the Barista Touch

Introduction

If you’re looking to bring cafe-quality coffee into your home without the need for extensive barista training, the Sage Barista Touch might just be the machine for you. This semi-automatic espresso maker combines the convenience of a touchscreen interface with the ability to produce high-quality espresso and perfectly textured milk.

A Brief History of Sage

An Australian home appliance manufacturer known for its innovative kitchen products. The company has been in business since 1932, but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that they began to make a name for themselves in the home espresso machine market.

Sage/Breville has quickly become a respected name in the coffee world, known for producing machines that bridge the gap between consumer-grade and professional equipment. Their espresso machines are designed to deliver “third wave speciality coffee” at home, focusing on what they call the “4 keys formula”: the right dose of freshly ground beans, precise temperature control, optimal water pressure, and the ability to create true microfoam milk.

The Barista Touch’s Market Position

The Barista Touch sits in an interesting position within Sage’s lineup and the broader espresso machine market. It’s designed for coffee nerds who want to produce high-quality espresso drinks at home but don’t necessarily want to develop a new hobby in the process.

It’s not the most expensive machine in Sage’s range, but it’s certainly a significant investment for most home users. The Barista Touch aims to compete with high-end super-automatic machines while offering the control and quality associated with traditional semi-automatic espresso makers.

What sets the Barista Touch apart is its blend of automation and manual control. The touchscreen interface and automatic milk texturing system make it more approachable than many traditional espresso machines. At the same time, it still allows users to adjust key parameters like grind size, coffee dose, and milk texture, giving coffee nerds room to experiment and refine their drinks.

In essence, the Barista Touch is positioned as a machine that can deliver cafe-quality coffee with a user-friendly interface, making it appealing to both beginners and more experienced home baristas who value convenience alongside quality.

Specifications and Technical Details

The Sage Barista Touch is a compact yet feature-rich espresso machine designed for home use. Here’s a breakdown of its key specifications:

Dimensions and Weight

• Width: 32 cm (12.5 inches)
• Depth: 32 cm (12.5 inches)
• Height: 41 cm (16.1 inches)
• Weight: 10 kg (22 pounds)

While not the smallest machine on the market, the Barista Touch offers a good balance between functionality and counter space efficiency. It’s considerably more compact than commercial machines or higher-end home models like the Sage Oracle Touch.

Boiler Specifications

The Barista Touch uses a single boiler system with Sage’s innovative ThermoJet heating technology. This system allows for rapid heating, reaching optimal brewing temperature in just 3 seconds. While it doesn’t offer the simultaneous brewing and steaming capabilities of dual-boiler machines, the ThermoJet system provides quick transitions between brewing and steaming functions.

Pump Type

The Barista Touch uses a 15 bar Italian pump. However, it’s worth noting that the actual brewing pressure is regulated to the industry-standard 9 bars for optimal espresso extraction.

Electrical Requirements

• Voltage: 220-240V
• Wattage: 1680W

The machine’s power consumption is relatively efficient for its capabilities, using up to 32% less energy annually compared to machines with traditional Thermoblock heating systems.

Design and Build Quality

Materials Used

The Sage Barista Touch features a mix of materials that balance durability with aesthetic appeal:

• Body: Primarily stainless steel, providing a sleek look and robust construction
• Portafilter: 54mm stainless steel, commercial-style
• Grinder: Integrated conical burr grinder with hardened stainless steel burrs
• Water Tank: 2-litre capacity, made from BPA-free plastic

The use of stainless steel for key components contributes to the machine’s longevity and helps maintain temperature stability during brewing.

Aesthetic Considerations

Sage has designed the Barista Touch with a modern, minimalist aesthetic that should fit well in most kitchen environments. The standout feature is the full-colour touchscreen display, which gives the machine a contemporary look while providing an intuitive user interface.

The machine is available in several finishes, including Brushed Stainless Steel, Black Stainless Steel, and Black Truffle, allowing users to choose a style that best fits their kitchen decor.

One particularly nice touch is the “barista lights” feature, which illuminates the extraction area, adding both functionality and a premium feel to the machine.

Footprint and Space Requirements

The Barista Touch strikes a balance between functionality and space efficiency. It’s compact enough to fit on most kitchen countertops without dominating the space, yet large enough to incorporate all its features comfortably.

When considering placement, it’s important to note that you’ll need some additional space for accessories like the milk jug, and you’ll want easy access to the sides and top of the machine for adding beans and water. The bean hopper on top requires about 10 cm of clearance when open, so keep this in mind if you’re planning to place it under cabinets.

