Are Sage coffee machines worth it? If these 5 things matter to you, we think so
Thinking about investing in a Sage coffee machine? They're expensive and don't suit every kitchen or coffee drinker, but if you value these five things, I think they're worth every penny
Sales of at-home coffee machines have boomed in recent years (41% of Brits now own one, according to a 2025 Statista report), with many of us upgrading from instant granules to sophisticated gadgets that promise barista-quality coffee from the comfort of our homes. As such, a good coffee machine no longer feels like a luxury, but a staple appliance that every kitchen should have – and there's now a dizzying array of models out there to cater to every taste and budget. As a coffee expert and qualified barista, I've tested upwards of 60 coffee machines and get questions all the time about which models I'd actually recommend. Of the brands I'm asked about most, though, Sage is undoubtedly the most coveted of all. Known as Breville around the rest of the world (different from Breville UK), the Australian appliance brand is renowned for its sleek chrome designs, innovative tech and professional-grade results, and it has a well-earned reputation as the go-to choice for anyone serious about their coffee. Its product range is impressively broad too, spanning everything from high-end bean-to-cup models to simpler coffee grinders and accessories. But with prices ranging from £329.95 to £2,499.95, buying a Sage coffee machine can feel like a big decision, especially if you're at the beginning of your coffee journey. So, are these gadgets really worth the investment or are you better off buying something less expensive? I don't think a Sage is the perfect coffee machine for everyone, but if the five things below really matter to you, it could be one of the best possible additions to your kitchen – providing you choose a model that suits your needs and budget. Are Sage coffee machines worth it? Yes, if... You want consistency over convenience Perhaps the biggest appeal of a coffee machine is the promise of a quick caffeine hit at the touch of a button. But if it's consistency you're after – that is, a reliably great cup of coffee every single time – a Sage machine will deliver where many others fall short. Of course, you will get a faster, more hands-off experience from using a fully automatic coffee model, but what a Sage really excels at is producing repeatable quality results. Its bean-to-cup and higher-end espresso machines in particular are engineered to replicate the careful processes used by professional baristas, and features including precise temperature controls, adjustable grind settings and auto-tamping guarantee that every shot of espresso is extracted under the perfect conditions. The grinders on its newer bean-to-cup models also learn the dose and grind size needed for each brew, so even if the machine gets it wrong the first time, it will self-correct for the next. You can save your favourite settings on models like the Barista Touch Impress and the Oracle Jet, too, eliminating the hassle of fiddling with the customisation settings every time you make a drink. You love the ritual of making coffee as much as drinking it Unlike fully automatic models that take care of everything behind closed doors, a Sage machine leaves all the fun, tactile parts of the process of coffee-making to the user. When choosing a coffee machine, I'd recommend thinking about just how hands-on you want to be. The Sage the Barista Express and Sage the Barista Pro, for example, are better suited to those who want as much control as possible, as tasks like dosing and tamping the coffee grounds need to be done manually. If – like me – you'd prefer something with a bit more automation, models like the Barista Touch Impress and the Oracle Jet offer the perfect sweet spot. They have features like assisted tamping and auto-dosing, which eliminates the messier parts of brewing fresh coffee at home, plus on-screen digital prompts that guide you through each step of the process. Sage also recently developed a new machine, the Oracle Dual Boiler, which has two user modes (manual and auto) that you can switch between. This means you can cater to different users – for instance, if there's someone in your household who just wants great coffee with a bit of assistance, they can use the auto mode, while the manual mode works best for those who want full control. You want lots of features, but not a 200-page instruction manual Personally, one of the things I love most about Sage's coffee machines is just how user-friendly they are – which is quite remarkable when you consider just how much tech is built into them. As a product tester, it's part of my job to study the manual of every gadget I review, but not everyone wants to wade through hundreds of pages of instructions or