Sage vs Smeg Filter Coffee Machines

Sage and Smeg both sell machines aimed at people who care about their morning cup, but their ranges differ. Sage's models here run from £278 for the Bambino Espresso to £649 for the Barista Pro Bean to Cup, with the Creatista Plus BNE800BSSUK at £499 between them. Smeg's models run from £199 for the DCF02GRUK and DCF02CRU drip machines to £649 for the BCC13WHMUK bean-to-cup model. Sage's entries here are espresso and bean-to-cup machines rather than filter machines.

Sage leans on milk control and customisation. The Creatista Plus offers 11 milk temperatures, three programmable cup sizes and programmable water hardness. The Barista Pro includes a milk frother, a 12 bar pump and a 1.9 litre water tank. The Bambino models use simple button control, 9 bar pressure and ThermoJet heating in a compact body. Smeg's filter machines offer five cups, a 40-minute stay-warm feature and an aroma function. The BCC13WHMUK bean-to-cup adds 19 bar pressure, Thermoblock Technology and a built-in grinder.

Sage suits people who enjoy adjusting their coffee and who make milk drinks most days, since the Creatista Plus gives fine control over milk temperature. The compact Bambino fits a small kitchen or a worktop with little room. Smeg suits buyers who want a showpiece on the worktop, with its 50s styling in slate grey or cream. A filter model like the DCF02GRUK brews a full pot at once, which suits a household that drinks several cups in the morning rather than one espresso at a time.

Bottom line: choose Sage if you want an espresso or bean-to-cup machine with milk control, and the Bambino at £278 is the most affordable route in. Choose Smeg if you want a filter machine for pot brewing at £199, or a retro design that stands out in the kitchen.