Sage Barista Express vs Barista Pro
Same idea, same 54mm portafilter and built-in grinder. The difference is speed and convenience, and about £100.
Last updated: September 2026
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The short answer
Barista Express for the best value: it makes the same quality of espresso once it’s warm. Barista Pro if you want to go from switch-on to shot in seconds, flip quickly between espresso and steaming milk, and like a digital display with finer grind steps.
Side by side
| Barista Express | Barista Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | Thermocoil (warm-up takes longer) | ThermoJet (Sage quotes 3-second heat-up) |
| Display | Analogue pressure gauge | LCD with shot timer |
| Grinder | Conical burr, 16 grind settings | Conical burr, 30 grind settings |
| Portafilter | 54mm | 54mm |
| Steam | Slower switch from shot to steam | Faster switch to steam |
| Best for | Value, learning espresso | Speed, several milk drinks in a row |
Choose the Barista Express if…
- You want the lowest price for a grinder-built-in espresso machine
- You make one or two drinks at a time
- You like the pressure gauge
Choose the Barista Pro if…
- You hate waiting for the machine to warm up
- You make several milky drinks back to back
- You want finer grind adjustment and a shot timer
The machines
- Built-in conical burr grinder
- 54mm portafilter
- Steam wand
The machine that made grinder-built-in espresso mainstream in the UK. Everything you need except beans and a jug.
£499
- ThermoJet heating
- LCD + shot timer
- 30 grind settings
The same concept with faster heating, a digital display and finer grind steps, for about £100 more.
£599.95Frequently asked questions
Is the Sage Barista Pro worth the extra money?
If you often make several milky drinks in a row or want shots within seconds of switching on, yes. For one or two drinks a day, the Express makes equally good espresso.
Do the Barista Express and Pro make the same espresso?
Broadly, yes: same 54mm portafilter and the same style of grinder. The Pro's advantages are speed, finer grind steps and the display.
What about the Barista Express Impress?
The Impress adds assisted tamping and dosing to the Express. See our Sage Bambino vs Barista Express and Impress comparison.
Related guides
Bambino vs Barista Express/Impress · How to dial in espresso · Sage CLEAN ME light · De'Longhi vs Sage
How we write these: we don’t lab-test machines. Guides are based on manufacturer manuals and published specifications, and picks on specs, brand reputation and UK availability. How we choose.