Despite its relatively compact size, the Barista Touch doesn’t compromise on features. It includes a built-in grinder, a generous 2-litre water tank, and a good-sized drip tray, all within a footprint that should be manageable for most home kitchens.

Core Functionality

Espresso Extraction Process

The Sage Barista Touch employs a comprehensive approach to espresso extraction, incorporating several key features to ensure consistent, high-quality results:

• Integrated Conical Burr Grinder: The machine features a built-in grinder with 30 adjustable grind settings, allowing for precise control over the grind size. This is crucial for dialing in the perfect extraction.
• Dosing: The Barista Touch uses a dose-control grinding system, automatically adjusting the amount of coffee ground based on your settings. It aims for an ideal dose of 18g of freshly ground beans for a full-bodied flavor.
• Pre-infusion: Before full pressure extraction, the machine applies low water pressure to the coffee puck. This pre-infusion stage helps to ensure even extraction by allowing the coffee to expand gently.
• Extraction: After pre-infusion, the machine uses a 9-bar extraction process, delivered via the 15-bar Italian pump. This pressure is considered optimal for espresso extraction by many coffee experts.
• PID Temperature Control: The machine uses digital temperature control (PID) technology to maintain precise water temperature throughout the extraction process.

Temperature Stability Data

The Barista Touch utilizes Sage’s ThermoJet heating system, which achieves the optimal extraction temperature in just 3 seconds. This rapid heating not only allows for quick start-up times but also contributes to temperature stability during brewing.

While specific temperature variance data isn’t provided, user reports and expert reviews consistently praise the machine’s temperature stability. The PID temperature control system plays a crucial role in maintaining consistent temperatures, which is essential for extracting the full range of flavors from your coffee beans.

Pressure Profiling Capabilities

Unlike some higher-end machines, the Barista Touch doesn’t offer advanced pressure profiling capabilities. It maintains a consistent 9-bar pressure during the main extraction phase, which is suitable for most espresso extractions. However, it does feature the pre-infusion stage, which applies lower pressure at the start of the extraction. This can be considered a basic form of pressure profiling, helping to improve extraction evenness and flavor clarity.

Steam Wand Performance Metrics

The Barista Touch features an automatic steam wand, which Sage calls the “Auto MilQ” system. Key performance metrics include:

• Temperature Range: Adjustable from 40°C to 75°C (104°F to 167°F)
• Texture Levels: 8 adjustable levels
• Steam Boiler Capacity: While not explicitly stated, it’s sufficient for home use
• Microfoam Quality: Produces silky smooth microfoam with at least one million micro-bubbles per ml, according to Sage

The steam wand is designed to deliver cafe-quality microfoam, essential for latte art and enhancing the flavor of milk-based drinks. The automatic system aims to replicate the results of manual steaming without requiring extensive barista skills.

User Experience

Learning Curve

The Sage Barista Touch is designed to balance high-quality espresso production with user-friendliness. Its learning curve can be described as moderate:

• For Beginners: The touchscreen interface and guided setup process make it relatively easy for newcomers to start making decent espresso quickly. The automatic milk texturing also reduces the learning curve for milk-based drinks.
• For Experienced Users: Those familiar with espresso machines will appreciate the level of control offered, including adjustable grind size, dose, and milk texture. There’s room to experiment and refine your technique.

The machine includes a step-by-step 3D interactive setup guide via the BILT app, which can significantly flatten the learning curve for new users.

Daily Operation Workflow

The daily workflow with the Barista Touch is streamlined:

• Turn on the machine (3-second heat-up time)
• Select your drink from the touchscreen menu
• Follow the on-screen prompts for grinding and tamping
• The machine will extract the espresso automatically
• For milk drinks, place the jug under the steam wand and let the machine texture the milk
• Pour and enjoy

Once you’ve customized and saved your preferred drinks, the process becomes even simpler, requiring just a few touches on the screen.

Cleaning is also part of the daily workflow. The machine prompts for a quick steam wand purge and wipe-down after each use, and the drip tray should be emptied regularly.

