How to brew on a Sage Express Impress

The Sage Express Impress is an excellent semi-automatic espresso machine that simplifies the art of coffee making while still giving you hands-on control. If you’re ready to take your coffee game to the next level, here’s a complete guide to using your Sage Express Impress and dialling it in for the perfect cup.

Why we recommend the Sage Express Impress

The Sage Express Impress combines ease of use with professional-grade results. Designed for home baristas, the machine features an integrated grinder, an automated tamping system, and intuitive controls that make it easy to achieve consistent, high-quality espresso.

Before jumping into dialling in, let’s ensure your setup is ready:

1. Preparation:
• Familiarize yourself with its key components, including the integrated grinder, Auto Tamping system, steam wand, and control dials.
• Ensure your water reservoir is filled with fresh and ideally filtered water to avoid any impurities affecting the flavour of your espresso.
2. 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 this to you freshly roasted every month.
• Store your beans in the bag in our free coffee tin which comes in the bundle. This is best kept in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness.

3. Calibrate the Auto Tamping System:

• The Express Impress features an innovative assisted tamping system that ensures even and consistent tamping. Calibrate it by following the steps in the manual to match the dose and grind size to your coffee beans.

     4. Preheat:

• Preheat your machine, portafilter, and cups by running a blank shot (without espresso). This ensures consistent temperature for a better espresso.

Dialing In Your Espresso

Dialing in means adjusting variables (grind size, dose, tamp pressure, and extraction time) to achieve a balanced espresso shot. The Sage Barista Pro’s built-in grinder and precise digital controls make this process intuitive, but here’s how to get it just right:

1. Adjusting the Grind Size

• Use the grind size dial to adjust your coffee grounds. Espresso requires a fine grind, similar to table salt.

2. Setting the Dose

• The Express Impress automatically doses the correct amount of coffee based on the grind size and bean type. A good starting point is 18-20 grams for a double shot.
• Use the manual adjustment feature if you need to increase or decrease the dose slightly for your beans.

3. Distribution and Tamping

• After grinding directly into the portafilter, use a distribution tool or your finger to level the coffee evenly.

4. Extraction Time

• Insert the portafilter into the group head and start the shot. A balanced double shot should take between 25-30 seconds.
• If the shot time is too short or too long, adjust your grind size or dose slightly until you hit the sweet spot.

Check out our video guide

Frothing Milk Like a Pro

The Express Impress comes equipped with a manual steam wand, allowing you to froth milk to your desired texture for lattes, cappuccinos, and more. Here’s how to master it:

1. Purge the Wand:
• Before frothing, purge the steam wand by briefly turning it on to expel any residual water.
2. Position Your Jug:
• Fill your milk jug to the minimum or maximum line. Position the steam wand tip just below the milk’s surface and at a slight angle.
3. Froth and Heat:
• Turn the steam dial and allow air to incorporate into the milk by keeping the tip near the surface for the first few seconds. Once you hear a gentle hissing sound, lower the jug slightly to heat the milk evenly.
• Stop steaming when the jug becomes too hot to touch for more than a few seconds (around 60-65°C).
4. Clean the Wand:
• Wipe the wand with a damp cloth and purge it again to keep it clean and ready for the next use.

Read our guide on how to steam milk properly. 

Top Tips for the Sage Express Impress

1. Preheat Everything:
• Always preheat your machine, portafilter, and cups to ensure temperature stability.
2. Practice Latte Art:
• The manual steam wand allows you to create the silky microfoam needed for latte art. Start with simple shapes like a heart and work your way up to more complex designs.
• Always purge the steam wand before and after use to keep it clean and functioning optimally.
3. 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.
4. 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 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.
• Poor Milk Texture: Ensure the wand is just below the surface and avoid overheating the milk.