Sage Barista Express vs Pro vs Bambino Plus: which is worth it?

The short answer: today the Bambino Plus with the Smart Grinder Pro costs SAR 3,198, almost exactly the price of the Barista Express (SAR 3,199). The first gives you an automatic milk wand and a separate grinder; the second is a simpler single machine on the counter. The Barista Pro (SAR 3,599) is worth the SAR 400 extra if you want faster ThermoJet heating and 30 built-in grind settings.

Specs and prices

Amazon Saudi prices on 5 November 2026; specs from each product page

	Bambino Plus	Barista Express	Barista Pro
Price	SAR 1,999	SAR 3,199	SAR 3,599
Grinder	No	Built-in, 16 settings	Built-in, 30 settings
Heating	ThermoJet	Thermocoil	ThermoJet
Milk	Automatic wand	Manual wand	Manual wand
Tank	1.9 L	2 L	2 L
Weight	5 kg	10.6 kg	9.1 kg

Separate grinder: the Smart Grinder Pro at SAR 1,199 on the same date.

The full cost

• Bambino Plus + Smart Grinder Pro: 1,999 + 1,199 = SAR 3,198.
• Barista Express: SAR 3,199, grinder included.
• Barista Pro: SAR 3,599, SAR 400 above the Express.

Note: this tie exists because both the Bambino and the grinder are below their usual prices today (SAR 2,249 and 1,499 in most checks this month). At usual prices the pair costs SAR 3,748, more than the Pro.

Decision rules

• Small kitchen, one machine: Express; everything in a single unit.
• You drink more milk drinks than espresso: Bambino Plus; its steam wand is automatic according to Amazon data, while the Express and Pro wands are manual.
• You want to start with ground coffee and upgrade later: Bambino Plus now, the grinder later.
• You make several cups in a row: Pro; ThermoJet heating cuts waiting between brewing and steaming compared with the Express's Thermocoil.

Price history: should you wait?

The Barista Express stayed at SAR 3,199 in most of our checks over the last 30 days, and the lowest price we recorded was SAR 2,999. If you're not in a hurry, set an alert and wait for that price to return.

Open the Barista Express price history · Which Sage machine for your budget?

Checklist before buying

1. Match the model number (BES875UK for the Express, SES878BSS for the Pro, SES500BSS for the Bambino Plus).
2. Check the seller, warranty and plug.
3. If you choose the Bambino Plus with a grinder, make sure both prices are still as shown here at checkout.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Barista Express and Barista Pro?

The Pro uses ThermoJet heating and 30 grind settings; the Express uses Thermocoil and 16 grind settings. Both have a manual milk wand and a 2 L tank. Today the gap is SAR 400.

Is the Bambino Plus enough without a grinder?

Yes, if you buy espresso-ground coffee. But you won't control the grind size, one of the main factors in espresso taste.

Is the Sage Barista Express the same as the Breville Barista Express?

Yes, Sage is Breville's name in Saudi Arabia, the UK and Europe. Match the model number when reading foreign reviews.

How this guide was made

Prices from Amazon Saudi on 5 November 2026; specs from product page data as stored by Muqaranati; the "usual price" is the price seen in most of our checks over the last 30 days. We don't rate taste and did not test the machines. Data reviewed by Imran H. (editorial lead). How we compare.