Ease of Adjustments and Customisation

The Barista Touch offers a high degree of customization, all easily accessible through its touchscreen interface:

• Grind Size: 30 adjustable settings via a dial on the side of the machine
• Grind Amount: Adjustable via the touchscreen
• Coffee Strength: Customizable for each drink
• Milk Temperature: Adjustable from 40°C to 75°C
• Milk Texture: 8 levels of adjustment
• Shot Volume: Customizable for single and double shots

Users can create and save up to 8 personalized coffee profiles, each with a custom name and icon. This allows multiple users to quickly access their preferred drinks or for a single user to have different profiles for various coffee types or times of day.

The touchscreen interface makes these adjustments intuitive, allowing users to experiment with different parameters easily. However, some users might find the lack of manual control over aspects like pre-infusion time limiting compared to more advanced machines.

Maintenance and Longevity

Regular Cleaning Requirements

The Sage Barista Touch requires regular cleaning to maintain its performance and longevity. Daily cleaning tasks include:

• Steam Wand Cleaning: After each use, wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth. The machine also has an auto-purge function that flushes the wand internally after steaming.
• Drip Tray: Empty and clean the drip tray regularly. The machine has a ‘Empty Me!’ indicator that floats up when the tray is full.
• Group Head Rinse: Run a blank shot (without coffee) through the group head to flush out any residual coffee oils.
• Portafilter and Baskets: Rinse these with hot water after each use and dry thoroughly.
• Grinder: Brush out any excess grounds from the grinder chute regularly.

The touchscreen interface includes a cleaning guide that walks users through these processes, making routine maintenance straightforward.

Long-term Maintenance Needs

For longer-term maintenance, the Barista Touch requires:

• Descaling: The frequency depends on your water hardness, but the machine will prompt you when it’s time. Sage recommends descaling every 40 litres or every six months, whichever comes first.
• Deep Cleaning Cycle: The machine has a built-in cleaning cycle that should be run periodically. It takes about 5 minutes and requires a cleaning tablet.
• Steam Wand Deep Clean: Occasionally, the steam wand may need a more thorough cleaning using the provided pin cleaning tool. This process is also guided through the touchscreen interface.
• Water Filter Replacement: The machine comes with a water filter that should be replaced every 3 months or after 40 litres of water, whichever comes first.
• Burr Grinder Cleaning: While not specified in the provided information, it’s generally recommended to clean the burrs thoroughly every few months, depending on usage.

Availability of Parts and Service

Sage (Breville) is known for providing good customer support and parts availability. The company offers a 2-year repair warranty, which speaks to their confidence in the machine’s build quality.

Replacement parts such as water filters, cleaning tablets, and the Razor™ precision dose trimming tool are readily available from Sage’s website or authorized retailers.

For more complex issues, Sage has a network of authorized service centers. However, given the machine’s design, many maintenance tasks can be performed by the user with proper guidance from the manual or Sage’s customer support.

Performance in Various Scenarios

Single Shots vs. Double Shots

The Barista Touch comes equipped with both single and double shot filter baskets, allowing flexibility in dose sizes:

• Single Shot Basket: Designed for 8-11g of coffee
• Double Shot Basket: Designed for 16-19g of coffee

The machine’s programmable shot volume and adjustable grind amount allow users to optimize for both single and double shots. However, it’s worth noting that many home baristas tend to prefer double shots for a fuller flavor profile.

The touchscreen interface allows you to easily switch between single and double shots, adjusting grind time and water volume accordingly. This flexibility ensures consistent performance regardless of your shot preference.

Light vs. Dark Roasts

The Barista Touch’s adjustable settings make it capable of handling a range of roast levels:

• Grind Size: With 30 grind settings, users can dial in the perfect grind for different roast levels. Lighter roasts typically require a finer grind, while darker roasts need a coarser grind.
• Temperature Control: The PID temperature control allows for adjustments to suit different roasts. Lighter roasts often benefit from higher temperatures, while darker roasts may require slightly lower temperatures to avoid over-extraction.
• Pre-infusion: The low-pressure pre-infusion stage helps in extracting the full flavor profile from both light and dark roasts, though it’s particularly beneficial for lighter roasts which can be more challenging to extract evenly.

While the machine doesn’t offer pressure profiling capabilities like some higher-end models, its combination of adjustable grind, temperature, and pre-infusion allows users to achieve good results with a variety of roast levels.

