Sage Bambino Plus Espresso Machine vs Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine (2026)

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

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

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

Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine

8.9/10 Great

4.5★ (6,800 owners)

1.4L carafe, 10-cup, anti-drip, aroma function, retro design, 8 colours. Design-led filter coffee.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Sage Bambino Plus Espresso Machine	Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine
247Verdict Score	9.1/10	8.9/10
Owner Rating	4.5★ (8,400)	4.5★ (6,800)
Verdict	Excellent	Great

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 Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine is worth considering if 1.4L carafe, 10-cup, anti-drip, aroma function, retro design, 8 colours. Design-led filter coffee. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

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)

Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine

Matching 1950s retro design pairs with Smeg kettle, toaster and espresso machine for coordinated kitchen
1.4L carafe serves 10 cups — ideal for households or entertaining
Anti-drip function allows removing carafe mid-brew without spillage
Aroma function blooms the coffee before brewing for better extraction
8 colours match the full Smeg kitchen appliance range

£130 for a filter coffee machine — Moccamaster is the quality upgrade for serious drinkers
No temperature control — brews at a single temperature across all settings
Design premium over functional alternatives at lower cost

FAQ

Which is better, Sage Bambino Plus or Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter?

Is the Sage Bambino Plus worth the extra cost?

Yes — Sage Bambino Plus Espresso Machine scores higher at 9.1/10 vs 8.9/10.

Who is the Sage Bambino Plus best suited to?

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

Who is the Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter best suited to?

1.4L carafe, 10-cup, anti-drip, aroma function, retro design, 8 colours. Design-led filter coffee.

What are the main downsides of each?

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. Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine: £130 for a filter coffee machine — Moccamaster is the quality upgrade for serious drinkers; No temperature control — brews at a single temperature across all settings.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Sage Bambino Plus Espresso Machine sits at 4.5★ from 8,400 verified Amazon owners, and Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine at 4.5★ from 6,800.

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