Our verdict on the Sage the Barista Express SES875
- Buy it if
- You want to learn real espresso at home with a built-in grinder and a proper steam wand.
- Skip it if
- You want push-button lattes with no learning curve.
- Best for
- Beginners who want it all
- Key feature
- Built-in grinder and steam wand in one
- Typical price
- £499–£649
Key specifications
| Grinder | Integrated conical burr |
|---|---|
| Pump | 15 bar |
| Water tank | 2 L |
Who should buy it, and who should skip it
A good fit if you
- want to learn real espresso at home with a built-in grinder and a proper steam wand
- value built-in conical burr grinder
- can spend around £499–£649
Skip it if you
- want push-button lattes with no learning curve
- mind that learning curve
Pros and cons
Pros
- Built-in conical burr grinder
- Manual steam wand for latte art
- Pressure gauge helps you dial in
- Everything you need in the box
Cons
- Learning curve
- Grinder range limits light roasts
What it is
The Sage the Barista Express SES875 is an espresso machine from Sage, typically £499–£649. Its headline feature is built-in grinder and steam wand in one, and it is best for beginners who want it all.
What stands out
- Built-in conical burr grinder
- Manual steam wand for latte art
- Pressure gauge helps you dial in
- Everything you need in the box
What to know
- Learning curve
- Grinder range limits light roasts
Is it worth it?
If you want to learn real espresso at home with a built-in grinder and a proper steam wand, the Sage the Barista Express SES875 is a strong choice. If you want push-button lattes with no learning curve, look elsewhere. The Sage the Bambino Plus SES500 (£349–£449) is the alternative for compact and fast. The Philips 3200 Series Bean-to-Cup (£449–£599) is the alternative for push-button lattes.
Alternatives worth considering
Sage · Espresso Machines
Sage the Bambino Plus SES500
Buy it if You want café-style lattes from a compact machine that heats up in seconds and froths milk automatically.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Compact and fast
- Typical price
- £349–£449
Pros
- 3-second heat-up
- Automatic milk frothing
Cons
- No built-in grinder
Philips · Espresso Machines
Philips 3200 Series Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine with LatteGo EP3246/70
Buy it if You want one-touch espresso, cappuccino and latte macchiato with almost no effort.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Push-button lattes
- Typical price
- £449–£599
Pros
- One-touch drinks from whole beans
- LatteGo milk system cleans in seconds
Cons
- Espresso is less rich than manual machines
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sage the Barista Express SES875 worth it?
Yes. The Sage the Barista Express SES875 stands out for built-in grinder and steam wand in one, and it suits you if you want to learn real espresso at home with a built-in grinder and a proper steam wand. Skip it if you want push-button lattes with no learning curve.
Who should skip it?
If you want push-button lattes with no learning curve, an alternative will suit you better.
Is the Sage the Barista Express SES875 worth it?
Yes. The Sage the Barista Express SES875 stands out for built-in grinder and steam wand in one, and it suits you if you want to learn real espresso at home with a built-in grinder and a proper steam wand. Skip it if you want push-button lattes with no learning curve.
What are the downsides of the Sage the Barista Express SES875?
Learning curve. Grinder range limits light roasts