Gaggia Brera vs Classic Pro: Which Model Should You Choose? Are Fully-automatics better?

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Gaggia has designed many durable espresso machines over the years, thus comes to light the debate of Gaggia Brera vs Classic Pro. These 2 powerful yet cut-price machines by Gaggia really intrigue me. But there can only be 1 winner, and it’s Gaggia Brera for me this time.

Gaggia Brera is the ultimate option for those who prefer a machine that brews from beans to cup. This machine features a built-in burr grinder with easy-to-operate brewing features that allow users to get espresso in less than 1 minute. What I like the most is that its simple Panarello wand can froth better milk foam than any machine in this price range I have tested. So if you are looking for a simple yet competent espresso machine, this one is it!

As for Gaggia Classic Pro, the device provides a giant 71oz water tank that can entertain a large crowd daily (but not for a commercial environment, though). In addition, it boasts a potent 3-way solenoid valve that makes dumping pucks out of the portafilter much easier and cleaner. However, this device’s features are basic, and a few additional features assist users’ experience.

Gaggia Brera vs Classic Pro: Comparison Chart

Image
THE WINNER (#1)
Gaggia Brera Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Small, Black, 40 fl oz
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Evo Pro, Small, Brushed Stainless Steel
Model
Gaggia Brera
Gaggia Classic Pro
Dimensions (LxWxH)
10.1 x 17.6 x 12.4 inches
8 x 14.2 x 9.5 inches
Color / Material
Silver / Stainless Steel and plastic
Silver / Stainless Steel
Water Tank Capacity
40.6 oz
71 oz
Power / Voltage
1250W/ 120V
1425W / 110V-120V
Heating system
Single boiler
Single boiler
Weight
18.7 Pounds
20 Pounds
One-touch espresso
Cup warmer
Front-access water tank
3-way solenoid valve
Milk frother
Pannarello Wand
Pannarello Wand
Airy foam for cappuccino art
Heat-up time
30s
5 minutes
Integrated grinder
Ceramic burr grinder
None
Programmable Drinks
2
None
What I Like
Price
$449.00
$451.94
THE WINNER (#1)
Image
Gaggia Brera Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Small, Black, 40 fl oz
Model
Gaggia Brera
Dimensions (LxWxH)
10.1 x 17.6 x 12.4 inches
Color / Material
Silver / Stainless Steel and plastic
Water Tank Capacity
40.6 oz
Power / Voltage
1250W/ 120V
Heating system
Single boiler
Weight
18.7 Pounds
One-touch espresso
Cup warmer
Front-access water tank
3-way solenoid valve
Milk frother
Pannarello Wand
Airy foam for cappuccino art
Heat-up time
30s
Integrated grinder
Ceramic burr grinder
Programmable Drinks
2
What I Like
Price
$449.00
More Info
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Image
Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Evo Pro, Small, Brushed Stainless Steel
Model
Gaggia Classic Pro
Dimensions (LxWxH)
8 x 14.2 x 9.5 inches
Color / Material
Silver / Stainless Steel
Water Tank Capacity
71 oz
Power / Voltage
1425W / 110V-120V
Heating system
Single boiler
Weight
20 Pounds
One-touch espresso
Cup warmer
Front-access water tank
3-way solenoid valve
Milk frother
Pannarello Wand
Airy foam for cappuccino art
Heat-up time
5 minutes
Integrated grinder
None
Programmable Drinks
None
What I Like
Price
$451.94
More Info

Last update on 2024-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Gaggia Brera vs Classic Pro: Differences

Gaggia Brera wins 3-0 and ties once against Classic Pro. This model has a better level of automation, and its espresso quality is top-notch. However, it excels mostly in the milk frothing aspect, where it can deliver drier foam than Classic Pro. More details will be revealed below!

Espresso flavor

Tie

The pair employs a 15-bar pump system that allows it to extract espresso while forming a good layer of crema. Brera and Classic Pro can brew balanced cups. The flavor is very robust and nuanced. It’s not too bitter that it overpowers flavor notes. But you can definitely expect rich cups with this pair.

