The Infuser is Breville/Sage's entry-level espresso machine, sold without the grinder that the Express bundles. It carries low-pressure pre-infusion that smooths extraction, plus a manual steam wand.
If you already own a grinder it delivers much of the Express experience at a lower buy-in — the pick for people who want the Barista family quality without the integrated-grinder premium.
At a glance
Pros
- ✓Low-pressure pre-infusion
- ✓PID for stability
- ✓Clean compact design
- ✓Cheaper than the Express when you own a grinder
Cons
- ✕No grinder
- ✕Single boiler
- ✕Plastic in places
Key features
- •Pre-infusion at low pressure
- •54mm group
- •Manual steam wand
- •PID temperature control
- •Compact footprint
Who it's for
Best for
- •Grinder owners
- •Beginner espresso on a budget
Who should buy
- •Buyers who already have a burr grinder
- •People wanting the Barista quality minus the grinder price
Who should skip
- •One-box buyers — get the Express instead
- •SMEG-style aesthetics fans
Specifications
| Type | Semi-automatic espresso |
| Portafilter | 54mm |
| Boiler | Thermocoil with PID |
| Grinder | None included |
| Steam wand | Manual |
| Pre-infusion | Low-pressure |
Our verdict
The Infuser is the smart pick for anyone who already owns a grinder — all of the Barista Express espresso quality, none of the integrated-grinder premium.
Frequently asked questions
Does The Infuser have a grinder?
No — it is espresso-only and expects a separate burr grinder.
Research-based evaluation. This page contains affiliate links — we may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
