Let’s break down the debate of Gaggia Babila vs Accademia! There are so many similar features between the two models, but the small details are what mark one machine superior to the other. And the espresso maker with better “small details” is Gaggia Babila.
Gaggia Babila is a powerful machine that is designed to brew delicious espresso cup after cup. Its milk systems can froth microfoam to perfection and add the final crucial touch to any milk-based recipe like cappuccino or latte. I also love the customizable brewing features like coffee strength, temperature, or aroma. This intuitive one will blow you away if you are looking for a know-it-all device.
As for Gaggia Accademia, it boasts an impressive set of one-touch beverages and a convenient cleaning button, just like Babila. The device also can extract delicious cups of espresso with ease. However, its milk system falls behind when competing with Babila due to temperature performance.
Gaggia Babila vs Accademia: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Gaggia Babila vs Accademia: Differences
Gaggia Babila wins 4-1 against Gaggia Accademia thanks to its more diverse grinder and hot steamed milk temperature. Various small details mark Babila as the superior model of the pair. You have the details below!
Espresso flavor
It’s a tie!
There is no winner in this round. Both Gaggia Babila and Gaggia Accademia do a phenomenal job of extracting delicious espresso. I have been able to pull rich and balanced cups with these machines. Furthermore, I also spot good layers of crema on the surface of the classic espressos that I pull. This helps add more texture to the drink, making it feel creamier. But it’s not too thick that it comes across as bubbles instead of crema.
Like with most espresso machines, I don’t recommend using oily beans with these machines since it can compromise the operation and durability of the grinder and brew path. Not to mention it can leave a strong odor and ruin the flavor of future cups of Joe as well.
On the other hand, users are encouraged to use preground coffee with the bypass dosers provided inside the bean hopper or on top of the machines. In addition, you can try flavored roasts or decaf coffee with this coffee chute.
Grind settings
Winner: Gaggia Babila
Gaggia Babila features a grind size adjustment dial hidden under the lid, and its bean hopper is simple to reach. It has 15 unique grind settings, ranging from fine to coarse. On the other hand, there are only 8 settings in Accademia. So Babila offers more control over the coffee ground, which naturally impacts the coffee strength.
The grinding process used by Babila is effective and seamless. It perfectly captures the complete procedure of coffee brewing and grinding. The Accademia features an aroma seal top over the bean hopper and grinder so that you can say the same thing about it with one small difference. The texture and freshness of coffee beans and ground coffee are better-preserved thanks to this method.
Aroma strength
Winner: Gaggia Babila
In actuality, coffee makers like the Gaggia Babila can produce more than simply hot, fragrant drinks. It is a vital piece of lifestyle equipment that improves your morning vibe.
The 1500-watt Gaggia Babila is a potent machine with a timer and an automated mechanism for choosing scent strength. You have a choice among five alternatives to fit your tastes. It should be noted that Gaggia Academia now only offers three options.
Milk system
Winner: Gaggia Babila
If you are familiar with the fundamentals of espresso, you are aware that not every espresso drink calls for the same amount and consistency of steamed milk. Lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, macchiatos, and other specialty beverages fall under this category.
The Babila and Accademia have two different types of functions for heating milk because of this. The manual steam wand, which you can operate, is the first. It texturizes milk to create a silky microfoam. The second is the milk carafe, which automatically froths milk based on the drink you select.
According to my experiments, the Babila has superior steaming technology since it makes exceptionally hot milk, which is ideal for preserving the ideal coffee temperature for an extended period. On the contrary, the milk is not simply made hot enough by the Accademia. To raise the temperature, you must thus use the manual steam wand rather than the automated frother if you get the Accademia.
Presets of beverages
Another tie!
Both models are equipped with quite a good set of one-touch beverages that allow users to brew from beans to cups without having to chime in here and there during the brewing process.
For household-graded espresso makers in the higher price range, I always look forward to its presets because that’s what most users need when they purchase a non-commercial machine for their family or workplace. So, I encourage you to search for the same quality in mid-range and high-end product lines.
With Gaggia Babila and Gaggia Accademia, users have access to both classic espresso and other milk-based recipes like cappuccino or latte macchiato. Coincidently, these are the drinks that impress me the most. For me, the latte macchiato is absolute perfection. The layers of milk and foam, and coffee layers are vividly separated for a visually stunning barista experience.
I’m not exaggerating! You will get what I’m saying when you test-brew the latte macchiato for the first time.
Gaggia Babila vs Accademia: Similarities
Gaggia Babila and Gaggia Accademia share various similarities, from the frame design and exterior details to internal aspects that directly affect the operation of the machines.
Small water tank
This pair is equipped with water tanks less than 55oz, which appears kind of weird to me because most machines on the market come with at least 61oz water reservoir. But there is a purpose for everything. With a small water tank, these compact machines will perfectly serve couples or a maximum of 3 users. They may not be made for the office, but for couples or a few people who share an apartment, Gaggia Babila and Gaggia Accademia are more than enough.
Dual boiler heating element
With their dual boiler system, the steam wands can easily froth hot and creamy milk. The dual system also allows users to switch from brewing to steaming quickly without having to wait in between sections. Therefore, I always encourage the pick of a dual boiler or dual Thermoblock system over the classic single boiler.
Quick Rundown Of Gaggia Babila
- One touch brewing and frothing: bean-to-cup feature. Milk carafe includes automatic milk frothing for cappuccinos, and milk froth. Manual steam wand doubles as a hot water dispenser
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: 1 bottle of Gaggia Descaler, 1 AquaClean Water Filter, 1 Water Hardness Test Strip, 1 Tube of Brew Group Lubricant, 1 Brew Group Brush, 1 Coffee Scoop/Grinder Key
- PROGRAMMABLE: 8 Programmable brewing options for espressos, espresso lungos, coffee, ristrettos, lattes, cappuccinos, macchiato, flat whites and milk foam
- Easy access to water reservoir: features a top Loading removable 50.7oz water reservoir; Brew Boiler Wattage: 1400
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Gaggia Accademia
- Adjustable telescopic coffee dispenser with a maximum height of a little over 6-1/2-inch to accommodate a wide variety of cup sizes
- Milk carafe capacity 0,6 L.Ceramic burr grinder with integrated bean hopper and double lid aroma saver
- Integrated coffee grounds container, removable from the front
- Programmable coffee quantity - from 7 to 10-cup
- Pre-brewing system for maximum flavor extraction.Materials and finishing:metal painted/stainless steel
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- https://www.gaggia.com/automatic-machines/babila/
- https://www.gaggia.com/automatic-machines/accademia/
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.