Sage: troubleshooting and messages

Most problems on a Sage machine come down to the grind, the dose, limescale or the tank not being seated properly. Go through the points below before you contact service. The examples apply to the Barista Express and Barista Pro.

Lights and messages

• CLEAN ME (Express) or FLUSH (Pro): time for a cleaning cycle. See the cleaning cycle.
• DESCALE: time to descale. See descaling.
• The water filter: replacement is tracked by the date dial on the filter holder. Replace it when the set month arrives, at the latest after three months. See replacing the water filter.
• The FILTER SIZE lights flash (Express): the bean hopper is not locked in place. Remove it, check that nothing is in the way and lock it again.
• The machine switches off mid-use: the overheating protection for the pump or grinder has tripped. Switch off, unplug and let it cool for 30–60 minutes.

No flow or weak flow

• The machine has not finished heating up, or the tank is empty or not pushed fully down.
• Ground too fine, too much coffee or tamped too hard. Sage specifies 15–20 kg of tamping pressure. Grind coarser or reduce the dose.
• Blocked filter basket: clean it.
• Limescale: run the descaling programme.

If it runs too fast instead: grind finer, increase the dose or tamp harder. Read more in Flow and pressure.

The coffee is not hot

• Preheat the cup and portafilter with hot water.
• The milk is not heated enough. Heat it until the jug feels hot against your hand.
• Limescale lowers the temperature. Descale.

No steam

• The machine has not finished heating up, or the tank is empty or not locked in.
• The dial is not turned fully to STEAM.
• The steam tip is blocked with milk. Clear the holes with the pin on the cleaning tool.
• Limescale in the system. Descale.

Leaks around the portafilter

• The portafilter is not inserted and turned all the way.
• Coffee on the rim of the basket. Wipe the rim before inserting it.
• Too much coffee in the basket.
• The silicone gasket in the group is worn. Replace it, see the shower screen.

Water in the drip tray straight after brewing is normal. The machine releases the pressure automatically, so the tray fills up faster than you might think.

The grinder in the Barista Express does not grind

• The bean hopper is empty or not locked in place (the FILTER SIZE lights flash).
• A blockage in the grinding chamber or the chute. Empty the hopper, remove the upper burr and brush it clean as described in the manual.
• Moisture in the grinder. Dry everything completely before reassembling it.
• Loud noise: a foreign object, such as a stone. Switch off immediately and clear it.
• Wrong amount of coffee: adjust GRIND AMOUNT.

Can't find the fault? Contact us with the model, serial number and a short description, ideally with a video. We will help you find the right spare part or a service technician.