Breville Bambino Plus vs Gaggia Classic Pro are both appealing options for those on a budget. But if I had to choose between the two, the Bambino Plus would be better in my eyes.
The Breville Bambino Plus is compact, lightweight, and easy to use. Its biggest selling point is its automatic steam wand with 3 levels of milk foam’s temperature and texture, so you can get a cappuccino or latte macchiato with as little effort as possible.
On the other hand, the Gaggia Classic Pro might not be a good choice for newbies. It has no PID controller, requiring the user to be proficient in temperature surfing for optimal use. The manual wand is ideal for practicing latte art, but it comes with a learning curve as well.
Breville Bambino Plus Vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Breville Bambino Plus Vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Differences
The Bambino Plus outperformed the Classic Pro, winning with a score of 4-1. Just continue reading for a detailed comparison of the two.
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
Winner: Breville Bambino Plus
Built-in Grinder
These machines lack built-in grinders. So you need to buy one separately to see them shine. Indeed, I know a lot of people will give up too early on these machines because they are pairing them with a low-quality grinder.
I like the flexibility of having a separate grinder all the time. Why? I don’t have to use a grinder made by an espresso company, and upgrading individual components is also very easy.
However, if you’re tight on kitchen space, you might lean towards a model that includes a grinder to keep things compact and convenient. Breville itself has many such models in its arsenal, such as the Barista Pro and Barista Express.
Dosing & Tamping
The Classic Pro comes with a nice 58mm portafilter, while the Bambino Plus uses a smaller 54mm one. The Bambino Plus’s portafilter doesn’t have the most premium feel to it and can be a bit tricky to lock into place.
Yes, you really need to have a firm grip on the Bambino Plus when you’re twisting the portafilter in and out, or you might find the machine sliding around on your counter. All because it’s very lightweight.
The Classic Pro comes with both single-wall and double-wall filter baskets, while the Bambino Plus only comes with double-wall baskets. You can buy separate single-wall baskets to go with the Bambino Plus anytime and they’re pretty cheap, but it’s a bit disappointing that Breville doesn’t deliver.
Heating System
The Bambino Plus uses a ThermoJet heating system to heat up the water in under a minute, whereas the Classic Pro is all set to brew in about two minutes with its improved aluminum boiler. Neither can handle making espresso and steaming milk simultaneously because, you know, they only have one heating system.
The Bambino Plus has a PID controller to maintain a stable temperature, which is very helpful when switching from brewing to milk frothing or vice versa. The Classic Pro does not have PID, requiring you to master temperature surfing or mod it using a PID Upgrade Kit to get the best result.
Brewing System
An espresso machine should have a pre-infusion function. This initial brewing step gently soaks the puck under low pressure before the full power of the pump kicks in. Not only does it let the coffee bloom a bit, but it also smooths out any unevenness from tamping. That way, this helps prevent channeling and leads to a more uniform extraction.
The Bambino Plus has the pre-infusion function and allows you to adjust the duration. That way, you can play around with different roast profiles and single-origin beans.
The Classic Pro, unfortunately, lacks this feature, but once again, I’ve got a workaround. If you slightly open the steam knob before hitting the brew button, it’ll slow down the flow rate at the group head. That way, you can moisten the coffee puck for a few seconds and then just close the steam wand and start your full extraction.
Design & Convenience
Winner: Breville Bambino Plus
Dimensions & User Interface
| Breville Bambino Plus | Gaggia Classic Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 7.7 x 12.7 x 12.3 inches | 14.2 x 9.5 x 8 inches |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs | 18.7 lbs |
Both machines boast stainless steel bodies, a feature that’s pretty rare in this price range. They’re compact too, so they’ll snugly fit on any kitchen counter. Fun fact: “Bambino” is Italian for “child,” which is quite fitting given its small footprint.
Unlike the Classic Pro, the Bambino Plus is notably lightweight, which is both a blessing and a curse. On the plus side, moving it around your kitchen is a breeze. But as I mentioned earlier, this lightness means you’ll need a firm grip when inserting or removing the portafilter from the brew head.
