Here is our comparison review of the Gaggia Classic Pro vs Breville Bambino Plus.
The Gaggia Classic Pro and Breville Bambino Plus are both exceptional machines to choose from. They both have superb brewing quality over many other espresso machines.
However, when it comes down to choosing between these two espresso machines, you’ll need to know what you want from an espresso machine.
Though it may seem as if the Breville Bambino Plus is the winner due to its newness, that’s not quite the case. The Gaggia Classic Pro has some pros that do outperform the Breville Bambino Plus.
So, let’s get started:
- Gaggia Classic Pro vs Breville Bambino Plus: At A Glance
- Gaggia Classic Pro Overview
- Breville Bambino Plus Overview
- Gaggia Classic Pro vs Breville Bambino Plus: Features
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Gaggia Classic vs Breville Bambino: The Winner
Gaggia Classic Pro vs Breville Bambino Plus: At A Glance
The Gaggia Classic Pro and Breville Bambino Plus are great espresso machines and both have their pros and cons. At first, it may look as if the Bambino Plus is better than the Classic Pro with its newness but there’s a reason why the Gaggia is a legendary espresso machine. So to find out which is the best machine for you, it’s best to look at the features, pros, and cons in order to finalize your buying decision.
Gaggia Classic Pro Overview
The Gaggia Classic Pro is considered to be the legend of compact espresso machines. With its commercial-styled Italian design and rocker-style switch controls, you’ll feel like an actual barista operating this machine. The Gaggia Classic Pro is also known for being able to modify the machine’s parts to brew incredible espresso shots. This machine will last you for decades and is for someone who is a bit more experienced yet looking for something simple.
Breville Bambino Plus Overview
The Breville Bambino Plus is the new modern-looking semi-automatic espresso machine that will look great in your kitchen. It has a great stainless steel build and is conveniently small and compact too. It’s very simple to use and is very beginner-friendly for anyone starting out with these types of machines. With its PID temperature control, the Bambino Plus is capable of brewing consistent temperature for every espresso shot.
Gaggia Classic Pro Pros
Classic Italian-looking design: The Gaggia Classic Pro may look old to some people but Gaggia fans will forever be in love with this machine’s commercial-style design and rocker-style switches.
Best espresso shots… if you do everything right: This sounds like a downside but if you modify this espresso machine then you can really get the best espresso shots out of an espresso machine.
Easy to find parts for this machine: Since the Gaggia Classic Pro has been on the market for years, you can easily find extra parts for replacements or modifications. This makes it easy for self-maintenance on this machine too.
Easy to maintain for over the next decade: This machine will last you for years and years to come with its low service maintenance. With its easily replaceable parts and inexpensive servicing, there’s no need for another espresso machine.
Gaggia Classic Pro Cons
Some plastic parts feel cheap: Many people are a fan of the Gaggia commercial-style design but it does have some plastic parts. This can be improved if competing against the Breville Bambino Plus.
Pressure pump is too high: This may sound like an advantage as a machine with high pressure will brew better espresso quality, the pressure is too high. Sometimes the espresso shots may taste slightly burnt but luckily it’s fairly simple to adjust the pressure pump.
Dispersing screen needs to be cleaned more frequently: The Gaggia Classic Pro’s dispersing screen tends to get dirty which will affect the brewing quality, so you will need to clean it more frequently.
Breville Bambino Plus Pros
Great modern-looking design: The Breville Bambino Plus has one of the best modern-looking designs for an espresso machine with its brushed stainless steel build.
Very quick heat-up time: The Breville Bambino Plus has a quick 3-second heat-up time whereas the Gaggia Classic Pro has a heat-up time of 45 seconds.
Brewing temperature is more consistent: The Breville Bambino Plus comes with a PID temperature control which helps ensure consistent brewing temperature. This is an upside compared to the Gaggia Classic Pro which does not have this.
The steamer is ergonomic and has better functionality: The milk steamer on the Bambino Plus is easily adjustable compared to the Gaggia Classic Pro which can only move horizontally.
Breville Bambino Plus Cons
Recommend purchasing another portafilter size: I recommend buying a 25mm portafilter as it will brew better for milk-based beverages. There is nothing wrong with Breville’s 24mm portafilter but it can feel a bit loose at times.
Can’t add modifications to this machine: Although the Breville Bambino Plus brews great espresso shots, you cannot adjust parts such as the pressure pump for your personal preference.
Most likely not to last as long as the Gaggia Classic: It isn’t that this machine will last you long but it’s unlikely that it will last as long as the Gaggia. The Gaggia Classic Pro is known to last you for years and years.
