Sage Bambino Plus coffee machine review: the perfect espresso machine for beginners

Delivering barista-quality results in a stylishly compact machine, this manual espresso maker is a brilliant buy for those just starting out

• The best coffee machines for your home: your morning brew made easy

The Sage Bambino Plus is a £350 espresso machine that leaves the espresso brewing to you but automatically steams the milk at the press of a button. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but this is probably the best beginner’s espresso machine on the market. Whether you’re starting out or just want to upgrade from a more basic machine, such as the excellent De’Longhi Stilosa, it’s a great choice.

The simple design and ease of use are all part of the appeal and are among the reasons why I still enjoy using it as much as I do, despite far pricier machines dotting my household. To be clear, this isn’t a fully assisted machine that holds your hand throughout the process. You still need to learn the manual espresso ropes by dialling in the correct grind size and dosage for the perfect shot. But the combination of the useful tools in the box and an informative, helpful manual means that even beginners will soon find their feet.