When I first purchased the Breville/Sage Barista Express, I was overwhelmed with its features and capabilities. It’s a fantastic machine that produces high-quality espresso, but what really piqued my interest was the ability to adjust the brew temperature. As any coffee aficionado will tell you, the temperature at which you brew your coffee can have a significant impact on its taste. Whether you prefer a slightly cooler brew or a piping hot shot of espresso, knowing how to change the brew temperature on your Breville/Sage Barista Express can elevate your coffee experience.
In this guide, I’m going to take you through the simple steps of how to adjust the brew temperature on your Barista Express. I’ll explain the importance of brew temperature, why it matters, and how to make those adjustments easily so that you can enjoy your perfect cup of espresso every time.

Understanding Brew Temperature on the Breville/Sage Barista Express
Before we dive into the "how-to" of adjusting the brew temperature, let’s first discuss why it matters. Brew temperature is one of the most important factors when brewing coffee, especially espresso. The Breville/Sage Barista Express is designed to brew at a default temperature, but every coffee bean reacts differently to heat. Some beans release their flavors better at higher temperatures, while others may taste too bitter or harsh. The ability to control the brew temperature gives you the power to experiment and find the ideal setting for your specific coffee beans.
Espresso generally requires a brew temperature between 190°F and 200°F, and the Barista Express is built with a programmable temperature range that allows you to find that sweet spot. Too hot, and your espresso might taste burnt or overly bitter; too cool, and the coffee might come out weak or under-extracted.
How to Change the Brew Temperature on Breville/Sage Barista Express: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Changing the brew temperature on your Breville/Sage Barista Express is quite simple. It involves using the machine’s intuitive menu and adjusting the settings based on your preferences. Here’s how you can do it:
Turn on the Machine
Start by powering on your Barista Express. Once the machine has warmed up and is ready to brew, you’ll see the screen light up.Enter the Menu Settings
Press and hold the “Program” button on the machine. This button is typically located near the control dial. Holding it for a few seconds will bring you into the machine’s programming menu, where you can adjust various settings, including the brew temperature.Select the Brew Temperature Option
Once you're in the menu, use the dial to scroll through the different settings. Keep turning the dial until you see the option to adjust the brew temperature. The display will show a range of temperatures, typically from 190°F to 205°F, depending on your model.Adjust the Temperature
When you see the brew temperature setting on the screen, use the dial to adjust the temperature up or down. You’ll be able to increase or decrease the temperature in 1°F increments, allowing for precise control. Choose the temperature that best suits your taste preferences or the beans you’re using.Save the Settings
After selecting your desired temperature, press the “Program” button again to save your settings. The machine will remember this setting until you decide to change it again.Test Your Brew
Once the temperature is adjusted, it’s time to brew a shot of espresso and taste the difference. If the brew doesn’t meet your expectations, you can always fine-tune the temperature further. Remember, experimenting with different temperatures is part of the fun of owning a machine like the Breville/Sage Barista Express.
Why Change the Brew Temperature on Your Barista Express?
You might be wondering, why is it necessary to change the brew temperature at all? Well, there are several reasons why you’d want to tweak the brew temperature to suit your needs:
Customization for Different Beans
Different types of coffee beans have different flavor profiles. For instance, light roast beans may require a slightly lower brewing temperature than dark roast beans to avoid extracting bitter compounds. If you’re using a bean that’s on the lighter side, try lowering the brew temperature a few degrees to bring out its more delicate notes.Personal Taste Preferences
Everyone has their own preferred temperature when it comes to coffee. Some people love a hot espresso, while others prefer it a bit cooler. Being able to adjust the brew temperature allows you to create a brew that’s perfect for your taste.Consistency Across Brews
Over time, you’ll likely find that your preferred brew temperature is the key to achieving the perfect shot of espresso. By adjusting the brew temperature, you can ensure consistency in every cup.
The Effect of Brew Temperature on Espresso Extraction
The brew temperature doesn’t just affect the flavor of your espresso—it also plays a role in the extraction process. The right temperature allows for optimal extraction of the coffee’s flavors, oils, and soluble compounds. When the temperature is too high, the coffee might become over-extracted, resulting in a bitter or harsh flavor. On the other hand, if the temperature is too low, the extraction may be underwhelming, resulting in a weak and watery shot.