spend hours learning how to use their new coffee machine. Sage strikes a sweet spot between customisation and user-friendliness and its machines are packed with professional-level features, but are still designed to be approachable even if you're new to brewing espresso at home. Those in the range that have a digital touchscreen – like the Barista Touch Impress, Oracle Jet and Oracle Dual Boiler – will walk you through every step and provide helpful tips along the way, like whether you need to tweak your grind size. You can start with the standard menu of drinks if you just want the basics, or dive deeper into the settings when you want to fine-tune your coffee. As customer support goes, Sage is also a cut above most other brands, as if you find yourself experiencing problems with your machine, you can instantly get in touch with a member of the team via the live chat window on the website. You buy speciality coffee beans that you want to do justice to If you already buy fresh coffee beans for your at-home machine (something I would – and will always – encourage), you're already well on your way to brewing great coffee. Always remember that what you put into the machine is usually what you'll get out, and stale beans do not make good espresso. However, if you're only using a sub-par machine that doesn't have the level of precision you want, you might feel like you're not letting the coffee live up to its full potential. With a Sage bean-to-cup machine, you have a much wider range of grind settings and extraction controls, so you can fully tailor the grind to suit the beans – be it light, medium or dark roast. Most models also allow you to adjust the water temperature, flow rate and extraction time, which means you can highlight the unique flavours and aromas of your beans, rather than brew a generic espresso shot each time. You're willing to learn (just a little) While I think Sage coffee machines are user-friendly, they do reward a bit of curiosity and willingness to learn. Unlike coffee pod machines or ultra-basic filter coffee machines, you'll get the best results if you're open to tweaking the settings or trying new things. You don't need to be a trained barista – just interested enough to occasionally experiment with a different grind size or milk texture. As these machines provide instant feedback, they'll help you hone your technique over time and many users find that they're able to consistently produce drinks that match their exact taste after a bit of tinkering. If you want to upskill further, Sage also runs online masterclasses and workshops on everything from perfecting your latte art to dialling in your coffee beans, so you can fully make the most of your machine. Which Sage coffee machine is best? Sage the Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction Available from John Lewis & Partners (£1,199), Amazon (£1,198.90), Sage (£1,199.95) Star rating: 5/5 The Barista Touch Impress is a versatile bean-to-cup machine that strikes the perfect balance between convenience and control. It also comes with a cold-extraction function, which allows you to make cold brew-style drinks quickly. The intuitive touchscreen guides you through set-up and drink selection, offering a choice of hot and cold beverages and step-by-step prompts for dialling in your grind and espresso settings. Assisted tamping takes the guesswork out of dosing and the machine auto-corrects each dose for next time. There’s plenty of scope to customise your drinks, too, including milk froth settings for different types of milk – whether dairy or plant-based. Be prepared for the set-up to take a bit of time, but once you've dialled in your coffee beans, this machine produces rich, barista-grade espresso with glossy crema. Read more about the Barista Touch Impress in our guide to the best coffee machines. Available from: John Lewis & Partners (£1,199) Amazon (£1,198.90) Sage (£1,199.95) Sage the Oracle Jet Available from Sage (£1,699.95), Currys (£1,699.99), Lakeland (£1,699.99) Star rating: 5/5 As one of Sage's most high-spec bean-to-cup models, the Oracle Jet combines smart tech with user-friendly features – including WiFi connectivity, which means it installs software upgrades remotely to prolong the life of the machine. The touchscreen display is ultra-intuitive, offering light and dark modes for personalisation, and the machine gives helpful prompts for grinding adjustments if your espresso pours too slowly or too quickly. It has a large footprint, but is approximately 3cm smaller (in height and width) and almost 8kg lighter than the Oracle Touch – plus, there are lockable wheels on the base, which make it easy to move around the worktop for cleaning. Read more about the Oracle Jet in our guide to the best bean-to-cup coffee machines. Available from: Sage (£1,699.95) Currys (£1,699.99) Lakeland (£1,699.99) Sage the