Both the Gaggia Velasca Prestige vs Babila are well-priced bean-to-cup coffee machines, which are perfect for anyone who wants something simple that can produce decent espresso from fresh beans.
Now, when we compare the two, I’ve got to say the Gaggia Babila is slightly better than the Gaggia Velasca Prestige. It’s packed with more grind settings and a longer list of pre-programmed drinks. And for those of us looking to level up our barista game, the Babila adds a manual steam wand alongside its automatic frothing system. Well, it also looks more eye-catching, I think.
Gaggia Velasca Prestige Vs Babila: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-12-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Gaggia Velasca Prestige Vs Babila: Differences
The Babila won 4-1 against the Velasca Prestige. So, what’s up with these machines? What are the differences between them? Let’s explore!
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
Winner: Gaggia Babila
Built-in Grinder
Like all the Gaggia machines I’ve reviewed, the Velasca Prestige and Babila come with a ceramic burr grinder. And let me tell you, these grinders are fantastic at keeping the heat down during grinding. This is super important because it preserves those essential oils in the coffee beans, giving you that full-flavored espresso.
Plus, the ceramic grinder is fast, quiet, and built to last. Just keep an eye out for any foreign objects, as, though it’s rare, anything harder than a coffee bean could chip the grinder.
Now, the Velasca Prestige offers 10 grind settings, while the Babila steps it up with 15. If you’re into micro-managing your espresso, these settings are your playground.
Adjusting the grind on the Velasca Prestige can be a bit of a hassle, though. It requires a plastic tool that’s part of the dosing spoon, so don’t misplace it! On the Babila, all you need to do is turn the clearly marked dial to change the grind size.
Both machines have a bypass chute for pre-ground coffee. Sure, with grinders this good, it might seem as useful as a chocolate teapot. But it’ll come into play when your friend, who only drinks decaf (yes, we all have one), pops by. This feature is a little thing, but it’s nice to have, right?
Heating System
The Babila, with two thermoblocks, laughs in the face of morning rushes since it can prepare espresso and steam milk at the same time, not to mention it heats up very quickly.
Having two boilers can be a big deal when you’re juggling a couple of milk-based drinks in a row, where a single boiler can’t keep up. Additionally, it also means more stable temperatures for each task.
On the other hand, the Velasca Prestige has just one thermoblock to handle both brewing and steaming. So you will need to wait a bit for the machine to switch from one task to another. But, like I said, the thermoblock heats up very quickly, so it’s nothing that’s going to throw off your whole morning schedule.
You can also program them to automatically turn off after an adjustable period of time. It’s like giving Mother Nature a high-five while keeping your electricity bills in check!
Brewing System
It’s a relief to see that these machines both have a pre-infusion function. After all, gently soaking the coffee grounds under low pressure is key to unlocking those deep, delicious aromas, which are the foundation of a great espresso.
I got even more excited to know that they have programmable pre-infusion since some coffee beans might benefit from slight variations in pressure profiling. Many people won’t care about that, but I do.
Design & Convenience
Winner: Tie
Dimensions & User Interface
| Gaggia Velasca Prestige | Gaggia Babila | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.5 x 10.25 x 17 inches | 10.7 x 12.7 x 17.5 inches |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs | 20.7 lbs |
These machines not only look great, but their metal housing also has a robust feel that really reassures you of their quality. There’s no question in my mind about their build quality – these are definitely top-notch machines. And they might not be the most compact on the market, but finding a spot for them on the kitchen counter isn’t a Herculean task.
These machines come with LED screens that have a bit of a retro vibe, surrounded by a handful of buttons. I think this design is great because it’s approachable and user-friendly.
It’s all very well to have a fancy color display with pretty icons, but unless it has a direct effect on the quality of espresso and milk foam, I’m still happy with a simple text display and buttons. Anyone could walk up to these machines and use them without feeling overwhelmed or confused.
Sure, fancy color displays with all the pretty icons are nice, but at the end of the day, unless those features directly enhance the quality of the espresso and milk foam, I’m more than content with a straightforward text display and buttons. It’s about getting that perfect cup of coffee without all the unnecessary bells and whistles.
Spout Type & Cup Clearance
| Gaggia Velasca Prestige | Gaggia Babila | |
|---|---|---|
| Spout Type | Dual | Dual |
| Cup Clearance | 4.3-6.5 inches | 2.8-6 inches |
These machines have got adjustable spouts that move up and down. This is great because for espresso, you want the spout close to your cup to keep the crema perfect. And for a bigger drink, just raise it up.
Unique to the Babila is that its dispenser can be pushed back or even removed entirely, which is super handy for filling up an insulated coffee mug or a taller cup. What’s more, there is a dial on the spout that lets you adjust the speed of your espresso pour – this little tweak can indeed make a big difference in the strength and flavor of your espresso.
