For those who love a good espresso but find daily trips to the café both tiring and costly and are also reluctant to spend a fortune on a high-end espresso machine, there’s a middle ground. Consider exploring entry-level espresso machines like the Breville Infuser vs Gaggia Classic Pro. And to my mind, and certainly yours after reading to the end of this post, the Breville Infuser is better.
There are many reasons why I declare the Breville Infuser a better choice than the Gaggia Classic Pro, even though they are quite similar in price. The Breville Infuser has a pre-infusion feature for espresso extraction, can accommodate taller cups, features a better steam wand, and comes with a filter to soften water. It’s also lighter than the Classic Pro despite the fact that it’s slightly larger.
Breville Infuser Vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-12-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Breville Infuser Vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Differences
The Breville Infuser won the Gaggia Classic Pro with a score of 4-1. Let’s take a closer look at what sets these two machines apart, examining their respective advantages and disadvantages in detail.
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
Winner: Breville Infuser
Built-in Grinder
In the realm of espresso machines, some machines come with a built-in grinder, which is a great way to save money and counter space, while others require a separate grinder. The Infuser and Classic Pro belong to the latter group – they have no built-in grinder, so you’ll need to invest in the right one.
I’m particularly fond of options like the Baratza Sette 270Wi or Breville Smart Grinder Pro grinder. These grinders are not only space-savers but also performance beasts. The only problem with them is that they are exorbitantly priced, but trust me, they are worth it, and the flavor of your espresso will thank you for your generosity.
Dosing & Tamping
I must say, discovering that both of these espresso machines come with four filter baskets, including two single-wall and two double-wall ones, feels like such a win. This variety is a nice bonus since the type of filter basket you use can dramatically alter the outcome of your coffee. Many models on the market just come with one type of basket, nudging you to spend extra for more options.
Now, let’s talk about why these baskets matter. The double-wall filter baskets are a godsend for beginners or those using a coarser grind. They’re more forgiving and help achieve a decent espresso shot without needing to nail the perfect grind size or tamping pressure.
On the other hand, single-wall baskets demand more precision in both grinding and tamping, but the payoff is worth it. With these baskets, you get the opportunity for greater extraction, leading to a richer and more nuanced espresso.
The Infuser uses a 54 mm portafilter, which is a standard choice, whereas the Classic Pro leans more towards the commercial-grade side with its 58 mm portafilter. The lagger portafilter always allows for more even distribution of water through the coffee grounds, leading to better extraction with no ifs and buts.
Well, as much as I adore diving into the positive aspects of these espresso machines, it’s time to put on my critical hat, albeit somewhat reluctantly.
The Classic Pro’s accessory set would definitely be perfect if it shipped with a stainless steel tamper rather than a plastic one, which is worse than the one that comes with the Infuser. If you’re just starting out or if you don’t already have an espresso tamper, it’s serviceable, but I always recommend upgrading to a stainless steel tamper when possible since it gives you a better feel and control over the tamping process.
Heating System
If you’re setting your sights on these machines with the hope of finding dual boilers that allow you to steam milk and brew coffee simultaneously, I’m afraid you’ll have to look elsewhere.
They are single-boiler machines, so they’re not designed for multitasking in the way that dual-boiler systems are. But let’s not rush to judgment just yet, as there’s more to these machines than meets the eye.
The Gaggia Classic Pro uses an improved aluminum boiler and takes about three minutes for your first espresso shot. This isn’t bad at all, especially when comparing it to models that take up to 15 minutes to heat up. The Infuser is even faster with its thermocoil heating systems, allowing it to be ready to go in under 1 minute.
Brewing System
The Breville Infuser has the pre-infusion function, which earns the machine its name and is absent on the Classic Pro. This really is a game-changer in the espresso brewing process.
Pre-infusion is the first stage in the espresso brewing process. During pre-infusion, a small amount of water is gently introduced to the puck in the portafilter. This water is at a lower pressure compared to the high pressure used in the main extraction phase.
The benefits of this short step are twofold. First, it results in a slightly slower brew to unlock a more even and thorough extraction of flavors from the coffee grounds. Secondly, the pre-infusion method contributes to more consistency in your espresso shots.
Design & Convenience
Winner: Breville Infuser
Dimensions & User Interface
| Breville Infuser | Gaggia Classic Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.1 x 12.3 x 10.2 inches | 14.2 x 9.5 x 8 inches |
| Weight | 17 lbs | 18.7 lbs |
The Infuser and Classic Pro are compact but heavy espresso machines with a solid and attractive stainless steel construction. Stainless steel not only looks sleek and modern, but it also offers durability and ease of maintenance, which is a truth universally acknowledged in the world of kitchen appliances.
And both the Infuser and the Classic Pro offer more than just the classic stainless steel look. These machines come in several different color options, so you can choose one that perfectly matches your kitchen’s style and color scheme.
The Breville Infuser’s interface bears a striking resemblance to the Barista Express, albeit with a few fewer buttons, like the one for grinding. The real star of the show on the Infuser’s interface is still a pressure gauge, which enables you to monitor the extraction pressure in real time and provides invaluable feedback as you pull your shot. That way, the gauge is a fantastic tool for troubleshooting common espresso mistakes, such as using coffee grounds that are too coarse or overloading your filter basket.
The Classic Pro’s user interface is also very straightforward. It features three chunky switches – one for power, one for brewing, and another for steaming. In addition to these switches, the Classic Pro is equipped with handy indicator lights that inform you when the machine is powered on, has finished preheating, or is ready for steam production. This straightforward design is refreshingly easy to navigate, making the machine accessible even for those new to espresso making.
