Sage Creatista Plus Review - Best Nespresso Machine For Milkies?

A look at the Sage Creatista Plus, could this be the best Nespresso pod machine for milk drinks?
As I think you'll be able to tell from the look on my face when I'm tasting these coffees ;-), I've been spoiled with traditional espresso.
But many people swear by pod machines, and if I was wanting to make milkies with a pod machine (flat white, cappuccino, latte) I'd be thinking of one of the Creatista machines.
So here's what I think about the Sage Creatista Plus. Video on the Creatista Pro coming soon.
If you're in the UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Switzerland (and most other European countries) and you're thinking of buying any produce from Sage Appliances. Check this: coffeeblog.co.uk/joinbrewtime
Links Of Interest:
Freshly roasted high-quality coffee beans from The Coffeeworks (my website): cworks.co.uk (use discount code yt25 for 25% off your first order).
Coffee blog: coffeeblog.co.uk
Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/coffeeblogkev
Current Gear:
Quick note. I'm including all of this info because when I was starting out, I found it really difficult to figure out what gear to use, so I'm hoping if there's anyone looking to set up for KZbin, this might help. If you need more help just email me, kev at coffeeblog.co.uk - if I don't know the answer I'll ask the professionals.
I'm listing the current setup first that the pros are using, and then my original more budget setup.
The pro stuff (new studio setup, with brickovenmedia.co.uk)
Blackmagic Pocket 4K amzn.to/3EnYAKJ
Samyang 35 mm T1.5 VDSLR II Manual Focus Video Lens amzn.to/3RB4Q4I
VILTROX EF-M2 II Focal Reducer Booster Adapter Auto-Focus 0.71x compatible with Canon EF mount Lens to M43 Cameras amzn.to/3e37Qcp
Glide Gear TMP100 Adjustable iPad/Tablet/Smartphone Teleprompter Beam Splitter Glass amzn.to/3C7hRgt
Promptsmart Pro bit.ly/3CAhXPl (tablet prompter app, includes voice tracking, very good! If you have it more than a couple of metres away from you, just use a lav mic with an extension so it can year you).
Aputure LS COB 300D II LED Continuous Fresnel Light 300D Mark II amzn.to/3SVy4ft
Aputure Accent B7C 7W RGBWW LED Smart Bulbs amzn.to/3RD0ABu
aputure light dome ii amzn.to/3M5XjcY
Sennheiser MKH 60
Sanken Cos 11 Lavalier
If you're interested in any of this gear but you don't want to buy new, check out www.mpb.com/en-uk
My budget setup (prior to working with Brickoven):
Canon M6 Mark ii amzn.to/3zoczes (quick note, knowing what I now know I wish I'd have gone for the pocket 4k, which you can get used from MPB for a few hundred more.
Blue Ember Mic (used mainly for voiceovers): amzn.to/3pT6WR1
RØDE VideoMic Pro: amzn.to/3DV7xHg (note, it's good for the £, but with what I now know thanks to the guys at Brickoven, I'd recommend the RØDE NTG4 amzn.to/3M8nIXy or RØDE NT5.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface: amzn.to/3e3qwFn
Amaran 100D LED Video Light, 130W 5500K (Key light): amzn.to/3oQYrqY
Aputure Light Dome SE Softbox: amzn.to/3ESdHcJ
Neewer Bi-color 660 LED Video Light and Stand Kit (Fill light): amzn.to/35jUtwp
Neewer Portable 56 inch/142 cm Aluminium Camera Tripods (I have a few of these, very good value) amzn.to/3pPlCke
Cayer BV30L tripod with fluid head amzn.to/3fJdEbr (mega tripod for the money!)
Please note, affiliate links included above.
Timecodes:
0:00 Intro
1:05 Specs
2:04 Making flat white
3:55 Making cappuccino
5:34 Making latte macchiato
7:08 Milk temperature
7:24 How simple is it to use?
7:43 Coffee volume
7:48 Milk texture
8:04 Negatives?
8:17 Vs Creatista Pro
8:43 Keeping the wand clean
9:00 Issues with milk frothing
9:25 Is the Creatista Plus worth it?
10:02 Coffee Kev’s Comment of the Week
10:53 Tatty Bye and Farewell ;-)
#sage #breville #nespresso #flatwhite #latte #coffeebeans #espressocoffee #coffeelifestyle #coffeelife

[@offwiththeirheads4635]

This was my preferred machine before upgrading to the Lelit Bianca. I highly recommend it. It is now in the office and is still used daily.

