When it comes to making the perfect cup of coffee, the brewing temperature plays a crucial role. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced barista, understanding how to adjust the brew temperature on your Breville/Sage Barista Express can significantly improve your coffee-making experience. In this guide, I will walk you through the steps to change the brew temperature on your Breville/Sage Barista Express, ensuring that you can extract the best flavor from your coffee beans.

Understanding Brew Temperature on Breville/Sage Barista Express
Before diving into how to change the brew temperature on the Breville/Sage Barista Express, let’s first understand why brew temperature is so important. The temperature at which water extracts coffee from the grounds can influence the final flavor of your espresso. If the water is too hot, it can over-extract the coffee, leading to bitterness. On the other hand, if it’s too cold, you may experience under-extraction, which results in a sour or weak flavor.
Breville and Sage Barista Express machines come with a default brew temperature setting, but they also allow you to make adjustments to ensure your espresso is brewed to perfection. Adjusting the brew temperature can help you fine-tune the taste of your coffee and match your personal preferences. If you’re comparing different Breville machines and their temperature control capabilities, you might find our Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro guide helpful in deciding which model suits you best.
Why You Might Want to Change the Brew Temperature on Breville/Sage Barista Express
Changing the brew temperature on your Breville/Sage Barista Express might be necessary for several reasons. One of the most common reasons is the type of coffee beans you use. Dark roast coffee beans typically require a lower brew temperature because they are more soluble, whereas light roast beans benefit from a slightly higher temperature to extract their flavors more effectively.
Another reason to adjust the brew temperature is the altitude at which you’re brewing. Higher altitudes may require a slightly higher temperature because water boils at a lower temperature as you ascend in elevation. By changing the brew temperature, you can ensure that your espresso is brewed properly regardless of where you are.
Finally, if you prefer a specific taste profile, adjusting the brew temperature can help you achieve that. Some people prefer a more delicate, smooth espresso, while others might enjoy a bolder, more robust flavor. Fine-tuning the temperature gives you more control over the final outcome. If you’re looking for more automation in temperature control and milk steaming, you might want to check out the Breville Barista Touch Impress Review for a more advanced alternative.
How to Change the Brew Temperature on Breville/Sage Barista Express
Now that we know why changing the brew temperature is important, let's get into the nitty-gritty of how to change the brew temperature on your Breville/Sage Barista Express. Don’t worry; the process is straightforward and can be done in just a few simple steps.
Step 1: Turn On Your Breville/Sage Barista Express
The first step is to power on your Breville or Sage Barista Express. Simply press the power button to start the machine. Wait for it to go through its warm-up cycle. This may take a few minutes, so be patient. If you’re interested in an alternative machine with dual boilers for better temperature stability, check out the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review for a machine that allows precise control over temperature and pressure.
Step 2: Enter the Menu Mode
Once the machine is powered on and ready, you’ll need to enter the menu mode to adjust the brew temperature. To do this, press and hold the “Program” button located on the front of the machine. After a few seconds, the machine will enter the menu mode, and the display will show a series of settings that you can adjust.
Step 3: Navigate to Brew Temperature Settings
In the menu mode, use the “Single Shot” and “Double Shot” buttons to navigate through the options. Keep pressing until you see the brew temperature setting. On the Barista Express, the default brew temperature setting is usually set at 93°C (199°F), but you can change it according to your preferences.
Step 4: Adjust the Brew Temperature
Once you’ve located the brew temperature setting, you can adjust it using the “+” and “-” buttons. Each press will increase or decrease the temperature by 1°C (1.8°F). You can adjust the temperature anywhere between 90°C (194°F) and 96°C (205°F), depending on how strong or mild you want your espresso to be.
If you prefer a slightly stronger, bolder taste, you may want to increase the temperature to 96°C. Conversely, if you want a smoother, milder flavor, lowering the temperature to around 90°C can work wonders.
Step 5: Save the New Brew Temperature Setting
Once you’ve set the desired brew temperature, press the “Program” button again to save the new setting. The machine will confirm that the temperature has been successfully adjusted, and you’re ready to brew your perfect espresso.
Step 6: Test and Fine-Tune
After changing the brew temperature, it’s always a good idea to test the new setting. Brew a shot of espresso and evaluate the taste. If you feel it’s too strong or too weak, you can always go back into the settings and make further adjustments until you achieve the flavor profile you’re looking for. If you’re considering upgrading to a machine with more automated features, you might be interested in our Breville Oracle vs Oracle Touch comparison to see which model suits your needs.