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
| Gaggia Velasca Prestige | Gaggia Babila | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 1.8 liter | 1.5 liter |
| Bean Hopper | 0.3 kilogram | 0.3 kilogram |
The Velasca Prestige can house a bit more water, which makes sense. Refilling it is a breeze since the tank slides right out of the front of the machine. I’m a big fan of this design. It’s all about making life easier.
To compare, the Babila’s tank is tucked away under a flap on the left side of the machine. When you want to fill it, you need to lift it out, which requires some clearance space above. Not a big deal, but something to keep in mind if your machine is under low-hanging cabinets.
Incidentally, these machines come with water softener filters, and I highly recommend installing them. Not only will it reduce the need for descaling the Gaggia, but your coffee will taste significantly better.
Milk Frothing System
Winner: Gaggia Babila
I’ve always been a fan of Gaggia’s milk frothing system, and both of these machines have it. What sets this system apart is the dedicated milk carafe, which clips right onto the front of the machine. After each use, you can just unclip it and store it in the refrigerator. This is really better than dealing with those annoying and hard-to-clean pipes and hoses attached to an external milk container.
Even better, the milk systems on these machines are self-cleaning. This means no more rinsing various parts after every cappuccino or latte macchiato. I’m not a lazy guy, but it’s nice to spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying my things.
Now, about the milk foam that comes out of such automatic systems. It’s good, but it might not blow your mind. The foam tends to be frothier with bigger bubbles than the silky microfoam needed for latte art. So to my mind, it’s just perfect for a really convincing cappuccino.
And if you love showing off your hard-earned barista skills to friends, the Babila has got you covered with its manual steam wand. It can’t rotate freely and might not help you whip up competition-level microfoam, but it’s pretty great to have the option.
Drink Options & Programmability
Winner: Gaggia Babila
Drink Options
| Gaggia Velasca Prestige | Gaggia Babila |
|---|---|
| Espresso Espresso Lungo Cappuccino Baby Cappuccino Milk Froth Hot Water | Ristretto Espresso Espresso Lungo Caffè Cappuccino Latte Macchiato Flat White Hot Milk Milk Froth Hot Water |
If you’re on the hunt for an automatic espresso machine that can whip up dozens of fancy specialty drinks with just a button press, you might want to brace yourself. For that level of variety, you’re looking at splurging a bit more on the higher-end models.
These machines keep things simple with some popular one-touch drinks. And hey, for all the tea lovers out there, they’ve got a hot water function too.
Programmability
| Adjustable Settings | Gaggia Velasca Prestige | Gaggia Babila |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Strength | Yes | Yes |
| Coffee Temperature | Yes | Yes |
| Milk Foam Temperature | No | No |
| Milk Foam Texture | No | No |
These machines really give you the tools to fine-tune your espresso to your exact liking. We’re talking about adjusting shot volume and pre-infusion time, choosing from three brewing temperatures, and exploring five coffee strength settings. Then you can save your customized settings using the Memo function.
Quick Rundown Of Gaggia Babila
- One touch brewing and frothing: bean-to-cup feature. Milk carafe includes automatic milk frothing for cappuccinos, and milk froth. Manual steam wand doubles as a hot water dispenser
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: 1 bottle of Gaggia Descaler, 1 AquaClean Water Filter, 1 Water Hardness Test Strip, 1 Tube of Brew Group Lubricant, 1 Brew Group Brush, 1 Coffee Scoop/Grinder Key
- PROGRAMMABLE: 8 Programmable brewing options for espressos, espresso lungos, coffee, ristrettos, lattes, cappuccinos, macchiato, flat whites and milk foam
- Easy access to water reservoir: features a top Loading removable 50.7oz water reservoir; Brew Boiler Wattage: 1400
Last update on 2024-12-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Gaggia Velasca Prestige
- 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
- One touch brewing and frothing: bean-to-cup feature with automatic milk frothing for cappuccinos, baby cappuccinos, and milk froth
- Programmable: programmable brewing options for Espresso and Espresso Lungo, cappuccino, and milk froth, with 3 different temperature settings
- Ceramic burr grinder and brew unit: ceramic burr grinder with 10 fineness settings, 5 brew strength settings, and bean hopper with 10.5oz capacity
- Front loaded water reservoir: features a 54oz capacity and pulls out from the front of the machine, ideal for low hanging cabinets
Last update on 2024-12-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- Gaggia Babila: https://www.gaggia-na.com/products/gaggia-babila
- Gaggia Velasca Prestige: https://www.gaggia-na.com/products/gaggia-velasca-prestige
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.