The coffee crema also is very impressive. After each pull, I can get a thin but velvety layer on top of my espresso. The crema adds a more full-bodied texture to the entire drink, which I love. But I don’t think it will have a too heavy mouthfeel, making it hard to swallow, either. I have taste-tested it many times, and the texture is still authentic to good espresso standards and not too thick.

Gaggia Classic Pro can brew balanced espresso with rich crema
Gaggia Classic Pro can brew balanced espresso with rich crema

The temperature of the drinks also is an important aspect to consider. I usually get drinks around 165°F with Brera and Classic Pro’s single boilers if I leave them on for self-priming long enough (10 minutes should suffice).

Milk frother and its performance

Winner: Gaggia Brera

After the first milk frothing session, I already concluded that Gaggia Brera had a better milk performance. Even though Classic Pro is equipped with a 3-hole steam wand, it delivers less airy milk foam than Brera. I can easily do latte art with Gaggia Brera, and in the process of pouring the milk out, I can observe the creamy texture of the milk. With Classic Pro, it seems more liquid than creamy. And it’s hard to get even the classic heart shape pattern with the loose milk foam.

The steaming time is quicker with Gaggia Brera also. It takes me about 45s to get decent foam and about 1 minute 10s to bring out the airiness of the texture. With Gaggia Classic Pro, add 10-15s to that, and we get the foam to the airiest level possible with the machine, but still slightly more liquidy than Brera’s milk texture.

Gaggia Brera can froth quite airy milk foam for latte art
Gaggia Brera can froth quite airy milk foam for latte art

Automatic features

Winner: Gaggia Brera

Let’s start with the Gaggia Classic Pro. You might have never used an espresso machine like this semi-automatic one before. And that’s fairly unexpected, considering that Classic has been there for a while; after all, it is named Classic for a reason.

Now let’s talk about the Gaggia Brera super-automatic espresso maker. First of all, the look is more modern and less traditional. Although the sides are silver or black, the stainless steel structure is the same (depending on what you choose).

The Brera is a super-automatic type. Therefore it has an integrated grinder as well. This is a significant difference. That implies that you can make this one using whole-bean coffee as well. Of course, pre-ground coffee is also used. Because the UV-proof, airtight bean hopper is made of ceramic rather than stainless steel, your favorite coffee beans retain their freshness, fragrance, and richness.

Additionally, the Brera unit has an automated mechanism to modify the speed and length of grinding. Selecting your parameters is all that is required; the computer will handle the rest.

Ease Of Use

Winner: Gaggia Brera

Although Gaggia Classic Pro features a straightforward set of buttons, it is significantly more appropriate for experienced users. The on/off, steam wand, and espresso switch are the only components of the control panel. You adjust the steam flow by turning the control knob, which is mounted on the side.

Regarding Gaggia Brera, you can enjoy simple controls for producing your preferred coffee with a crystal-clear LED display and a variety of customizing choices. Put your chosen settings into those presets so all you have to do is press the button to start. Additionally, in the case of various coffee beans, changing the parameters before brewing is quite helpful.

Gaggia Brera comes with a LED display and offers many customizable features
Gaggia Brera comes with a LED display and offers many customizable features

The size of your milk container is unimportant to an adjustable, simple-to-use steaming wand (meaning it can be of any size). The automated self-cleaning procedure then cleans the whole system for your subsequent brewing experience when you switch the machine off.

Quick Rundown of Gaggia Brera

Gaggia Brera Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Small, 40 fluid ounces, Silver
  • 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 2024-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Straighfoward operation with a simple set of buttons
  • Quick heat-up time
  • Robust espresso flavor, no watered-down coffee ever
  • Airy milk foam for latte and cappuccino in less than 10s
  • Convenient front-loaded water tank
  • Descale alert for easy cleaning
Cons
  • Smaller water reservoir
  • Slightly larger and more expensive

Quick Rundown of Gaggia Classic Pro

Sale
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 2024-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • The stable installation greatly lowers noise levels during the brewing process
  • Large water tank that is appropriate for large households or offices
  • Impressive espresso flavor with attractive crema
  • The cup warming tray keeps the coffee at a consistent temperature longer
Cons
  • Steam wand isn’t potent enough for dry foam
  • Drip tray holds only short glasses/mugs
  • Semi-automatic operation

Product Videos

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