Common Brew Temperature Settings and Their Effects
Different brew temperatures produce different flavor profiles. Here’s a general guide on how varying temperatures can affect the taste of your espresso:
- 90°C (194°F): At this lower temperature, your espresso will have a more delicate, smooth flavor with reduced bitterness. This is ideal for light roasts that have more complex flavors and floral notes.
- 93°C (199°F): This is the default setting for most Breville and Sage Barista Express machines. It’s a balanced temperature that works well for a wide range of beans, offering a good mix of sweetness and bitterness.
- 96°C (205°F): Higher temperatures bring out the bold, rich flavors in dark roasts. This setting is best for those who enjoy a stronger, more intense espresso. The slightly higher heat can also help extract more oils from the coffee grounds, giving the espresso a fuller body.
Troubleshooting Brew Temperature Issues
While adjusting the brew temperature can help improve your coffee, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:
- Espresso is too bitter: If your espresso tastes too bitter after adjusting the temperature, it could be that the temperature is set too high. Try lowering it by 1-2°C and see if that improves the flavor.
- Espresso is too sour: If your espresso tastes overly sour or under-extracted, it could be a sign that the temperature is too low. Increase the temperature by 1-2°C to achieve better extraction and balance the flavors.
- Temperature seems to stay the same: If you’re not seeing any changes in the brew temperature, ensure that you’re following the steps correctly and saving the new settings. If the problem persists, it might be a good idea to reset the machine to its factory settings and try again.
Additional Tips for Getting the Best Brew
Changing the brew temperature is just one part of making the perfect espresso. Here are a few additional tips to get the most out of your Breville/Sage Barista Express:
- Use Fresh Coffee Beans: The quality of your coffee beans has a significant impact on the flavor. Always use freshly ground beans for the best taste.
- Grind Size Matters: The grind size affects extraction. If your coffee tastes bitter, try using a coarser grind. For a stronger, more intense espresso, use a finer grind.
- Preheat Your Machine: Preheating your machine and portafilter ensures that the espresso is brewed at the ideal temperature right from the start.
- Experiment with Different Beans: Different coffee beans may require different brew temperatures. Don’t hesitate to experiment with various types of beans to find your perfect match.

Conclusion: Perfecting Your Espresso with Brew Temperature Adjustments
Changing the brew temperature on your Breville/Sage Barista Express is a simple but powerful way to enhance your espresso. By adjusting the temperature, you can control the extraction process and achieve the flavor profile you desire. Whether you’re brewing light roasts for a delicate taste or dark roasts for a rich, bold espresso, fine-tuning the brew temperature gives you full control over your coffee experience.
With this guide, you now have the knowledge to adjust the brew temperature to suit your preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the setting that works best for you. If you’re deciding between models with different temperature control features, our Breville Barista Pro vs Express guide can help you compare these two popular machines.
Happy brewing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the default brew temperature on the Breville/Sage Barista Express?
A: The default brew temperature on the Breville/Sage Barista Express is typically set at 93°C (199°F), which offers a balanced extraction for most coffee beans.
Q: Why should I adjust the brew temperature on my Breville/Sage Barista Express?
A: Adjusting the brew temperature allows you to fine-tune the flavor of your espresso. Depending on the type of coffee beans you use or your personal preference, changing the temperature can help achieve a smoother or bolder taste.
Q: How do I know which brew temperature setting to choose?
A: The best brew temperature setting depends on the type of coffee you’re using. Lighter roasts typically benefit from a lower temperature (around 90°C), while darker roasts can be brewed at a higher temperature (up to 96°C) for a stronger, more robust flavor.
Q: Can I adjust the brew temperature while brewing?
A: No, the brew temperature must be adjusted through the machine's menu settings before brewing. Once you’ve set the temperature, the machine will use that setting for future brews.
Q: What should I do if my espresso tastes too bitter or too sour?
A: If your espresso is too bitter, lower the brew temperature slightly. If it’s too sour, try increasing the temperature to enhance the extraction and balance the flavor.
Q: How do I reset the brew temperature to the factory setting?
A: To reset the brew temperature to the factory setting, you can enter the menu mode and select the option to restore the default temperature settings. This will reset it back to 93°C (199°F).
Q: Can the Breville/Sage Barista Express brew temperature affect the taste of my coffee?
A: Yes, the brew temperature can have a significant impact on the taste of your coffee. A higher temperature can produce a stronger, more intense flavor, while a lower temperature may result in a smoother, milder taste.
Q: What is the range of brew temperature on the Breville/Sage Barista Express?
A: The brew temperature on the Breville/Sage Barista Express can be adjusted between 90°C (194°F) and 96°C (205°F), giving you flexibility to experiment and find the best setting for your coffee.