Sage Barista Pro Coffee Machine Review: Proper Espresso for Serious Coffee Lovers
- Caravan Coach
- Dec 6, 2025
- 5 min read
Product Category: Coffee Machines
Brand: Sage (Breville)
Prices Usually Range From: £539 - £730
Best For: Caravanners who want café-quality coffee on site and appreciate the combined grinder, espresso machine and hot water dispenser in one unit
Where to Buy: Available at Sage Appliances, John Lewis, Currys, or major retailers like Amazon
Sage Barista Pro Coffee Machine - Introduction
Life is too short for bad coffee, and that sentiment rings particularly true when you're waking up in your caravan on a crisp morning. The Sage Barista Pro is a semi-automatic bean-to-cup espresso coffee machine that combines a burr grinder, espresso extraction system and steam wand into a single unit. While it's primarily designed for home kitchens, its all-in-one design and rapid heat-up time make it an interesting proposition for caravanners who refuse to compromise on their morning brew.
The machine's standout feature for touring use is the ThermoJet heating system, which reaches brewing temperature in just 3 seconds. This near-instant readiness means you're not waiting around for a lengthy warm-up cycle. Additionally, the dedicated hot water outlet provides an alternative to boiling a kettle for tea or hot chocolate, consolidating multiple functions into one appliance.
At around 9kg and requiring mains power, this isn't a machine for wild camping or off-grid adventures. However, for those who regularly pitch up on sites with electric hook-up and value proper espresso, the Barista Pro delivers genuine café-quality results that far surpass instant coffee or basic pod machines.
Key Features
The Barista Pro sits in Sage's mid-range lineup and incorporates several technologies designed to achieve consistent espresso extraction. The ThermoJet heating system uses PID temperature control to maintain water at precisely 93°C, the optimal temperature for balanced extraction. Unlike traditional thermoblock systems, this heats up in approximately 3 seconds and transitions instantly between espresso and steam modes without requiring cooling or venting.
The integrated conical burr grinder offers 30 grind settings, providing enough adjustment to dial in different coffee beans. Dose control is adjustable via the front dial, with the machine designed to deliver approximately 18-19g per double shot. The grinding process is automatic once triggered, and the coffee deposits directly into the 54mm portafilter held in the grinding cradle.
Extraction uses a low-pressure pre-infusion phase followed by 9-bar pressure from a 15-bar Italian pump. The system is volumetric, meaning it measures actual water volume rather than simply timing the extraction, resulting in more consistent shots regardless of minor variations in grind or tamp. The intuitive LCD display shows extraction progress and allows programming of single and double shot volumes.
The steam wand heats to 130°C and produces dry steam capable of creating microfoam suitable for latte art. While milk texturing is entirely manual rather than automated, the wand performs well for those willing to develop the technique. Importantly for caravan use, the dedicated hot water outlet dispenses near-boiling water for Americanos, tea or other hot drinks without engaging the coffee brewing system.
Pros and Cons
Pros
3-second heat-up time eliminates waiting around for your morning coffee
All-in-one design combines grinder, espresso machine and steam wand, saving worktop space
Hot water dispenser useful for tea, hot chocolate or instant soup without needing a separate kettle
30 grind settings allow fine-tuning for different beans
Volumetric extraction produces consistent shots
Solid stainless steel construction feels robust and durable
Uses up to 32% less energy annually compared to thermoblock systems
2-litre water tank reduces refill frequency
Produces excellent espresso with rich crema when properly dialled in
Cons
1680W power consumption requires mains hook-up.
9kg weight adds to payload considerations
Premium price point compared to basic coffee makers
Performance
The Barista Pro delivers genuine café-quality espresso when properly configured. The ThermoJet heating system performs as advertised, reaching brewing temperature almost instantly from cold. This near-instant readiness is particularly welcome in the confined space of a caravan, where you don't want appliances running unnecessarily while waiting for them to warm up.
Extraction quality is excellent once the grind is dialled in correctly. The machine produces shots with good body, balanced flavour and a stable crema. The volumetric control means subsequent shots remain consistent without constant adjustment. Professional reviews have noted extraction times around 22-25 seconds for a double shot, hitting the target range for proper espresso.
The steam wand produces powerful, dry steam capable of creating silky microfoam in approximately 30-45 seconds. While not as quick as dual-boiler machines, the instant transition from espresso to steam mode means there's no waiting for the system to heat up further. Those new to manual milk steaming should expect a learning period, but the results are worthwhile for latte and cappuccino drinkers.
For caravan use specifically, the hot water outlet proves genuinely useful. Dispensing near-boiling water for tea, hot chocolate or even warming cups eliminates the need for a separate kettle on the worktop. The water temperature is fixed at brewing temperature (approximately 93°C), which suits black tea and herbal infusions well, though green tea drinkers may find it slightly too hot.
The main limitation for touring use is the power requirement. At 1680W, the machine draws significant current from a standard 16A hook-up (approximately 3680W capacity). While this leaves headroom for other appliances, simultaneous use of high-draw items like a kettle or heater should be avoided. The machine is not suitable for inverter use on typical leisure battery setups due to this power demand.
Specifications
Model | SES878 |
Power | 1680W |
Voltage | 220-240V |
Dimensions (W x D x H) | 354 x 343 x 406mm |
Weight | 9kg |
Water Tank Capacity | 2 litres |
Bean Hopper Capacity | 250g |
Grind Settings | 30 |
Pump Pressure | 15 bar (9 bar extraction) |
Portafilter Size | 54mm |
Heat-Up Time | 3 seconds |
Construction | Brushed stainless steel |
Warranty | 2 years |
Included Accessories | 54mm portafilter, single/dual wall filter baskets, integrated tamper, Razor dose trimming tool, 480ml milk jug, cleaning kit, water filter |
Why It's Recommended
The Sage Barista Pro earns its place in our recommendations for a specific type of caravanner: those who genuinely appreciate proper coffee and regularly use electric hook-up on site. While the price and power requirements put it firmly in the premium category, the machine delivers on its promise of café-quality espresso in a relatively compact all-in-one package.
The integrated grinder eliminates the need for a separate appliance, saving valuable worktop space in a caravan kitchen. The 3-second heat-up time means you're not running high-draw appliances unnecessarily while waiting, and the hot water dispenser genuinely reduces the need for a separate kettle if you're primarily making coffee and tea. For a couple making several coffees per day, the convenience and quality justify the investment.
Build quality is excellent, with the stainless steel construction feeling robust enough for the rigours of transport. The 2-year warranty provides reasonable protection, and Sage's customer service has a generally positive reputation. User feedback across multiple sources consistently praises the coffee quality once the machine is properly dialled in.
This machine won't suit everyone. Those seeking simplicity might prefer a pod machine, while off-grid tourers will find the power requirements prohibitive. However, for site-based caravanners who value their morning espresso, the Barista Pro represents a genuine step up from basic alternatives without venturing into professional equipment territory.
Rating
Overall Score: 4/5
Score Breakdown
Design: 4/5
Durability: 4/5
Ease of Use: 3.5/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Disclaimer
This review reflects our genuine opinions and experiences. Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, including Amazon Associate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Product details, availability, and prices were accurate at the time of writing but may change without notice. Please check with the retailer for the latest information before making a purchase. Caravan Coach cannot be held responsible for differences between this review and the actual product or service you receive.