For example, when brewing with a temperature too low, the coffee might taste sour, as certain compounds (like acids) are extracted more easily at lower temperatures. A higher temperature, however, can bring out bitter flavors and over-extract undesirable compounds. Therefore, the ability to fine-tune the brew temperature on your Barista Express gives you more control over this delicate balance.
Tips for Getting the Best Brew Temperature on Your Breville/Sage Barista Express
While adjusting the brew temperature on the Barista Express is simple, here are a few tips to help you make the most of it:
Start with the Default Temperature
If you’re unsure of the ideal temperature for your coffee beans, start with the default setting (usually 200°F) and then make minor adjustments based on your taste preferences.Experiment with Different Beans
Try using different types of beans at different temperatures. Lighter roasts tend to perform better at lower temperatures, while darker roasts may do well at higher temperatures. Experiment with different ranges to see what works best for your beans.Consider the Grind Size
The grind size of your coffee also affects the brew temperature. Finer grinds can cause over-extraction, especially at higher temperatures, while coarser grinds may under-extract at lower temperatures. Make sure your grind size complements the temperature for the best results.Dial in the Temperature Gradually
Making drastic changes in brew temperature might not always yield the best results. I recommend adjusting the temperature gradually by 1-2°F increments, brewing a shot, and then tasting it. This method allows you to hone in on the perfect temperature for your espresso.

Conclusion: Achieving the Perfect Brew Temperature on Your Breville/Sage Barista Express
In conclusion, adjusting the brew temperature on your Breville/Sage Barista Express is a fantastic way to personalize your espresso experience. By understanding how the temperature impacts the flavor and extraction of your coffee, you can experiment with different settings to find your ideal brew. Whether you’re brewing light roasts, dark roasts, or anything in between, the ability to change the brew temperature ensures that you’re always able to get the perfect shot.
With just a few simple steps, you can make the Barista Express truly your own and elevate your coffee game to new heights. Happy brewing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why should I adjust the brew temperature on my Breville/Sage Barista Express?
A: Adjusting the brew temperature allows you to customize your espresso to suit different coffee beans and personal taste preferences. Some beans may extract better at a slightly lower temperature, while others may require a higher temperature for optimal flavor extraction.
Q: What is the default brew temperature on the Breville/Sage Barista Express?
A: The default brew temperature is typically set to 200°F, which is ideal for most coffee beans and provides a balanced extraction.
Q: How do I change the brew temperature on my Breville/Sage Barista Express?
A: To change the brew temperature, turn on the machine, press and hold the “Program” button to enter the settings menu, scroll to the brew temperature option using the dial, and adjust it to your desired temperature. Then, save your settings by pressing the “Program” button again.
Q: What is the ideal brew temperature for espresso?
A: The ideal brew temperature for espresso typically falls between 190°F and 200°F. However, slight adjustments can be made depending on your taste preferences and the type of coffee beans you’re using.
Q: Can I adjust the brew temperature on any Breville/Sage machine?
A: No, not all Breville or Sage machines have the ability to adjust the brew temperature. The Barista Express, however, includes this feature, allowing you to fine-tune the temperature for your coffee.
Q: How does the brew temperature affect the flavor of my espresso?
A: The brew temperature affects the extraction of flavors from the coffee beans. A higher temperature can lead to over-extraction and bitterness, while a lower temperature might under-extract and result in weak, sour coffee. Finding the right balance is key to getting the best flavor.
Q: Should I adjust the brew temperature for every type of coffee bean?
A: Yes, different beans may require different brew temperatures to bring out their best flavor. For example, lighter roasts tend to perform better at lower temperatures, while darker roasts may need a higher temperature for optimal extraction.
Q: Can I make adjustments to the brew temperature while brewing?
A: No, you need to adjust the brew temperature before brewing by entering the settings menu. Once you’ve set your preferred temperature, the machine will apply it for all future brews unless you change it again.
Q: How do I know if I need to adjust the brew temperature?
A: If your espresso tastes too bitter, over-extracted, or burnt, you might want to lower the brew temperature. If it tastes weak, watery, or under-extracted, try increasing the temperature slightly.
Q: Can I reset the brew temperature back to the default setting?
A: Yes, you can always reset the brew temperature back to the default 200°F by going into the settings menu and selecting the default option.
Q: How do I test the brew temperature after making changes?
A: After adjusting the brew temperature, brew a shot of espresso and taste it. If the flavor is too bitter or weak, fine-tune the temperature until you achieve the taste you desire.