This channel is wildly underrated, you deserve more subs! Keep up the awesome work, production value here is fantastic! Exactly what I needed to pull the trigger on the Duo Temp myself :) Thank you!
I'm a beginner and i've recently purchased this and am yet to use it. As a beginner i was nervous about the process. I've watched many reviews and videos to help me understand this machine, the processes and the general experience. Your review was by far the most helpful, honest and informative of them all. You've eased any nerves i was having and i'm excited to start brewing :) Keep it up!
Hi! Congrats on your new machine! Thank you for the kind words, it’s great knowing it was helpful! Hope you have fun brewing and enjoy many great coffees from it!
My Bambino plus self destructed a few weeks ago and although I was pretty gutted at the time it turned out to be a massive stroke of luck. Why? I replaced it with the Duo Temp Pro which I was lucky enough to buy new for £299.00. This machine is on a different level to the Bambino. Better coffee, better looking, better in every respect. Heavyweight rather than lightweight. It feels more like a coffee machine for adults whereas the Bambino is more for bambinos.
@@gaborsimko3870 Maybe yes, maybe no. Personally I prefer using the Duo temp pro but there’s not much difference in taste. Good beans and a good grinder make a difference. I recently bought the Eureka Oro which cost more than either of the coffee machines.
@@JackJonnerI purchased my bambino plus second hand and it works fine but I heard that the duo temp pro is easier to fix in case there is an issue with it. How long your bambino worked for before it died?
@@gaborsimko3870 About two years. The problem was that all the lights flashed at the same time and it stuck in that mode. I’ve read that this can happen but not too often. I am happier with the Duo temp pro and it works well with the Eureka Oro Mignon.
I've had mine now for just over 2 years and have to say, I love it. I also have the Sage Pro Grinder. Mod's I've made (same as you) include changing to a bottomless portafilter but I also changed out the basket for one by IMS. I also added bellows to the grinder hopper which removes a surprising amount of ground coffee. I also use a good WDT and a much nicer looking (and solid) tamper.
Best review of the Sage Duo Temp Pro! I am currently looking for a coffee machine as I work in a cafe and have got into making coffee and this review has definetly helped me choose which machine to go for. I like how you have included modifications and is something i will do myself when i get this coffee machine!
Just moving from a deceased pod coffee machine and looking for an entry level espresso machine. Found this review extremely informative and helpful - thank you!
I like mine as well. It is a real bargain relative to some of the Italian machines (like the Gaggia Classic) and the ability to do what you want is what I love. If I had purchased one for my 'permanent' home (I have been working away from there for some time), I would have bought a dual boiler model but this is really great and the price cannot be beat. Along with the Sage Pro Grinder I can pretty much make a few coffees pretty quick. I would recommend it really highly if you aren't into massive customization other than via doing it manually.
@@obscenellama4274 Hi! Thank you for your kind words, glad the video was helpful! Any tips you may need give me a shout! Thanks for being the 100th sub too!
Somehow I always thought that with this 15 bar machine I could not use the non-pressurized basket. Tried some grinding sizes and baskets and all failed. I was about to buy a 9 bar machine to fully control the work flow but then I saw this video and tried the setup again and it worked like a charm. So the key things here are right grinding size, right dose and timing then I have the fuller espresso that I always wanted. Thank you!
I live outside the city and right now getting an espresso means 10-15 minutes bike ride in snow, no thank you. However, today I visited my local coffee shop, got a perfect espresso shot and thought that this is something I need to learn to do myself. I spent the last 4 hours searching for the best beginner option and after watching your review I think this is it. I don't mind the learning curve and I like the idea that compared to some cheaper options at least the machine is not the limiting factor in my journey for the perfect self-made espresso shot :)
That’s great to hear! Yeah this little machine is great for the money. I’ve used a few other cheaper machines of different brands and none come close to what this can achieve with the right knowledge and even a few upgrades can make the world of difference! Hope you enjoy it if you do get one!
Fantastic review thank you. Found your review after having just bought the Duo Temp this week (£298 at John Lewis) and am very much in the infancy of my coffee journey and struggling to get consistent crema with unpressurised the baskets but your review is inspiring thank you and I did smile at your comment about weighing everything as I’m finding myself doing this already. Keep up the good work.
Congratulations on your new machine! Thank you for the kind words, I glad you found it helpful! Do you have your own grinder or are you buying pre ground coffee?
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153 Thank you. I buy fresh beans on a monthly subscription and have been grinding them in a Krups GVX1 but I suspect either the burrs are worn (it’s had a lot of use) or it simply can’t grind fine enough. I also have a Hunt Bros manual burr grinder for camping with my aeropress and after watching your video I just ground 17g using that and the grind is visibly finer so fingers crossed. Seems I need to add the Sage Pro grinder to the Xmas list along with better scales, a distributor and so the list begins 😂😂
@@gnarlysrcgarage6888 Ah ok! It may need a clean out possibly, but I would add the sage grinder to your Xmas list for sure! It’s a rabbit hole , there will always be something you want to try out but that’s the fun of it, experimenting with different equipment and the taste of your espresso! If you need any help or advice give me a shout!
Hi thanks for your review, a really good and clear review. I have been looking at getting a machine for a while now and after watching your review I have just bought mine.
i used to have a delonghi dedica it was my first machine had it for 2 years great starter machine but i got sick of it it only had a pressurised basket but after a few months of owning it i decided to change to a non pressurised basket which worked ok for a year untill last week the gasket kept exploding so i returned it and i was looking at getting this machine as a barista myself this machine looks very profesional and looks like it has really good specs so i decided to order this and go for a big upgrade i really like the video you really explained all the important features and quality of the machine you have helped me choose this machine keep up the great work i liked and subscribed
Hey, is it much better than delonghi dedica? I have one of the manual delonghi and have non pressurised basket and it’s so much better but still not great as it gets a bitter taste a lot of times.
@@decibeldragon1hi sorry for the late reply I would definitely say there is a big difference it was definitely worth the upgrade the pressure and temperature are very consistent and it also comes with non pressurized baskets in the box the stock baskets are actually quite good however I upgraded to the ims precision basket which did improve the shots but it does require a finer grind however as I said the stock basket is actually really good so the upgrade won't be necessary so the machine stock is really good the only thing I changed on it was the basket but I would suggest a decent grinder the grinder is very important I have the sage dose control pro and it's great it's very affordable and offers a huge range of grind settings it grinds very fine I'd also recommend a decent tamper it does come with one but it's quite light and plasticy but it will definitely do the job also the milk jug doesn't have a great spout which means it's very hard to pour latte art however it only affects the latte art it works fine for just making a coffee but basically the machine stock is perfectly fine and id recommend it
nice video! Been deciding between this one and the infuser model. I brew beer and now looking at brewing espresso as well lol. You need more subs, soooooo I'm subbed!
Thank you! I'm glad you found it helpful. Yeah this is a great machine to get into coffee and learn about the basics of brewing espresso. Enjoy your machine and any questions, give me a shout!
I’m worried about , guessing the time for the shot of coffee, is there an advantage of being able to control the time of the shot , and how on earth do I guess this thks for time enjoyed the video..
I find it staggering that this one isn't more popular. In my opinion, this and a Smart Grinder Pro is a better investment than one of the machines with an integrated grinder. I love my setup!
I agree with you there! It's a cracking little machine. I guess the Barista Express has temperature control which is a great feature, but honestly for the money you can't go wrong with this little machine. I hardly see them, Barista Express is the most popular I think, but this is the ideal starter machine for a home setup in my opinion. Glad you're enjoying your setup!
Thankyou , great review , have the Breville version quite happy with it , just wondering best weight of grinds for double shot flat white please , have never weighed it ?
Hi there! Thanks 🙏 hope it helped! I use 17g as a starting point and adjust accordingly from there depending on taste but it’s a small basket so 18g is probably the max. I have done a video on dialling in espresso where I cover some recipes and weights ☺️ hope this helps!
Nice review, thank you. 😊 You have just convinced me to buy this machine and I am will be soon looking to find a decent deal. Unfortunately, I have a stock of pre ground coffee and will need to use it first before I start looking into grinding any beans. I hope it will work. 🤭🤞🏻
Hi there! Amazing! I hope you find a good deal and enjoy the machine! It may be worth trying the pressurised baskets for your pre ground coffee if you do get this machine , the pressurised baskets are a bit more forgiving so your grind doesn’t have to be perfect. I always recommend grinding fresh though, it’s good fun and allows you to get the best tasting espresso possible!
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153 When do you actually start the timer to count those 28 seconds? Once you turn the switch or when the first drop of coffee hits the cup? 😊
Thanks for making the video. Could you help as I'm trying to decide between these two, The Bambino Plus and The Duo-Temp Pro? I want to do experiment but at the same time would like to upgrade my coffee experience.
