Known for its quality design and delicious cups of coffee, the Sage Barista Express remains one of the company’s best-selling coffee machines. However, this coffee machine is also one of the most expensive machines to come from Sage, which is unfortunate for many coffee-loving households. The Sage Barista Express can also be hard to find.
Luckily, there are a number of readily available alternatives to get coffee-loving households started with making quality, Sage Barista Express-like coffee without breaking the bank or spending hours searching for a new unit.
Each and every one of the machines we’re talking about today have a host of the Sage’s best features including but not limited to streaming capabilities, large water reservoirs, and various temperature settings for water.
Best Sage Sage Barista Express alternative: Calphalon Temp IQ (Latest Price on Amazon)
Best Budget option: Jassy Espresso Coffee Machine (Latest Price on Amazon)
Fully Automatic option: Philips 3200 Series (Latest Price on Amazon)
Best Sage Barista Express Alternative
If you’re looking for more detailed descriptions of the machines mentioned above as well as a handful of other top contenders, keep reading.
Also, if you’re a hard core espresso fan but don’t want to break the bank, a moka pot can be the perfect wallet friendly substitute to a good espresso coffee. I’ve also written another detailed guide about the Best Moka Pot this year.
Calphalon Temp IQ Espresso Machine
Features
With a 15 BAR Italian pump and a sleek, modern appearance, the Temp IQ is a valuable piece of everyday equipment for coffee lovers all over the world. This heavy-duty pump ensures that maximum flavor is extracted from grounds and guarantees a gorgeous crema.
The machine comes with a built-in bean grinder that has 30 different settings ranging from ultra fine to very course, giving users flexibility and plenty of options. In addition to these settings, users can also choose from a variety of pre-programmed settings for shots and double shots, as well as for steam and hot water. The steam and hot water settings are controlled via an easy-to-use dial interface.
In addition, the unit is equipped with a 2.8L water reservoir with a hinged lid that makes filling the unit quick and easy. It also has thermoblock heating technology, pre-infusion, and PID temperature control.
Each unit provides users with a handful of handy accessories including a stainless-steel milk pitcher, a warming tray for cups, and a cleaning disc and brush.
| Pros | Cons |
| 30 grind settings | Messy grinding |
| PID temperature control | |
| 15 BAR Italian pump | |
| Included steaming wand | |
| 2.8L water reservoir |
What People Are Saying
Reviews of the unit are mixed. However, the general consensus among buyers is that, for the price, the Temp IQ is a high-quality bargain. The positive reviews left by buyers indicate that that unit is easy to use, sans a learning curve, and a great overall investment for someone looking to save a bit of money but also get more creative with their morning coffee.
Reviews also claim that the unit is incredibly quiet – a fact that is appreciated a great deal – and that the overall feel of the unit, with its stainless steel parts, is excellent.
The negative reviews are somewhat critical for this unit, with a number claiming that the grinding and dosing process provided is messy and makes for a lot of cleanup. There are also a select handful of reviews that point the finger at the unit’s tendency to stop working and Calphalon’s poor customer service.
De’Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine
Features
The De’Longhi Stilos is an all-in-one barista machine with all the features you’d expect from a high-class machine. With a compact, contemporary design the Stilos is a good addition to any kitchen big or small. It is easy to maintain and can simply be wiped cleaning use stainless-steel cleaner or a damp cloth.
Using the Stilos, you can create everything from strong espresso shots to foamy milk-based drinks and lattes, thanks to the included steaming wand and supportive mechanics. The unit uses a 15 BAR pump that ensures that each cup of coffee is made with optimal pressure to achieve your desired result regardless of what it is that you’re going for.
The unit features a stainless-steel boiler that is ideal for long-term use as it won’t wear out, crack, or see a diminish in quality. It also comes equipped with a two-level cup holder that allows you to tailor how much espresso you want by using cups of varying uses at one time.
| Pros | Cons |
| Two-level cup holder | Minor leaks |
| Included steaming wand | No bean grinder |
| 15 BAR pump | |
| Stainless-steel body | |
| Compact design |
What People Are Saying
Coffee lovers who have purchased this unit refer to it as “a great first machine”, noting that it’s easy to use and takes up minimal amounts of counter space. One former Starbucks barista has pegged this unit as being their favorite, raving about the great tasting expresso it produces despite not being one of the commercial units that they are used to.