Spout Type & Cup Clearance
| Breville Infuser | Gaggia Classic Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Spout Type | Dual | Dual |
| Cup Clearance | 4.5 inches | 3.3 inches |
The Breville Infuser can literally accept large cups. One of the challenges with these semi-auto machines is the limited space under the portafilter, which can restrict the size of the cup you use. But if you find yourself wanting to fit a taller glass under the portafilter of the Breville Infuser, all you need to do is remove the drip tray. Well, I guess you never win ’em all!
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
| Breville Infuser | Gaggia Classic Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 1.8 liter | 2.1 liter |
| Bean Hopper | None | None |
The machines feature water tanks that are detachable. Accessing the tank might require you to slide the machine forward from its position against the back wall, but you can refill the water tanks directly from the top of the machine, eliminating the need to remove them for refilling. Conveniently, these tanks include a clear maximum level indicator, and their transparent design allows for precise filling.
The Breville Infuser ships with a water filter, which plays a crucial role in reducing the need to descalize the machine and creating a more consistent and flavorful espresso shot by ensuring that the water used is optimal for coffee brewing.
Still, it’s worth noting that the water softener filter isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it solution. It requires regular replacement, which can add to the overall cost of maintaining the machine.
Milk Frothing System
Winner: Breville Infuser
The Breville Infuser features a manual steam wand to give more control over the froth process. So if you’ve ever dreamed of creating those stunning latte art designs that you see in coffee shops, this machine gives you the perfect opportunity to dive into that world.
One of the most impressive aspects of this steam wand is its 360-degree rotation, which is a hallmark of a professional-grade steam wand and a game-changer for home baristas. The ability to rotate the wand in any direction means you can position your milk pitcher just so, finding the ideal angle for steaming milk.
The process of steaming milk properly requires a bit of practice, and the Breville Infuser’s steam wand allows you to create beautifully silky microfoam quite easily. And when you finally pour that perfectly steamed milk into your espresso and start creating your own latte art, it’s incredibly satisfying. It’s almost like painting, but with coffee and milk.
As for the Gaggia Classic Pro, it’s interesting to note that Gaggia includes “Pro” in its name, perhaps in part because of its commercial steam wand. This might sound like a promising feature, especially for those stepping up from the more basic steam wands of small, manual espresso machines.
However, in my experience, it might not live up to the expectations set by its name, especially when compared to the Breville Infuser’s wand. I couldn’t help but notice that the steam wand on the Gaggia Classic Pro felt a bit flimsy. This was somewhat disconcerting, as you almost get the feeling that you need to handle it with extra care to avoid any damage.
Another point to consider is the Gaggia Pro’s wand limited mobility due to the lack of a ball joint. This restriction in movement can be a bit of a setback, especially if you’re used to the versatility of wands like those on the Breville Infuser. Furthermore, the fact that the machine doesn’t come with a milk jug means an additional expense for those who don’t already own one.
Most importantly, the steam wand on the Classic Pro falls short of delivering café-quality results. It can create a fluffy foam, which is fine if you’re more into espressos, but latte lovers might find themselves a bit let down since it struggles to produce the finely textured, creamy microfoam that’s essential for a good latte.
In my attempts, I also noticed that the Gaggia Pro’s wand tends to run out of steam (quite literally) before a full pitcher of milk reaches the ideal temperature. This resulted in a drink that was not as hot as it should be.
Drink Options & Programmability
Winner: Tie
Drink Options
| Breville Infuser | Gaggia Classic Pro |
|---|---|
| Espresso Hot water | Espresso Hot water |
Speaking of pre-installed drinks, these machines just make espresso for you, leaving the rest to you if you crave a milky drink. Both have a cup warmer to pre-heat your cups with the residual heat of the heat-up process to keep your drinks at the perfect temperature longer.
Well, I’m also happy to see that they both have a hot water dispenser for Americanos, tea, and other hot beverages. Many entry-level machines dispense hot water and milk through their wand, but these ones don’t.
Programmability
| Adjustable Settings | Breville Infuser | Gaggia Classic Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Strength | No | No |
| Coffee Temperature | No | No |
| Milk Foam Temperature | No | No |
| Milk Foam Texture | No | No |
You can manually control the volume of your shot with these machines, a feature that gives you a degree of personalization in your coffee-making experience. But that’s all you can control because these machines don’t offer the ability to adjust the brewing temperature, which is common among entry-level semi-automatic machines.
Quick Rundown Of Breville Infuser
- The Breville Infuser delivers optimal flavor in every cup creating third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula, ensuring the right dose of beans, optimal water pressure, precise temperature control and microfoam milk for latte art
- VOLUMETRIC AND SHOT CONTROL: Control the volume of each pour at the touch of a button and choose 1 shot, 2 shot or manually control over how much espresso ends up in your cup for the perfect dose every time
- 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: Maximize flavor potential with low pressure pre-infusion, digital PID temperature control, adjustable in 2°F increments complete with pressure gauge that guides you to the right extraction every time
- MANUAL MICROFOAM MILK TEXTURING: High power 1650W element for high pressure steam wand and faster heat-up to create the microfoam necessary for a third wave specialty taste and essential for creating latte art at home
Last update on 2024-12-17 / 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 2024-12-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- Breville Infuser: https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes840.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.