Thanks very much! Hope you enjoy the upgrades! The cup and saucers I got from IKEA, it was a good few years ago now but I imagine they still have similar, think they cost about £1.50 per set! They are smaller flat white sized
Loved this review. I have already been considering this machine for a while, but this has clinched it for me.. Question: coffee bean recommendations please. P.S. you look and act so much like my daughter, really.
@@HowardJudWalsh Ah nice! Well where do I start?! I really love Origin Coffee, Seven Districts, or you could try some beans from the Coffee roastery I work at which is Ritual Coffee Roasters in the South West Uk 😁
Ive had this machine for ages, but you have just shown me where i have been going wrong, do you have a video on choosing the right beans ?? Or could you point me in the right direction please ??
Ah glad to hear it’s been helpful, thank you for taking the time to watch it! I haven’t done anything on buying beans , however James Hoffman has a great “beginners guide to buying great coffee” which I would recommend!
Wonderful video ,I've got the duo temp I'm on my 3rd one ,living in a hard water area is a grind (See what I did there 🤣( but the most recent one I bought has the upgraded water filter so hopefully it'll be an improvement ,I'm a little sad it's been replaced with the Bambino though but all in all a great little machine 🙏
Hahaha 😂 tell me about it, I'm also in a hard water area. Eeek that sounds expensive 😂 if you haven't already, I wouks strongly suggest you get a water filter for your coffee brewing. As you say there's one in the machine, but I bought a BWT water jug, there's other options out there too that aren't very expensive, and this is just an extra step to ensure your machine doesn't get clogged up! Also filtered water will make your coffee taste waaaay better! Enjoy the new machine!
Great video. We’ve just got the Sage Duo Temp Pro with Sage Smart Grinder but struggling to get the right balance on taste. Can you offer any advice on the below?? Beans are espresso and fresh. 54mm double shot basket, non pressurised. 1. Smart grind to size 14 for 10 seconds to produce 18g of grinds in the basket 2. Distribute and then tamp to Razor height 3. Extract for 28s from point I turn to manual. Thanks for any help 🙏
Hi there! Ok a few questions for you - what’s the roast date on your coffee beans? Also you say the balance is off, what are you tasting out of your shots? We will go from there and see what we can do :)
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153 Thanks for this. So as the basket is 54mm on the Sage DTP should I be aiming for 16g of ground coffee as opposed to 18g? 18g does seem to fit fine. If I should be going for 16g how would your measurements adjust for espresso out? So this morning I did grind size of 18 which took 10 seconds to give approx 18g of grinds in the 54mm basket. I then extracted for 28 seconds and managed to weigh the espresso and it actually came out as just under 80g!! Which obviously seems way off looking at your guide. I did do a test the other day at grind size 8 and the espresso out tasted pretty foul. I’m not sure whether it was bitter or sour (perhaps my pallet is off) but didn’t have a nice after taste. Maybe I should try again and measure the espresso out on the scales (only bought scales yesterday).. Thank you so much for your guidance 🙏
@@spacemonkey118 No problem at all! So I’ve always found that 18g in the stock basket was quite full so I have always stuck to 16g. With espresso we are working with ratios. I would suggest starting with a 1:2 ratio. So I would lower the weight to 16g and aim for 32g out and see how it tastes. You can experiment with other recipes depending on the roast of the beans but I would start with that. It’s also worth noting that if your beans are very fresh, they won’t taste as good as rested beans. It’s a good idea to let your beans rest for a week at least. In this time C02 is released. If beans are too fresh when brewed they can taste quite sour and very acidic. Hope this helps, I will also be releasing a new video later on today dialling in coffees on the Sage Duo Temp so this might help you too!
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153 Oh amazing thank you so much. Do you think I should grind finer as well to reduce the weight of the espresso out? I have been using Taylor’s of Harrogate espresso beans but moving to Lavazza Barista espresso intenso beans. Thanks again 🙏 and can’t wait for the new video
@@spacemonkey118 yeah I would bring a bit finer because you’re reducing your weight, therefore there water is going to pass through the puck faster. Hope this helps and let me know how you get on
Thank you 😊 I bought this machine a week ago and I’ve not made a nice tasting cup yet. Now that I’ve just bought the Sage/Breville pro grinder, and watched this excellent video, I feel that’s going to change! I want to make two cups at once (using the larger coffee basket). Therefore do I measure 36g of coffee (double) and extract for the same 28 seconds you suggested please?
Hello! Congratulations on getting your machine! The recipe I used in this vidoe is 18g of coffee in the larger basket (double shot) and I weighed the liquid I got out which was 36g and the extraction time was 28 seconds. I would start with 18g in the double shot basket and aim for a 25-35 second extraction time. If its too fast, make your grind finer. Too slow, make it a bit coarser. Play around until you find what you enjoy for your coffee! Happy brewing!
Great video, good overview of the machine. Do you have to let it cool down or run some water through it if you go from steaming to espresso? And does it come with a blind portafilter basket for doing a backflush clean? Thank you (:
Hiya thanks for the feedback! I tend to give the machine a few mins to cool down between drinks - if you turn the dial it will still run hot water through after steaming though, but I give it a minute to settle down. From espresso to steaming there is sometimes a little delay for the steam function to kick in, so I would advise just giving it a minute so it doesn't cut out whilst steaming. When I turn the machine on I'll leave it 10 mins or so to warm up before brewing so it's at the right temperature too. The machine comes with cleaning tools, if you click on the machine link in the description, there is a picture of them on there :) hope this helps!
Very helpful review. Only thing I don’t really get is the 36g of coffee for a double shot. Is that an idiosyncrasy of the machine or grinder? 36g is more than double the amount I use in my Rancilio Silvia for a perfect flat white - my basic formula is 15g of coffee (ground in a Rancilio Rocky at setting 4) producing 60ml of espresso in 22-25 seconds. I’m puzzled. Any thoughts?
Hi! Thanks very much :) as a very basic rule (I kept it simple for beginners) espresso ratios work off 1:2 - so in this case I put 18g of dry coffee in, getting roughly 36g out. Another basic rule is extraction time between 25-35 seconds. Of course this can change depending on your taste and the coffee your using. This is a basic rule to start with and adjust to your taste, but it’s an industry standard for brewing espresso. Hope this makes sense!
This video is super helpful! thank you. I'm new to home espresso and trying to strike a balance between cost, quality and also im really keen to have a manual machine. Does the scale fit under easily? And do you find it ends up getting messy putting the scale under? How did you work out how long to let the espresso pull through?
Hi! Welcome to the world of espresso! Ok firstly the drip tray is a bit small for larger scales - I had to turn mine sideways however for espresso I would recommend a smaller scales anyway as opposed to the size I have. Espresso does get a bit messy so bear that in mind so it’s a good idea to look for a scales that is waterproof. So for espresso brewing the basic rule is a 25-35 second extraction. That is the moment you turn the dial on until the moment you turn it off. Use this a base and taste to see what you like best as it varies with different coffees and your taste of course! As for beans I would highly recommend getting a grinder and grinder your beans fresh for the best flavour and this will give you a chance to learn more about coffee and getting the best out of it. Try and find a coffee roaster that can tell you where their coffee is from, the farm etc traceability is great and as opposed to supermarket bought coffee it’s more likely the farmer has been paid a fair wage and you will get better tasting coffee! Hope this helps, any more questions give me a shout!
Hi thank you for this review! So helpful. Currently in the UK the DTP is on sale and cheaper than the base Bambino model (with a manual steam wand). Would you recommend the DTP over the Bambino? It's about 50 quid cheaper!
Thank you for your excellent review of the sage machine. I have just purchased this machine and it will arrive tomorrow. One quick question: What size tamper in mm did you upgrade to?
Hi! You’re welcome, I hope it was useful! This machine has a 54mm porta filter so you’ll need a 53mm tamp for it. I got mine from Amazon but there’s others about, Motta make one with a nice wood handle! I hope you enjoy your new machine!
All depends on what you’re after. It can be easy to underestimate how much prep and dialling in can go into home espresso, so it’s not for everyone! Just depends on how simple you want it. It can be as easy or as complex as you’d like it to be!
Thanks for the review. The one thing I wish you had done, was go into more detail about the foam wand. I recently purchased a cheap Bonsen Kitchen from Amazon. It’s an ok machine for the price, but was very disappointed by the time it takes to steam the milk. How fast/ efficient is the wand?
Hi! Thanks for the feedback! The steam wand is a bit slower than other machines especially as you have to steam milk and do shots separately . If you do your coffee shot first you need to wait for the steam wand to heat up before you can steam. It is great for texturing milk with practise and a lot of people find the slower steaming better for practising milk texturing as opposed to a fast steam wand but as someone who is used to commercial machines I did find it a bit slow. I’ve not tested it but I imagine for faster steaming something like the dual boiler will be a bit quicker!