Gaggia Classic Pro vs Breville Bambino Plus: Features
Design
The Gaggia Classic Pro still has the same old design from a thousand years ago which may not be a bad thing. Some people don’t see it as outdated but as more of a classic Italian barista design. Even though many people are happy with the same old design, the build quality does need some fixing. The machine has some plasticky parts which do feel cheap and should be improved.
The Breville Bambino Plus on the other hand is quite the opposite of the Gaggia Classic Pro. With its sleek stainless steel design and blue lights around the buttons, it’s definitely more than a modern-looking espresso machine. I will say that I personally prefer this design and in terms of build quality, this machine does not look cheap.
Ease of Use
In terms of ease of use, the Gaggia Classic Pro may require a little more expertise in order to get the most out of this machine. Although it requires 3 buttons to operate, it’s advised to know how to modify this machine. This includes adjusting the pressure pump for brewing better espresso shots.
The Breville Bambino Plus is definitely more user-friendly for beginners who are starting out with these types of espresso machines. You won’t need to do any modifications to this machine as it comes with modern technology such as PID temperature control to brew consistent quality espresso shots. Overall, the Breville Bambino Plus is the easiest to operate and is perfect for beginners.
Brewing Quality
The Gaggia Classic Pro is arguably one of the most famous espresso machines for its amazing brewing shots. However, there is a catch… Although it’s possible to get amazing and consistent espresso shots out of this machine, you will need to do modifications to this machine. You will also need to clean the dispersing screen regularly to pull high-quality brewing shots.
The Breville Bambino Plus will brew great espresso shots too although most people argue that the Gaggia Classic Pro brews better. I think it’s fair to say that the Classic Pro has better brewing quality but the Bambino Plus does not need to be modified.
Milk Steamer
Both the Gaggia Classic Pro and Breville Bambino Plus have great milk steamers but the Classic Pro’s milk steamer can be frustrating to use. The Gaggia Classic Pro’s milk steamer only adjusts horizontally and is long which makes it difficult to slide into the milk pitcher.
The Breville Bambino Plus’s milk steamer is a bit shorter and can adjust vertically too. This makes it much easier to use with a milk pitcher which is why the Breville Bambino Plus wins for this feature.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The Breville Bambino is fairly easy to clean. It has an automatic steaming function that sprays water into the drip tray to prevent any milk residue from being left in the milk steamer. Because this machine is built from brushed stainless steel, it’s easy to keep it clean and shiny after a few wipes a day. It’s also easy to maintain this machine although it’s unlikely that it will last as long as the Gaggia Classic Pro.
The Gaggia Classic Pro is built to last you for decades. Even when doing some modifications to this machine, it will never let you down and also has low service maintenance. In terms of cleaning, the Gaggia Classic Pro is also easy to clean and wipe although it may not look as sleek and shiny as the Breville Bambino Plus as it still uses plasticky parts.
| Feature | The Winner |
| Design | Personal preference |
| Build Quality | Bambino Plus |
| Heat Up Time | Bambino Plus |
| Milk Steamer | Bambino Plus |
| Maintenance | Classic Pro |
| Replacement Parts | Classic Pro |
| Brewing Quality | Classic Pro |
| Pricing | Very similar pricing |
Frequently Asked Questions
What comes with Gaggia Classic Pro?
The Gaggia Classic Pro comes with a single and double-shot commercial basket, a tamper, a double-shot pressurized filter basket, and a coffee scoop.
What comes with Breville Bambino Plus?
The Breville Bambino Plus comes with a 54mm tamper, a precision dose trimming tool, a 16 oz stainless steel milk pitcher, 1 and 2 cup dual wall filter baskets, and additional cleaning tools.
How often should you descale the Gaggia Classic Pro?
It’s recommended to descale the Gaggia Classic Pro at least once a month.
How often should you descale the Breville Bambino Plus?
Since the Breville Bambino Plus automatically sprays water out of its milk steamer after use, you won’t need to descale this machine as frequency. It’s recommended that you descale the machine every 60-90 days.
Gaggia Classic vs Breville Bambino: The Winner
It’s clear that both of these espresso machines have great upsides and some downsides. With the Gaggia Classic Pro’s long-lasting performance and the Breville Bambino Plus’s beautifully crafted design, it all comes down to personal preference.
If you’re someone who is a little more experienced with espresso machines and wants to get the best out of an espresso shot through modifications, then the Gaggia Classic Pro is one to consider.
But if you’re someone who wants a new modern-styled espresso machine that’s very user-friendly and brews great espresso shots without any modifications, then the Breville Bambino Plus is for you.