The Sage Bambino espresso machine is designed to be easy to use for coffee beginners and intermediates alike. However, it’s always useful to get some tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your machine. Follow our guide below to make the barista-style espresso at home.
Why we recommend the Sage Bambino
The Sage Bambino’s Thermojet heating system ensures a quick 3-second heat-up time, while its compact size makes it perfect for smaller kitchens. Despite its simplicity, it offers enough customisation to satisfy all coffee lovers.
Before jumping into dialing in, let’s ensure your setup is ready:
- Preparation:
- Ensure your water reservoir is filled with fresh and ideally filtered water to avoid any impurities affecting the flavour of your espresso.
- Preheat the machine by running a blank shot (without coffee). This ensures that the portafilter and group head are at the right temperature.
- Choose Your Beans:
- Our Sage machines come with a free 5 month coffee subscription. Choose between our 6 coffees to find your favourite flavour and we’ll send it to you freshly roasted every month.
- Store your beans in the bag in our coffee tin which comes free with the bundles. This is best kept in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness.
- Grinder and Coffee Scale:
- A good-quality burr grinder is essential for consistent coffee grounds. Check out our grinder selection.
- Use a digital coffee scale to measure your coffee dose accurately. The general starting point is 18-20 grams of coffee for a double shot.
Dialling In Your Espresso
Dialling in means adjusting variables (grind size, dose, tamp pressure, and extraction time) to achieve a balanced espresso shot. The Sage Bambino makes this process straightforward, but precision is key. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Grind Size
- Start Fine: Espresso requires a very fine grind, like table salt. If your coffee tastes sour (under-extracted), your grind might be too coarse. If it tastes bitter (over-extracted), your grind might be too fine.
- Adjust your grinder in small increments until you find the sweet spot.
- Dose
- Weigh your coffee beans before grinding to ensure consistency. The Bambino works best with a double basket, so aim for 18-20 grams of coffee grounds.
- Distribute the grounds evenly in the portafilter to avoid channelling (uneven water flow).
- Tamping
- Use the tamper that comes with the machine to compress the coffee grounds. Apply firm, even pressure to create a level surface.
- Extraction Time
- Lock the portafilter into the group head and start your shot.
- Aim for a shot time of 25-30 seconds for a double espresso. Adjust the grind size if your shot is pulling too fast (under 20 seconds) or too slow (over 35 seconds).
Check out our video guide
Top Tips for the Sage Bambino
- Preheat Everything:
- Always preheat your portafilter, cups, and machine. A consistent temperature is crucial for a great shot of espresso.
- Milk Frothing Mastery:
- The Bambino’s automatic steam wand makes frothing milk a breeze. Use the "Latte" setting for silky microfoam and the "Cappuccino" setting for more textured foam.
- Always purge the steam wand before and after use to keep it clean and functioning optimally.
- Read our guide on how to steam milk properly.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Taste your espresso and adjust one variable at a time. Start with the grind size, then the dose, and finally, extraction time.
- Clean Regularly:
- Regular cleaning ensures consistent performance. Wash the portafilter, basket, and steam wand after each use. Descale the machine every 2-3 months to prevent buildup.
- Experiment with Recipes:
- Once you’ve mastered the basics, try experimenting with different ratios and coffee types to find what you like. For example, a 1:2 ratio (20g coffee to 40g espresso) is standard, but you might prefer a slightly shorter or longer shot.
Something still not tasting right?
- Sour Taste: Try a finer grind or a longer extraction time.
- Bitter Taste: Coarsen the grind or shorten the extraction time.
- Weak Flavour: Increase the dose slightly or ensure you’re tamping evenly.
