Sage Dual Boiler review, tips and experiences

The Sage Dual Boiler espresso machine is an interesting one. "The Dual Boiler" from Sage is different from all other Sage models we've tested so far. While the Sage Barista Pro, Barista Express, Barista Touch, and Sage Bambino espresso machines feature thick-film heaters, the Dual Boiler is a multi-boiler espresso machine. This places Sage's espresso machines right in the middle of a competitive field that includes brands like La Marzocco, Dalla Corte, and ECM. While many dual boilers from these companies cost well over €2,000, the Sage Dual Boiler costs just over €1,000. This is a statement to the entire market, and we were all the more curious to see what quality is possible.

First of all: Sage the Dual Boiler shows that dual boilers don't necessarily have to be expensive to offer technical class, an amazing range of functions and, ultimately, good espresso in the cup.

This article is a summary of our work on the Sage Dual Boiler. We've tested the machine extensively and have so far produced a longer test video and a shorter summary. More content with tips, tricks, and operating suggestions will follow. If you're interested in the Sage Dual Boiler and want to stay up to date, subscribe to our newsletter about the machine at the bottom of the page.

In short - Summary of the test

Strengthen

• Temperature consistency when the espresso machine is heated up.
• Fast heat-up time of just 8 minutes. A rinse shot is required.
• Extensive control options , from automatic start time in the morning to pre-infusion.
• Dual PID control of brew boiler and steam boiler.
• Programmable volume buttons . You can program either the flow time or the flow rate. Many espresso machines, even more expensive ones, do not offer a flow rate (volumetric).
• The pre-brewing/pre-infusion can be adjusted both in terms of time and the amount of water dispensed or the pressure applied. A unique selling point in this price range.
• Double water tank filling . This can be filled from the top, i.e., from the front. It can also be removed from the back of the machine.
• No integrated grinder. This makes it possible to purchase a good grinder that matches the machine.
• Good milk jug included.
• Good sieves with a reasonable capacity of 18 - 20 grams included.

Weaken

• The steam boiler must be switched on because it acts as a heat exchanger to preheat the water in the brewing boiler.
• Lots of useless accessories included.
• This is a relatively high power consumption for a Sage machine. Sage has demonstrated with other machines how low the power consumption of an espresso machine can be.
• Tamper is not completely flush with the sieve.
• Relatively bulky machine, especially in width.
• The machine is relatively loud at 72 decibels. More annoying than the volume, however, is the rattling, unpleasant sound.

Dual Boiler from Sage - Classification

The Sage Dual Boiler isn't comparable to the other Sage espresso machines we've tested. We've previously tested and reviewed the Sage Barista Express , Sage Barista Pro , Sage Barista Touch , and Sage Bambino . These espresso machines don't use a boiler to heat the brewing water and frothing steam, but rather thick-film heaters. With the exception of the Sage Bambino, these machines also have integrated espresso grinders.

With a 0.45-liter brewing boiler and a 0.95-liter steam boiler, the Sage Dual Boiler, true to its name, takes a different approach. This brings both advantages and disadvantages. Boilers generally heat up more slowly. Power consumption is generally higher. On the other hand, heated boilers, once they have reached their target temperature, are also more temperature-stable due to their thermal mass. This means less is required of a temperature controller than with rapidly heating and cooling thick-film heaters without much heat storage capacity.

Strategically, a dual boiler also flies a different trajectory, as it has to compete with the established names and brands in the espresso machine business. While the companies themselves react with sober composure to the fact that Sage is also a contender with dual boilers, die-hard boiler fans are gasping for breath.

It is difficult to accept that a manufacturer who has some material problems and, in our opinion, especially temperature problems with its cheaper models, presents a good dual boiler for relatively little money.

And yet, we see this as precisely our mission: to continually revisit, to give each machine a fresh perspective, and to examine its strengths and weaknesses. Our goal is to find espresso machines that allow you to make great espresso at home for as little money as possible. And the Sage Dual Boiler is exactly such a machine.

An affordable dual boiler

The Sage Dual Boiler is a truly affordable dual boiler. While most dual boilers cost €1,800 or more, we can find the Sage Dual Boiler for around €1,150 in the EU. It's available on major online platforms like Amazon* or Media Markt , while specialist retailers unfortunately rarely list the machine or don't appear online. In Switzerland, we're currently even finding prices under CHF 1,000 ( Manor , Galaxus ). We recommend purchasing the machine from a specialist retailer whenever possible. This way, you have a direct contact if anything goes wrong with the machine.

Size and appearance

The Sage Dual is 42 cm wide and 38 cm high at the base. This width refers to the entire machine, including the steam wheel on the right side and the steam control on the left. With our cups, the height is 43.5 cm. Incidentally, the machine can hold quite a few cups, and they are also heated thoroughly. This means the espresso cools down more slowly in the cup, resulting in a better mouthfeel.

The body of the espresso machine is 37 cm deep. Not to be forgotten, however, is the portafilter, which extends beyond the Sage Dual Boiler. We measured 44.5 cm including the portafilter. At 16 kg, the Sage Dual Boiler has a solid weight and a stable base. The water tank holds 2.5 liters and can be filled from the top or removed from behind the machine. Practical.

Another practical feature: When the drip tray, which holds a maximum of 1 liter, is removed, a hidden wheel underneath is visible, which can be extended. This allows the Sage Dual Boiler to be moved around easily. For the record, more water can also be filled into the drip tray. However, up to 1 liter, it is easy to carry and empty. That's a solid size.

Temperature curves Sage Dual Boiler

Energy consumption