Bambino Plus Available from Harts of Stur (£398.95), Amazon (£399), Very (£399), AO (£399), John Lewis & Partners (£399), Sage (£399.95), Currys (£399.99) Star rating: 4.5/5 The Bambino Plus is a compact mid-range espresso machine that punches well above its weight, and it's perfect for smaller kitchens or those who want a simple, stylish mid-range model without sacrificing quality. It's very easy to use, with controls for single or double espresso, steam and hot water. There's also a steam wand, which allows you to select your preferred milk temperature and texture, and a stainless steel milk jug. While it’s slightly larger than the standard Bambino, the extra space means you can fit a cup and milk jug side by side on the drip tray. It also feels built to last, and if you have the budget to spend, this machine is truly a no-brainer. Read our full Bambino Plus review. Available from: Harts of Stur (£398.95) Amazon (£399) Very (£399) AO (£399) John Lewis & Partners (£399) Sage (£399.95) Currys (£399.99) Sage the Barista Express Available from John Lewis & Partners (£449), Amazon (£449), Sage (£499.95), Lakeland (£499.99) Star rating: 4.5/5 This is one of Sage's most popular bean-to-cup coffee machines, with enough features to satisfy beginners and anyone wanting to hone their skills. There are 15 grind settings on offer and the controls are mostly manual, so you'll be grinding, dosing and tamping the grounds, then texturing the milk yourself – ideal if you want to learn, but not so complicated that entry-level baristas should feel intimidated. In test, the Barista Express produced quality espresso with a rich crema and plenty of aroma, and the steam wand was powerful enough to create silky milk for lattes and cappuccinos. This machine is also one of the more affordable options in Sage’s bean-to-cup range, making it a worthy investment if you're keen to start making proper coffee at home without too much fuss or expense. Available from: John Lewis & Partners (£449) Amazon (£449) Sage (£499.95) Lakeland (£499.99) Related reviews Best coffee machines Best coffee grinders Best cafetières Best espresso machines Best coffee pod machines Best bean-to-cup coffee machines Best Nespresso machines Best coffee scales Best De'Longhi coffee machines How long do coffee beans last? Sage deals Coffee recipes and tips How to make cold brew coffee Best reusable coffee cups How to make iced coffee Coffee types explained Related guides Are Ooni pizza ovens worth it? Is HexClad worth it? Is Le Creuset worth it? Is Our Place worth it? Are Gozney pizza ovens worth it? Is KitchenAid worth it? Are Smeg appliances worth it?
We've tested every model of Ooni pizza oven – here are 5 reasons we think they're worth it
Got your eye on an Ooni pizza oven? Even the cheapest models can set you back over £200, but are they worth the hype? Here's why we think so
Our love for homemade pizza has soared in recent years, with lots of us seeking to replicate the authentic, flame-cooked flavour that – once upon a time – only professional pizzerias could accomplish. With the rise of at-home pizza ovens, it's now easier than ever to achieve a perfectly pillowy crust, bubbling cheese and crisp toppings in as little as 60 seconds, all from the comfort of your own garden or courtyard. Ooni is undoubtedly one of the biggest brands out there, known for producing some of the top-rated models on the market. Its pizza ovens are renowned for being versatile, compact and tremendously easy to master – not to mention more affordable than what was once available. But when the most budget-friendly Ooni pizza ovens can still set you back a few hundred pounds, you might be asking: are they actually worth it? The decision to buy an Ooni isn't just about the promise of perfect pizza, either: it's also about ease of use, storage, cleaning and the added expense of essential accessories, like a pizza peel and cleaning tools. Among the Good Food reviews team, we've put almost every Ooni pizza oven to the test – from compact models to the larger pieces of kit that are roomy enough for a 22-inch pizza (yes, really!) – and we can say with some confidence that we think Ooni's products offer great value for money. That said, they aren't perfect for everyone and before hitting the 'buy' button on your pizza oven of choice, there are a few things to bear in mind. Jump to: Are Ooni pizza ovens worth it? How to use an Ooni pizza oven How to clean an Ooni pizza oven Top-rated Ooni pizza ovens that we've tested Are Ooni pizza ovens worth it? They make really good pizza We've tested every Ooni pizza oven over the last five years, and with each model we've been able to produce quality results: leopard-spotted crusts, bubbling toppings and an evenly cooked base, reminiscent of what we'd get from a professional oven. They offer good value for money The cost of an Ooni pizza oven