Breville Infuser vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Honest Comparison Of 2 Budget Machines For Beginners

Your purchases through our links may earn us a commission at no extra charge to you. Read more

Breville Infuser vs Gaggia Classic Pro is the next debate in which I will reveal the true winner. And after brewing with the pair many times, I can confidently say that the Breville Infuser will satisfy more users than the Gaggia Classic Pro.

Breville Infuser is a straightforward machine that can brew delicious espresso with its 15-bar pump and PID temperature control. I can always expect good flavor consistency with this model. Also, its automated ic flow-stop gives it a nice touch of convenience that the Gaggia Classic Pro doesn’t have. It’s also easier to refill the tank of this device.

As for Gaggia Classic Pro, it has been a fan favorite for years. It has a durable commercial portafilter of 58mm that can assist with more variable filter basket sizes. It brews delicious espresso and froths faster than Breville Infuser as well. But the water tank removal is very awkward and doesn’t have auto-stop brewing.

Breville Infuser vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Comparison Chart

Image
THE WINNER (#1)
Breville Infuser Espresso Machine BES840XL, Brushed Stainless Steel
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Evo Pro, Small, Brushed Stainless Steel
Model
Breville Infuser
Gaggia Classic Pro
Dimensions
11.5 x 13.7 x 13.25 Inches
8 x 14.2 x 9.5 inches
Capacity
61 oz
72 oz
Material
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Color
Stainless Steel
Silver
Weight
17 Pounds
20 Pounds
Power
1650W
1425W / 110V-120V
PID temperature control
Flexible shot control
3-way solenoid valve
Twin brewing
Cleaning indicator
Coffee recipes
2
None
Automatic flow-stop
Water tank position
Front-loaded
Back-loaded
Milk system
Steam wand
Steam wand
What I like
Price
$599.95
$479.00
THE WINNER (#1)
Image
Breville Infuser Espresso Machine BES840XL, Brushed Stainless Steel
Model
Breville Infuser
Dimensions
11.5 x 13.7 x 13.25 Inches
Capacity
61 oz
Material
Stainless Steel
Color
Stainless Steel
Weight
17 Pounds
Power
1650W
PID temperature control
Flexible shot control
3-way solenoid valve
Twin brewing
Cleaning indicator
Coffee recipes
2
Automatic flow-stop
Water tank position
Front-loaded
Milk system
Steam wand
What I like
Price
$599.95
More info
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Image
Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Evo Pro, Small, Brushed Stainless Steel
Model
Gaggia Classic Pro
Dimensions
8 x 14.2 x 9.5 inches
Capacity
72 oz
Material
Stainless Steel
Color
Silver
Weight
20 Pounds
Power
1425W / 110V-120V
PID temperature control
Flexible shot control
3-way solenoid valve
Twin brewing
Cleaning indicator
Coffee recipes
None
Automatic flow-stop
Water tank position
Back-loaded
Milk system
Steam wand
What I like
Price
$479.00
More info

Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Breville Infuser vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Differences

Breville Infuser wins 3-2 against Gaggia Classic Pro thanks to its delicious espresso, flow-stop function, convenient one-touch espresso, and double espresso, among many other benefits. Check out my review for the full details.

Espresso extraction

Winner: Breville Infuser

Brewing technology

With the same 15-bar pump system, these machines never fail to extract delicious cups of espresso for me. What I like the most about the devices is that they have very high-pressure consistency, which greatly affects the espresso flavor and coffee experience of users in the long run.

After all, nobody likes to be forced to drink watered-down cups in one day and maybe a proper brew in another. With Breville Infuser and Gaggia Classic Pro, I can enjoy the same flavor notes I want.

With Breville Infuser, users can enjoy the low-pressure pre-infusion technology that wet the puck beforehand so that the water and pressure can sip through each ground easier for better flavor performance. The espresso comes out always balanced and rich this way.

