illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine vs Sage Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine (2026)
Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.
illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine
19 bar, illy iPerEspresso capsules, Italian design, 1L tank, Michelin-starred coffee brand.
Full Review
Sage Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine
Touchscreen, Impress assisted tamping, auto milk texturing, integrated grinder, 58mm. The guided touchscreen barista.
Full ReviewAt a Glance
| illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine | Sage Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine | |
|---|---|---|
| 247Verdict Score | 8.8/10 | 9.3/10 |
| Owner Rating | 4.4★ (4,800) | 4.6★ (3,200) |
| Verdict | Great | Excellent |
Quick Verdict
Both are strong choices, but the Sage Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine edges ahead with a 9.3/10 vs 8.8/10. Touchscreen, Impress assisted tamping, auto milk texturing, integrated grinder, 58mm. The guided touchscreen barista. 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 Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine
- Touchscreen with step-by-step guidance walks you through every drink from grind to pour
- Impress assisted tamping applies consistent 10kg pressure with a barista-style polish
- Automatic milk texturing creates microfoam to your chosen temperature and texture
- Integrated conical grinder with precise dose control
- 58mm commercial portafilter with the largest accessory ecosystem
- £1,000+ — the most expensive Barista-range Sage
- Larger footprint with the touchscreen and grinder
- Single boiler — brief wait between brewing and steaming
FAQ
Which is better, illy X1 iPerEspresso or Sage Barista Touch Impress?
Both are strong choices, but the Sage Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine edges ahead with a 9.3/10 vs 8.8/10. Touchscreen, Impress assisted tamping, auto milk texturing, integrated grinder, 58mm. The guided touchscreen barista. 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.
Is the illy X1 iPerEspresso worth the extra cost?
The Sage Barista Touch Impress 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 Barista Touch Impress best suited to?
Touchscreen, Impress assisted tamping, auto milk texturing, integrated grinder, 58mm. The guided touchscreen barista.
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 Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine: £1,000+ — the most expensive Barista-range Sage; Larger footprint with the touchscreen and grinder.
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 Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine at 4.6★ from 3,200.
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