Breville Bambino vs Gaggia Classic: Which Is The Better Cut-Price Espresso Machine?

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In the debate of Breville Bambino vs Gaggia Classic, many coffee lovers wonder which is the better cut-price espresso machine. It is so hard to tell because of the great difference in their designs. But after testing both, I believe Breville Bambino is the final winner, thanks to its value-for-price characteristics.

Bambino is quite consistent with its brewing process, and it can deliver bodied and nuanced espresso flavor. The auto-purge function also draws me in since it takes a bit of effort off my shoulders when it comes to cleaning. I recommend this entry-level model to you if you are looking for a simple one.

Gaggia Classic is a solid opponent thanks to its wonderful espresso extraction that gives me thick layers of crema every time, and the big 72oz water tank really got my attention.

Breville Bambino vs Gaggia Classic: Specs & Features Comparison Chart

Image
THE WINNER (#1)
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Gaggia 14101 Classic Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker. 72 ounces, Pannarello Wand for Latte and Cappuccino Frothing. Brews for Both Single and Double Shots.
Model
Breville Bambino BES450
Gaggia Classic 14101
Dimensions (LxWxH)
12.5 x 7.6 x 12.2 Inches
9.5 x 8 x 14.2 inches
Weight
12 Pounds
20 pounds
Power
1560W
1450 W
Material
Brushed Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Water Tank Capacity
47oz
72 oz
Heating System
ThermoJet
Single boiler
Cup Warming Tray
Auto Shut-Off
Auto-Purge
Twin Brewing Cycle
Heat-up Time
3s
3 minutes
Milk System
Pannarello Wand
Pannarello Wand
Bar Pump System
9 bars
15 bars
Temperature Control Technology
PID
None
What I Like
Noise Level
Minimum
Minimum
Price
$299.95
Price not available
THE WINNER (#1)
Image
Model
Breville Bambino BES450
Dimensions (LxWxH)
12.5 x 7.6 x 12.2 Inches
Weight
12 Pounds
Power
1560W
Material
Brushed Stainless Steel
Water Tank Capacity
47oz
Heating System
ThermoJet
Cup Warming Tray
Auto Shut-Off
Auto-Purge
Twin Brewing Cycle
Heat-up Time
3s
Milk System
Pannarello Wand
Bar Pump System
9 bars
Temperature Control Technology
PID
What I Like
Noise Level
Minimum
Price
$299.95
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Image
Gaggia 14101 Classic Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker. 72 ounces, Pannarello Wand for Latte and Cappuccino Frothing. Brews for Both Single and Double Shots.
Model
Gaggia Classic 14101
Dimensions (LxWxH)
9.5 x 8 x 14.2 inches
Weight
20 pounds
Power
1450 W
Material
Stainless Steel
Water Tank Capacity
72 oz
Heating System
Single boiler
Cup Warming Tray
Auto Shut-Off
Auto-Purge
Twin Brewing Cycle
Heat-up Time
3 minutes
Milk System
Pannarello Wand
Bar Pump System
15 bars
Temperature Control Technology
None
What I Like
Noise Level
Minimum
Price
Price not available
More Info

Last update on 2024-11-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Breville Bambino vs Gaggia Classic: Differences

Breville Bambino wins 3-2 against its oponent Gaggia Classic. The former model is compact, intuitive, and it can pull me some creamy coffee. I like the fact that it has an auto-purge system since it saves me extra work. But, Gaggia is a very formidable choice as well. Find out more below.

Coffee Flavor: Gaggia classic

Dosing + tamping

Breville Bambino does a better job in this aspect. Since both machines are semi-automatic, we have to dose and tamp manually. The amount of coffee that you use depends on the size of the baskets that come with the portafilter. So overall, it varies a lot. Every basket has an indicator line that tells you when it’s time to stop pouring in more grounds, so just follow it.

But, the details that make me declare that Breville is better in this aspect is that the machine controls the espresso volume. It means that you just have to press the button, for example, double espresso, and the device will brew you enough for a double espresso.

Breville Bambino controls espresso volume automatically
Breville Bambino controls espresso volume automatically

As for the Gaggia Classic, we have to control it manually. It is slightly inconvenient, but it is not something that makes the machine not worth buying, at least for me since I have experience with espresso machines. You simply have to get a cup which you know the size of and fill it according to the amount of espresso that you need.

Heating system

Breville Bambino boasts of its Thermojet system that helps prepare the machine to brewing condition in 3 seconds. If you are a busy employee and you have no time in the morning to wait for a cup of coffee, I highly recommend the Bambino line. It is hella affordable as well.