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153 thanks for your speedy reply. I am considering purchasing this model, which I believe is now at £279 (and perhaps less with the sales), unless there is another model number I have missed? The texturing of milk is something I have yet to master. Do you have any videos on this?
@@elpacko7687 That sounds about right for this machine As for tutorials I haven’t done a video on milk steaming yet, just an interesting one using instant coffee and dish soap to practise latte art. There will be a milk steaming one coming in 2022 hopefully 👍
Hi! Thank you! I probably wouldn’t recommend this for a coffee cart , I don’t think it would be able to keep up with heavier than home use on a day to day basis. It’s designed to make a few coffees each day. What is your budget and I may be able to recommend some things to you!
Hi ,love the video, I'm trying to get into home barista set up, I have a niche grinder, which I bought to go with a (ordered) 2nd hand sage dual boiler which I've just been told is out of stock. I can send the niche back . Would it be better to keep the niche and get this sage on your video, or , another grinderless machine ie lelit , gaggia etc. Best regards Douglas.
Hiya! Very nice getting a niche grinder, I would for sure keep that grinder! It’s important to get a brilliant grinder and niche i have been told, has loads of options for adjustments and fine tuning your espresso. It depends how into your home espresso you want to get. This Sage I have reviewed does not have water temperature control so you may not get the desired espresso if you’re brewing lighter roasts for example where you may want to adjust the temperature. It’s a great starter machine in my opinion so you could always upgrade the machine in the future if you feel the need. I haven’t tested any other home espresso machines other than this one and the very beautiful Gaggia Ruby which is a much higher end espresso machine so I can’t recommend any others without trying them. It all comes down to what you require out of your machine, but the niche is meant to be a great grinder so I would stick with it! Hope this helps and good luck with your search!
Great explanation for beginners, but you should have mentioned not to ever use the pressurized filter baskets on a bottomless portafilter or they'll mess up the kitchen
Oh no 😂 Bottomless are great for fine tuning your espresso a bit more and learning more about extraction, but no, I wouldn't recommend using pressurised baskets on bottomless filters! Hope it wasn't too much of a mess 😱
I'm interested in purchasing an espresso machine (I've just bought the Sage Smart grinder pro, originally to use with a french press & aeropress). Would you recommend this over the Sage Bambino plus? I was looking at the Bambino plus, but wondered if the increased automation came at the cost of reduced quality? Interesting review, particularly with the wee upgrade suggestions, hardly any of which I'd have even thought of!
Hi there! Thank you very much, glad it was helpful! I’ve not used the Bambino line myself so I can’t give a fair judgement I’m afraid. I will say I’ve never like the idea of the automated steaming. It’s way more fun to learn yourself in my opinion and position the jug in the correct way. In terms of quality , I haven’t heard any negative stuff, it’s smaller than the duo temp which attracts people for space reasons! Also the BambinoPlus does have shot buttons rather than a dial if that’s a preference. It’s also worth noting that there is a Bambino which comes without the automated steaming and at less of a price. Just depends what you’re after! Hope this helps!
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153 that's all good information - I'm probably going to go with the Bambino plus as, although I'm willing to learn about the finer arts of espresso, I'm also looking for convenience. I'm a shift worker & I'm not at my best at 3am if I'm working early shifts🤣. I could see me eventually getting something bigger & better, but the Bambino plus seems like a good "starter" machine. Space IS a consideration too, as our kitchen isn't the largest. I can also get a great deal on the Bambino plus that isn't available with the Bambino. I'm not averse to a good Flat White though & would definitely try a manual milk steaming, but the auto function might be a good starting point. Also found a single dose/plunger mod for the Sage Smart grinder pro which I'll try - although I'm wishing I'd waited & bought a Niche Zero now! Also bought a good combined distributor/tamper, tamping mat (also thinking of a bottomless portafilter too). Thanks again for the great info👍
Great vid ! Could I pick your brain a bit ? I have a this maching and sage dose control pro as a grinder. I tried so many coffees and setting and my espresso is sour or extremly sour... I heat the maching and portafilter, iI grind quite fine 17g into 34-36g espresso in 28 sec range and still... I tried around 7 different coffees, no joy. Any ideas ?
Hiya! Tha k you very much! Sorry to hear you've not got the espresso you're looking for yet! Are you using light roast beans or medium roast? This machine doesn't have temperature control for the water so lighter roasts will be more of a challenge and often taste a bit sour. I would suggest pushing that extraction time further by drinking finer and pushing it to 30 seconds and above. I have made coffees that numbers wise would be over extracted, but tastes way better that way. Don't be afraid to try it and see what the results are. Let me know how you get on 👍
Hi there. Great review. Just wanted to know besides not being a common portafilter size, are there any other downsides to the 54mm? From my research 58mm seems to be common. Would you recommend this over the sage Bambino plus? Current mulling over options as I take the dive into espressos - currently on V60 and aeropress.
Hi, thank you! I've not personally noticed any other downsides with the 54mm vs 58mm to be honest. 58mm tends to be used on commercial machines or higher end home machines, however the Gaggia Classic Pro does use a 58mm if you wanted to look into that too. The key differences between the Bambino plus and the Duo temp, is the Bambino has a few more automatic features such as the automatic milk steaming option, although you can do it manually too. It depends if you want to be more hands on, I have not tried the Bambino myself but I know people who enjoy using it. It also I belive only comes with pressurised baskets, which may be helpful if you're learning, but the Duo Temp comes with both so you have the option. Hope this helps, any other questions, give me a shout!
Hi there, this is a great review and thank you! I'm considering the duo temp Pro at black Friday if it significantly drops in price. My only hesitation is that the plan is to use it with a wilfa uniform grinder thst many say its not good enough for espresso despite having espresso settings. I would be grateful if you could share your opinion on this. 🙂
Hi there! Thanks for the kind words! I have not had any user experience with the Wilfa Uniform I’m afraid. The machine does come with pressurised baskets which are designed to be used if you’re grind isn’t quite exact however. I imagine the issue people are referring to is maybe not enough adjustability when changing the grind , there’s not fine enough adjustments maybe. You could maybe see what sage grinders are also in sale. I’ve had user experience with these and they have a good amount of adjustment to really fine tune your shots. It’s tricky for me to say as I haven’t tried the Wilfa , however at this time of video I was using a budget Rhino Gear hand grinder and good some good results when I read online people were saying it was no good for espresso. I think if you want the machine regardless give it a go! You can always upgrade the grinder. Hope this helps :)
Hey, fantastic video - thanks so much! Helped me decide to buy this as my first manual machine. Really pleased with it. I managed to pick one up in a used bundle with a Eureka Mignon grinder, so I've got what I need to get a decent espresso grind! I've got the scales and have started experimenting with aiming for a recipe - weighing, timing the shot etc. Got a couple of geeky questions... Is your recipe in the video precisely what you aim for or just your readings for that particular shot? (18g coffee, 38g out in 28sec) If it is your recipe for dialing in your shot, is it the result of experimenting (since it's not the 18 in, 36 out / 1:2 ratio I've seen in other videos - though of course it's very close) And the second question is, when do you turn off the machine relative to the 28 seconds you refer to as your shot time? To clarify what's behind the second question... I've noticed that after I stop the pump, several more grams of coffee drip through in about 5 seconds - so far I've been stopping the machine at 26 seconds and it's delivering a few more grams of coffee from drips until 30+ seconds have elapsed. I can already tell the difference in taste that results from small adjustments as to when you stop the shot - are you including the time it takes for the dripping after you've stopped the machine in your 28 sec, and the extra grams in the final shot this accounts for, or are you stopping the timer at the exact same time as when you stop the machine? This all already feels like a huge rabbit hole lol, but these measurements are really precise, so I'm thinking where they start and stop matters! Thanks again for taking the time to do this and to respond to comments on here 🙏🏻
Hiya! Thanks so much, I’m glad it was helpful! Ah yes the rabbit hole of coffee brewing! So for my recipe this was what I found to be the best extraction for this particular coffee bean. It’s really important to note that these numbers vary from coffee to coffee. Some coffees I’ve dialled in I have found so much nicer at the higher end of the extraction whereas some taste nicer that bit lower. It’s all about trying different extraction times and seeing what works for that coffee and also what you enjoy out of it! I included my recipe as I got asked a lot about dry weight for the sage machines and what figures I get out :) As far as timing goes, I always start the timer as soon as I turn the dial and stop timing when I turn it off. If you notice a difference flavour wise letting it drip a bit more then that’s cool! There’s no right or wrong when brewing coffee at home, it’s all about what you enjoy and you’ll only find that out by experimenting and delving into it! I’m glad you’ve got a fantastic grinder to accompany your machine , that’s a very important piece to invest in as it will just make the world of difference with your espresso! I hope this helps a bit , but brew coffee how you enjoy it and keep experimenting, it is super fun!
