Sage Dual Boiler review, tips and experiences

The Dual Boiler espresso machine is an interesting espresso machine. "the Dual Boiler" from Sage is different from all other Sage models we have tested so far. While the Sage Barista Pro, the Barista Express, the Barista Touch, and also the Sage Bambino are espresso machines with thermocoil heaters, the Dual Boiler is an espresso machine with multiple boilers. With this, Sage positions its espresso machines in the middle of a competitive field, where names like La Marzocco, Dalla Corte, or ECM are at home. While many dual boilers from these companies cost significantly more than 2000 Euros, Sage the Dual Boiler costs just over 1000 Euros. This is a statement to the entire market, and we were all the more curious about what is qualitatively possible.

First things first: Sage the Dual Boiler shows that dual boilers don't necessarily have to be expensive to offer technical class, amazing functionality, and ultimately good espresso in the cup.

This article is a summary of our findings regarding the Sage Dual Boiler. We have extensively tested the machine and have so far filmed a longer test video and a shorter summary. Further content with tips, tricks, and operating suggestions will follow. If you are interested in Sage the Dual Boiler and want to stay up to date, then subscribe to our information newsletter for the machine at the bottom of the page.

Short and Sweet - Test Summary

Strengths

• Temperature consistency once the espresso machine has heated up.
• Fast heat-up time of only 8 minutes. A flush shot is then assumed.
• Extensive control options, from automatic start time in the morning to pre-infusion.
• Double PID control for brew boiler and steam boiler.
• Programmable volume buttons. Either the pour time or the pour volume can be programmed. Many even more expensive espresso machines forgo programming the pour volume (volumetric control).
• The pre-brewing/pre-infusion can be adjusted in terms of time and the amount of water dispensed or the applied pressure. A unique selling point in this price range.
• Dual water tank filling. It can be filled from the top and thus from the front. It can also be removed from the back of the machine.
• No integrated grinder. This allows for the purchase of a good grinder that matches the machine.
• Good milk pitcher included.
• Good baskets with a sensible capacity of 18 - 20 grams included.

Weaknesses

• Steam boiler must be switched on, as it preheats the brew boiler's water as a heat exchanger.
• Much useless accessories included.
• A relatively high power consumption for Sage machines. Sage shows with other machines how low the power consumption of an espresso machine can be.
• Tamper does not fit completely flush with the basket.
• Relatively bulky machine, especially in width.
• The machine is relatively loud at 72 decibels. More than the volume, however, the rattling and unpleasant sound is disturbing.

Dual Boiler by Sage - Classification

The Sage Dual Boiler is not comparable to the other Sage espresso machines we have already tested. In the past, we have tested and discussed the Sage Barista Express, Sage Barista Pro, Sage Barista Touch, and Sage Bambino. These espresso machines do not rely on a boiler for heating the brew water and steaming, but on heating elements called thermocoil heaters. Except for the Sage Bambino, the mentioned machines also have integrated espresso grinders.

With a brew boiler of 0.45 l and a steam boiler of 0.95 l, the Sage Dual Boiler, true to its name, takes a different approach. This brings advantages and disadvantages. The heating behavior of boilers is generally slower. Power consumption is usually higher. On the other hand, once heated, boilers are more temperature stable due to their thermal mass. Less is then required from a temperature control system than with fast-heating and cooling thermocoil heaters without significant heat storage capacity.

Strategically, a Dual Boiler also takes a different approach, as it has to confront the established names and brands in the espresso machine business. While the companies themselves react with cool composure to Sage also swimming in the Dual Boiler waters, dyed-in-the-wool boiler fans react with gasps.

It is difficult to accept that a manufacturer who, with the cheaper models, sometimes has material difficulties and, in our opinion, primarily temperature difficulties, presents a good Dual Boiler for relatively little money.

And yet we see exactly that as our task: to always look anew, to dedicate a fresh look to every machine, and to illuminate strengths and weaknesses. Our goal is to find espresso machines that enable you to prepare good espresso at home for as little money as possible. And the Sage Dual Boiler is exactly such a machine.

An Affordable Dual Boiler

Sage the Dual Boiler is a truly affordable dual boiler. While most dual boilers cost 1800 Euros and more, we find the Sage Dual Boiler for around 1150 Euros in the EU. It is sold, for example, on large online platforms like Amazon* or Media Markt, while specialist retailers rarely list the machine or it does not appear online. In Switzerland, we currently even find prices below 1000 Swiss Francs (Manor, Galaxus). We advise you, whenever possible, to buy the machine from a specialist retailer. This way, you have a direct point of contact if something is wrong with the machine.

Size and Appearance

Sage the Dual is 42 cm wide and 38 cm high at its base. The width refers to the entire machine, including the steam wheel on the right side and the steam control on the left side. With our cups, we reach a height of 43.5 cm. Incidentally, many cups fit on the machine and are well warmed. This means the espresso cools down less quickly in the cup, and the mouthfeel is better.

The body of the espresso machine is 37 cm deep. However, it is important to remember the portafilter, which extends beyond the Sage Dual Boiler. We measure 44.5 cm including the portafilter. At 16 kg, the Sage Dual Boiler has a solid weight and a stable stand. The water tank holds 2.5 liters and can be filled from above or removed from the back of the machine. Practical.

Also practical: if the drip tray, which holds a maximum of 1 liter, is removed, a hidden wheel becomes visible underneath, which can be extended. This allows the Sage Dual Boiler to be moved into place without much effort. For the record: more water can also be filled into the drip tray. Up to 1 liter, it is easy to carry and empty. That's a solid size.

Temperature Curves Sage Dual Boiler

Energy Consumption