Skip to content
Ninth Bar

Reviews / 6 espresso machines · 2 grinders

Every machine, honest verdict

Every espresso machine and grinder we cover, reviewed from verified UK owner reports. Each verdict names the downsides.

Today's pick: Sage Bambino Plus

Check price at Amazon UK

Affiliate link

Espresso machines

Gaggia Classic Evo Pro

Gaggia

Classic Evo Pro

The Gaggia Classic Evo Pro is the best under-£600 espresso machine for UK buyers who want to develop real barista skills and own a machine built to last a decade.

Boiler
Single boiler
Heat-up
9 min
Pressure
9 bar
Pressure profiling
No
Sage Bambino

Sage

Bambino

The budget Sage for espresso and Americano drinkers who don't need auto-milk. Same ThermoJet and 9-bar extraction as the Bambino Plus, roughly £70 less. Skip the Plus if milk drinks aren't your daily routine.

Boiler
Thermocoil
Heat-up
3 s
Pressure
9 bar
Pressure profiling
No
Sage Barista Touch

Sage

Barista Touch

The best all-in-one espresso machine for households that want cafe-style drinks without cafe-level learning. Touchscreen simplicity with genuine espresso quality, but the 54mm portafilter and built-in grinder have a ceiling.

Boiler
Thermocoil
Heat-up
3 s
Pressure
9 bar
Pressure profiling
No
De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685

De'Longhi

Dedica Style EC685

The cheapest real espresso machine worth buying in the UK. At 15cm wide with a 30-second heat-up, it fits where nothing else will and makes decent espresso from day one. The upgrade path is what makes it special.

Boiler
Thermoblock
Heat-up
35 s
Pressure
15 bar
Pressure profiling
No

Grinders

Baratza Encore ESP

Baratza

Encore ESP

The best electric espresso grinder under £200 in the UK. Pair it with a Bambino Plus or Gaggia Classic and fresh beans for shots that embarrass pre-ground within a weekend.

Burr type
Conical
Burr size
40 mm
Adjustment
Stepped
Weight
3.1 kg
Sage Dose Control Pro

Sage

Dose Control Pro

The right grinder if you own a Sage machine and drink espresso from medium to dark roasts. 60 settings and portafilter integration beat the competition, but high retention and poor filter performance limit versatility.

Burr type
Conical
Burr size
40 mm
Adjustment
Stepped
Weight
2 kg

Still the one we would buy: Sage Bambino Plus