Thank you for your detailed review, I have a V60 and find it fantastic but I cannot get it to brew strong enough coffee for Cappuccino so I was thinking of getting one of these for that reason alone because I am not keen on espresso. Would you say it is worth purchasing for just this reason or is there other options I can look at. Thank you and I do hope you get more subscribers because you have a natural talent, BTW you have the best review on this machine that I have found on YT.
Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad you found the review helpful. As for your question, v60 and pourover are best as black coffee, if you want a cappuccino, latte, flat white etc then you want to have an espresso base, and this machine can do that! You will need to decide if you want to make the espresso and steam the milk as I demonstrated on this machine, or if you want something like a bean to cup that you push a button and it makes it for you. I think this is a good entry level machine for making coffee yourself if you want to get into that side of things. Let me know if you need any more help :)
Hi, great videos and information. My daughter and i have the same machine here in Australia. I have been weighing and timing shots and had some great results but i am not sure when to start the timer for the 25ish seconds/36g out. I have seen some recommending to start from when you turn the dial to Espress, then others say from the first drip. I would like to know your thoughts on this..... or.... do we dose, tamp then just turn it on until it looks like the right amount of coffee in the cup, don't over think it ? I also find i can get slightly different results on different days, haha. Glen, South Australia.
Hi Glen! Thank you for the good feedback! I have always timed from the moment I turn the dial. Water will be infusing the puck at this stage so in my opinion it would count to the extraction process of water passing through the coffee. There's mixed opinions on this subject but that's what I've always done with great tasting results! Also it's good to look at your coffee, the flow rate coming out, the colour and crema, and of course the taste. We all have different preferences so what I like may not be what you like! Some coffees I've tried have tasted amazing being technically over extracted at the 37 second mark, so there's also that. Have fun and enjoy experimenting and seeing what you enjoy out of a certain coffee!
Hello ! Wath hapenned to the name Breville ?? Is Breville is now Sage ? I have exatcly the same espresso machine name '' Breville Duo Temp pro '' sold in Canada 2019. Thanks
Hi there! I wouldn't recommend this machine for a small cafe, it's very much a home coffee machine. I would suggest one that can be plumbed into mains water to save you re filling water and that can keep up with making a lot of espresso throughout the day. You could look at Fracino or Gaggia (I'm currently using the Gaggia Ruby) but something more suited for commercial use so you can keep up with orders!
Hey I'm new to the channel and really think you've got hight quality content and you'll get the subs you deserve I had a question I'm new to home coffee and would like a set up that's not terribly expensive. My options are sage duo temp pro with a second hand grinder vs sage Barista Express (looking secondhand). Would you imagine there's much difference between the two machines purely in terms of coffee quality?
Hi there! That’s very kind of you to say, thank you 🙏 There’s a few differences between the two. I have not used the barista express before, but on paper the Barista express has the grinder built in of course, but it also has adjustable water temperature which is great for getting the best out of your coffee, say you use both light and darker roasted coffee , you will get better tasting results with the temperature being adjusted for each. You also have the benefit of the programmable shot buttons in the Express so you don’t have to stop your coffee manually. I think either will be a great beginner option for you , but I think in my opinion , the more you learn on your espresso journey you will probably find yourself wanting to upgrade if you go with the duo temp. Good luck on your journey and have fun! Give me a shout if you need any more help!
Hi there! Will this be your first home espresso machine? So the key differences between them are obviously the barista pro has the built in grinder, with the duo temp you’ll need to purchase a grinder separately. The pro also has adjustable water temperature which is a game changer, especially if you want to brew some lighter roasted coffees, and it will just help you get the best flavour from each coffee in my opinion. I haven’t used the pro myself , however I think if I were to choose again I would go for the pro for these main features. It all depends what you are looking for with home brewing espresso yourself
What grinder do you have? Different beans will require different recipes and grinds and you may find one day it's dialled in great, and the next it needs to be adjusted. Coffee changes day by day, or are you noticing a big difference in the grind visually?
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153 I have a cheap Andrew James electric grinder, when I grind with it, it is not the same grind consistency throughout. Some bits are course and some are fine.
@@simonmurphy3837 Ah! So that's most likely a blade grinder as opposed to a burr grinder. Blade grinders don't produce a very consistent and even grind, they "chop" the beans. I would highly reccomend a burr grinder for consistent results, especially if your using it to make espresso. There are many great burr hand grinders on the market that don't cost a fortune, such as the Rhino Coffee Gear one I've reviewed. It will make the whole world of difference!
Hi there, I have just purchased one of these machines, I am having trouble with the grind texture and extraction , my pump has stopped on several occasions. Has this happened to your machine? Love the videos, cheers 👍
Hiya, thanks very much! If nothing comes out of your shot it means your grind is too fine. It's essentially chocking the machine because no water can filter through your coffee grounds, so if you try making your grind coarser, step by step until you get a good tasting shot between 25-35 sec extraction. What grinder are you using?
Hi, thanks so much for your swift response, we ordered coffee online, it came pre ground, it was a very fine grind, I have ordered beans this time. I need to invest in a quality grinder. Thanks Mark
@@markjames9487 You're welcome! Ah yes pre ground can be tricky for home machines, you'll be able to dial in your coffee a lot better by grinding it yourself. Let me know if you need any help with a grinder, I've linked the Sage grinder in the description if you wanted to look into that one :)
You said crema is delicious. Isn't crema very bitter and isn't best to remove it with the double spoon technique? Just watched a james Hoffmann video xD
Hi, I was referring to the crema out of the bottomless portafilter being way nicer visually than the stock one. Either way, I’ve never scraped off the crema from my espresso. I use a spoon to stir it into my espresso, and for milk based drinks I swirl the cup a bit. I haven’t watched the video your referring to but I’m sure there’s some interesting points raised about crema! Either way, how you like your coffee is the right way !
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153 might be worth trying to remove it. I noticed it just makes the coffee less bitter. You might like it and you might not but no harm in trying. The video is called "crema explained" if you wanna check it out :)
This channel is wildly underrated, you deserve more subs! Keep up the awesome work, production value here is fantastic! Exactly what I needed to pull the trigger on the Duo Temp myself :) Thank you!
Ah thank you! That’s very kind! I hope you enjoy your new machine! Any questions just give me a shout 👍
I'm a beginner and i've recently purchased this and am yet to use it. As a beginner i was nervous about the process. I've watched many reviews and videos to help me understand this machine, the processes and the general experience. Your review was by far the most helpful, honest and informative of them all. You've eased any nerves i was having and i'm excited to start brewing :) Keep it up!
Hi! Congrats on your new machine! Thank you for the kind words, it’s great knowing it was helpful! Hope you have fun brewing and enjoy many great coffees from it!
My Bambino plus self destructed a few weeks ago and although I was pretty gutted at the time it turned out to be a massive stroke of luck. Why? I replaced it with the Duo Temp Pro which I was lucky enough to buy new for £299.00. This machine is on a different level to the Bambino. Better coffee, better looking, better in every respect. Heavyweight rather than lightweight. It feels more like a coffee machine for adults whereas the Bambino is more for bambinos.
I’m also having a bambino plus now but thinking to move to the duo temp pro. Does it really worth it to swap to this machine?
@@gaborsimko3870 Maybe yes, maybe no. Personally I prefer using the Duo temp pro but there’s not much difference in taste. Good beans and a good grinder make a difference. I recently bought the Eureka Oro which cost more than either of the coffee machines.
@@JackJonnerI purchased my bambino plus second hand and it works fine but I heard that the duo temp pro is easier to fix in case there is an issue with it. How long your bambino worked for before it died?
@@gaborsimko3870 About two years. The problem was that all the lights flashed at the same time and it stuck in that mode. I’ve read that this can happen but not too often. I am happier with the Duo temp pro and it works well with the Eureka Oro Mignon.
I've had mine now for just over 2 years and have to say, I love it. I also have the Sage Pro Grinder.
Mod's I've made (same as you) include changing to a bottomless portafilter but I also changed out the basket for one by IMS. I also added bellows to the grinder hopper which removes a surprising amount of ground coffee. I also use a good WDT and a much nicer looking (and solid) tamper.
Sounds great! It’s amazing what a difference a few little upgrades can make!
Best review of the Sage Duo Temp Pro! I am currently looking for a coffee machine as I work in a cafe and have got into making coffee and this review has definetly helped me choose which machine to go for. I like how you have included modifications and is something i will do myself when i get this coffee machine!
Hi! Thanks so much for your kind words! Glad it helped, and I hope you enjoy your machine! Any questions just give me a shout!
Just moving from a deceased pod coffee machine and looking for an entry level espresso machine. Found this review extremely informative and helpful - thank you!
Ah brilliant! I hope you enjoy this one of you do get it!
