Sage Nespresso Creatista Uno SNE500BKS coffee machine review

Capsule enthusiast? Want coffee-shop quality black and milk coffees? Then the Sage Nespresso Creatista Uno coffee machine could definitely be the best coffee machine you – and we’ve got all the details so you can be sure. I tested a wide selection of coffee machines to see how much of your worktop they’ll take up, how easy they are to use, how quickly they’ll deliver your drink, which coffees they’ll make, and – crucially – what the brews taste like. Can’t wait to buy? Check out our coffee machine deals page for the latest bargains.

Sage Nespresso Creatista Uno coffee machine specifications 

Type: Capsule
Pressure: 19 bar
Capacity: 1.5 ltr water tank
Dimensions: H30.8 x W17.1 x D39.3cm

Who will the Sage Nespresso Creatista Uno suit?

Singles, couples and families who want authentic coffees at the double and as little clean up as possible.

What is the Sage Nespresso Creatista Uno like to use? 

You’ll be a whizz on this little number in no time at all. Coffee making and milk frothing are a piece of cake.

The Sage Nespresso Creatista Uno makes creating your favourite coffees really achievable. There’s no need for barista training or practice to produce the drinks you’d pay a whole lot for on the high street.

Coffee options and taste

A range of 25 Nespresso coffee blends are available to users of this machine, and you can make the petite ristretto (25ml volume), classic espresso (40ml), and longer lungo (110ml). The coffees can be combined with milk, milk froth or cream to create the drink you prefer, making this machine a good option for those who like the choice between all the classic black and milk coffees you might order from your nearest barista.

Not familiar with Nespresso capsules? The intensity of each coffee is rated and the coffee size the particular blend is suitable for is indicated. There’s a wide choice, and some experimentation will definitely be in order to find your favourites.

In my testing, I brewed up with a range of capsules and I was delighted with all the coffees I made. Each had enticing aroma and very pleasing flavour. All the black coffees had a good crema, too. The temperature of the drinks was just right as well.

Brewing up

This machine was supremely simple to set up in the first place, and the buttons are beautifully straightforward, so I had the machine out on the worktop and producing my first drinks without a hitch.

The water tank was easy to remove and fill under the tap then slot back in place, and the lever to open the capsule container and then close ready to brew operated smoothly. After that, it was just a matter of choosing from one of the three coffee volume size buttons on the top of the machine – that is ristretto, espresso and lungo – and the coffee was delivered speedily.

Making coffee with milk was fuss-free, too. The machine comes with a metal milk jug with maximum and minimum filling lines, which is a welcome bonus, avoiding the need for a second purchase alongside a new coffee machine that can often be required.

The milk-filled jug has to be placed on the temperature sensor in the drip tray and I found the steam wand was easy to position in the milk. You can choose from three milk temperature settings and three milk froth settings: one for flat white, one for cappuccino and one for latte macchiato. I discovered selecting these was easy, then all that was necessary was to press the steam button and the machine got on with the frothing. I guess this is a negative if you want to make like a barista and show off your frothing skills, but if you prefer the machine to do the work with excellent, consistent and tasty results then, like me, you’ll be happy. And you can still create latte art if that’s your fancy.

Cleaning and maintenance

Good design shows and this machine’s thoughtful conception is evident. What I needed to remove to clean came off the machine with ease and went back into place with no fiddling about. It also had the undoubted advantage all capsule machines do that coffee grounds are contained so there’s less to clean up in the first place.

The steam wand needed wiping with a damp cloth after use, then moving back to a vertical position that meant it auto purged to rinse. Neat! The capsule container popped out for emptying with no hassle and the cup support came off the front of the machine with a pull and lift motion. Emptying the drip tray, and cleaning the grid, cup support and capsule bucket, plus wiping the inside of the machine, was easy, but it’s worth bearing in mind that you can’t put these parts, nor the water tank, in the dishwasher.

The steam wand does need a little extra care from time to time – monthly attention is recommended, but there is a cleaning tool that has its own home on the machine to help you do the job. Aside from that, as with all coffee machines, descaling should be on your to-do list. There’s an alert LED so you don’t forget the job but how often this is required will depend on water hardness in your area and how much coffee you make. Oh, and you won’t be able to swerve this chore with this strict machine. Ignore the warning light and carry on brewing up for too long and it will stop functioning until you do the job.  

Bear in mind

Nespresso machines come at a wide range of prices and this version has a fair few less costly rivals that use the same capsule system and are also capable of frothing milk. However, if you want an espresso maker that’s a pleasure to use, doesn’t demand too much care, and, most importantly, brews up both black and milk coffees that are packed with flavour, it offers really good value for your spend.

And while it’ll brew up all the coffee shop favourites, it doesn’t have coffee shop bulk. At H30.8 x W17.1 x D39.3cm and a weight of 5.2kg it won’t take up more than its fair share of the worktop nor cause you to curse if you’re moving home.

The downsides are few, but you should be aware that using capsules, including those from Nespresso, isn’t the most economical way to make coffee at home. As for where to buy them, Nespresso capsules are available online and in Nespresso boutiques – find your nearest via nespresso.com. However, there are compatible capsules in supermarkets, if you prefer more buying opportunity.

Used capsules are a further issue. If you want to keep them out of landfill, Nespresso has a recycling service for its own capsules. You can put the used capsules in the special recycling bag – from Nespresso boutiques or nespresso.com – then drop off your used capsules to various locations, or arrange a collection.

How does it rate online?

The score for this machine from Amazon buyers is a pretty content 4.4 out of five overall. It’s praised for the ‘outstanding’ milk frother, the ease of use, quick heat up and the quality of the coffee. Negatives for some included the lack of a hot water only button and the length of time it takes to descale the machine.

Those who purchased at Currys gave this machine 9.1 out of 10 with ease of use, appearance and ease of cleaning the factors that scored the highest marks. Here, buyers remarked on the taste of the coffee and the temperature positively.

About our review – and our reviewer:

Sarah Warwick has specialised in homes and interiors for over 20 years. She was Executive Editor of Ideal Home magazine, and has written for nationals, magazines and websites including Real Homes, Homebuilding & Renovating, Grand Designs, Homes & Gardens, Houzz, The Guardian, House Beautiful and Country Homes & Interiors. She put the coffee machines to the test on a variety of drinks, as well as checking out how easy they were to set up, and to clean.

@SMWarwick