Sage Barista Touch Impress 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 Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine

9.3/10 Excellent

4.6★ (3,200 owners)

Touchscreen, Impress assisted tamping, auto milk texturing, integrated grinder, 58mm. The guided touchscreen barista.

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 Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine	Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker
247Verdict Score	9.3/10	8.8/10
Owner Rating	4.6★ (3,200)	4.5★ (3,800)
Verdict	Excellent	Great

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 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 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

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 Barista Touch Impress or Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup?

Is the Sage Barista Touch Impress worth the extra cost?

Yes — Sage Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine scores higher at 9.3/10 vs 8.8/10.

Who is the Sage Barista Touch Impress best suited to?

Touchscreen, Impress assisted tamping, auto milk texturing, integrated grinder, 58mm. The guided touchscreen barista.

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 Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine: £1,000+ — the most expensive Barista-range Sage; Larger footprint with the touchscreen and grinder. 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 Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine sits at 4.6★ from 3,200 verified Amazon owners, and Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker at 4.5★ from 3,800.

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