Performance with Milk-Based Drinks

The Barista Touch excels in preparing milk-based drinks, thanks to its automatic steam wand (Auto MilQ) system:

• Temperature Control: Users can adjust milk temperature from 40°C to 75°C (104°F to 167°F), catering to personal preferences and different types of milk.
• Texture Levels: With 8 texture levels, the machine can produce everything from silky smooth flat whites to frothier cappuccinos.
• Milk Presets: The machine offers presets for different milk types (dairy, oat, almond, soy), optimizing the steaming process for each.
• Microfoam Quality: Sage claims the system produces microfoam with at least one million micro-bubbles per ml, which is essential for latte art and enhancing the flavor of milk-based drinks.

The automatic system aims to replicate barista-quality milk texturing without requiring extensive skills. This makes the Barista Touch particularly appealing for those who enjoy milk-based espresso drinks but don’t want to master manual milk steaming.

However, it’s worth noting that while the automatic system produces good results, some users report that it may not match the fine control possible with manual steaming for creating intricate latte art. The machine does offer a manual steam option for those who prefer more control.

Comparative Analysis

Objective Comparison with Similar Machines in its Class

The Sage Barista Touch competes in the mid-to-high-end home espresso machine market. Here’s how it compares to some similar machines:

• Sage Barista Express: The Barista Touch is essentially an upgraded version of the Express, adding a touchscreen interface and automatic milk texturing. While the Express offers more manual control, the Touch provides greater ease of use and consistency.
• Sage Oracle Touch: The Oracle Touch is a step up from the Barista Touch, offering automatic tamping and a dual boiler system. However, it comes at a significantly higher price point.
• Sage Dual Boiler: This machine offers more advanced features for experienced users, including pressure profiling and simultaneous brewing and steaming. However, it lacks the touchscreen interface and automatic milk texturing of the Barista Touch.
• Super-automatic machines (e.g., Jura, DeLonghi): These offer even more automation than the Barista Touch but often at the expense of control and, some argue, espresso quality. The Barista Touch strikes a balance between automation and control.

Compared to these machines, the Barista Touch stands out for its combination of user-friendly interface, degree of control, and quality of espresso and milk texturing. It’s particularly well-suited for those who want high-quality drinks without the steep learning curve of more manual machines.

Price-to-Feature Ratio

The Barista Touch sits in the upper mid-range of home espresso machines. When considering its price-to-feature ratio, several factors stand out:

Pros:

• All-in-one solution (grinder, espresso machine, milk frother)
• User-friendly touchscreen interface
• High-quality espresso extraction
• Automatic milk texturing
• Rapid heat-up time (3 seconds)
• Customizable drink profiles

Cons:

• More expensive than entry-level semi-automatic machines
• Lacks some advanced features of higher-end machines (e.g., dual boilers, pressure profiling)

While it’s a significant investment, the Barista Touch offers good value for those who prioritize ease of use alongside quality results. It’s priced competitively when compared to separate purchases of a quality grinder, espresso machine, and milk frother.

Long-term Ownership Considerations

Resale Value

While specific data on resale values isn’t provided, Sage (Breville) machines generally hold their value well due to their build quality and brand reputation. The Barista Touch, being a popular model with desirable features, is likely to maintain a good resale value if well-maintained.

Factors that can positively impact resale value include:

• Regular cleaning and maintenance
• Keeping original packaging and accessories
• The machine’s overall popularity and continued production

Warranty Information

Sage offers a 2-year repair warranty on the Barista Touch. This warranty covers:

• Repair or replacement if the product is found to be defective due to faulty materials, workmanship, or function
• All legal warranty rights under applicable national legislation

It’s worth noting that this warranty provides peace of mind for the initial period of ownership, covering potential manufacturing defects or early failures.

User Community and Support Resources

The Barista Touch benefits from a robust user community and support network:

• Official Support: Sage provides comprehensive support through their website, including user manuals, how-to videos, and a customer service team.
• BILT App: Sage has partnered with BILT to provide an interactive 3D setup guide, making initial setup and learning easier.
• Online Communities: There are active communities on platforms like Reddit (/r/espresso) and home-barista.com where Barista Touch owners share tips, troubleshooting advice, and experiences.
• YouTube Tutorials: Numerous video tutorials and reviews provide guidance on using and maintaining the machine.
• Authorized Service Centers: Sage maintains a network of authorized service centers for repairs and maintenance.

These resources contribute to a positive long-term ownership experience, providing users with ongoing support and a community for sharing experiences and advice.

The combination of good build quality, comprehensive warranty, and strong support resources suggests that the Barista Touch can be a reliable long-term investment for home espresso enthusiasts.