Breville Infuser comes with low-pressure pre-infusion technology
Breville Infuser comes with low-pressure pre-infusion technology

However, Gaggia Classic Pro has a commercial-style portafilter with a 58mm capacity. It allows users to try with a larger filter basket for a more robust drink, just like in coffee shops. This offers a better variety of coffee strengths that users have control over. But in all cases, the standard 54mm portafilter on Breville Infuser delivers just as nice flavor. The portafilter size shouldn’t matter much if it keeps up the taste consistency.

Flow-stop

What makes Breville Infuser the winner of the round is the flow-stop function. Even though both machines are classified as semi-automatic, the Breville Infuser ranges closer to a fully-automatic machine thanks to its capability to cut the extraction off. In addition, the device has 2 buttons for 2 one-touch brews, one for a single and the other for a double espresso.

With Gaggia Classic Pro, users have to manually control the flow-stop when they find sufficient the espresso volume that the machine has brewed. For beginners, this might not be the easiest task and will sometimes require understanding the flavor and the suitable coffee length.

With that said, Breville Infuser doesn’t remove the possibility of manual dose control. Users can still program the buttons to extract an X oz of espresso, and the device will memorize it for future extraction. That’s why I find this model so convenient and believe it’s more fully automatic.

Puck discharge after brewing

Since both devices feature a 3-way solenoid valve, they can release pressure so that the discarded coffee puck doesn’t seem to be soaked in water, which makes it harder to remove it from the portafilter. So in this sense, the pair does a decent job.

Gaggia Classic Pro is equipped with a 3-way solenoid valve
Gaggia Classic Pro is equipped with a 3-way solenoid valve

Heating system

Winner: Breville Infuser

The Breville Infuser comes with a Thermocoil Heating System. From many perspectives, it’s clear that it is a more efficient heating system than Gaggia Classic Pro’s single boiler. Thermocoil heats up much faster than a single boiler. So don’t be surprised by Breville Infuser’s 5-minute waiting time, while Gaggia Classic Pro takes 15 minutes to warm up properly.

Water Tank Capacity

Winner: Gaggia Classic Pro

There is a 72-ounce water tank on The Gaggia Classic Pro, which is positioned at the front of the device. This implies that you can readily see and modify the water levels every time you use the machine.

The Infuser’s reservoir is located at the rear of the device, so you should think about where to position it so that the water tank is visible. Additionally, the 61 oz water reserve is a drawback because it requires more frequent tank refills than Gaggia Classic Pro.

There is a catch here, though. The Gaggia Classic Pro water tank is quite complicated to remove, despite being positioned in the front. Users have to remove the drip tray and pull the tank out. And when they pluck the tank in, they have to put the silicone tube hanging inside the machine into the water tank. So it’s not that convenient.

Auto shut-off feature

Winner: Beville Infuser

For coffee makers, manufacturers frequently add an automated shut-off mechanism to safeguard the safety of the user and their belongings.

The Breville Infuser has an auto-off feature. This device will enter sleep mode after an hour of inactivity and shut off after three hours if it is not used or if you accidentally forget to turn it off.

Beville Infuser has auto shut-off feature
Beville Infuser has auto shut-off feature

In contrast, Gaggia Classic Pro doesn’t have an automated shutdown feature. Instead, you must press the power button to turn it off if you decide not to use it. If you forget to turn it off, it might result in burned coffee, a faulty coffee maker, a spike in power costs, or even a machine fire.

Steam wand

Winner: Gaggia Classic Pro

It goes without saying that the steam wand is one of an espresso machine’s most crucial components, especially for people who want their coffee frothed and creamy. Both the Gaggia Classic and the Breville Infuser include an integrated steam wand.
Due to the outer wands on these two machines, you may froth any quantity of milk you like in a larger milk jug. It is a useful feature since you can only fit a tiny jug in the space if the wand is facing inwards.

However, these two machines’ steaming wands also differ significantly from one another. First off, the Infuser only has a single steam tip, while the Classic Pro has a two-hole steam tip. Of course, I like the two-hole one more since it lets me steam faster. This might result in a slight reduction in boiler pressure. Therefore there is no major issue with your equipment.