I like mine as well. It is a real bargain relative to some of the Italian machines (like the Gaggia Classic) and the ability to do what you want is what I love. If I had purchased one for my 'permanent' home (I have been working away from there for some time), I would have bought a dual boiler model but this is really great and the price cannot be beat. Along with the Sage Pro Grinder I can pretty much make a few coffees pretty quick. I would recommend it really highly if you aren't into massive customization other than via doing it manually.
Thanks very much, as someone just getting into good home brewed coffee this was exactly what I needed to watch. You deserve more subs.
Also, congrats on 100 subs
@@obscenellama4274 Hi! Thank you for your kind words, glad the video was helpful! Any tips you may need give me a shout! Thanks for being the 100th sub too!
Just happened on one of these machines today, and I'm excited to give it a try. Thanks for the tips on how to get the most out of it!
Ah thanks very much for watching! Hope it helped and I hope you enjoy your new machine!
Had mine since 2016 best appliance esspresso machine bang for buck
That is an awesome home brew machine, great video, so well produced, you deserve way more subscribers. 😄👍🏻☕️☕️
Thank you so much Simon! Glad you enjoyed it!
Somehow I always thought that with this 15 bar machine I could not use the non-pressurized basket. Tried some grinding sizes and baskets and all failed. I was about to buy a 9 bar machine to fully control the work flow but then I saw this video and tried the setup again and it worked like a charm. So the key things here are right grinding size, right dose and timing then I have the fuller espresso that I always wanted. Thank you!
That’s great to hear! So glad it helped and hopefully you’re enjoying some great tasting espresso!
I live outside the city and right now getting an espresso means 10-15 minutes bike ride in snow, no thank you. However, today I visited my local coffee shop, got a perfect espresso shot and thought that this is something I need to learn to do myself. I spent the last 4 hours searching for the best beginner option and after watching your review I think this is it. I don't mind the learning curve and I like the idea that compared to some cheaper options at least the machine is not the limiting factor in my journey for the perfect self-made espresso shot :)
That’s great to hear! Yeah this little machine is great for the money. I’ve used a few other cheaper machines of different brands and none come close to what this can achieve with the right knowledge and even a few upgrades can make the world of difference! Hope you enjoy it if you do get one!
Fantastic review thank you. Found your review after having just bought the Duo Temp this week (£298 at John Lewis) and am very much in the infancy of my coffee journey and struggling to get consistent crema with unpressurised the baskets but your review is inspiring thank you and I did smile at your comment about weighing everything as I’m finding myself doing this already. Keep up the good work.
Congratulations on your new machine! Thank you for the kind words, I glad you found it helpful! Do you have your own grinder or are you buying pre ground coffee?
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153 Thank you. I buy fresh beans on a monthly subscription and have been grinding them in a Krups GVX1 but I suspect either the burrs are worn (it’s had a lot of use) or it simply can’t grind fine enough. I also have a Hunt Bros manual burr grinder for camping with my aeropress and after watching your video I just ground 17g using that and the grind is visibly finer so fingers crossed. Seems I need to add the Sage Pro grinder to the Xmas list along with better scales, a distributor and so the list begins 😂😂
@@gnarlysrcgarage6888 Ah ok! It may need a clean out possibly, but I would add the sage grinder to your Xmas list for sure! It’s a rabbit hole , there will always be something you want to try out but that’s the fun of it, experimenting with different equipment and the taste of your espresso! If you need any help or advice give me a shout!
Hi thanks for your review, a really good and clear review. I have been looking at getting a machine for a while now and after watching your review I have just bought mine.
That's great news! How exciting! Give me a shout if you have any questions! Happy brewing 😁
Love mine! Found at homegoods for $175, so a great deal
i used to have a delonghi dedica it was my first machine had it for 2 years great starter machine but i got sick of it it only had a pressurised basket but after a few months of owning it i decided to change to a non pressurised basket which worked ok for a year untill last week the gasket kept exploding so i returned it and i was looking at getting this machine as a barista myself this machine looks very profesional and looks like it has really good specs so i decided to order this and go for a big upgrade i really like the video you really explained all the important features and quality of the machine you have helped me choose this machine keep up the great work i liked and subscribed
Hey, is it much better than delonghi dedica? I have one of the manual delonghi and have non pressurised basket and it’s so much better but still not great as it gets a bitter taste a lot of times.
@@decibeldragon1hi sorry for the late reply I would definitely say there is a big difference it was definitely worth the upgrade the pressure and temperature are very consistent and it also comes with non pressurized baskets in the box the stock baskets are actually quite good however I upgraded to the ims precision basket which did improve the shots but it does require a finer grind however as I said the stock basket is actually really good so the upgrade won't be necessary so the machine stock is really good the only thing I changed on it was the basket but I would suggest a decent grinder the grinder is very important I have the sage dose control pro and it's great it's very affordable and offers a huge range of grind settings it grinds very fine I'd also recommend a decent tamper it does come with one but it's quite light and plasticy but it will definitely do the job also the milk jug doesn't have a great spout which means it's very hard to pour latte art however it only affects the latte art it works fine for just making a coffee but basically the machine stock is perfectly fine and id recommend it
Thanks for your time much appreciated.
Thanks for watching! Hope it was useful
nice video! Been deciding between this one and the infuser model. I brew beer and now looking at brewing espresso as well lol. You need more subs, soooooo I'm subbed!
Ah thank you so much!
Really helpful and useful information! Thank you ☺️ looking forward to using my new machine now as these manuals are soooo basic!!
Ah thank you very much, I’m glad it was useful!
Amazing quality video. I was umming and ahing over getting one, but I’m just gonna do it. I see it turning me into a coffee nerd for sure.
Thank you! I'm glad you found it helpful. Yeah this is a great machine to get into coffee and learn about the basics of brewing espresso. Enjoy your machine and any questions, give me a shout!
Really informative thank you. Also love the aesthetic of the area.
Thanks very much for the kind words, glad you found it useful!
Great review thankyou, just getting into coffees and looking at getting this. 😬
Ah thank you! Glad it was helpful! Any questions give me a shout!
I’m worried about , guessing the time for the shot of coffee, is there an advantage of being able to control the time of the shot , and how on earth do I guess this thks for time enjoyed the video..
I find it staggering that this one isn't more popular. In my opinion, this and a Smart Grinder Pro is a better investment than one of the machines with an integrated grinder. I love my setup!
I agree with you there! It's a cracking little machine. I guess the Barista Express has temperature control which is a great feature, but honestly for the money you can't go wrong with this little machine. I hardly see them, Barista Express is the most popular I think, but this is the ideal starter machine for a home setup in my opinion. Glad you're enjoying your setup!
Thankyou , great review , have the Breville version quite happy with it , just wondering best weight of grinds for double shot flat white please , have never weighed it ?
Hi there! Thanks 🙏 hope it helped! I use 17g as a starting point and adjust accordingly from there depending on taste but it’s a small basket so 18g is probably the max. I have done a video on dialling in espresso where I cover some recipes and weights ☺️ hope this helps!
Nice review, thank you. 😊
You have just convinced me to buy this machine and I am will be soon looking to find a decent deal. Unfortunately, I have a stock of pre ground coffee and will need to use it first before I start looking into grinding any beans. I hope it will work. 🤭🤞🏻
Hi there! Amazing! I hope you find a good deal and enjoy the machine! It may be worth trying the pressurised baskets for your pre ground coffee if you do get this machine , the pressurised baskets are a bit more forgiving so your grind doesn’t have to be perfect. I always recommend grinding fresh though, it’s good fun and allows you to get the best tasting espresso possible!
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153 When do you actually start the timer to count those 28 seconds? Once you turn the switch or when the first drop of coffee hits the cup? 😊
@@krzysztofm.5639 From when I turn the dial :)
Thanks for making the video. Could you help as I'm trying to decide between these two, The Bambino Plus and The Duo-Temp Pro?
I want to do experiment but at the same time would like to upgrade my coffee experience.
Amazing video I literally bought all your upgrades! Where are those mugs from?
Thanks very much! Hope you enjoy the upgrades! The cup and saucers I got from IKEA, it was a good few years ago now but I imagine they still have similar, think they cost about £1.50 per set! They are smaller flat white sized
Hi
What of material is built the pipe of thermoblock?
Loved this review. I have already been considering this machine for a while, but this has clinched it for me.. Question: coffee bean recommendations please. P.S. you look and act so much like my daughter, really.
Hiya! Haha that’s funny! As far a coffee recommendation go, are you UK based?
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153 Hi. Yep. Manchester.
@@HowardJudWalsh Ah nice! Well where do I start?! I really love Origin Coffee, Seven Districts, or you could try some beans from the Coffee roastery I work at which is Ritual Coffee Roasters in the South West Uk 😁
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153 Thank you. I will try.
Ive had this machine for ages, but you have just shown me where i have been going wrong, do you have a video on choosing the right beans ?? Or could you point me in the right direction please ??