[@Coffee_Kev]

oof nice upgrade!

[@offwiththeirheads4635]

​@Coffee_Kev I came across your channel when doing my homework on the machine upgrade. Thanks for sharing your views and content with a fellow hobbyist.

[@adgpy]

I've used one of these for about four years and while it's needed a little TLC from Nespresso it's been thrashed, especially during lockdown. It's not espresso off course but it's miles better than any instant I've had and that's how I look at it. Recommended. I'm not sure how much I'll be using it when I get my Kafmasino One (thanks for the review Kev!), but the rest of the family will. Maybe two 'espresso' pods for breakfast before making a real espresso... NB the Cafepod Brunch Blend is good and so is the new Nespresso Cadiz Espresso

[@neiljenkins2011]

Loving these videos. Thanks, Kev. I’ve been into good coffee for a long while but have only quite recently become a bonafide Woffee Canker. A recent diet of James Hoffman (what does he use in his hair, wallpaper paste?) and Tom (you’re right, it should be Tom’s Coffee Wall!), plus others, means that I’ve been dying to find a coffee advisor like you … northern and humorous, along with the knowledge and insight the others provide. Oh, that, and you getting me £60 off my recent Sage Bambino Plus! 😉

[@Coffee_Kev]

Thanks Neil, Glad you get my humour ;-)

[@EmmaBakesCakes]

I purchased this machine second hand at a bargain price and in excellent condition. I am so pleased as my budget won’t stretch for new. I love it. When using the milker I use 2x high strength pods and poor less milk, perfect for me. Quick and stylish

[@Coffee_Kev]

Fantastic Emma :-)

[@jo-anneedwards4748]

I can’t see that you’re making any adjustments in accordance with your taste? For example you can increase the volume of coffee, increase the heat of both the coffee and milk and increase the amount of ‘froth’ being made. There are a lot of settings available to enable you to create your perfect cup of coffee.

[@kerryb1653]

I used to have a Creatista Plus until the coffee side of it stopped working. However, I got the machine second hand and thrashed it. I didn't want to buy pods all the time, so I got Sealpods and refilled with fresh coffee ground from my Baratza ESP. I found the coffee pretty good, but had to use 2 pods. When it died, I decided to get a Bambino Plus. Still using the Baratza with non pressurised baskets. Just no comparison, the Bambino might take a little longer, but the quality and strength of coffee is so good, very happy. Plus I'm not refilling pods all the time!!

[@Coffee_Kev]

The BP is a great machine Kerry, I am glad you are enjoying it :-)

[@DJColinCook]

Thanks, Kevin. Does this accept the l'or XXL size pods?.

[@FatNorthernBigot]

"Mildly coffee-flavoured milk." - High praise, indeed!! 😂

[@Coffee_Kev]

😆 to be fair, I'm just spoilt by traditional espresso made with 18-20g of coffee, a 5g coffee pod in my flat white is never going to cut it.

[@FatNorthernBigot]

@@Coffee_Kev I hear that. Today, I received a new espresso machine and I've had around half-a-dozen 17g shots. I don't think a "pod" would touch the sides. 🤣

[@Coffee_Kev]

What did you go for?

[@FatNorthernBigot]

@@Coffee_Kev I'm pleased you asked, because I've been boring everyone else with it all week. 😂 I upgraded my Sylvia to the Rocket Mozzafiato Type R (the rotary pump version). It's a big upgrade and I'm very happy with it. 👍

[@nisreennawar1959]

As a Nespresso user of 4 years, this is exactly what Nespresso tastes like lol. It's a slight step above instant coffee.

[@india1422]

I have the Pro. I really like it for what it is. I also have the Bambino Plus and today took delivery of a Profitec Go 100. I don't think anyone believes that Nespresso is espresso. I think we need to appreciate the machine for what it is.

[@Coffee_Kev]

I agree, I think for what it is, it's mega. I don't think there's a better pod machine option for milkies than the creatista range.

[@twooface]

Having this machine for last almost 3 years is very disappointing. It was in out from from repair shop. Always problem with milk steaming and error that steam tip is not attached every time resulting in main board replacement. The only good thing is that nesspreso as club will fix it for you without any problems. Had multiple conversations with them and they say it’s very common issue and just year they fixed like 300+ machines. This actually stopped me purchasing any other Sage machine with auto steaming. Decided eventually on Impress first edition that got recently. While my creatista plus is being repair for the 3rd time this year.