It’s also been said that the affordable price point of the machine is appealing, as well, with a number of customers mentioning how much they save by purchasing this unit over others and by using this machine to brew their morning latte instead of stopping by the local coffeeshop.
The chief complaint among buyers is the poor quality of the unit’s plastic tapers, with most reviewers recommending that other buyers relace the tapers with higher quality ones if they’re planning on using their unit often.
There are also a number of mentions of the steaming wand being poor quality. However, it’s important to take into consideration that most of the reviewers mentioning this flaw are used to commercial units with thousand-dollar steaming wands.
Philips 3200 Series Automatic Espresso Machine
Features
The Philip 3200 Series is a fully automatic, all-in-one machine similar to the Barista Express. It has a sleek, black, body with large display that allows you to adjust the strength of your coffee as well as the quantity.
In addition, this display also gives you the ability to choose your preferred grinding setting, as there are 12 unique settings to choose from that range from extra fine to course. There are also three strength settings and three temperature settings that you can use to brew the perfect cup of coffee.
The unit is easy to clean and rarely needs to be descaled thanks to its built-in AquaClean technology. The removable parts of the machine can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand, while the exterior can be wiped clean with a soft cloth.
Each machine features an easy-to-navigate touch screen display with simple pictures, as well as a milk frother that is made up of two basic parts.
| Pros | Cons |
| 12 grind settings to choose from | Plastic exterior |
| Touch screen display | |
| Adjustable cup quantity | |
| Removable, dishwasher-safe parts | |
| AquaClean technology |
What People Are Saying
Happy buyers are glad to report that the Phillips is incredibly easy to use, with most reviews mentioning something about ease of use. One reviewer claims that the machine is “practically error-proof” thanks to how it has been build, designed, and executed.
Other happy reviewers rave about the quality of the steamed milk that this unit provides. They claim that each cup of frothed milk is smooth, silky, and perfect for making lattes and other specialty espresso drinks. It’s also been said that the frother does wonders in terms of temperature, too.
In addition to its many positive qualities – many that we haven’t gone into including its compact body, versatility, and auto-off function – users also take note of a few negative traits. The most major negative quality that has been noted is the reportedly short lifespan of the unit – a problem that has been reported by various buyers.
Gevi Espresso Machine
Features
The Gevi Espresso Machine is a durable, compact machine that home baristas love. It’s crafted from stainless steel and hard, crack-resistant plastic that is easy to clean and appealing to the eye. The front of the machine features all the essential controls – a power button, cup size, and espresso strength, all of which are accessed via easy-turn knobs and dedicated buttons, while the back side is sleek and clean.
The machine can hold up to 1.15L of water at any give time. It can be used for a wide variety of purposes including espresso shots and homemade lattes, thanks to the stainless-steel milk wand that the machine comes equipped with.
In addition, it can be warmed up and ready for use within only 45 seconds, making it convenient for busy mornings. Also for your convenience, the machine comes with an espresso scoop and a removable filter.
| Pros | Cons |
| Large water reservoir | No auto shut-off feature |
| Easy-to-use controls | |
| Quick heat up time | |
| Included accessories | |
| Stainless-steel construction |
What People Are Saying
Upon unboxing the unit, buyers report being pleasantly surprised by how securely the machine was packaged, with tape to hold all the moving parts in place and prevent damage. There are also many mentions of how high of quality the crema that the unit produces is, as well as how quickly and consistently the frother can froth milk.
When it comes to downfalls, there are a few minor issues that buyers have reported. The most notable issue is, by far, inconsistencies in steam wand pressure after it has warmed up. Another of these issues is that there is no auto-off function, which, according to buyers, is a small inconvenience but not a major flaw of the machine’s capabilities themselves.
EspressoWorks All in One Espresso Machine Bundle
Features
Putting out 15 BAR pressure, the Brewly machine ensures that every cup of espresso is high-quality and tastes great. Its adjustable controls and various pre-programmed settings make it easy to customize each cup of coffee.
The included 2-in-1 filter holder can deliver 1 or 2 shots of espresso, while the double drip tray allows users to use cups of nearly any size without worrying about overflow or their cup not fitting. Each unit also comes with a built-in milk frother that can be adjusted to customize foam and steam levels depending on the desired outcome of the chosen drink.
In addition, the unit also comes with double temperature control technology. This handy technology heats up water and milk separately, which ensures that both are smooth and creamy and just the right temperature.
