How to brew on a Sage Touch Impress

The Sage Touch Impress is a high-end espresso machine designed to simplify and elevate the coffee-making process for home baristas. While the machine takes much of the guesswork out of espresso-making, achieving the perfect cup still requires some fine-tuning. Here's a comprehensive guide to using the Sage Touch Impress and dialling it in for consistently excellent coffee.

Why we recommend the Sage Touch Impress

With its automatic tamping feature, intuitive touch screen, and precision-focused brewing technology, the Sage Touch Impress blends convenience with exceptional quality. With its sleek design, quick heat-up time, and professional-grade results, the Sage Touch Impress is a worthy investment for anyone serious about their coffee.

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

1.Preparation:

• Familiarise yourself with its key components, including the touchscreen, integrated grinder, Auto Tamp system, and steam wand.
• 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 Machine

• The Sage Touch Impress has a calibration process to optimize its tamping and dosing system. Follow the instructions on the screen to set the correct dose and grind size for your beans.

4.Preheat:

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

Dialling In Your Espresso

The Sage Touch Impress automates many steps, but dialling in (adjusting variables to perfect your shot) is still important. Here's how to fine-tune your settings:

1. Adjusting the Grind Size

• Use the grind size dial on the side of the machine. Start with a medium-fine grind (around setting 15 on the Barista Pro as a baseline).
• If your shot pulls too fast (less than 20 seconds), your grind is too coarse. If it pulls too slowly (more than 35 seconds), the grind is too fine.

2. Dose and Tamping

• The Auto Tamp feature is a game-changer. Once you select your desired dose (18-20 grams is a good starting point for a double shot), the machine tamps automatically with the perfect pressure.
• If your shots are too weak or too strong, adjust the dose using the touchscreen interface.

 3. Brew Ratio

• The standard brew ratio is 1:2 (e.g., 18g of coffee to yield 36g of espresso). Use a digital scale to weigh your shot output and ensure consistency.
• Adjust the ratio to suit your taste preferences. For a stronger espresso, aim for a slightly lower yield (e.g., 1:1.5).

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

Perfecting Milk Frothing with the Touch Impress

The Sage Touch Impress features an automatic steam wand that makes frothing milk effortless:

1. Select Your Milk Texture:
• Use the touchscreen to choose between settings like "Latte," "Cappuccino," or "Flat White," depending on the drink you’re making. Each setting adjusts the temperature and texture automatically.
2. Position the Jug:
• Fill your milk jug to the minimum or maximum line and position it under the wand. Ensure the tip is just below the surface of the milk.
3. Let the Machine Do the Work:
• Press the start button, and the machine will froth the milk to your selected texture and temperature.
• Once done, clean the wand by wiping it with a damp cloth and purging it to prevent residue buildup.

Read our full step-by-step How to steam Milk guide

Top Tips for the Sage Touch Impress

1. Preheat Everything:
• Always preheat your machine, portafilter, and cups to ensure temperature stability.
2. Practice Latte Art:
• The Barista Pro’s steam wand creates high-quality microfoam, perfect for latte art. Start simple with a heart shape and progress to more intricate 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.