Breville Bambino vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Reviewing 2 Cut-Price Espresso Machines For Homeowners

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Homeowners have been debating between Breville Bambino vs Gaggia Classic Pro as to which is the ideal espresso machine for big families and which is easier to operate. To give you a quick answer, Gaggia is the winner here.

Gaggia Classic Pro is a commercial-style semi-automatic espresso machine that features an impressive 71oz water tank, which is very ideal for big households or shared apartments. The brewing quality is very consistent and you can expect this model to pull full-bodied aromatic espresso with thick crema.

As for Breville Bambino, this model comes with a smaller water tank that can store up to 47oz of water. With its PID precise temperature control, it delivers great water temperature every time. The bar pump pressure is not very impressive, 9 bars only, but it can pull balanced espresso shots.

Breville Bambino vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Comparison Chart

Image
THE WINNER (#1)
Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine, Solid, Brushed Stainless Steel
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Model
Gaggia Classic Pro RI9380/46
Breville Bambino BES450
Dimensions (LxWxH)
9.5 x 8 x 14.2 inches
12.5 x 7.6 x 12.2 Inches
Weight
20 pounds
12 Pounds
Color/ Material
Stainless Steel
Brushed Stainless Steel
Water Reservoir Capacity
71 oz
47 oz
Power / Voltage
1425W / 110V-120V
1560W / 110-120V
Water Filter Included
Compatible with ESE pods
Removable Water Tank
Noise Reduction
Variable Temperature Control
Warming Tray
Fast Heat Up
Interface
Buttons
Analog Gauge, Button Control
Bar Pump System
15 bars
9 bars
Heating System
Dual heating embedded elements
ThermoJet
What I Like
Price
$433.98
$299.95
THE WINNER (#1)
Image
Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine, Solid, Brushed Stainless Steel
Model
Gaggia Classic Pro RI9380/46
Dimensions (LxWxH)
9.5 x 8 x 14.2 inches
Weight
20 pounds
Color/ Material
Stainless Steel
Water Reservoir Capacity
71 oz
Power / Voltage
1425W / 110V-120V
Water Filter Included
Compatible with ESE pods
Removable Water Tank
Noise Reduction
Variable Temperature Control
Warming Tray
Fast Heat Up
Interface
Buttons
Bar Pump System
15 bars
Heating System
Dual heating embedded elements
What I Like
Price
$433.98
More Info
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Image
Model
Breville Bambino BES450
Dimensions (LxWxH)
12.5 x 7.6 x 12.2 Inches
Weight
12 Pounds
Color/ Material
Brushed Stainless Steel
Water Reservoir Capacity
47 oz
Power / Voltage
1560W / 110-120V
Water Filter Included
Compatible with ESE pods
Removable Water Tank
Noise Reduction
Variable Temperature Control
Warming Tray
Fast Heat Up
Interface
Analog Gauge, Button Control
Bar Pump System
9 bars
Heating System
ThermoJet
What I Like
Price
$299.95

Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Breville Bambino vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Differences

In the debate between Breville Bambino vs Gaggia Classic Pro, Gaggia wins 3 to 1 against Breville. Thanks to its giant water tank, high pump pressure, and functional cup warming tray, there is no reason to deny the quality of this espresso machine.

Water Tank Capacity

Winner: Gaggia Classic Pro

Comparing to the giant 71oz water reservoir capacity of Gaggia Classic Pro, the 47oz water tank of Breville Bambino seems mediocre. And since we are looking for an espresso machine that is big enough for large families, I believe that there is no better choice than Gaggia Classic Pro. You can even purchase this model for your office, it won’t require constant refills.

Gaggia Classic Pro is equipped with a 71oz water tank
Gaggia Classic Pro is equipped with a 71oz water tank

Both machines use the single boiler heating system and come with steam wands, which means that the brew group and the frother will have to share the same water tank. It is inevitable that the machine won’t produce a strong enough steam pressure to create microfoam with a small tank. Thus, Gaggia is the ultimate choice in this case.

Bar Pump Pressure

Winner: Gaggia Classic Pro

Gaggia Classic Pro boasts of a 15-bars pump pressure system that will pull excellent espresso shots with a touch of sweetness to the taste. The pressure is maintained consistently throughout the brewing process so that the coffee ground can produce the most balanced flavor.