varies from £239 to £899 (depending on the size and features), which we'd say is well within the typical price range for a good-quality pizza oven. The caveat here is that none of the pizza ovens come with any accessories as standard – even the essential ones, like a pizza peel – so you'll need to buy these separately. That said, you can save on the overall cost of buying a pizza oven and extra tools with Ooni's bundles, which comprise everything from a peel and wooden serving board, to an all-weather protective cover, gas attachment (for selected models) and cleaning brush. They're built with quality materials Ooni's ovens are also among some of the most robust we've tested. They're typically constructed with carbon steel or stainless steel, which can withstand temperatures as high as 500C. The cordierite pizza stone is also designed to maintain a consistent heat, which will give your pizza a perfectly crisp base. Some models come with foldaway legs for easier storage, too, and most we've reviewed have been packaged with fully recyclable materials – a big win on the sustainability front. They're versatile Even though Ooni pizza ovens are primarily designed for pizza, their high temperatures and even heat distribution make them perfectly suited to make other dishes, too. Flatbreads like naan, pitta and garlic bread naturally work well, but you could also carefully insert a cast-iron pan into the oven's cavity and sear steaks or cook fish – just make sure you use oven gloves. Some Ooni models are also tall enough to fit a spatchcocked chicken, while others can accommodate a shallow roasting tray. They're easy to use Each Ooni oven we've tested has been simple to set up and use – even the Koda 2 Max, which needs two people to assemble it owing to its size, is straightforward to put together once you've lifted it out of the box. Each model varies in terms of features and set-up, but they all follow the same basic principles in terms of how you use them. Just make sure the pizza oven is assembled on a level surface, then attach or add the fuel. For gas models, simply connect a gas bottle and ignite it using the dial (much like a barbecue), while wood or charcoal ovens require you to fill up the hopper and light it with a firelighter. Preheating your oven is essential, and most models will need around 15-25 minutes to reach the optimal temperature for cooking pizza. You'll also want to 'season' your pizza stone before using it for the first time, which means running the oven at a high heat for roughly half an hour to burn off any manufacturing oils or residues. Once you're ready to go, stretch your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and place it onto a well-floured pizza peel before adding your toppings – then launch it onto the stone. It should take around 60 seconds to two minutes to cook and you might want to turn it halfway so it's evenly baked. How to clean an Ooni pizza oven Cleaning an Ooni pizza oven might seem like a faff, but it's actually remarkably easy – especially if you cook with gas as you won't have any ash to sweep up afterwards. Wait for the oven to cool completely before you clean it, then use a long-handled wire brush to remove any crumbs or burnt bits on the pizza stone. You can buy a wire pizza oven brush from Ooni directly or find an alternative from another retailer. You might find your pizza stone starts to blacken the more you use it, but this is completely normal and won't affect the performance, and most debris should burn off as you cook. If you're in a hurry and need to clean your Ooni oven right away, remember to wear protective gloves as the stone will be searing hot. You should avoid putting your pizza stone in water as it might crack, particularly if it's still hot. The exterior of the pizza oven can be wiped down with a damp cloth – just make sure you dry it afterwards so the metal doesn't rust. If you're using one of Ooni's multi-fuel pizza ovens and cooking with wood or charcoal, you can dispose of any cooled ashes in a compost pile, fire pit or another eco-friendly waste disposal outlet. Wipe away the soot inside the oven with a dry paper towel (make sure you don't use water). If you have any soot buildup around the pellet hopper or chimney, give this a scrub with some soap and warm water, then dry it off immediately after cleaning. Top-rated Ooni pizza ovens that we've tested Ooni Volt 2 pizza oven Available from Ooni (£499), Lakeland (£499), John Lewis & Partners (£499) Best indoor pizza oven Star rating: 5/5 If you want to make pizza without leaving your kitchen, Ooni's latest release – the Volt 2 – is ideal. It's an indoor-only oven with automated presets for 'Thin and Crispy' and 'Neapolitan' pizza, both of which produced near-perfect results in our test. There's also a large viewing window, which allows you to keep a close eye on the dough