The Barista Pro - Bean to Cup Coffee Machine, Black Truffle

I saw another review saying that even the fine grind is too coarse and when I pulled the first cup that was my initial impression too BUT you can adjust the burr grinder to a much finer grind and that will COMPLETELY change the whole experience so make sure to do that. You have to remove the grinder, there are YouTube guides for it. The machine is very good, some coffee knowledge required but you can pull an amazing espresso.

I was sent an item that wasn’t new it had fingerprints all over and the box wasn’t sealed

Here's what this device can't do: 1. Correct fine grind. Even the minimum grind value (1) gives a coarse grind that is not suitable for making proper espresso. 2. Set the correct temperature. Even the maximum temperature setting does not make the water hot enough. 3. Maintain stable parameters. The grinding quantity and temperature value are always different. Ultimately, if you buy properly ground coffee and buy a normal tamper and scale, you can get a drink that will be similar to espresso. I will say that this device certainly makes better coffee than a fully automatic coffee machine, but this fact does not transfer it from the category of toys.

I purchased this to replace a similar De'Longhi coffee machine (the Specialista Prestigio), which failed after only 3 years of use. I have now been using the Sage machine for 6 months and it is, in my opinion, by far the better designed machine. Like all similar machines, it takes time and perseverance to produce coffee exactly as one likes it, but I am now delighted with the consistency and quality of my espressos and cappuccinos. And the Sage is, for the most part, easier to use and keep clean. In particular, the performance of the milk wand is far superior to that of the De'Longhi machine and is quick and consistent to use. There are numerous other design features that are better, for example: the water reservoir is easier to remove from the machine and fill and is more clearly marked; the waste tray is much quicker and easier to remove, disassemble, and clean and the level warning float actually works; etc. If it had something like the De'Longhi's "Smart Tamping Station" (which is the only thing I miss), the Sage would be absolutely unbeatable.

First bean-to-mug we’ve ever owned - upgrading from capsule machine. Making coffee is undoubtedly much more faff than it was, but the results are excellent and worth the effort. Moderate priced beans work out cheaper than capsules and there’s no hard- to- recycle waste ( the used pucks go on the garden or in the food waste). There are a lot of settings to fiddle with until you can repeatedly produce a great- tasting mug - this is NOT a one button machine ! Built- in grinder and frother both work well ( three months of daily use in). There is a slight gotcha with the portable filter in that it’s possible to leave the plastic doser attached when you transfer the filter, whereupon it jams quite tight - we’ve done this once and got away with it, but its really a bit of a design flaw IMHO ( to be fair, there a big red “ DONT” in the instructions, so I don’t think we’re alone”). Whether you can justify the very substantial cost for better coffee is down to your personal circumstances- it’s not as expensive as some by a long way, and does feel well made. Really nice compact size considering it’s really three appliances in one. You absolutely need a robust knock box, and I’d also recommend a decent mat under the whole thing, as well as something to do the tamping on ( we just use a coaster).

I’ve had this machine for one year now. I’ve held off writing a review as I don’t expect to become an expert on pulling a perfect shot after 2 or 3 weeks. However one year on it is still as frustrating as it was at the beginning. If you are prepared to choose one brand of coffee and stick to it you can just about live with this machine. Sure, it will still have days that you get two completely different shots despite pulling them just seconds apart and changing absolutely nothing. However the appeal of this bean to cup machine was the ability to pick up a bag of freshly roasted coffee from a local cafe here and there, try new brands, and that for the most part is impossible. You waste the entire new bag just trying to dial it in, and just when you think you’ve got it, you haven’t. We buy at least 3x bags anytime we try a new one, because god forbid we like it. The positives are good - when you get it right it’s great. The milk steamer after some practice gives a really silky, smooth, aerated milk. And if you choose one of the large, albeit not so freshly roasted, companies that sell in large volume you can just about get a good coffee each morning, but it’s not great and that wasn’t the initial appeal for moving from a pods machine.

It’s a nice compact size, does exactly what it’s intended for. I’ve had it a week and still haven’t mastered the grind size I need but that’s more to do with me than the machine! The steamer is exceptionally quick and easy to use. The only negative I have is, it doesn’t fit under my unit as the bean holder makes it too tall.. again, that an error on my part for not measuring the height 🙈 would recommend if you like a good cup of real coffee that’s not instant !

Bought this in May 2024 It then recently developed a problem with the steam wand and producing steam. This culminated in it now not working at all, despite total cleaning. Amazon will not arrange for an engineer to visit and repair it. I am expected to arrange and pay a 3rd Party to come and collect it after I package it and print a return label. Amazon say they then will cover that cost. I've told them I am not doing this and quite possibly try to sell it on EBay and let someone else come and collect it. I believe that maybe it was an early manufactured machine, now proven unreliable. However when working properly this is a great machine and I am about to order a new one with 'fingers crossed' and hope it is reliable!