Gaggia Classic Pro has a two-hole steam tip
Gaggia Classic Pro has a two-hole steam tip

The Classic Pro will effortlessly steam or froth your milk with the ideal texture and timing for the espresso shot; the foam is also silky and has the ideal texture for a professional steam wand. Although the classic Infuser wand still does a good job of frothing milk, it does it more slowly, which might be annoying if you are not a beginner.

Another distinction is the Gaggia espresso machine’s ability to distribute hot water directly from its wand. In contrast, the Breville Infuser’s steam wand can only be used to steam milk. As a result, you will have to boil or acquire water from the spout if you require hot water.

Quick Rundown Of The Breville Infuser

Breville Infuser Espresso Machine BES840XL, Brushed Stainless Steel
  • Earn up to $200 cashback with a Beanz coffee subscription when you purchase a selected Breville espresso machine. Visit earn-cashback.breville.com purchase to claim. Valid Aug 1, 2023 until Dec 31, 2023
  • The Breville Infuser delivers optimal flavor in every cup creating third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula, ensuring the right dose of beans, optimal water pressure, precise temperature control and microfoam milk for latte art
  • VOLUMETRIC AND SHOT CONTROL: Control the volume of each pour at the touch of a button and choose 1 shot, 2 shot or manually control over how much espresso ends up in your cup for the perfect dose every time
  • 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
  • PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Maximize flavor potential with low pressure pre-infusion, digital PID temperature control, adjustable in 4 ?F increments complete with pressure gauge that guides you to the right extraction every time

Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Volumetric and flexible control of shots
  • “Clean me” indicator for easy upkeep
  • Extraction is precise with the digital PID system
  • Steam wand with high pressure and power that heats up faster
  • Purging post-steaming is automatic
Cons
  • Steams milk slower than Gaggia Classic Pro

Quick Rundown Of The Gaggia Classic Pro

Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Evo Pro, Small, Brushed Stainless Steel
  • 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 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Portafilter of industrial size (58 mm)
  • Possesses the extra quality of dispensing hot water directly from the wand
  • Secure mounting for a noise-free extraction
  • Simple interface with durable rocket switches
Cons
  • Too simplistic design with no automatic flow-stop function

Product Videos

Related Articles to Gaggia Classic Pro

  1. Gaggia Brera vs Classic Pro: Which Model Should You Choose? Are Fully-automatics better?
  2. Gaggia Carezza Deluxe vs Classic Pro: Comparison Of The Two Espresso Machines For Entry-level
  3. Gaggia Classic Pro vs Quickmill 820: 2 Machines With Secure Mounting – Which One Brews Better Espresso?
  4. Flair Pro 2 vs Gaggia Classic Pro: A Worthwhile Debate Of Conventional Vs Unique Machines
  5. Flair 58 Vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Detailed Comparing to Find The Better One
  6. Rancilio Silvia M Vs Gaggia Classic Pro: A Detailed Comparison
  7. Lelit Anna 2 Vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Which One Do I Prefer More?
  8. Gaggia Classic vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Which Version Is Better?
  9. Lelit Anna Vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Which Semi-automatic Machine Is Better?
  10. Breville Duo Temp Pro vs Gaggia Classic Pro: 5 Differences To Find Out Why You Should Invest In the Duo Temp Pro
  11. Breville Bambino Plus Vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Which Is Suitable For Your Taste?
  12. Breville Barista Express Vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Which Is A More Suitable Purchase?

Related Articles to Breville Infuser

  1. The Best Breville Cafe Roma vs Infuser: Which Is The Better Espresso Machine?
  2. Breville Infuser vs Gaggia Classic: Which One Gives You a Better Home Espresso Experience?
  3. Breville Infuser Vs Bambino: Should You Choose The Compact Or The Big Espresso Machine?
  4. Breville Dual Boiler vs Infuser Comparison: Which Gives Out More Impressive Performances?
  5. Breville Duo Temp Pro vs Infuser Review: Which Espresso Machine Will Stand Out Between These 2? 
  6. Breville Bambino Plus Vs Infuser: A Comparison You Should Not Miss
  7. Breville Barista Express vs Infuser: A Battle Between 2 Great Espresso Machine

References:

Rating 5/5 - (1 vote)