as it cooks. It has a large footprint and can also get a little smoky, so you'll want to ensure your kitchen is well ventilated when it's at its hottest (450C). The generously sized cavity does mean it's as versatile as a standard oven though – so you could use to bake cookies or even roast a joint of meat. Available from: Ooni (£499) Lakeland (£499) John Lewis & Partners (£499) Ooni Karu 2 Pro multi-fuel pizza oven Available from Ooni (£559.20), Amazon (£559.20), Lakeland (£699) Best multi-fuel pizza oven Star rating: 5/5 Unsure whether you'd prefer a gas or wood-fired pizza oven? With the Karu 2 Pro, you get the best of both. This oven can be heated with wood, charcoal or gas (though you'll need to buy the gas attachment separately) and has a 16-inch capacity, as well as a large glass door, remote temperature monitoring via the Ooni app and a food probe for roasting meats. Available from: Ooni (£559.20) Amazon (£559.20) Lakeland (£699) Ooni Koda 2 Max Available from Ooni (£719.20), John Lewis & Partners (£719.20) Best large pizza oven Star rating: 5/5 The Koda 2 Max is the biggest pizza oven in Ooni's product range, sporting a 24-inch capacity that can handle up to three 10-inch pizzas at once. Inside the cavity there are two pizza stones and a burner on each side, so you can also cook different dishes at different temperatures at the same time. You'll need a generous amount of storage space for it, and bear in mind that the legs don't fold away. Besides this, we found it a joy to use. Read our full Ooni Koda 2 Max review. Available from: Ooni (£719.20) John Lewis & Partners (£719.20) Ooni Koda 2 Pro 2nd Generation Available from Ooni (£599), Lakeland (£599), John Lewis & Partners (£599) Star rating: 4/5 If you don't want something as large as the Koda 2 Max listed above, but still want to be able to make more than one pizza at the same time, the Koda 2 Pro is a great compromise. It's an 18-inch gas-powered oven that can comfortably fit two pizzas if you go for slightly smaller than 10-inch bases. It also has dual lateral burners rather than a single-source flame, which we found created excellent heat distribution and cooked our pizzas perfectly. Available from: Ooni (£599) Lakeland (£599) John Lewis & Partners (£599) Ooni Koda 2 Available from Ooni (£399), Lakeland (£399) Star rating: 4/5 For those seeking something more lightweight and compact, consider the Koda 2 – it's a small and powerful pizza oven with great portability, and we found it very easy to set up. The 14-inch stone also means you can cook larger pizzas if you want to, and that you have space to manoeuvre the pizzas in and out of the oven. Like the Ooni Koda 2 Pro (listed above), this model also contains a tapered flame, which produced impressively consistent results in test. Available from: Ooni (£399) Lakeland (£399) More reviews and recipes Best Ooni pizza ovens Best Ooni accessories Best pizza ovens Best pizza stones Best pizza cutters Best pizza oven accessories What can you cook in a pizza oven? Are Gozney pizza ovens worth it? 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We tried 25 panettones so you don’t have to – the best Christmas picks from M&S and Aldi to GAIL’s and Carluccio’s
Our foodie experts taste tested over 25 panettones to find the best ones to buy this Christmas, from classic to quirky twists
Panettone is making a comeback – it is everywhere this Christmas. From supermarkets to bakeries, there has never been so much variety in the world of this traditional Italian festive treat. Panettone is a traditional Italian cake with a sourdough base (referred to as the mother yeast), and an open, light, yielding texture. Traditionally risen slowly over a few days, panettone is baked in a tubular mould that results in a dome-shaped top and good height. Classic panettone contains candied citrus and raisins (in Italy this is taken as seriously as any classic recipe), but nowadays bakers are risking the wrath of traditionalists to get creative with flavours. From adding chocolate to booze, there's a growing world of unusual panettone flavours to try, while still trying to stay true to the bread base. We taste tested over 25 panettones to find the best ones to buy this year – here is our verdict of the ones to get this Christmas. For more Christmas inspiration, check out the results of our Good Food Christmas Supermarket Awards (for everything from turkey to Christmas pud) and the best Christmas sandwiches to buy. Find inspiration for using up any leftover panettone with our panettone recipes including panettone pudding and French toast. Lina Stores traditional panettone Available from Lina Stores (£27.95) Rating: 5/5 Of course, you can rely on the Italians to make a good panettone. This is a perfect example of a traditional panettone – studded with raisins and large juicy chunks of orange peel. It has a