Ah glad to hear it’s been helpful, thank you for taking the time to watch it! I haven’t done anything on buying beans , however James Hoffman has a great “beginners guide to buying great coffee” which I would recommend!
Thanks for the review - super helpful! Subscribed :)
Ah thank you! Glad you found it helpful and thanks for subscribing!
what's the song playing at around 9:10 when you're making the shot?
I'm thinking about getting it.
Wonderful video ,I've got the duo temp I'm on my 3rd one ,living in a hard water area is a grind
(See what I did there 🤣( but the most recent one I bought has the upgraded water filter so hopefully it'll be an improvement ,I'm a little sad it's been replaced with the Bambino though but all in all a great little machine 🙏
Hahaha 😂 tell me about it, I'm also in a hard water area. Eeek that sounds expensive 😂 if you haven't already, I wouks strongly suggest you get a water filter for your coffee brewing. As you say there's one in the machine, but I bought a BWT water jug, there's other options out there too that aren't very expensive, and this is just an extra step to ensure your machine doesn't get clogged up! Also filtered water will make your coffee taste waaaay better! Enjoy the new machine!
Great video. We’ve just got the Sage Duo Temp Pro with Sage Smart Grinder but struggling to get the right balance on taste. Can you offer any advice on the below?? Beans are espresso and fresh. 54mm double shot basket, non pressurised.
1. Smart grind to size 14 for 10 seconds to produce 18g of grinds in the basket
2. Distribute and then tamp to Razor height
3. Extract for 28s from point I turn to manual.
Thanks for any help 🙏
Hi there!
Ok a few questions for you - what’s the roast date on your coffee beans?
Also you say the balance is off, what are you tasting out of your shots?
We will go from there and see what we can do :)
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153
Thanks for this. So as the basket is 54mm on the Sage DTP should I be aiming for 16g of ground coffee as opposed to 18g? 18g does seem to fit fine. If I should be going for 16g how would your measurements adjust for espresso out?
So this morning I did grind size of 18 which took 10 seconds to give approx 18g of grinds in the 54mm basket. I then extracted for 28 seconds and managed to weigh the espresso and it actually came out as just under 80g!! Which obviously seems way off looking at your guide. I did do a test the other day at grind size 8 and the espresso out tasted pretty foul. I’m not sure whether it was bitter or sour (perhaps my pallet is off) but didn’t have a nice after taste. Maybe I should try again and measure the espresso out on the scales (only bought scales yesterday)..
Thank you so much for your guidance 🙏
@@spacemonkey118 No problem at all! So I’ve always found that 18g in the stock basket was quite full so I have always stuck to 16g. With espresso we are working with ratios. I would suggest starting with a 1:2 ratio. So I would lower the weight to 16g and aim for 32g out and see how it tastes. You can experiment with other recipes depending on the roast of the beans but I would start with that.
It’s also worth noting that if your beans are very fresh, they won’t taste as good as rested beans. It’s a good idea to let your beans rest for a week at least. In this time C02 is released. If beans are too fresh when brewed they can taste quite sour and very acidic.
Hope this helps, I will also be releasing a new video later on today dialling in coffees on the Sage Duo Temp so this might help you too!
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153 Oh amazing thank you so much. Do you think I should grind finer as well to reduce the weight of the espresso out? I have been using Taylor’s of Harrogate espresso beans but moving to Lavazza Barista espresso intenso beans. Thanks again 🙏 and can’t wait for the new video
@@spacemonkey118 yeah I would bring a bit finer because you’re reducing your weight, therefore there water is going to pass through the puck faster. Hope this helps and let me know how you get on
Thank you 😊 I bought this machine a week ago and I’ve not made a nice tasting cup yet. Now that I’ve just bought the Sage/Breville pro grinder, and watched this excellent video, I feel that’s going to change! I want to make two cups at once (using the larger coffee basket). Therefore do I measure 36g of coffee (double) and extract for the same 28 seconds you suggested please?
Hello! Congratulations on getting your machine! The recipe I used in this vidoe is 18g of coffee in the larger basket (double shot) and I weighed the liquid I got out which was 36g and the extraction time was 28 seconds. I would start with 18g in the double shot basket and aim for a 25-35 second extraction time. If its too fast, make your grind finer. Too slow, make it a bit coarser. Play around until you find what you enjoy for your coffee! Happy brewing!
Great video, good overview of the machine. Do you have to let it cool down or run some water through it if you go from steaming to espresso?
And does it come with a blind portafilter basket for doing a backflush clean?
Thank you (:
Hiya thanks for the feedback! I tend to give the machine a few mins to cool down between drinks - if you turn the dial it will still run hot water through after steaming though, but I give it a minute to settle down. From espresso to steaming there is sometimes a little delay for the steam function to kick in, so I would advise just giving it a minute so it doesn't cut out whilst steaming. When I turn the machine on I'll leave it 10 mins or so to warm up before brewing so it's at the right temperature too. The machine comes with cleaning tools, if you click on the machine link in the description, there is a picture of them on there :) hope this helps!
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153 No problem. Thank you for the info, I'll check it out.
Very helpful review.
Only thing I don’t really get is the 36g of coffee for a double shot.
Is that an idiosyncrasy of the machine or grinder?
36g is more than double the amount I use in my Rancilio Silvia for a perfect flat white - my basic formula is 15g of coffee (ground in a Rancilio Rocky at setting 4) producing 60ml of espresso in 22-25 seconds.
I’m puzzled. Any thoughts?
Hi! Thanks very much :) as a very basic rule (I kept it simple for beginners) espresso ratios work off 1:2 - so in this case I put 18g of dry coffee in, getting roughly 36g out. Another basic rule is extraction time between 25-35 seconds. Of course this can change depending on your taste and the coffee your using. This is a basic rule to start with and adjust to your taste, but it’s an industry standard for brewing espresso. Hope this makes sense!
This video is super helpful! thank you. I'm new to home espresso and trying to strike a balance between cost, quality and also im really keen to have a manual machine. Does the scale fit under easily? And do you find it ends up getting messy putting the scale under?
How did you work out how long to let the espresso pull through?
Hi! Welcome to the world of espresso! Ok firstly the drip tray is a bit small for larger scales - I had to turn mine sideways however for espresso I would recommend a smaller scales anyway as opposed to the size I have. Espresso does get a bit messy so bear that in mind so it’s a good idea to look for a scales that is waterproof.
So for espresso brewing the basic rule is a 25-35 second extraction. That is the moment you turn the dial on until the moment you turn it off. Use this a base and taste to see what you like best as it varies with different coffees and your taste of course!
As for beans I would highly recommend getting a grinder and grinder your beans fresh for the best flavour and this will give you a chance to learn more about coffee and getting the best out of it. Try and find a coffee roaster that can tell you where their coffee is from, the farm etc traceability is great and as opposed to supermarket bought coffee it’s more likely the farmer has been paid a fair wage and you will get better tasting coffee!
Hope this helps, any more questions give me a shout!
Excellent review
Thank you so much! Hope it helped!
Hi thank you for this review! So helpful. Currently in the UK the DTP is on sale and cheaper than the base Bambino model (with a manual steam wand). Would you recommend the DTP over the Bambino? It's about 50 quid cheaper!
Sorry I missed your comment here! Thanks for the kind words! What did you go for in the end?
Thank you for your excellent review of the sage machine. I have just purchased this machine and it will arrive tomorrow.
One quick question: What size tamper in mm did you upgrade to?
Hi! You’re welcome, I hope it was useful! This machine has a 54mm porta filter so you’ll need a 53mm tamp for it. I got mine from Amazon but there’s others about, Motta make one with a nice wood handle! I hope you enjoy your new machine!
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153
Thank you, that's most appreciated.
You helped me decide that these machines are a complete hassle . I'm going for pod machine .
All depends on what you’re after. It can be easy to underestimate how much prep and dialling in can go into home espresso, so it’s not for everyone! Just depends on how simple you want it. It can be as easy or as complex as you’d like it to be!
Thanks for the review. The one thing I wish you had done, was go into more detail about the foam wand. I recently purchased a cheap Bonsen Kitchen from Amazon. It’s an ok machine for the price, but was very disappointed by the time it takes to steam the milk. How fast/ efficient is the wand?
Hi! Thanks for the feedback! The steam wand is a bit slower than other machines especially as you have to steam milk and do shots separately . If you do your coffee shot first you need to wait for the steam wand to heat up before you can steam. It is great for texturing milk with practise and a lot of people find the slower steaming better for practising milk texturing as opposed to a fast steam wand but as someone who is used to commercial machines I did find it a bit slow. I’ve not tested it but I imagine for faster steaming something like the dual boiler will be a bit quicker!
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153 thanks for your speedy reply. I am considering purchasing this model, which I believe is now at £279 (and perhaps less with the sales), unless there is another model number I have missed?
