Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder vs Sage Bambino Plus Espresso Machine (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder

8.9/10 Great

4.5★ (8,400 owners)

40mm burr, 40 grind settings, Micro M3 adjustment, 280g hopper. Entry espresso burr grinder.

Full Review

Sage Bambino Plus Espresso Machine

9.1/10 Excellent

4.5★ (8,400 owners)

3-second ThermoJet, auto steam wand, pre-infusion, 54mm portafilter. Entry Sage with auto steam.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder	Sage Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
247Verdict Score	8.9/10	9.1/10
Owner Rating	4.5★ (8,400)	4.5★ (8,400)
Verdict	Great	Excellent
Price	Under £150	Under £350

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the Sage Bambino Plus Espresso Machine edges ahead with a 9.1/10 vs 8.9/10. 3-second ThermoJet, auto steam wand, pre-infusion, 54mm portafilter. Entry Sage with auto steam. That said, the Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder is worth considering if 40mm burr, 40 grind settings, Micro M3 adjustment, 280g hopper. Entry espresso burr grinder. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder

40mm conical burrs produce consistent grounds for espresso through pour-over
Micro M3 adjustment provides fine-tuning between standard settings for dialling in espresso
40 grind settings cover every brew method from Turkish fine to French press coarse
Under £150 — the most accessible quality conical burr grinder reviewed
Baratza's US specialty coffee brand heritage and repair-friendly modular design

Plastic construction feels less premium than Fellow Ode Gen 2's aluminium
40mm burrs produce slightly less uniform particle distribution than 64mm alternatives
Hopper holds 280g — requires more frequent refilling for heavy users

Sage Bambino Plus Espresso Machine

3-second ThermoJet heat-up is near-instant — the fastest at this price tier
Automatic steam wand creates microfoam without manual skill — beginners get barista results immediately
Pre-infusion gently saturates grounds before extraction — improves consistency significantly
54mm portafilter is Sage's standard — large accessory ecosystem
Under £350 — Sage quality with automatic steam at the most accessible Sage price

54mm rather than 58mm commercial standard — less accessory breadth vs Gaggia or Rancilio
Auto steam wand requires rinsing after each use
Single boiler — wait between espresso and steaming (~30 seconds)

FAQ

Which is better, Baratza Encore ESP Coffee or Sage Bambino Plus?

Is the Baratza Encore ESP Coffee worth the extra cost?

The Sage Bambino Plus Espresso Machine matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.

Who is the Baratza Encore ESP Coffee best suited to?

40mm burr, 40 grind settings, Micro M3 adjustment, 280g hopper. Entry espresso burr grinder.

Who is the Sage Bambino Plus best suited to?

3-second ThermoJet, auto steam wand, pre-infusion, 54mm portafilter. Entry Sage with auto steam.

What are the main downsides of each?

Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder: Plastic construction feels less premium than Fellow Ode Gen 2's aluminium; 40mm burrs produce slightly less uniform particle distribution than 64mm alternatives. Sage Bambino Plus Espresso Machine: 54mm rather than 58mm commercial standard — less accessory breadth vs Gaggia or Rancilio; Auto steam wand requires rinsing after each use.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder sits at 4.5★ from 8,400 verified Amazon owners, and Sage Bambino Plus Espresso Machine at 4.5★ from 8,400.

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