The control panels on these machines are the epitome of simplicity, featuring just a few buttons. This means you can get your cup of Joe as quickly as possible without any fuss.
Spout Type & Cup Clearance
| Breville Bambino Plus | Gaggia Classic Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Spout Type | Dual | Dual |
| Cup Clearance | 4.5 inches | 3.3 inches |
Unlike super-automatic espresso machines, you won’t be able to adjust their spout height. Of course, that won’t be an issue when you’re brewing into espresso cups, but you might need to remove the drip tray if you want to brew into a travel mug.
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
| Breville Bambino Plus | Gaggia Classic Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 1.9 liters | 2.1 liters |
| Bean Hopper | N/A | N/A |
Their water tanks are surprisingly large for such compact machines. Both are removable, so just detach, fill, reattach, and enjoy your caffeinated beverages. Just one thing to keep in mind is that if you have overhead cabinets, they might get in the way a bit when you’re removing these tanks.
Milk Frothing System
Winner: Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus, with its outstanding automatic steam wand, makes your espresso drink creations, like a cappuccino or espresso macchiato, almost effortless.
All you need to do is pour milk into the pitcher, pick from three temperature settings and three texture options, place the jug under the wand, and hit the button. There is a small sensor under the wand that monitors the entire process on your behalf.
The Bambino Plus’s wand might not pack the same punch as a commercial steam wand, but it will definitely still help you create some pretty impressive latte art. And if you’re feeling confident, you can switch to manual mode and take full control of the steaming process.
On the other hand, the Classic Pro sports a commercial manual steam wand, perfect for those who love to create heaps of microfoam for latte art. It is really powerful, and there is a rotating dial nearby that gives you a lot of control over the frothing system.
Still, the Classic Pro’s wand isn’t mounted on a ball joint, so its range of movement is somewhat restricted. Also, it tends to feel a bit flimsy and, worth noting, it doesn’t come with a milk jug.
Drink Options & Programmability
Winner: Tie
Drink Options
| Breville Bambino Plus | Gaggia Classic Pro |
|---|---|
| Espresso | Espresso Hot Water |
Not much to elaborate on here, but it’s worth noting that the Classic Pro features a dedicated hot water outlet, something the Bambino Plus lacks entirely. Personally, I’m a fan of having a separate outlet for hot water. You see, many models dispense hot water through their steam wands, which can lead to a mix-up between hot water and milk residues.
Programmability
| Adjustable Settings | Breville Bambino Plus | Gaggia Classic Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Strength | No | No |
| Coffee Temperature | No | No |
| Milk Foam Temperature | Yes | No |
| Milk Foam Texture | Yes | No |
On the right of the Bambino Plus, there are two buttons with scale indicators that allow you to adjust the milk’s temperature and texture – and that is all! As for the Classic Pro, there’s no fiddling with settings or parameters, so just let the machine do its thing.
Quick Rundown Of Breville Bambino Plus
- The Breville Bambino Plus delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the Bambino Series that offers the faster way to professional results at home in a compact footprint: serious espresso, serious value
- DOSE CONTROL GRINDING: Achieve a consistent and balanced espresso using the right amount of ground coffee; The 54mm porta-filter with 19 grams is the key for full flavor and cafe quality coffee
- 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
- FASTER HEAT UP TIME: Innovative ThermoJet heating system achieves the optimum extraction temperature in 3 seconds
- PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal espresso extraction
Last update on 2024-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Gaggia Classic Pro
- 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 2024-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- Breville Bambino Plus: https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes500.html
Felix Hendricks is a skilled barista with over 12 years of experience. He excels in crafting coffee and has a strong foundation in coffee machine mechanics. Felix holds a Coffee Machine Maintenance Certification from the Coffee Equipment Technical Institute, showcasing his ability to diagnose and repair coffee machines. He’s also worked as a quality control specialist, selecting premium coffee beans for optimal flavor. Felix has a diverse work history, including stints at renowned coffee spots like Café Euphoria & Starbucks. His expertise in both brewing and machine maintenance makes him a respected figure in the coffee industry.