Among the most popular coffee machines available today, the Gaggia Brera vs Breville Barista Express is a debate noted for featuring affordable models that will brew delicious espresso while introducing beginners to making drinks with a machine of this kind. And the winner is the Breville Barista Express, which excels at precise water temperature and pressure management.
Breville Barista Express‘s hands-free operation gives an excellent user experience. The machine has a pressure gauge that lets users track the real-time pressure work. It can brew very delicious espresso and froth creamy milk for a latte or mocha of your preference. I also love its stable grinder that isn’t noisy.
Gaggia Brera is more well-known than other espresso machines of the same brand because of the LED display, which makes preparation easier for customers. For example, users may establish a drink list by using buttons and an LED display. But, this machine’s design isn’t very durable, especially the disc grinder.
Gaggia Brera vs Breville Barista Express: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Gaggia Brera vs Breville Barista Express: Differences
Breville Barista Express wins 4-1 against Gaggia Brera. It doesn’t suffer from water leaking problems like Gaggia Brera, and its grinder is much more stable. I will give further details below!
Espresso flavor
Tie!
Regarding espresso flavor, the pair does a great job at making balanced coffee. I think they do a good job of bringing out the sweet and bitter notes of the roast. I usually use Robusta beans with these models so that the espresso tastes as strong as possible. Judging from the pressure gauge on Breville Barista Express, it reaches 9 bars, as stated in the original instruction of the machine.
What about Gaggia Brera? The pump pressure is good, but there is a problem with the water valve because I noticed a lot of water leaked into the dreg drawer after each brew.
Built-in grinder
Winner: Breville Barista Express
Gaggia Brera, like Barista Express, includes an auto grind and brew option. The Gaggia Brera grinding unit is a mill with a ceramic blade, and its burr grinder is flat. The flat ceramic burr grinder offers a superior finish in terms of the fineness of the coffee powder after grinding, and this mill also delivers a more consistent coffee powder quality.
But, there is a problem with a flat disc grinder that users must keep in mind. Due to the horizontal shape, the coffee ground naturally has a harder time falling into the brew path. Sometimes, encounter small bits of beans inside the grinder of Gaggia Brera when I clean the part. And what is the issue here? The lump bits are the reasons behind the grinder’s jams. In the long run, the grinder will wear off significantly.
A conical burr grinder is included in the Barista Express. This equipment can grind a certain number of fresh coffee beans and deliver the coffee powder straight after scraping it into the portafilter. The conical burr grinder and grind size dial allow you to easily manage the amount of coffee powder milled and the grind size. So you can ground coffee beans while maintaining the coffee taste.
I highly recommend the conical burr grinder because it’s more durable while still delivering even ground. Also, Breville Barista Express has 16 grinder settings, while Gaggia Brera only has 5, so it’s very limited.
Water tank size and position
Tie!
The water tank on Breville Barista Express is much bigger than the one on Gaggia Brera. It can hold up to 67 oz, while Gaggia Brera only can store 40.6 oz max. But the position of the tanks turns the situation around because Gaggia Brera’s can be removed up-front. With Breville Barista Express, I have to pull it vertically from the back, which is less comfortable than the Gaggia.
Milk wand’s performance
Winner: Breville Barista Express
Breville Barista Express has a more flexible steam wand that allows a more comfortable hands-on experience. Gaggia Brera’s wand, on the other hand, restricts the maneuver of the milk pitcher. And judging from the similar milk foam quality, I think it’s worth praising Breville Barista Express in this aspect more.
The frothed milk texture of these machines isn’t very dry, so latte macchiato or cappuccino may not be replicated perfectly. But the creaminess of the steamed milk will make a perfect cup of latte, mocha, or flat white.
Cleaning
Winner: Breville Barista Express
Cleaning the espresso machine is important since it impacts the unit’s durability and subsequent preparation times. Both machines are made of easy-to-clean materials, so consumers do not have to worry about cleaning even if a filthy wire gets on the body during the coffee-making process.
The detachable brew group of the Gaggia Brera may be removed from the machine for cleaning and maintenance. This necessitates that the user understands how to install and remove the detachable brew group and ensure complete cleaning.
The cleaning indication light is a feature that many customers like in Barista Express. After dispensing, this light will signal that it is time to clean the machine, assisting users in remembering the cleaning process.
Gaggia Brera vs Breville Barista Express: Similarities
The 2 major similar features of these machines are: the inclusion of the cup warming tray and the clean indicators. I will explain further below!
Cup warming tray
Gaggia Brera and Breville Barista Express feature a cup warming tray that preheats the cups when I start up the machine. A hot cup of Joe in the morning is what we all need, so keeping the temperature of the drinks high for a long time is an essential need for owners of espresso makers.
Clean indicators
Gaggia Brera has 2 indicators: one for a full dreg drawer and one for a low water level. The first one will alert users to dump the waste in the dreg drawer so the machine can start brewing. As for Breville Barista Express, this machine has a single indicator that says “clean me.” It will light up almost after all brewing sessions.
Quick Rundown of Breville Barista Express
- 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 Barista Express delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the Barista Series that offers all in one espresso machines with integrated grinder to go from beans to espresso in under one minute, helping you make the perfect cup of Cappuccino or Latte
- DOSE CONTROL GRINDING: Integrated precision conical burr grinder grinds on demand to deliver the right amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter for your preferred taste with any roast of bean
- 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: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal espresso extraction
Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown of Gaggia Brera
- 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
- FROTHING FOR MILK BEVERAGES: Pannarello wand frothing for cappuccinos & lattes. Wand doubles as a hot water dispenser for americanos & tea.
- EASY ACCESS: The dregs drawer, drip tray, and water tank are all within reach and accessible from the front of the machine for quick and easy cleaning and maintenance.Volts:110V-120V
- USER-FRIENDLY DISPLAY: Push-button controls and an LED display with illuminated icons make for an easy and intuitive experience.Watts:1250 W
- RAPID STEAM TECHNOLOGY: Quick heat up times and robust brewing and steaming operations. Coffee bean capacity : 250 gr
Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- Breville Barista Express by Breville : https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes870.html
- Gaggia Brera by Gaggia: https://www.gaggia-na.com/products/gaggia-brera
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.