The texturing of milk is something I have yet to master. Do you have any videos on this?
@@elpacko7687 That sounds about right for this machine
As for tutorials I haven’t done a video on milk steaming yet, just an interesting one using instant coffee and dish soap to practise latte art. There will be a milk steaming one coming in 2022 hopefully 👍
Hello, what is the maximum temperature that the coffee maker reaches?
Thanks. Good video. Do you think this Espresso Machine would be any good for a coffee cart set up on a budget? Thanks in advance :)
Hi! Thank you! I probably wouldn’t recommend this for a coffee cart , I don’t think it would be able to keep up with heavier than home use on a day to day basis. It’s designed to make a few coffees each day. What is your budget and I may be able to recommend some things to you!
Hi, great video. Just wondering when do you time your shots from? Is it when you first turn the dial, or when the first drips of coffee come through?
Thanks! I weigh the shot from when I turn the dial :)
Hi ,love the video, I'm trying to get into home barista set up,
I have a niche grinder, which I bought to go with a (ordered) 2nd hand sage dual boiler which I've just been told is out of stock. I can send the niche back . Would it be better to keep the niche and get this sage on your video, or , another grinderless machine ie lelit , gaggia etc.
Best regards
Douglas.
Hiya! Very nice getting a niche grinder, I would for sure keep that grinder! It’s important to get a brilliant grinder and niche i have been told, has loads of options for adjustments and fine tuning your espresso. It depends how into your home espresso you want to get. This Sage I have reviewed does not have water temperature control so you may not get the desired espresso if you’re brewing lighter roasts for example where you may want to adjust the temperature. It’s a great starter machine in my opinion so you could always upgrade the machine in the future if you feel the need. I haven’t tested any other home espresso machines other than this one and the very beautiful Gaggia Ruby which is a much higher end espresso machine so I can’t recommend any others without trying them. It all comes down to what you require out of your machine, but the niche is meant to be a great grinder so I would stick with it! Hope this helps and good luck with your search!
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153
Thanks for reply, I've ordered a gaggia classic pro, so I can mod it as I get into it.
Cheers Douglas.
Great explanation for beginners, but you should have mentioned not to ever use the pressurized filter baskets on a bottomless portafilter or they'll mess up the kitchen
Oh no 😂 Bottomless are great for fine tuning your espresso a bit more and learning more about extraction, but no, I wouldn't recommend using pressurised baskets on bottomless filters! Hope it wasn't too much of a mess 😱
I'm interested in purchasing an espresso machine (I've just bought the Sage Smart grinder pro, originally to use with a french press & aeropress).
Would you recommend this over the Sage Bambino plus? I was looking at the Bambino plus, but wondered if the increased automation came at the cost of reduced quality?
Interesting review, particularly with the wee upgrade suggestions, hardly any of which I'd have even thought of!
Hi there! Thank you very much, glad it was helpful!
I’ve not used the Bambino line myself so I can’t give a fair judgement I’m afraid. I will say I’ve never like the idea of the automated steaming. It’s way more fun to learn yourself in my opinion and position the jug in the correct way. In terms of quality , I haven’t heard any negative stuff, it’s smaller than the duo temp which attracts people for space reasons!
Also the BambinoPlus does have shot buttons rather than a dial if that’s a preference. It’s also worth noting that there is a Bambino which comes without the automated steaming and at less of a price. Just depends what you’re after! Hope this helps!
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153 that's all good information - I'm probably going to go with the Bambino plus as, although I'm willing to learn about the finer arts of espresso, I'm also looking for convenience. I'm a shift worker & I'm not at my best at 3am if I'm working early shifts🤣. I could see me eventually getting something bigger & better, but the Bambino plus seems like a good "starter" machine. Space IS a consideration too, as our kitchen isn't the largest. I can also get a great deal on the Bambino plus that isn't available with the Bambino.
I'm not averse to a good Flat White though & would definitely try a manual milk steaming, but the auto function might be a good starting point.
Also found a single dose/plunger mod for the Sage Smart grinder pro which I'll try - although I'm wishing I'd waited & bought a Niche Zero now! Also bought a good combined distributor/tamper, tamping mat (also thinking of a bottomless portafilter too).
Thanks again for the great info👍
Great vid ! Could I pick your brain a bit ? I have a this maching and sage dose control pro as a grinder. I tried so many coffees and setting and my espresso is sour or extremly sour... I heat the maching and portafilter, iI grind quite fine 17g into 34-36g espresso in 28 sec range and still... I tried around 7 different coffees, no joy. Any ideas ?
Hiya! Tha k you very much! Sorry to hear you've not got the espresso you're looking for yet! Are you using light roast beans or medium roast? This machine doesn't have temperature control for the water so lighter roasts will be more of a challenge and often taste a bit sour. I would suggest pushing that extraction time further by drinking finer and pushing it to 30 seconds and above. I have made coffees that numbers wise would be over extracted, but tastes way better that way. Don't be afraid to try it and see what the results are. Let me know how you get on 👍
Hi there. Great review. Just wanted to know besides not being a common portafilter size, are there any other downsides to the 54mm? From my research 58mm seems to be common. Would you recommend this over the sage Bambino plus? Current mulling over options as I take the dive into espressos - currently on V60 and aeropress.
Hi, thank you! I've not personally noticed any other downsides with the 54mm vs 58mm to be honest. 58mm tends to be used on commercial machines or higher end home machines, however the Gaggia Classic Pro does use a 58mm if you wanted to look into that too.
The key differences between the Bambino plus and the Duo temp, is the Bambino has a few more automatic features such as the automatic milk steaming option, although you can do it manually too. It depends if you want to be more hands on, I have not tried the Bambino myself but I know people who enjoy using it. It also I belive only comes with pressurised baskets, which may be helpful if you're learning, but the Duo Temp comes with both so you have the option. Hope this helps, any other questions, give me a shout!
Thank you very much for taking the time to respond. Looking forward to future videos.
Great review, thank you!
You’re very welcome! Thanks!
Hi there, this is a great review and thank you! I'm considering the duo temp Pro at black Friday if it significantly drops in price. My only hesitation is that the plan is to use it with a wilfa uniform grinder thst many say its not good enough for espresso despite having espresso settings. I would be grateful if you could share your opinion on this. 🙂
Hi there! Thanks for the kind words! I have not had any user experience with the Wilfa Uniform I’m afraid. The machine does come with pressurised baskets which are designed to be used if you’re grind isn’t quite exact however. I imagine the issue people are referring to is maybe not enough adjustability when changing the grind , there’s not fine enough adjustments maybe. You could maybe see what sage grinders are also in sale. I’ve had user experience with these and they have a good amount of adjustment to really fine tune your shots. It’s tricky for me to say as I haven’t tried the Wilfa , however at this time of video I was using a budget Rhino Gear hand grinder and good some good results when I read online people were saying it was no good for espresso. I think if you want the machine regardless give it a go! You can always upgrade the grinder. Hope this helps :)
Thankyou , yes 😊
Hey, fantastic video - thanks so much! Helped me decide to buy this as my first manual machine. Really pleased with it. I managed to pick one up in a used bundle with a Eureka Mignon grinder, so I've got what I need to get a decent espresso grind! I've got the scales and have started experimenting with aiming for a recipe - weighing, timing the shot etc.
Got a couple of geeky questions... Is your recipe in the video precisely what you aim for or just your readings for that particular shot? (18g coffee, 38g out in 28sec) If it is your recipe for dialing in your shot, is it the result of experimenting (since it's not the 18 in, 36 out / 1:2 ratio I've seen in other videos - though of course it's very close) And the second question is, when do you turn off the machine relative to the 28 seconds you refer to as your shot time?
To clarify what's behind the second question... I've noticed that after I stop the pump, several more grams of coffee drip through in about 5 seconds - so far I've been stopping the machine at 26 seconds and it's delivering a few more grams of coffee from drips until 30+ seconds have elapsed. I can already tell the difference in taste that results from small adjustments as to when you stop the shot - are you including the time it takes for the dripping after you've stopped the machine in your 28 sec, and the extra grams in the final shot this accounts for, or are you stopping the timer at the exact same time as when you stop the machine?
This all already feels like a huge rabbit hole lol, but these measurements are really precise, so I'm thinking where they start and stop matters! Thanks again for taking the time to do this and to respond to comments on here 🙏🏻
Hiya! Thanks so much, I’m glad it was helpful! Ah yes the rabbit hole of coffee brewing!
