostly on your technique. The difference is the heating: on the Pro, ThermoJet is at temperature in seconds, so there is little waiting between pulling a shot and steaming. Want help with tamping? Read our Barista Express Impress review. Want a touchscreen, Auto MilQ and cold brew? Read our Barista Touch Impress review. Want the same hands-on workflow with a 58 mm portafilter, two boilers and a separate grinder? Read our Dynamic Duo review.

For the cleaning and descaling routine of every Sage model, with the products to use, read our guide to cleaning and descaling your Sage espresso machine. The basics are below.

• Clean the portafilter and group head: After each use, remove the portafilter and rinse it under hot water. Wipe the group head with a clean, damp cloth to remove any coffee residue.
• Empty the drip tray: The drip tray collects water and coffee drips during the brewing process. Make sure to empty and rinse it daily to prevent any buildup.
• Wipe down the exterior: Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the machine's exterior. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the surface.

• Clean the steam wand: After each use, purge the steam wand by turning on the steam for a few seconds to clear any milk residue. Once a week, detach the steam tip and soak it in warm water to remove any stubborn milk deposits. Use a pin or the provided cleaning tool to clear any blockages in the steam holes.
• Flush the group head: Run water through the group head without the portafilter attached to flush out any coffee grounds that may have accumulated. This process helps to keep the brewing path clear.

• Backflush the machine: Backflushing is essential for removing oils and coffee residues that accumulate in the group head. Use the cleaning disc that comes with the machine and a sachet of The Group Head Cleaner, the cleaning powder Sage lists for this machine. Run the cleaning cycle as instructed in the user manual. This process should be done once a month or more frequently if you use the machine heavily.
• Descale the machine: Depending on the hardness of your water, descaling should be done every 1-3 months. Use Sage descaling powder or another descaler made for espresso machines and follow the instructions carefully. Descaling removes mineral buildup in the water lines and the ThermoJet heating system, ensuring the machine heats water efficiently.

• Use fresh, quality water: Always use filtered or bottled water to minimize mineral buildup inside the machine. Hard water can lead to scale formation, which affects performance and the taste of your coffee.
• Empty the bean hopper when not in use: If you're not planning to use the machine for a few days, empty the bean hopper to prevent the beans from going stale or the oils from turning rancid, which can affect the taste of your coffee.
• Store the machine properly: If you're not using the machine for an extended period, clean it thoroughly, including descaling and wiping down all parts. Store it in a dry, dust-free environment.
• Check the seals and gaskets: Periodically check the seals, especially around the group head and portafilter, for wear and tear. Replacing them when necessary ensures that the machine maintains proper pressure during brewing.

By following these maintenance steps, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your Sage Barista Pro and continue to enjoy high-quality coffee for years to come. Regular cleaning and proper care not only maintain the machine’s performance but also protect your investment, ensuring that each cup of coffee is brewed to perfection.

At OR Coffee Roasters, we recommend the Barista Pro to people who make several drinks in a row: ThermoJet is at temperature in seconds, and the display with grind setting and shot time makes dialing in easier than on the Barista Express. You still dose and tamp by hand, so expect some practice.

The Sage Barista Pro is an efficient espresso machine that combines modern technology with ease of use. Its fast heat-up, stable extraction and clear display make it a good choice for anyone serious about coffee who is happy to tamp by hand. You can find it in our shop: Sage Barista Pro.