Gaggia Classic Pro vs Breville Bambino Plus
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| Gaggia Classic Pro E24 | Bambino Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Portafilter | 58 mm commercial standard | 54 mm Breville |
| Heating | Brass boiler, no PID | ThermoJet, PID |
| Milk | Manual commercial-style wand (Wirecutter: tricky to master) | Automatic texturing |
| Learning curve | Higher | Lower |
Choose the Gaggia to learn the craft, use standard 58 mm accessories and keep a repairable machine. Choose the Bambino Plus for easy milk drinks with little practice.
Gaggia Classic Pro E24
Good fit for: Hands-on learners who want a durable, repairable, upgradeable machine.
- 58 mm commercial-standard portafilter, so standard 58 mm baskets and tampers fit
- Lead-free brass boiler (3.5 oz) and brass group; 3-way solenoid valve
- 15 bar Ulka pump, OPV calibrated to 9 bar; commercial-style two-hole steam wand
- 72 oz tank; made in Italy; needs a separate grinder and (per Wirecutter) a better tamper
- Wirecutter's current budget pick (Classic Evo Pro)
Sources: Gaggia North America · Whole Latte Love · Gaggia (Italy) · Wirecutter: The Best Home Espresso Machine (updated Mar 17 2026)
Breville Bambino Plus (BES500)
Good fit for: Milk-drink lovers who want a small, fast-heating machine with hands-free milk.
- ThermoJet heating, ready in about 3 seconds (manufacturer claim); PID temperature control
- 54 mm stainless portafilter, single- and dual-wall baskets; 18 g recommended dose
- Low-pressure pre-infusion; 15 bar pump
- Automatic steam wand with adjustable milk temperature and foam level
- 1.9 L (64 fl oz) tank; about 7.7 × 12.6 × 12.2 in
- Wirecutter calls it a former top pick and "still a solid machine", but found dialing in harder than its current picks
Sources: Breville BES500 · Breville manual (PDF) · Wirecutter: The Best Home Espresso Machine (updated Mar 17 2026)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability change often, so check the current price on the retailer's page. Specs come from the manufacturer and retailer sources linked on this page; we have not hands-on tested these products.