Breville Bambino Plus vs Gaggia Classic Pro is a tough debate since they are too different to compare. But after weighing their strength and weakness, I can tell you that the Gaggia is the better choice in the long run.
Gaggia Classic Pro delivers an optimum coffee taste that always is rich and creamy. It also boasts of a giant 71oz water tank and sturdy design that ensures a minimum noise experience. I recommend this model to any user who has had an espresso machine before.
As for the runner-up Breville Bambino Plus, I applaud its ability to maintain the ideal temperature for brewing. It also offers different options of temperature and milk texture for different beverages.
Breville Bambino Plus vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Breville Bambino Plus vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Differences
Gaggia Classic Pro wins 3-2 against Breville Bambino Plus with its big water reservoir capacity, rich espresso flavor with thick crema, and sturdy stainless steel design. The Breville comes very close, I would say that it is nearly just as great as Classic Pro.
Water Tank Capacity
Winner: Gaggia Classic Pro
The water tank of Gaggia Classic Pro can hold up to 71oz of water, while the one on Breville Bambino Plus can hold up to 64oz. The difference is not that great but I have to admit that since we are looking for an affordable espresso machine for baristas, the bigger the tank, the better.
I don’t have to refill the reservoir on the Gaggia frequently. The tank lasts a week and I brew about 2-3 shots per day. As for the Breville, it will last around 5 days.
I also want to add that the Breville doesn’t come with a water filter and you will have to figure out how to do it before filling the water tank, so this is a minus point for this model. Filtered water will deliver a better coffee taste that isn’t affected by metal smell or scales.
Espresso Flavor
Winner: Gaggia Classic Pro
Gaggia Classic Pro delivers better espresso flavor than the Breville, which I will describe as full-bodied, robust, and nuanced. I have pulled about 100+ shots and I have never experienced flat coffee. The results are very consistent and I enjoy the thick layers of crema as well.
This model definitely makes more crema than the Breville, but not as much as the Carezza Deluxe line, which also comes from the Gaggia brand. Also, I never notice any unpleasant smell like plastic or metal, so I will say that the machine does very well in keeping the authentic taste and quality of the coffee ground.
As for the Breville Bambino Plus, this model boasts of a low-pressure pre-infusion system that soaks the coffee puck and slowly increases the pump pressure to extract the evenest espresso flavor. I would describe the coffee taste and texture that this model produces as balanced.
However, the portafilter kit that comes with this model includes double-wall baskets only which add more pressure on the coffee puck. So you have to make sure that the coffee ground that you use isn’t too fine. Otherwise, the machine will have a hard time extracting espresso.
Heat-up Time
Winner: Breville Bambino Plus
The biggest strength of the Breville Bambino Plus is that it heats up very quickly. It took me 5 seconds to prep the machine and it started brewing espresso almost immediately. The steam wand also doesn’t take long to start steaming milk.
Another plus point for this machine is that it is designed with an auto-purge feature. This will help bring the water temperature back higher after steaming so that we can brew espresso without any problem. For me, it is definitely more convenient not having to clean and purge the wand manually.
As for the Gaggia, this model definitely takes longer to preheat. I usually start the machine and leave it to do its own thing and I come back after 5-10 minutes to brew espresso. According to the instruction, it takes 5 minutes for the machine to reach brewing temperature. On the other hand, the steam wand doesn’t take long to heat up, it takes me about 20s to start frothing milk.
Automation Level
Winner: Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus is fully automatic, while the Gaggia is semi-automatic. With the Breville, you won’t have to control the volume of each espresso shot since the machine will do it for you. After extracting the right amount of espresso, it will automatically shut the tap off.
Also, you can adjust the water temperature and milk texture with this one. Thus I find this model suitable for beginners.
As for the Gaggia, you will have to control the volume of the shot. Watch how much espresso the machine is pulling and turn off the brewing button for it to stop. You will have to do it manually. So I recommend this machine to users with a bit of experience with espresso makers.
Design
Winner: Gaggia Classic Pro
Many would say that the Breville looks better and is more lightweight, but I have to disagree. If you have tested both machines as I have, you would say that Gaggia is more sturdy and its slightly heavier weight is a good thing.
Since the Breville is so lightweight, it doesn’t give a sturdy feel, and when I remove the water tank, it doesn’t stay put and rattle a lot. So I have to secure the body while working the water reservoir. I never have to experience the same trouble with Gaggia Classic Pro. It is only slightly heavier, but it secures itself better.
Breville Bambino Plus vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Similarities
Both models are very compelling. While Gaggia Classic Pro is ideal for users with more experience, Breville Bambino Plus is easier to manage if you are a beginner. Find out about their similarities.
Minimum noise control
Thanks to its secure mounting, Gaggia doesn’t vibrate much, and there is barely any noise coming from the machine during the brewing process. The same goes with the Breville. It makes much less noise in comparison to other models of its brand.
15 bars pump system
I recommend espresso machines with at least a 15 bars pump system, and both models meet this requirement. As a barista myself, I have experienced espresso machines that lose pressure after a few years. If you go with 9-bars, naturally, the pressure will drop under this level. And 9 bars is the minimum requirement for espresso machines to pull rich coffee.
Quick Rundown Of Gaggia Classic Pro
- Solid Steel Housing, Made in Italy
- 9 Bar Espresso Extractions
- Stainless Steel 58mm Commercial Portafilter
- Commercial Three Way Solenoid Valve
- Commercial Steam Wand
Last update on 2023-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Breville Bambino Plus
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
Last update on 2023-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- Gaggia Classic Pro: https://www.gaggia-na.com/products/gaggia-classic-pro
- Breville Bambino Plus: https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes500.html
Felix Hendricks is a skilled barista with over 12 years of experience. He excels in crafting coffee and has a strong foundation in coffee machine mechanics. Felix holds a Coffee Machine Maintenance Certification from the Coffee Equipment Technical Institute, showcasing his ability to diagnose and repair coffee machines. He’s also worked as a quality control specialist, selecting premium coffee beans for optimal flavor. Felix has a diverse work history, including stints at renowned coffee spots like Café Euphoria & Starbucks. His expertise in both brewing and machine maintenance makes him a respected figure in the coffee industry.