Questions and tips for the Sage Barista Express/Pro/Touch and similar models.

After testing the Sage Barista Pro and Sage Barista Express, we have received many questions. Since some of these are repetitive and we are struggling to keep up with answering emails, we are collecting questions, Sage Barista tips, and answers on this page. Please comment your questions under the article. We would appreciate it if experienced users could help answer these questions.

We are not a seller of Sage espresso machines nor are we affiliated with the brand. We put this information together because we receive many questions and we want to help you brew delicious coffee with your equipment.

Espresso runs too fast on Sage Barista Express/Pro – what to do?

The Sage Barista Express, as well as other Sage models with a conical burr grinder, features an external grind size adjustment. Some users have the issue where the espresso runs too fast even at the finest grind setting.

A finer grind size increases the resistance for the water and is necessary to prepare espresso. The Sage Barista models have a second intended grind adjustment inside the machine. If the external grind adjustment is at its limit, the overall grind range can be adjusted to be finer by re-calibrating the grinder.

To do this, first run the grinder until empty and then unplug the machine from the power. Now, the bean hopper can be removed. The conical burr grinder of the Sage Barista Express becomes visible. The upper burr can be unscrewed. To do this, flip up the metal handle and rotate the grinder counter-clockwise from the "Lock" marking to the "Align" position. It may be slightly stuck the first time you loosen it.

The upper conical burr looks like a small basket. Inside, you will see labels (fine and coarse) as well as numbers. By removing the handle, you can rotate the upper section, allowing you to adjust the overall grind size of the grinder to be finer or coarser.

After reinserting the handle, put the basket back in with the arrow at "align" and lock it into place by turning it clockwise to "lock." You can then replace the bean hopper.

The entire grinder is now set to a finer range. The previous grind setting 6 is no longer as fine or coarse as 6 was before, but is now, for example, as fine as the previous grind setting 1.

By the way, this type of calibration is the reason why we never mention exact grind settings for grinders in our videos and guides. Every grinder has a different internal calibration. Grinders are not calibrated. Our grind size is therefore never your grind size.

It is not a malfunction that you have to readjust grinders. Every coffee is different depending on its origin and roast, and it behaves differently during grinding.

Can I make Café Crème with the Sage Barista?

In principle, yes. The problem is that there is only one grinder installed. There are two sensible workarounds for this, and one that doesn't taste good.

1. Make an Americano. An Americano is a diluted espresso. To do this, first add about 80 grams of water to the coffee cup. Then brew a double espresso over it. Your Americano/long coffee is ready.
2. Get a second grinder and adjust it accordingly. This is the best option. The grind size can be perfectly adjusted with a separate grinder, and the result is very good. We have published a precise recipe and video on this here.
3. Use slightly less coffee in a double shot, do not tamp, and let the coffee run for a long time. This automatically leads to over-extraction and tends to become bitter. Not our recommended technique – but it works too.

For more in-depth information, it is best to watch our video on the topic of Café Crème and long coffee.

More questions about the Sage Barista Pro.

Important information and liability

We are not responsible for any changes you make to the grinder or your machine. We assume no liability whatsoever. Please read the instruction manual and follow it.