In the case of the Gaggia Classic, it takes around 3 minutes to do it, so you will have to wait with this one. But here is the thing: Gaggia Classic is equipped with a giant 72oz water tank while Breville Bambino comes with a humble one of 47oz.

So with 3 minutes of waiting with the Classic line, you actually get a decent number of servings. If you are by any chance looking for a quality and cheap espresso machine for your office, the Gaggia one will be quite an option.

Brewing technique

While Gaggia Classic boasts of its 15 bars pump system, Breville Bambino pulls around 9 bars only. If you prefer a balanced espresso flavor with a slightly sweet note, Bambino is your baby. But, if you want stronger coffee with different layers of flavor, Gaggia Classic is what you need.

The 15 bars pump system also gives Gaggia’s espresso shots an extra layer of crema. With the Gaggia Classic and Classic Pro lines, I usually get really good crema. If you enjoy the velvety texture of espresso crema as well, I recommend Gaggia Classic.

Gaggia Classic boasts of its 15 bars pump system
Gaggia Classic boasts of its 15 bars pump system

Utilities: breville bambino

Auto shut-off and auto-purge are 2 additional features of Breville Bambino that I find extra convenient. With the auto shut-off feature, not only will the machine saves energy but it will also have a better lifespan.

And with the auto-purge feature, each time I switch between brewing and steaming, the device pushes the extra steam and hot water out of the boiler automatically. Normally I don’t find this feature in espresso makers at the same price range.

If you are wondering why I enjoy the auto-purge feature so much, it’s because it helps bring the water temperature back higher after the machine finishes steaming. This ensures that Bambino can extract another serving of espresso that is hot and mellow. And it’s true that I never pull lukewarm espresso with this machine. All thanks to the auto-purge and PID technology.

Milk system: tie

Both machines are equipped with a Pannarrello wand that works efficiently. After testing their performance, I don’t find one better than the other and overall, they do a decent job. I get creamy milk foam that is good for latte art, but not quite for a cappuccino. Nevertheless, Breville Bambino and Gaggia Classic are solid options for milk frothing, especially for their price.

Cleaning & Maintain: breville bambino

After every use, the steam wand must be wiped. This is essential for any espresso machine, with or without the auto rinsing feature. And you will have to cleanse the milk path and the coffee path frequently to avoid scale and bad water taste. As for the milk path, cleaning that of Bambino is easier thanks to the purge feature.

Breville Bambino can auto purge
Breville Bambino can auto purge

I suggest that you use special solutions to clean espresso machines, don’t use dish soap since it can leave an unpleasant stench or ruin the removable parts.

Design & Material: tie

The designs are very different. If you prefer a more modern and sleek device, Breville Bambino is the go-to option. On the contrary, Gaggia Classic is an excellent pick if you enjoy a sturdy and straightforward espresso machine. Breville Bambino also is more lightweight, so it definitely is more compact and easy to manage.

Breville Bambino vs Gaggia Classic: Similarities

There are 2 similarities between Breville Bambino and Gaggia Classic that I want to highlight. Both have a cup warming tray, and the steam wand can dispense hot water for tea as well. Check for more details below.

Cup warming tray

Bambino and Gaggia Classic both come with a cup warming tray. Personally, I don’t think they need one because the pair does a good job with the temperature control. But, it is good to have a cup warmer just to avoid lukewarm coffee. Keep your coffee extra hot with these trays.

Hot water

Sometimes we all crave a change, and a cup of tea is a good idea. Through the steam wands, you can get hot water for your tea. So make the most of these espresso makers.

Quick Rundown Of Breville Bambino

Pros
  • Auto-purge feature keeps the brewing temperature high
  • The machines doesn’t make much noise
  • Compact and sleek design
  • Quick heat-up time in 3s
  • It turns itself off automatically
Cons
  • Small water tank and it is hard to see the water level

Quick Rundown Of Gaggia Classic

Gaggia 14101 Classic Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker. 72 ounces, Pannarello Wand for Latte and Cappuccino Frothing. Brews for Both Single and Double Shots.
  • Rugged brushed stainless steel housing
  • Commercial three-way solenoid valve
  • Commercial-style 58mm chrome-plated brass portafilter and Brew Group
  • Easy-to-use Turbo-Frother steam wand attachment
  • Easy-to-use Turbo-Frother steam wand attachment

Last update on 2024-11-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Amazing espresso quality with a thick layer of crema
  • Sturdy design, great for commercial purposes
  • Quiet operation
  • Efficient cup warming tray that heats up to 120F
Cons
  • Quiet heavy

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5/5 - (2 votes)