Breville vs Sage – What’s the Difference? This page contains affiliate links
If you’re shopping in the UK or Europe, you may have come across Sage by Heston Blumenthal, or simply Sage. Meanwhile, customers in Australia, the U.S., and other regions know the same product line under the Breville brand. Confusing? You’re not alone.
Here’s the quick story: Breville, founded in Australia in 1932, is the parent brand. Due to trademark restrictions in the UK, the company launched its products under the Sage brand. Initially partnered with chef Heston Blumenthal (hence the early branding), the Sage name has since become an established identity in its own right.
The good news? It’s the same engineering, same quality, and often the exact same machines—just with different branding on the front.
For example:
- Breville Barista Express = Sage Barista Express
- Breville Smart Oven Air = Sage Smart Oven Air Fryer
- Breville Bambino Plus = Sage Bambino Plus
So whether you’re reading reviews from an American site or buying from a UK retailer, you’re getting a consistent experience—just under a different label.
A Comprehensive Guide to the Pros and Cons of Popular Breville/Sage Products
Breville (known as Sage in some regions) has earned a stellar reputation for its high-quality kitchen appliances, making it a go-to brand for home chefs and coffee lovers alike. Whether you’re after a coffee machine, toaster, or blender, Breville/Sage offers a range of products that combine innovative technology with sleek design. But with so many options, how do you decide which one is right for you? In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of some of their most popular products to help you make an informed decision.
1. Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine
Pros:
- Built-in Burr Grinder: The integrated grinder ensures freshly ground coffee every time, enhancing flavour and aroma.
- Compact Design: It’s more compact than many other espresso machines, making it suitable for smaller kitchens.
- Customizable Settings: Offers precise control over shot size, grind size, and temperature, making it perfect for coffee enthusiasts.
- Quality Build: Made with stainless steel, this machine feels sturdy and high-end.
Cons:
- Learning Curve: If you’re new to espresso machines, it may take a while to master all the settings and get the perfect cup.
- Manual Operation: While it’s not fully automatic, some may find the manual process a bit too involved compared to simpler, push-button machines.
- Price: On the pricier side for those just getting into espresso.
Where to Buy:
- UK: Available at John Lewis, Currys, and Amazon UK.
- USA: Available at Breville USA, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Amazon USA
2. Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer
Pros:
- Versatility: This appliance is not just an air fryer but also functions as a convection oven, dehydrator, broiler, and more. It can even bake and roast with ease.
- Spacious: It has ample space to cook multiple items at once, perfect for families or meal prepping.
- Smart Technology: Includes smart features like an air fry setting that adjusts the temperature and time automatically for crispy results.
Cons:
- Size: It’s a bit bulky, so it may take up valuable counter space.
- Learning Curve: The wide array of functions and settings might overwhelm users who prefer simplicity.
- Price: It’s more expensive than standard countertop ovens or air fryers.
Where to Buy:
- UK: Available at Currys, John Lewis, and Amazon UK.
- USA: Available at Breville USA, Best Buy, and Amazon USA
3. Sage The Barista Pro Espresso Machine
Pros:
- Integrated Grinder and Steam Wand: Similar to the Barista Express, but with a more powerful steam wand for frothing milk like a pro.
- LCD Display: The digital display makes it easy to monitor and adjust settings for a custom brewing experience.
- Fast Heat Up: With ThermoJet heating technology, it reaches optimal brewing temperature in just 3 seconds.
- Compact: Despite its capabilities, it has a relatively small footprint compared to other espresso machines.
Cons:
- Expensive: It’s one of the pricier machines in its category, which might be a deal breaker for casual coffee drinkers.
- Requires Maintenance: Like any espresso machine, it requires regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure long-lasting performance.
- Not Fully Automatic: Some users may prefer a fully automatic machine that takes care of everything.
Where to Buy:
- UK: Available at Sage Appliances UK, John Lewis, and Amazon UK.
- USA: Available at Breville USA, Williams Sonoma, and Amazon USA.
4. Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
Pros:
- Compact and Fast: The Bambino Plus heats up in just 3 seconds, making it one of the fastest espresso machines in its class.
- Automatic Milk Frothing: The automatic steam wand creates silky micro foam with ease, perfect for lattes and cappuccinos.
- User-Friendly: It’s easy to operate, even for beginners, and has an intuitive interface.
- Affordable: More affordable than other Breville espresso machines, making it a great entry-level option.
Cons:
- Small Water Tank: The small water reservoir means you may need to refill it frequently when making multiple drinks.
- Limited Customization: While the Bambino Plus is user-friendly, it doesn’t offer as much control over grind size, extraction time, or temperature compared to higher-end models.
Where to Buy:
- UK: Available at Sage Appliances UK, John Lewis, and Amazon UK.
- USA: Available at Breville USA, Best Buy, and Amazon USA.
5. Breville Juice Fountain Plus
Pros:
- High-Quality Juice Extraction: Its powerful motor and wide feed chute allow you to juice whole fruits and vegetables with ease, producing fresh juice quickly.
- Large Capacity: The large pulp container means you can juice large batches before needing to empty it.
- Easy to Clean: Most parts are dishwasher safe, making clean-up a breeze.
Cons:
- Loud: The powerful motor can be quite noisy, especially when juicing harder fruits and vegetables.
- Bulky: It takes up a good amount of counter space, which might be inconvenient for smaller kitchens.
- Limited to Juicing: Unlike some other juicers, it’s not designed for versatility—if you’re looking to make nut milk or smoothies, you’ll need a different appliance.
Where to Buy:
- UK: Available at Currys, John Lewis, and Amazon UK.
- USA: Available at Breville USA, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Amazon USA.
6. Breville Smart Grinder Pro
Pros:
- Precision Grinding: Offers 60 grind settings, giving you full control over your grind size for everything from espresso to French press.
- Consistent Results: The burr grinder ensures uniform grounds, improving the flavor and consistency of your coffee.
- Easy to Use: The digital interface makes it easy to adjust settings, and the hopper holds a generous amount of beans.
Cons:
- Size: It’s a bit larger than other grinders, so it may take up a fair amount of counter space.
- Static Issues: Some users report a small amount of static electricity that causes coffee grounds to stick to the grinder.
- Price: While not the most expensive grinder, it’s still a bit costly compared to basic blade grinders.
Where to Buy:
- UK: Available at John Lewis, Amazon UK, and Sage Appliances UK.
- USA: Available at Breville USA, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Amazon USA.
Just so you know: some links in this post are affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you. It helps us keep bringing you honest reviews, tasty ideas and kitchen inspiration. Thanks for your support
Conclusion
Breville/Sage products offer a mix of innovation, quality, and design, but they’re not one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re brewing espresso at home, making air-fried meals, or juicing fruits, there’s a Breville or Sage appliance that fits your needs. Weighing the pros and cons of each model will help you decide which one suits your kitchen, lifestyle, and budget.