Making the unit not only functional and easy to use but also appealing to the eye is the stainless-steel exterior and 6-inch wide compact design.
| Pros | Cons |
| Double temperature control technology | |
| 2-in-1 filter holder | |
| Compact body design | |
| Double drip tray | |
| 15 BAR pressure |
What People Are Saying
There are, in terms of quantity, more positive reviews than there are negative. This being said, the general agreement among buyers is that the unit is a great bargain. One former Starbucks barista notes that the machine is “small but mighty” and is able to pull impressive espresso shots.
Other reviews mention that it creates “satisfactory espresso” and makes “gorgeous crema”. One particular reviewer claims that the enjoyment he once got from his ultra-expensive Sage machine has been found once again in this, more affordable, stainless-steel unit.
In addition, reviews contain headlines that sum up the unit in a positive light. These headlines include “Blown away by the quality of this little thing!” and “Couldn’t be happier with my new machine”.
Now, the negative reviews are more neutral than they are negative, per se. For example, one reviewer says that the prominent front-located pressure gauge is purely for decorative purposes, despite leading buyers to believe that they’re getting tons of manual pressure control.
De’Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica
Features
The Wirsh espresso machine is a 15 BAR unit with a stylized, modern build. It is compact in both size and stature and is easy to store thanks to these factors. It can be kept on the counter top, in the cupboard, or packed away in its box.
It features a detachable water tank that can hold enough liquid to make up to 10 cups of coffee; the tank can be stored on the unit or separately for your convenience. It also comes with a removable drip tray that can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand and makes it easy to brew coffee in tall cups.
The machine uses thermo-block technology that ensures the perfect espresso temperature and has the water heating up within only 30 seconds. The perfectly heated water and espresso can be used to make everything from pure espresso shots to lattes.
All portions of the unit that touch water are BPA free and easy to clean, with the steam wand being no exception to the rule.
| Pros | Cons |
| Thermo-block technology | No grinder |
| 15 BAR Italian pump | |
| 10 cup water capacity | |
| Removeable drip tray | |
| BPA free parts |
What People Are Saying
Reviewers love the compact size of the machine, with that feature being one of the top most mentioned features. Second most common is, by far, the double temperature control feature, with reviewers who mention it raving about how accurate the temperatures of both water and milk are and how easy it is to adjust them individually.
A handful of reviewers also note the presence of desirable foam that the machine creates, making it perfect for lattes and cappuccinos. One woman specifically wrote an entire review about the foam!
The negative reviews are few and far between, with a minorly inconvenient downfall being the most common: the lack of an auto-off feature. There are also mentions of the unit being difficult to load grounds into, although there was only one or two instances where this came up.
Gaggia Brera Automatic Espresso Machine
Features
The Gaggia Brera is a stainless-steel unit that boasts a modern design and sleek look. It features a pull-out dregs drawer and a drip tray for catching leaks or excess coffee that manages to find its way over the rim of your cup. The drip try and dregs drawer can be removed and washed in the sink or dishwasher.
It has an external water tank that is easy to access and can hold enough water for countless cups of coffee.
The machine can be used to make coffee using grinds of whole beans thanks to the included ceramic burr grinder and bypass doser. It can also be used to create frothy, silky-smooth speciality beverages by utilizing the stainless-steel steam wand. This means that the unit can create classic americanos, lattes, and espresso shots.
The aforementioned steam wand reaches peak temperature within only 10 seconds. In addition, the front-facing control panel consists of a handful of dedicated buttons for essential functions that can be panned through using the LCD screen. Each button is labelled by both words and pictures, which makes it easy to navigate and learn the buttons.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to access water reservoir | Frequent drip try emptying required |
| LCD screen and basic control panel | |
| Included steaming wand | |
| Quick heat up time | |
| Easy to clean drip tray |
What People Are Saying
Buyers rave about this unit, claiming that it makes excellent coffee and is a dream to use. One reviewer referred to the machine as a “no fuss, clean machine” while another said that the machine is “very easy to use”.
Most reviewers mention the ease of use as being one of the machine’s strong suits, as well as how simple the cleaning process is when compared to similar machines that require extensive, frequent cleaning. The cleaning process is reportedly significantly quicker, less messy, and more efficient.