[@Coffee_Kev]

Ooh, that's not good. Just out of interest do you live in a hard water area? Ta, Kev.

[@twooface]

@@Coffee_Kev probably, London. Do have filter built in with Kitchen outlet. Maybe it does help. Cross fingers the sage impress have their own filter plus mine hopefully will work. :)

[@AndyGNicholls]

Yup... I bought this a while back, actually through one of your affiliate links 😂 Great machine, easy to use, plenty of options, looks nice.... but as always with Nespresso pods it can be a very expensive way of enjoying coffee. For me I use 3 strong Nespresso pods for a flat white, and even then I feel I could add more 😬 Definitely need to switch to an espresso machine soon!

[@Coffee_Kev]

Thanks for your support! 😎 Yeah, they're relatively cost effective if you calculate it per cup, only if you use one pod per cup. When people like us are trying to use them to get something resembling traditional espresso, using 2-3 (I've used 4 in the past) pods per cup, it can become a very expensive way to enjoy coffee as you've mentioned. Ta, Kev

[@Geefiasco]

I had the Pro version before making the jump to proper espresso and think it’s a fantastic machine. I gave it to my mum and dad, they love it and no longer bother with instant coffee. It’s impossible to go back and use Nespresso once you get used to 18g of espresso in a milky. - I now drink a humble cup of tea when I visit them as the pods are just too weak for my taste buds unless I use 3 at once.

[@Coffee_Kev]

Yeah I think you've summed it up well there, big upgrade from instant (depending on the pods you use) but once you''re used to traditional espresso, there's no going back.

[@Geefiasco]

@@Coffee_Kev deffo!

[@dr6124]

I went from a profitec and a DF64 to a Nespresso creatista pro. Hated the time, process, all the things needed, and mess to make a really good coffee, especially if making for multiple people. Did i mention i am also a lazy sod. Horses for courses. Ps. Selling my DF64 if anyone is interested.

[@Geefiasco]

@@dr6124 Same. I went from a Nespresso to Dual Boiler + Niche Zero and 6 months later I sold it for a Barista Touch Impress because I was sick of the silly long chore of a 'workflow' every morning!

[@Technicellie]

I think there is like 1 upside to coffee pods in general: They don't stale as much. So if you are just drinking coffee for the days where you just need caffeine (like low-motivation days), this might be the best way to go.

[@Justdigit2]

So this better milk than a Frother and a Nespresso machine?

[@sonervisuals]

Great video! I would rather pay a little more and get the Pro tho, with touchscreen and simultaneous coffee brewing and milk frothing, in case you have several Nespresso-loving guests visiting

[@Coffee_Kev]

I have the pro too, video coming soon, I think it's actually flown under the radar to a certain degree, it's Sage/Breville's only dual thermojet machine, and it makes one touch Americano too. It's flipping pricey for a pod machine, but there are nice deals for it occasionally if you're patient.

[@sonervisuals]

@@Coffee_Kev As a Barista Touch owner I wonder why the latest machines don't have the dual thermojet :/ Would be the perfect machine for me, I love the manual puck prep and automatic milk frothing

[@coreycannon4511]

Apparently, dual thermojets are coming to the Oracle. Maybe that’ll be the start of upgrades across the line. Or at least for the upper end of it.

[@Coffee_Kev]

I completely agree. I've been scratching my head at Sage/Breville's decision to not bring dual thermojets to their integrated grinder espresso machines, I'm sure they have a reason, I can't figure out what it is though.

[@coreycannon4511]

@@Coffee_Kev Money. And I don’t mean that in a “they’re cheap bastards,” kind of way. It’s easy for us enthusiasts to forget Breville is an appliance maker and I’ll bet the vast majority of their owners have never really fallen down the rabbit hole like we have. As such, the typical owner is probably just following the instructions and making coffee. Nothing wrong with that. I assume Breville is creating their machines to meet a certain market, with each product to have as many features as possible within a certain price point.

[@Emma-Rose]

Can’t you just add an extra shot (from a fresh pod) to strengthen them up. I tried those grind pods and to be honest I don’t think they taste good. I’ve got a very old nespresso machine so I’ve been testing a lot of pods lol. Thanks for the review I’ve just brought the pro for my caravan. I have a feeling it will be used a lot. the grandkids love lattes lol 😆

[@yunoyuluvit]

I wonder if I should have got one of these instead of a Bambino Plus and a grinder, as dialling in is doing my head in.