soft, buttery texture and attractive domed appearance. It's also an excellent option for a Christmas gift, coming in the signature Lina Stores pretty green and white striped box. GAIL's mandarin & white chocolate panettone Available from GAIL's (£35) Rating: 5/5 This panettone seriously impressed us – we couldn't stop going back for more! It was one of the most moist that we tried – almost more on the cake side than bread. The dough has a butteriness which is perfectly balanced by the mild citrussy flavour from mandarin throughout that isn't sickly or fake. The white chocolate also gives a sense of extra creamy indulgence, although we couldn't really find any big chunks. All round delicious. It comes in a smart gift box too, if you want to give as a present. Aldi Specially Selected panettone Available from Aldi (£5.99) Rating: 4.5/5 This was our top scoring traditional panettone from the supermarkets. It is a very good example of a classic panettone with a good fluffy texture. It has a plain appearance on the outside but lots of juicy, chunky fruit inside with large sultanas and chunks of orange peel. It has a pleasant vanilla taste coming through too – we'd happily go back for more of this. M&S Collection chocolate & cherry panettone Available from M&S (£22) Rating: 4.5/5 This is one attractive panettone – tall and rounded with a great dome (plus, it comes in a colourful keepsake tin). The panettone has a light texture, the chocolate is rich and very dark (definitely not too sweet) and it's studded throughout with generous pieces of cherry. Waitrose No.1 Sicilian orange nocciolato panettone Available from Waitrose (£16) Rating: 4.5/5 This was an extremely popular panettone during our taste test, with judges repeatedly going back for more. It has a softer texture than traditionalists may expect, but this means it is pleasingly light. This softness is balanced by the unique crunchy meringue-style topping and whole almonds that give it an attractive appearance. The panettone has really big juicy pieces of candied orange peel inside for a citrus-forward option. GAIL's chocolate sourdough panettone Available from GAIL's (£35) Rating: 4/5 The generous amount of chocolate chips inside give this sourdough panettone a really indulgent quality – any leftovers would be perfect made into a bread and butter pudding. It has a crunchy, sugary crust with hazelnuts adding extra crunch. It is less squidgy than the mandarin GAIL's option, but the slightly drier texture works well with the rich chocolate. Again, it comes in a smart box for gifting. Carluccio's Panettone Tradizionale Available from Carluccio's (£28.95) Rating: 4/5 Another example of an Italian brand nailing a traditional panettone. It has a classic aroma as soon as you open the smart box (great for gifting). It has a good texture and flavour, with a generous amount of candied citron but not so much that it weighs down the dough, ensuring a light result. The crisp coating on top adds a touch of extra sweetness. Tesco Finest limoncello panettone Available from Tesco (£12) Rating: 4/5 This is super soft and fluffy, almost on the doughier side. It's really zingy, with lots of pieces of candied lemon alongside the familiar orange peel, for a double hit of citrus. In blind testing, we enjoyed the overall citrussy flavour but did not specifically taste limoncello. Lidl Deluxe tiramisu-style panettone Available from Lidl (£8.99) Rating: 4/5 Traditionalists, look away now! However, if you want to try something new, this may be the one. Beneath a generous coating of chocolate icing and chocolate sprinkles, the plain bread has a firmer texture. At the bottom there's a slightly confusing golden layer – despite it's deceiving golden colour, it actually has a strong coffee flavour, almost like a coffee caramel. This, together with the chocolate icing, completes the 'tiramisu' idea. It would be a good one for dunking in an espresso too. Co-op Irresistible classic panettone Available from Co-op (£6) Rating: 4/5 This classic panettone is on the firmer side, which will please traditionalists who prefer their panettone closer to bread than cake. It is well filled with fruits including generous chunks of citrus and unusual green glacé fruit, with some sweetness from the dough, too. Exceptional By Asda classic panettone Available from ASDA (£5.98) Rating: 4/5 If you don't like the overwhelming sweetness of dried fruit, this classic panettone could be for you. It is on the drier side overall, with small and subtle raisins and pieces of candied peel. More reviews and guides Best hampers to buy Best coffee gifts Best chocolate hampers Best hot chocolate Best gifts for hot chocolate lovers Best gifts for chocolate lovers Best cheese subscriptions Best beer subscriptions Best whisky subscriptions and clubs Best cocktail subscriptions and clubs Best tea subscriptions and deliveries