Sage Bambino Plus Espresso Machine vs Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker (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

Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker

8.8/10 Great

4.5★ (3,800 owners)

Stainless mesh filter, immersion brewing, 8-cup ceramic, George Sowden design, no paper filter. Designer filter coffee.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Sage Bambino Plus Espresso Machine	Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker
247Verdict Score	9.1/10	8.8/10
Owner Rating	4.5★ (8,400)	4.5★ (3,800)
Verdict	Excellent	Great

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the Sage Bambino Plus Espresso Machine edges ahead with a 9.1/10 vs 8.8/10. 3-second ThermoJet, auto steam wand, pre-infusion, 54mm portafilter. Entry Sage with auto steam. That said, the Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker is worth considering if Stainless mesh filter, immersion brewing, 8-cup ceramic, George Sowden design, no paper filter. Designer 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)

Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker

Stainless mesh filter eliminates paper filter cost and waste forever
Immersion brewing extracts coffee oils for fuller, richer body than paper-filtered methods
Ceramic vessel is dishwasher safe and aesthetically distinctive on any kitchen surface
George Sowden's award-winning Italian design heritage applied to coffee brewing
Under £60 for a 8-cup coffee maker that never needs consumable filter papers

More sediment in the cup than paper-filtered methods — the fine mesh allows some passage
Requires coarser grind than paper filter methods for optimal results
Ceramic can crack under thermal shock — avoid pouring boiling water directly on cold ceramics

FAQ

Which is better, Sage Bambino Plus or Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup?

Is the Sage Bambino Plus worth the extra cost?

Yes — Sage Bambino Plus Espresso Machine scores higher at 9.1/10 vs 8.8/10.

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 Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup best suited to?

Stainless mesh filter, immersion brewing, 8-cup ceramic, George Sowden design, no paper filter. Designer 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. Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker: More sediment in the cup than paper-filtered methods — the fine mesh allows some passage; Requires coarser grind than paper filter methods for optimal results.

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 Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker at 4.5★ from 3,800.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.