illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine 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.

illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine

8.8/10 Great

4.4★ (4,800 owners)

19 bar, illy iPerEspresso capsules, Italian design, 1L tank, Michelin-starred coffee brand.

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

	illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine	Sage Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
247Verdict Score	8.8/10	9.1/10
Owner Rating	4.4★ (4,800)	4.5★ (8,400)
Verdict	Great	Excellent

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the Sage Bambino Plus Espresso Machine edges ahead with a 9.1/10 vs 8.8/10. 3-second ThermoJet, auto steam wand, pre-infusion, 54mm portafilter. Entry Sage with auto steam. That said, the illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine is worth considering if 19 bar, illy iPerEspresso capsules, Italian design, 1L tank, Michelin-starred coffee brand. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine

illy is the coffee brand of Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide — the quality benchmark
iPerEspresso two-stage capsule extraction produces espresso with genuine professional crema
19-bar pressure matches professional espresso machine extraction standards
Italian design that sits as a kitchen statement piece
illy's 90-year commitment to espresso quality in the most convenient format

Proprietary illy iPerEspresso capsules only — ecosystem lock-in to a premium pod range
Pod costs are premium vs Nespresso — illy positions pods as premium coffee
Less variety than Nespresso's 30+ Original pod range

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, illy X1 iPerEspresso or Sage Bambino Plus?

Is the illy X1 iPerEspresso worth the extra cost?

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

Who is the illy X1 iPerEspresso best suited to?

19 bar, illy iPerEspresso capsules, Italian design, 1L tank, Michelin-starred coffee brand.

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?

illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine: Proprietary illy iPerEspresso capsules only — ecosystem lock-in to a premium pod range; Pod costs are premium vs Nespresso — illy positions pods as premium coffee. 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 — illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine sits at 4.4★ from 4,800 verified Amazon owners, and Sage Bambino Plus Espresso Machine at 4.5★ from 8,400.

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