The Breville Barista Express and the Sage Barista Express are visually identical and functionally the same because they are the exact same machine manufactured by the Breville Group. The only significant difference between them is the brand name on the front, which changes based on your geographical location - it's sold as Breville in North America and other regions, and as Sage in the UK and parts of Europe.
Here's everything you need to know about this popular espresso machine to decide which version you should buy based on where you live.
Sage Barista Express
The Sage Barista Express is the UK and European branding for one of the world's most popular all-in-one home espresso machines. It's designed by the Australian manufacturer Breville (which markets its products under the Sage name in these regions) to give home users everything they need to go from bean to espresso in under a minute, integrating a high-quality conical burr grinder, precise PID temperature control, and a powerful steam wand.
- What it is: An all-in-one semi-automatic espresso machine with a built-in grinder for home use.
- Key features: Integrated conical burr grinder with dose control, 15 bar pressure, precise PID temperature control, powerful manual steam wand for microfoam latte art, and hot water dispenser.
- Price: Typically £629.95
- Style: Sleek brushed stainless steel finish with a modern, professional, and compact aesthetic that fits typical kitchen countertops.
- Materials/Construction: Features a durable stainless steel body, high-quality plastic components in low-wear areas, and a solid build that feels substantial.
- Pros: All-in-one design saves counter space. Great value for the features provided. Gives you complete control over your espresso-making process. Durable and built to last with proper care.
- Cons: Built-in grinder limits upgrade potential if you get more serious about espresso. Learning curve for beginners to dial in the perfect shot. Requires regular cleaning and maintenance.
This machine is ideal for coffee enthusiasts in the UK and Europe who want cafe-quality results without a separate grinder and a high price tag.
Shop this product: sageappliances.com/uk/en/products/espresso/bes875.html
Breville Barista Express
A coffee machine identical twin built by the same company, the Breville Barista Express is the branding used in North America, Australia, and much of the world. It provides the same award-winning formula: an integrated burr grinder, precise brewing controls, and manual milk steaming in a single polished unit. It has become a benchmark for home espresso machines because it offers an accessible path into the hobby without requiring multiple expensive purchases.
- What it is: An all-in-one semi-automatic home espresso machine featuring a built-in burr grinder.
- Key features: Onboard conical burr grinder, precise water temperature (PID) control, 15 bar pump, and a 360-degree swivel steam wand for texturing milk.
- Price: Typically $749.95
- Style: A modern and durable design with a small footprint, available in brushed stainless steel and other colors designed to look like a professional appliance.
- Materials/Construction: A robust chassis made primarily of stainless steel, ensuring longevity and a premium feel.
- Pros: Excellent value for an all-in-one machine. The integrated grinder is very convenient. Perfect for those who want to learn the fundamentals of espresso. Widely available and supported with parts.
- Cons: Requires some practice to master. The grinder, while good for an integrated unit, isn't as capable as high-end standalone grinders. Consistent maintenance is necessary for optimal performance.
The Breville Barista Express suits North American coffee lovers who are ready to move beyond pod machines and want full control over their brew.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes870.html
Sage vs. Breville Comparison
Branding & Availability
The primary and most significant difference lies in branding and regional distribution. Breville Group owns both brand names. Due to a pre-existing company named Breville that sold small appliances in the UK, Breville Group had to market their products under a new name in that region and chose "Sage by Heston Blumenthal" (later shortened to just Sage).
If you live in North America, Australia, or many parts of Asia, you will buy the Breville Barista Express. If you live in the United Kingdom or parts of mainland Europe, you will buy the Sage Barista Express. They are not competing products, they are the same product for different markets.
Dimensions & Materials
Physically, the machines are identical. Both have a body constructed from brushed stainless steel and a similar footprint, measuring approximately 12.5" x 12.6" x 13.1" (31.8 x 32 x 33.3 cm). They weigh about 23 pounds (10.4 kg), giving them a stable and premium feel without being too cumbersome for a home kitchen. The build quality, materials, and internal components like the pump, thermocoil heating system, and grinder are the same across both versions.
Price & Value
While the machines are identical inside and out, the exact price often differs due to currency exchange rates, import taxes, and local market pricing strategies. For example, the Sage Barista Express retails for around £630 in the UK, while the Breville version sells for about $750 in the US. These prices are roughly equivalent when accounting for local economic factors. The value proposition is the same: you get an excellent all-in-one machine that provides professional-level features at a friendly price point for what it delivers.
Electrical Differences
One critical technical difference worth noting is the electrical configuration. The Breville machine sold in North America is designed for a 110-120V power supply, which is standard in the US and Canada. The Sage version sold in the UK and Europe is built for a 220-240V supply. Because of this, you cannot simply buy a Sage machine from the UK and use it with a simple plug adapter in the US (or vice-versa), as you would risk damaging the machine's internal electronics.
Which One Should You Choose?
The decision here is an easy one, as it's made for you based on where you live.
Choose the Breville Barista Express if:
- You live in North America (USA, Canada, Mexico).
- You live in Australia or New Zealand.
- You want local warranty support and parts availability from Breville's regional branch.
- Your home uses a 110-120V power supply.
Choose the Sage Barista Express if:
- You live in the United Kingdom or most of Europe.
- You need a machine compatible with a 220-240V power supply.
- You want customer service and a warranty honored by Sage in your country.
- You prefer the branding and local retailer options available in the UK/EU market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Sage and Breville Barista Express?
The only significant difference is the name and the regional distribution. They are the same machine, made by the same company (Breville Group), but branded as "Breville" in the Americas and Australia, and as "Sage" in the UK and Europe. Internally and feature-wise, they are identical.
Are parts interchangeable between Sage and Breville machines?
Mechanical parts like portafilters, filter baskets, drip trays, and grinders are usually interchangeable as they are physically identical. However, internal electrical components designed for different voltages (e.g., the heating element or pump) are not interchangeable and are specific to the region's power supply.
Can I buy a Sage machine in the UK and use it in the USA?
No, this is highly discouraged. A Sage machine is built for a 220-240V power system. A US outlet provides 110-120V. While you could use a step-up transformer, it is not recommended as it adds a failure point and may void your warranty. It is always best to buy the machine designed for your country's electrical grid.
Why are there two different names for the same product?
Australian manufacturer Breville Group did not own the rights to the "Breville" brand name in the UK and parts of Europe, as another small appliance company was already operating under that name. To avoid brand confusion, they launched their products under the Sage brand in those markets.
Which one is better?
Neither is better - they are the same machine. The right one to purchase is simply the one sold officially in your country. This ensures you have the correct power plug and voltage compatibility, and that your warranty will be honored by the local distributor.
Does Breville own Sage?
Yes. More accurately, "Sage" is a brand name used by the Breville Group to market its products in specific regions like the UK and Europe where the "Breville" brand name was already in use by another company.
Do they come with the same accessories?
Yes, both the Breville and Sage Barista Express typically come with the same set of accessories in the box. This includes single and dual wall filter baskets, a 54mm portafilter, a steaming pitcher, The Razor dosing tool, and cleaning tools.
Are prices the same for both brands?
The prices are generally aligned within their respective regional markets but aren't identical due to conversion rates, taxes, and local pricing strategies. The machine sold in the US (Breville) and the one sold in the UK (Sage) will have a similar "perceived" price point for customers in those countries.
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