So for my recipe this was what I found to be the best extraction for this particular coffee bean. It’s really important to note that these numbers vary from coffee to coffee. Some coffees I’ve dialled in I have found so much nicer at the higher end of the extraction whereas some taste nicer that bit lower. It’s all about trying different extraction times and seeing what works for that coffee and also what you enjoy out of it! I included my recipe as I got asked a lot about dry weight for the sage machines and what figures I get out :)
As far as timing goes, I always start the timer as soon as I turn the dial and stop timing when I turn it off. If you notice a difference flavour wise letting it drip a bit more then that’s cool! There’s no right or wrong when brewing coffee at home, it’s all about what you enjoy and you’ll only find that out by experimenting and delving into it!
I’m glad you’ve got a fantastic grinder to accompany your machine , that’s a very important piece to invest in as it will just make the world of difference with your espresso! I hope this helps a bit , but brew coffee how you enjoy it and keep experimenting, it is super fun!
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153 thank you! That's really helpful 😊
Thank you for your detailed review, I have a V60 and find it fantastic but I cannot get it to brew strong enough coffee for Cappuccino so I was thinking of getting one of these for that reason alone because I am not keen on espresso. Would you say it is worth purchasing for just this reason or is there other options I can look at. Thank you and I do hope you get more subscribers because you have a natural talent, BTW you have the best review on this machine that I have found on YT.
Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad you found the review helpful. As for your question, v60 and pourover are best as black coffee, if you want a cappuccino, latte, flat white etc then you want to have an espresso base, and this machine can do that! You will need to decide if you want to make the espresso and steam the milk as I demonstrated on this machine, or if you want something like a bean to cup that you push a button and it makes it for you. I think this is a good entry level machine for making coffee yourself if you want to get into that side of things. Let me know if you need any more help :)
Hi, great videos and information. My daughter and i have the same machine here in Australia. I have been weighing and timing shots and had some great results but i am not sure when to start the timer for the 25ish seconds/36g out. I have seen some recommending to start from when you turn the dial to Espress, then others say from the first drip. I would like to know your thoughts on this..... or.... do we dose, tamp then just turn it on until it looks like the right amount of coffee in the cup, don't over think it ? I also find i can get slightly different results on different days, haha. Glen, South Australia.
Hi Glen! Thank you for the good feedback! I have always timed from the moment I turn the dial. Water will be infusing the puck at this stage so in my opinion it would count to the extraction process of water passing through the coffee. There's mixed opinions on this subject but that's what I've always done with great tasting results! Also it's good to look at your coffee, the flow rate coming out, the colour and crema, and of course the taste. We all have different preferences so what I like may not be what you like! Some coffees I've tried have tasted amazing being technically over extracted at the 37 second mark, so there's also that. Have fun and enjoy experimenting and seeing what you enjoy out of a certain coffee!
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153 Thank you for your reply, love your videos, i'll keep watching :-)
Has the tamper got to be exact size
Hi there, it does yes otherwise it won’t fit your poratfilter
Hello ! Wath hapenned to the name Breville ?? Is Breville is now Sage ? I have exatcly the same espresso machine name '' Breville Duo Temp pro '' sold in Canada 2019. Thanks
Hi there! It's still Breville but here in the UK they are sold as Sage
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153 Haaaa ! Merci beaucoup ( Tanks )
Was it 28s from when you turned the knob or from the first drip?
From when I turned the dial :)
May I know if you suggest duo temp for small cafe?
Hi there! I wouldn't recommend this machine for a small cafe, it's very much a home coffee machine. I would suggest one that can be plumbed into mains water to save you re filling water and that can keep up with making a lot of espresso throughout the day. You could look at Fracino or Gaggia (I'm currently using the Gaggia Ruby) but something more suited for commercial use so you can keep up with orders!
Did you use the stock basket that came with the machine or did you use a replacement?
Hi! I used the stock basket :)
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153 okay thanks :))
Hey I'm new to the channel and really think you've got hight quality content and you'll get the subs you deserve
I had a question
I'm new to home coffee and would like a set up that's not terribly expensive.
My options are sage duo temp pro with a second hand grinder vs sage Barista Express (looking secondhand). Would you imagine there's much difference between the two machines purely in terms of coffee quality?
Hi there! That’s very kind of you to say, thank you 🙏
There’s a few differences between the two. I have not used the barista express before, but on paper the Barista express has the grinder built in of course, but it also has adjustable water temperature which is great for getting the best out of your coffee, say you use both light and darker roasted coffee , you will get better tasting results with the temperature being adjusted for each. You also have the benefit of the programmable shot buttons in the Express so you don’t have to stop your coffee manually.
I think either will be a great beginner option for you , but I think in my opinion , the more you learn on your espresso journey you will probably find yourself wanting to upgrade if you go with the duo temp.
Good luck on your journey and have fun! Give me a shout if you need any more help!
I'm struggling between the sage duo and the barista pro. what are your thoughts?
Hi there! Will this be your first home espresso machine? So the key differences between them are obviously the barista pro has the built in grinder, with the duo temp you’ll need to purchase a grinder separately. The pro also has adjustable water temperature which is a game changer, especially if you want to brew some lighter roasted coffees, and it will just help you get the best flavour from each coffee in my opinion. I haven’t used the pro myself , however I think if I were to choose again I would go for the pro for these main features. It all depends what you are looking for with home brewing espresso yourself
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153 Thank you very much for your answer. It will be my first espresso machine. I think i‘m going for the barista pro. :)
Very informative video though why you chose to play music over the sounds of coffee making is a little odd.
Would u by a lelil ? What do you think compared to Sage
Hi! I presume you mean Lelit? I’ve never tried their machines, which model are you looking at?
How do you get the right consistency of grind with the hand grinder? I have an electric one and I can never get the same grind twice lol.
What grinder do you have? Different beans will require different recipes and grinds and you may find one day it's dialled in great, and the next it needs to be adjusted. Coffee changes day by day, or are you noticing a big difference in the grind visually?
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153 I have a cheap Andrew James electric grinder, when I grind with it, it is not the same grind consistency throughout. Some bits are course and some are fine.
@@simonmurphy3837 Ah! So that's most likely a blade grinder as opposed to a burr grinder. Blade grinders don't produce a very consistent and even grind, they "chop" the beans. I would highly reccomend a burr grinder for consistent results, especially if your using it to make espresso. There are many great burr hand grinders on the market that don't cost a fortune, such as the Rhino Coffee Gear one I've reviewed. It will make the whole world of difference!
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153 well I have done it! I bought a compact k-3 touch. And it seems to be a great grinder.
@@simonmurphy3837that’s great! Enjoy!
Just bought this one and I got it for extremely cheap
Ah nice! It’s a great little home machine, I hope you enjoy it!
Hi there, I have just purchased one of these machines, I am having trouble with the grind texture and extraction , my pump has stopped on several occasions. Has this happened to your machine? Love the videos, cheers 👍
Hiya, thanks very much!
If nothing comes out of your shot it means your grind is too fine. It's essentially chocking the machine because no water can filter through your coffee grounds, so if you try making your grind coarser, step by step until you get a good tasting shot between 25-35 sec extraction. What grinder are you using?
Hi, thanks so much for your swift response, we ordered coffee online, it came pre ground, it was a very fine grind, I have ordered beans this time. I need to invest in a quality grinder. Thanks Mark
@@markjames9487 You're welcome! Ah yes pre ground can be tricky for home machines, you'll be able to dial in your coffee a lot better by grinding it yourself. Let me know if you need any help with a grinder, I've linked the Sage grinder in the description if you wanted to look into that one :)
Awesome, thankyoooo ! 🙏🔆
Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed, hope it was helpful!
What size tamper needed pls
Hiya, it’s 54mm
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153 just brought this sage from JL £56 cheaper than sage direct
First machine ever never made anything but instant coffee
Cup warmers on Breville/Sage are a joke but other than that I love my machine.
I agree it’s not the best cup warmer, especially comparing it to the Gaggia Ruby, but yes great machines to get you started!
You said crema is delicious. Isn't crema very bitter and isn't best to remove it with the double spoon technique? Just watched a james Hoffmann video xD
Hi, I was referring to the crema out of the bottomless portafilter being way nicer visually than the stock one. Either way, I’ve never scraped off the crema from my espresso. I use a spoon to stir it into my espresso, and for milk based drinks I swirl the cup a bit. I haven’t watched the video your referring to but I’m sure there’s some interesting points raised about crema! Either way, how you like your coffee is the right way !
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153 might be worth trying to remove it. I noticed it just makes the coffee less bitter. You might like it and you might not but no harm in trying. The video is called "crema explained" if you wanna check it out :)
@@HankScorpio468 Sounds interesting, I’ll give it a watch :)
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153 did you try it? 🤣
👍
You forgot to mention the recipe!
Recipe is on screen when I start brewing the coffee 😁
@@exploringtheworldofcoffee2153 I didn't notice. My mistake. Thank you
I enjoy the review and appreciate the depth and effort, but why choose this horrible music at this volume?? Its so hard to follow you 😣
Nhhh
Thank now i know for sure this is not for me
Glad I could help!