Also, most espresso machines on the market lose a bit of pressure after years of running, so with a 15-bars system, the Gaggia’s pressure will still be ideal even after 3 or more years of use. As for the Breville, we know that 9-bars is good. But when it drops, you are forced to work with a pressurized basket to balance the pressure.

Gaggia Classic Pro extracts rich coffee flavor
Gaggia Classic Pro extracts rich coffee flavor

One thing that I notice about this model is that it creates a very thick layer of crema, but not too thick that when you drink your coffee you sip down creamy foam only. I’m talking about a rich and foamy crema layer that seems slightly thicker than what most coffee machines of this price range that I have tested before can produce.

So if you are a coffee drinker that pays lots of attention to crema, I recommend this model and Gaggia Classic. But mostly this one since the steam wand is more stable.

Temperature Control Technology

Winner: Breville Bambino

This is a great highlight of the Bambino line. Breville Bambino is equipped with PID technology which allows the machine to maintain its brewing temperature constantly, which is around 200 degrees F. You won’t have to worry about your coffee not being hot enough with this model.

Breville Bambino is equipped with PID technology
Breville Bambino is equipped with PID technology

Gaggia Classic Pro, on the other hand, isn’t designed with a modern temperature control system. After brewing a cup of espresso and weighing the drink’s temperature, I’ll tell you that the temperature fluctuates between 195 and 205 degrees F. This is the ideal range of water temperature to brew coffee.

Nevertheless, if you want to be extra careful with the heat, Breville is the go-to option.

Cup warming Tray

Winner: Gaggia Classic Pro

Both machines have a cup warming plate but the one of Gaggia is more functional while the one on the Breville doesn’t provide much heat. You can expect the cups to be warmed up to 120 degrees F. Thanks to the warming tray, it is possible to keep the coffee hot for a longer time.

But I want to point out that the plate doesn’t work separately since it gets the heat from the boiler below it. So if you want to warm the cups, you have to go ahead and start the machine so that the boiler can heat up the warming tray.

Breville Bambino vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Similarities

The biggest similarities between Bambino and Classic Pro is that both machines make very little noise while operating and both boast of a compact design. Read on to find out more.

Minimum noise while operating

As for the winner Gaggia, thanks to its secure mounting, the machine doesn’t vibrate much during the brewing process, thus the noise is easily canceled out so you can brew late-night coffee without any problem.

As for the Breville, it is more lightweight so I’m quite surprised that it also brews delicious coffee without making too much noise. So keep in mind that this is what you can expect from these models.

Both Breville Bambino and Gaggia Classic Pro produce minimum noise when operating
Both Breville Bambino and Gaggia Classic Pro produce minimum noise when operating

Compact Design

I’m impressed with the design of both machines. Their brands know how to work with stainless steel to give them such a sleek and modern appearance. Both are slim-looking and come with removable water tanks. Therefore, I believe both are ideal for small kitchen stands.

As for the Gaggia, I like the commercial and conventional style of the design. It gives the machine a sturdy look that screams durable. You won’t have to swap out for a new one anytime soon.

And for the Breville, it has a more modern touch to it and doesn’t seem as sturdy as the Gaggia, but overall I believe it works great with modern households.

Quick Rundown of Gaggia Classic Pro

Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine, Solid, Brushed Stainless Steel
1,711 Reviews
Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine, Solid, Brushed Stainless Steel
  • Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted
  • Rugged Brushed Stainless Steel housing
  • Commercial three-way solenoid valve. Capacity water tank - 2,1 liter
  • Commercial-style 58mm chrome-plated brass portability and brew group
  • Commercial steam wand. Rotating steam want movement type

Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Ideal 15 bars pump pressure that pulls excellent espresso in the long run
  • Big water tank for large families and offices
  • The secure mounting reduces noise and vibration significantly
  • Commercial-style steam wand that froths foam decent enough for latte art
Cons
  • It requiers a bit of learning curve

Quick Rundown of Breville Bambino

Pros
  • Precise temperature control for consistent hot espresso
  • Easy operation with buttons for one shot or two shots of espresso
  • Quick heat-up time, ideal for busy users
Cons
  • 9 bars pump pressure, not ideal in the long run

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