Potential Limitations

While the Sage Barista Touch is a versatile and user-friendly machine, there are scenarios where it might not be the ideal choice:

• For Espresso Purists: Those who prefer complete manual control over every aspect of the extraction process, including pre-infusion time and pressure profiling, might find the Barista Touch limiting. Machines like the Decent DE1PRO or modified La Marzocco GS3 versions offer more advanced customization options.
• High-Volume Households or Small Cafes: The single boiler system means you can’t brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously. For environments requiring rapid production of multiple milk-based drinks, a dual boiler system might be more suitable.
• Budget-Conscious Buyers: While the Barista Touch offers good value for its features, it’s still a significant investment. Those on a tighter budget might prefer the Sage Barista Express or Rancilio Silvia, which offer good espresso quality at a lower price point.
• Limited Counter Space: Although relatively compact for its capabilities, the Barista Touch still requires a fair amount of counter space. Those with very limited kitchen space might need to consider smaller alternatives.
• Non-Dairy Milk Users: While the machine offers presets for various milk types, some users report that it doesn’t handle non-dairy milks as well as dairy milk. This could be a limitation for those who primarily use alternative milks.
• Portafilter Size: The 54mm portafilter, while adequate, is smaller than the commercial standard 58mm. Some users might prefer machines with larger portafilters for more consistent extractions.

Consumer Feedback Summary

Overview of User Reviews from Verified Purchases

The Sage Barista Touch generally receives positive reviews from users, with many praising its ease of use and the quality of espresso it produces.

Common Praise

• Ease of Use: Many users appreciate the intuitive touchscreen interface and guided workflow, making it easy to produce good espresso even for beginners.
• Espresso Quality: Users consistently report that the machine produces high-quality espresso, often comparing it favorably to cafe-bought drinks.
• Milk Texturing: The automatic milk texturing system receives praise for its consistency and the quality of microfoam it produces.
• Quick Heat-Up Time: The 3-second heat-up time is frequently mentioned as a significant advantage, allowing for quick coffee preparation.
• Customization Options: Users appreciate the ability to save personalized drink recipes and the range of adjustable parameters.
• Build Quality: Many reviews mention the solid construction and premium feel of the machine.

Common Criticisms

• Learning Curve: While easier than fully manual machines, some users still report a learning curve in dialing in the perfect shot.
• Cleaning and Maintenance: Some users find the regular cleaning requirements time-consuming, particularly the need for frequent descaling.
• Portafilter Removal: A few users mention difficulty in removing the portafilter, noting that it can be stiff and requires some force.
• Non-Dairy Milk Performance: Some users report inconsistent results when using non-dairy milks with the automatic frothing system.
• Price: While many feel the machine offers good value, some users find the initial investment high.
• Grinder Noise: A few users mention that the grinder can be quite loud, which might be a consideration for early morning coffee makers.

Conclusion

Recap of Key Points

The Sage Barista Touch stands out in the home espresso machine market for several reasons:

• It offers a user-friendly touchscreen interface that guides users through the espresso-making process.
• The built-in grinder with 30 settings allows for precise control over the grind size.
• The ThermoJet heating system provides rapid heat-up times and good temperature stability.
• The automatic milk texturing system produces consistent, high-quality microfoam.
• It allows for a high degree of customization, with the ability to save up to 8 personalized drinks.
• The machine balances automation with enough manual control to satisfy most home baristas.

However, it’s important to consider some limitations:

• The single boiler system doesn’t allow for simultaneous brewing and steaming.
• Some users may find the regular maintenance requirements demanding.
• The machine represents a significant financial investment compared to entry-level models.

Suggestions for Further Research

For those considering the Sage Barista Touch, we recommend:

• If possible, try the machine in person at a local retailer to get a feel for its operation and the quality of drinks it produces.
• Compare it directly with other machines in its price range, such as the Rancilio Silvia Pro X or ECM Classika PID, to see which best fits your needs.
• Consider your long-term coffee goals. If you think you might want more advanced features in the future, you might look at prosumer-level machines like the Lelit Bianca or ECM Synchronika.
• Research the availability and cost of replacement parts and servicing in your area.
• Look into water quality in your area, as this can significantly impact machine maintenance and coffee quality.

The Sage Barista Touch offers a compelling package for home users who want to produce high-quality espresso drinks with a balance of control and convenience. Its combination of features, ease of use, and performance make it a strong contender in the mid-to-high-end home espresso machine market. However, as with any significant purchase, it’s essential to consider your specific needs, budget, and long-term coffee goals when making your decision.