Sage The Dual Boiler BES920UK Espresso Coffee Machine - Stainless Steel

Dipping a toe into the world of making espresso at home I have I have been using the Sage Barista Express for a year and learnt to make consistent espresso. But after visiting the Coffee House Project in Bristol, knew I had a way to go. I like machines and rather than go the simple Aeropress route I decided to pick out the key factors necessary to continue my espresso journey. These were a dedicated grinder and a better espresso machine. Espresso machines have a massive range in price for a home user, but I narrowed down to the following key features to make my choice. Dual Boiler - extract and steam at the same time Steam - enough power to steam milk in a reasonable time Portafilter - 58mm to open up opportunities for Barista toys Extraction controls - time, volume and pressure Water - easy to fill Brand - Good reputation Decision - Sage Dual Boiler has all the features above and even though not cheap, offers the right value for money at my budget Does it work? Sure does - the machine is a significant step up on the Barista Express - and the espresso I make is already improving. The inbuilt shot timer is in constant use providing instant feedback allowing more consistent control on grinder settings and tamping. Sage Dual Boiler is the Skoda Suberb of Espresso machines...

Great purchase and price, will purchase from you again

A great little machine suitable for home and small industrial use as it punches well above its weight. Easy to use and makes wonderful coffee. The dual boiler provides water for coffee and steam for heating milk at the same time. No more waiting whilst the coffee goes cold. Attention to detail is obvious from the moment you open the box, everything laid out beautifully, the machine has hidden wheels to move easily yet locks in position when required, the finish is truly professional. Fully recommended.

Good quality machine, provides excellent quality consistent results.

Having a gaggia coffee deluxe for a number of years thought it was time for an upgrade, first thoughts were to get a combo machine with a built in grinder, first looking at sage barista express then a lelit Kate. After attending a barista course it was recommended I upgrading to the sage dual boiler. Obviously the price hike plus having to get a new grinder was a bit daunting but i took the plunge and what a decision, it is a great machine, looks even better out of the box. First tip is to buy freshly roaster beans straight away. Very easy to use but an understanding from using a previous machine would be an advantage. Shop bought beans give inconsistent results, freshly roasted beans and the SDB gives speciality coffee shop quality esspresso. The steam wand at first seems weak and takes a bit of practice geeting air in, but unlilke single boiler machines it keeps the milk spinning till the very end, it is possible to achive shiny, sliky microfoam brilliant texured esspresso drink and latte art. The only negative point is the tool tray has some rasied plastic in the middle which stops you placing anything flat in it reducing storage space. Other than that a perfect machine for a coffee enthusiast

Feels like a really good coffee machine - still getting used to using it.