The few negative reviewers on the unit pinpoint a few minor nuisances. Namely, the fact that the machine tends to be quite noisy and that the warranty is poor. One unhappy reviewer shared their experience, claiming that when their machine broke down, the options presented to them by the manufacturer would both cost the money despite being a problem that should have been covered by the warranty.
Jassy Espresso Coffee Machine
Features
The Jassy Espresso Coffee Machine is a fully-automatic, 1450-watt unit with all the convenient features that you’d expect from a quality coffee machine. Its classy black exterior contains a centrally-located LCD control panel that can be used to make various adjustments and selections and monitor brewing progress. Also on the front of the unit is a handful of easy-to-understand buttons and a dial that are labelled for user convenience and efficiency.
Also on the exterior is a durable steam wand and top-opening bean hopper for grinding beans into fresh grounds. When grinding, users can choose from more than 5 different grind textures, which are made possible by the internal conical burr grinders of the unit.
In terms of technology, the unit is, as we said, fully automatic with every function controlled by the push of a button or the turn of a knob. The unit comes equipped with thermoblock technology that ensures that every cup of coffee is made perfectly.
| Pros | Cons |
| LCD control panel | Short lifespan |
| Various grind settings | |
| Easy-to-use controls | |
| Thermoblock technology | |
| 1.8L water reservoir |
What People Are Saying
With more than 500 reviews on Amazon, there are, of course, a variety of opinions about this machine. The positive reviews that have been left are quick to bring up the large water reservoir, sleek style, and how well that unit’s grinder works, churning out consistent grinds all the time. One reviewer was “thoroughly impressed” with the number of unique grind settings available.
A few reviews even mention the fact that the unit is super convenient to use, as it’s fully automatic, quiet, and is free of any frustrating learning curves.
Getting into the negative side of things, though, is where it gets interesting. Unhappy reviewers seem to share a number of the same complaints. One is that the unit has a short lifespan in comparison to how much of an investment it is to purchase, with many others backing the review and bringing out lifespan figures of “less than two years”.
Another popular complaint is, in connection to the short lifespan issue, the terrible customer service. Reviewers who have returned their units or sent them for repair claim that the process took longer than two months and was expensive, the shipping and repair costs coming from their pocket.
MEROL Super Automatic Espresso Machine
Features
The MEROL Super Automatic Espresso machine is ideal for coffee lovers who enjoy being creative with their morning coffee. With its ability to brew everything from single and double espresso shots to lattes and cappuccinos, it can make a caffeinated beverage to suit every taste.
Weighing only 24 pounds and standing at 15 inches tall, the machine is lightweight and compact, which makes it easy to move from house to house and to store. It features a 19 BAR pump, a 300-gram coffee bean container, and a water tank with a 2L capacity.
The machine’s steel burr grinders are adjustable, featuring a variety of settings that can be easily accessed via the easy-turn knob on the front of the device. You can also adjust the temperature and brew strength.
In addition, the unit also comes with an automatic milk frother that is removable and easy to clean. The removable brew group is also very easy to clean, as it can be removed with just the click of a button.
| Pros | Cons |
| Adjustable steel burr grinders | Slight coffee overflow |
| Lightweight, compact design | |
| Versatile use | |
| 2L water capacity | |
| Automatic milk frother |
What People Are Saying
According to buyer reviews, the MEROL is a great machine that can “do anything more expensive machines can but at a fraction of the cost”. This particular claim is one that has been mentioned repeatedly in product reviews, with most buyers agreeing that the quality of the machine is nearly unbeatable for the price they paid.
In addition, the versatility of the unit has also been noted many times, with reviewers of every coffee preference seeming to enjoy the creativity they get when they use it. There are reports of the unit being successfully used for everything from strong espresso shots to specialty lattes.
The negative reviews of the unit bring to front small issues such as the fact that the pre=set cup sizes within the unit don’t seem to match the volume of actual cups, resulting in overflow. They also mention that, for some people, the espresso churned out is not strong enough – a problem that, according to reviewers, can be remedied with a bit of tweaking.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are a variety of Sage-worthy alternatives on the market. Although not all of them come with a built-in grinder, they are all completely capable of brewing a delicious espresso shot or a perfectly blended latte.
Regardless of which one of our recommendations you choose, we can guarantee that you won’t be disappointed.
Which one of these awesome machines will you be trying? Did we miss any that deserve to be on this list?