[@Coffee_Kev]

They're certainly easier, no dialling in, but it depends if you're wanting the cup quality you get from a well dialled in double shot. If you do, although the Creatista machines are in my opinion the best nespresso pods for millkies, they're just never going to give you that, as Nespresso pod "espresso" just isn't the same when it comes to intensity and texture. Ta, Kev.

[@yunoyuluvit]

@@Coffee_Kev I have a hard time gauging the difference between sour and bitter. Just so as I know where I should be aiming, what grind size would you recommend for your fruit & nut blend in a Smart Grinder Pro?

[@krisbedgood6055]

You do know Nespresso shots are made to only go with 120 ml of milk (before frothing)? This is this 1st mark on all their aeroccino frothers for a single shot drink. Its also the default on all their one touch lattisma machines. Why use so much milk with a 1:6 ratio coffee pod. Maybe its a creatista auto froth thing but only 120 ml should be used. You can use the ristretto button and 2 pods to achieve a 1:3 ratio. I know is fun to mock Nespresso but its really not that bad for the convenience. Beats most crappy chain coffee shops here in the US any day.

[@Vote.ReformUK]

I tried this machine on my mum but she couldn't get used to it, she's just someone that wants to press a button and be done. So I tried the other machine to this that has that automatic milk thing and even that was too much because the milk thing was always blocking up and had too many parts to clean. Ended up just going with Tassimo even though the milk pods are daylight robbery as you just put the pods in and it's done.... However Tassimo would be a lot better if they have coffee and milk pods all in one so you didn't have to keep opening and closing. That would require them to make new machines for a double sized pod though :/ The other thing Tassimo needs to work on is the barcode scanner sucks as it gets dirty too easily, they need to come up with another system.

[@kimbridge5592]

does it take xl pods

[@Coffee_Kev]

Nah it'll only take the nespresso original line compatible pods. Ta, Kev.

[@user-mm5zd4xw4h]

👏👏👏👏

[@Coffee_Kev]

🖐🖐🖐🖐

[@darrylbuckett5380]

I use 20grams of coffee, so would never bother with such a machine. Maybe if they sold pods of different sizes so that you could actually taste the coffee, but still a very expensive way to get a cup of coffee. Cheers

[@draganthebest]

"Mildly coffee flavoured milk" -Kev 😂

[@Coffee_Kev]

hehe 😆😆

[@DonegalOverlanding]

They should just make the pods have more coffee in them. Who wants weak coffee? One small tiny point, you mentioned the Bambino Plus having the same milk wand, not exactly true. The Bambino (non Plus) has the same milk frother as this unit, the Bambino Plus has 4 jets rather than 2 in the milk wand.

[@Coffee_Kev]

I said they both have an Auto frothing steam wand and auto purge, I didn't say they had the same steam wand or steam tip, did I? Don't think I did anyway, but I've slept since then ;-). In terms of the tips, the Creatista Pro and Plus have a four hole tip, same as the bambino plus, they're not the same wands though, the creatista wands are the same as the Barista touch impress. The Bambino has a single hole steam tip. Ta, Kev.

[@DarkKnight-yc8nw]

The steam wand needs a lot of cleaning. I gave mine away.

[@FreshDrive]

Hahahaha may as well just make a hot milky before bed 😂

[@andromedach]

I put pod coffee at oat mush in the same category... affronts to nature. still a nice video otherwise

[@Coffee_Kev]

Oat mush, hahah 😂

[@PeaceChanel]

. Peace.. Shalom.. Salam.. Namaste 🙏🏻 😊 ✌ ☮ ❤ 🕊

[@jk01973]

I'll stay clear from pod coffee...

[@Coffee_Kev]

Yeah each to their own, they're defo not for everyone

[@streetspiritlondon]

I got the impression that you hated the coffee from this machine. Fact is, unless you’re drinking espresso these machines make really bland uninspiring coffee drinks. I’m right that each pod only contains less the. 12grams of coffee hence why it tastes so bland

[@jamiemcalonan3804]

Grind coffee pods are awful. Pods don't always work and it's way to weak

[@Coffee_Kev]

A lot of the compostable pods can stick sometimes, strangely I found they stuck in the Grind pod machine occasionally, but I've not had any issues with them with the Creatista Pro. Ta, Kev.