It is a callous question to decide between Breville Bambino Plus Vs Gaggia Classic Pro since they have too many differences to be compared. However, after reaching their strengths and weaknesses, I can assure you that Gaggia would be the better choice in the long term.
With the Gaggia Classic Pro, you will always enjoy a smooth and creamy coffee taste. In addition, the product has 71oz of water capacity and a sturdy design that ensures there is little noise. This is the perfect machine for anyone who has ever used an espresso machine.
Regarding the runner-up Breville Bambino Plus, I am impressed by its capability to keep a constant temperature for great brewing. You can also customize the temperature and milk texture to suit your personal tastes.
Breville Bambino Plus Vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Breville Bambino Plus Vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Differences
Based on my experience, it’s a tie for the result of the comparison between Breville Bambino Plus Vs Gaggia Classic Pro. However, Gaggia Classic Pro defeated Breville Bambino Plus with its large water reservoir capacity, the taste of rich espresso with thick crema, and sturdy stainless steel design. The Breville comes very close to being as good as the Classic Pro.
ESPRESSO FLAVOR
Winner: Gaggia Classic Pro
Compared to the Breville, Gaggia Classic Pro delivers better espresso flavor, which I will describe as robust, nuanced, and full-bodied. Over the past two years, I have pulled over 100 shots of espresso with no problem whatsoever. The results are consistent, and I like the thick coats of cream as well.
The Gaggia Carezza Deluxe line, also from the Gaggia brand, produces more crema than the Breville. The machine does very well at maintaining the freshness and quality of the ground coffee, but I have never noticed any unpleasant smell like plastic or metal.
Alternatively, with the Breville Bambino Plus, the model offers a low-pressure soaking system and a slow pump pressure increase to produce an even espresso flavor. The resulting coffee is balanced in its taste and texture.
However, only double-wall baskets come with the portafilter kit that comes with this model, increasing pressure on the coffee puck. This is why it is essential not to use too fine coffee grounds. If not, the machine will struggle to extract espresso.
WATER TANK CAPACITY
Winner: Gaggia Classic Pro
Breville Bambino Plus has a tank that can hold 64oz, while the Gaggia Classic Pro can hold 71oz. Even though the difference isn’t so significant, we decided to go with a bigger tank since we looked into affordable espresso machines for baristas.
With my Gaggia, I do not have to refill the reservoir very often. I brew about three to four shots per day, and the tank lasts a week. It takes about five days for the Breville to last for a week.
Breville’s machine does not include a water filter, so you will have to do it yourself before filling the tank with water. This is a downside of this model. Water filtered through a purifier will give you a better cup of coffee without any metal odor or scales.
HEAT-UP TIME
Winner: Breville Bambino Plus
Heat-up time is one of the best features of the Breville Bambino Plus. I set up the machine in less than a minute, and it began brewing espresso almost instantly. Also, it takes the steam wand no time at all to steam milk.
The auto-purge function of this machine is another plus. After steaming, this will help our water temperature return to a higher level so we can brew espresso again. Because it is much easier to clean and purge the wand, it does not need to be done manually.
In terms of the Gaggia, it seems to take even longer to preheat than it did a week ago. When I start the machine, I leave it to do its own thing for about 5-10 minutes and return after that to brew the espresso. The machine will reach brewing temperature after about 5 minutes of pressing the button set on the instruction book. The steam wand does not take long to heat up; I take about 20 seconds to start frothing milk using it.
AUTOMATION LEVEL
Winner: Breville Bambino Plus
A Breville Bambino Plus has a full-automatic system, while Gaggia has a semi-automatic system. With this machine, you won’t need to worry about controlling the volume of each espresso shot because the machine will do it automatically. It will automatically shut off the tap after it has extracted the correct amount of espresso.
It also allows you to control the temperature of the water and the texture of the milk. Hence, I consider this a good model for beginners.
On your Gaggia, you will need to control the volume of the shot for it to function. You can see the amount of espresso the machine is drawing, and you can turn off the brewing button, so it stops pulling espresso. However, you will have to do it yourself manually. I would recommend this machine to a user who has little experience in espresso machines.
DESIGN
Winner: Gaggia Classic Pro
Some say that Breville’s design and lightweight make it more appealing, but I disagree. My experience with both machines gives me the impression that the Gaggia is sturdy and its slightly heavier weight is a good thing.
The Breville is so lightweight that it does not feel sturdy, and when I remove the water tank, it rattles a lot. For this reason, I have to clamp down the body while removing the water tank. With a Gaggia Classic Pro, I never have this problem. While it weighs a little more, it is more secure.
Cleaning And Maintenance
The winner: Breville Bambino Plus
Bambino Plus comes with a removable drip tray. The drip tray makes cleaning a breeze. You can quickly rinse out excess grounds after removing the drip tray! Simply wipe it off when you’re done with it with a damp cloth. Flashing lights inform you when it needs to be cleaned. I wish there were a digital display, though. So, this machine’s cleaning function is more appealing to me than its competitors.
On the other hand, many people have been complaining about the cleaning process of their Gaggia machines. It is understandable since no one wants to take half an hour to strip their device down and clean it by hand, especially if you’re in a hurry and need your machine to brew the coffee now. You have to conduct many easy steps to clean and maintain the machine, so it’s somehow wasting a lot of time.
Breville Bambino Plus Vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Similarities
The models are both compelling in their own way. A more advanced user might prefer the Gaggia Classic Pro, while a beginner might prefer the Breville Bambino Plus. Let’s discover the similarities between these two models.
MINIMUM NOISE CONTROL
Gaggia does not vibrate much during the brewing process, barely audible. This is due to its secure mounting. Compared to other brands, it makes significantly less noise.
15 BARS PUMP SYSTEM
The two models have pumps capable of pumping at least 15 bars of pressure. I have seen espresso machines lose steam after a few years. Those with a 9-bar system will see their pressure drop below this level. Nine bars of pressure are necessary for a good espresso.
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 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Breville Bambino Plus BES500
- Earn up to $200 cashback with a Beanz coffee subscription when you purchase a selected Breville espresso machine. Valid Aug 1, 2023 until Jun 30, 2024
- The Breville Bambino Plus delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the Bambino Series that offers the faster way to professional results at home in a compact footprint: serious espresso, serious value
- DOSE CONTROL GRINDING: Achieve a consistent and balanced espresso using the right amount of ground coffee; The 54mm porta-filter with 19 grams is the key for full flavor and cafe quality coffee
- OPTIMAL WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup
- FASTER HEAT UP TIME: Innovative ThermoJet heating system achieves the optimum extraction temperature in 3 seconds
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes500.html
- https://www.gaggia.com/manual-machines/new-classic/
I’m Floyd J. Alcock, an experienced barista with a deep love for coffee. I curate personalized coffee experiences, guiding customers through diverse flavor profiles and suggesting ideal brewing methods. My extensive knowledge of espresso machines enables me to recommend the best equipment to match specific needs and budgets. Sharing my expertise and passion with coffee enthusiasts brings immense satisfaction. I look forward to continuing my journey of coffee discovery with every customer I serve, fostering connections over a shared love for this magical beverage.