Breville Bambino Plus vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Which Espresso Machine Is Better?
Choosing between the Breville Bambino Plus and Gaggia Classic Pro is not simply a matter of comparing features. Both are compact semi-automatic espresso machines. Both can make excellent espresso. Both work with a separate grinder. Both offer manual brewing control. But they take very different approaches.
The Breville Bambino Plus focuses on speed, convenience, temperature control, and easy milk steaming. The Gaggia Classic Pro E24 takes a more traditional approach with a brass boiler, 58mm portafilter, manual steam wand, and strong upgrade potential. Breville lists the Bambino Plus with a 3-second ThermoJet system, PID temperature control, 54mm portafilter, and automatic milk texturing. Gaggia’s current E24 uses a lead-free brass boiler, 58mm stainless-steel filter holder, manual steam wand, and 2.1L water tank.
So which one should you buy?
For speed and convenience, I would choose the Bambino Plus.
For traditional espresso preparation and long-term tinkering, I would choose the Gaggia Classic Pro E24.
Let’s compare them feature by feature.
Breville Bambino Plus vs Gaggia Classic Pro at a Glance
| Feature | Breville Bambino Plus | Gaggia Classic Pro E24 |
| Machine type | Semi-automatic | Semi-automatic |
| Heating system | ThermoJet | Single brass boiler |
| Heat-up time | About 3 seconds | Longer traditional boiler warm-up |
| PID temperature control | Yes | No |
| Portafilter | 54mm | 58mm |
| Coffee dose | About 18g | Depends on basket |
| Milk steaming | Automatic + manual | Manual |
| Water tank | 1.9L | 2.1L |
| Pump | 15-bar Italian pump | 15-bar nominal pump |
| Brew pressure | 9-bar extraction | Traditional single-boiler system |
| Pre-infusion | Low-pressure | No automatic pre-infusion |
| Grinder | No | No |
| Solenoid valve | Yes | Yes |
| Controls | Simple buttons | Rocker switches |
| Dimensions | 30.3 × 18.8 × 36.2 cm | 20 × 35.5 × 27 cm* |
| Weight | About 5.1 kg | About 8.1 kg |
| Best strength | Speed and convenience | Traditional espresso workflow |
| Best for | Beginners and busy users | Enthusiasts and hobbyists |
What Is the Difference Between the Bambino Plus and Gaggia Classic Pro?
The biggest difference is their design philosophy.
Breville built the Bambino Plus around modern convenience. It reaches its target extraction temperature in about three seconds. It also provides automatic milk texturing, adjustable milk temperature, and adjustable milk texture.
Gaggia takes a more traditional route. The Classic E24 uses a brass boiler, commercial-style 58mm filter holder, physical rocker switches, and a manual professional steam wand.
Neither approach is automatically better. The better choice depends on how involved you want to be in making espresso.If you want to learn every part of the process, the Gaggia is more engaging. If you want excellent results with less waiting and less effort, the Bambino Plus makes more sense.
If you are still learning how the different machine designs work, our guide to espresso machine types gives you the broader picture.
Internal link: espresso machine types → Espresso Machine Types Explained
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Breville Bambino Plus: What You Get
The Bambino Plus is one of the most compact modern espresso machines in its class. Its biggest advantage appears almost immediately.
The ThermoJet heating system reaches the target extraction temperature in about three seconds. Breville also combines this system with PID temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion followed by 9-bar extraction. That makes the machine particularly attractive to beginners.
You do not need to wait several minutes before making your first espresso. The machine also includes one-touch controls for one shot, two shots, and steam. Its automatic steam wand can texture milk for you. You can adjust both milk temperature and foam level.
That is a major advantage if you regularly make lattes or cappuccinos.
Gaggia Classic Pro E24: What You Get
The Gaggia Classic Pro E24 feels more like a traditional espresso machine. Its latest E24 version uses a lead-free brass boiler and a 58mm stainless-steel filter holder. It also has a professional stainless-steel steam wand and a 2.1-liter water tank.
The controls are simple. You get three rocker buttons and indicator lights. There is no touchscreen. There is no digital menu. There is no automatic milk system. That simplicity is part of its appeal.
You control the espresso workflow yourself.
Espresso Quality: Which Makes Better Espresso?
This is closer than the feature lists might suggest. Both machines can produce very good espresso. But they make the process different.
The Bambino Plus gives you more temperature control from the factory. Its PID system, low-pressure pre-infusion, and 9-bar extraction are designed to make the brewing process more consistent.
The Gaggia gives you a more traditional platform. It has a commercial-style 58mm portafilter and brass group. You have more flexibility when choosing aftermarket baskets and other accessories.
However, the Gaggia does not have factory PID temperature control. You therefore need to understand its temperature behavior and develop a consistent workflow.
Your grinder matters enormously with both machines. If you are unsure how much difference a grinder makes, read our guide on do you need a grinder for an espresso machine.
Internal link: do you need a grinder for an espresso machine → Do You Need a Grinder for an Espresso Machine?
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Winner for ease of consistent extraction: Bambino Plus
Winner for traditional espresso experimentation: Gaggia Classic Pro E24
Portafilter: 54mm vs 58mm
This is one of the most important differences.
The Bambino Plus uses a 54mm stainless-steel portafilter and is designed around an 18g dose.
The Gaggia uses a 58mm professional-style filter holder.
The difference is not simply about size. A 58mm platform gives you access to a huge ecosystem of espresso accessories. You can find many compatible:
- Precision baskets
- Bottomless portafilters
- Tampers
- Dosing funnels
- Distribution tools
- Puck screens
The Bambino Plus also has a strong accessory ecosystem.
But the 58mm Gaggia platform is closer to the commercial standard.
If you want to understand why this matters, our guide to what a 58mm portafilter is and why it matters explains the advantages in detail.
Internal link: what a 58mm portafilter is and why it matters → What Is a 58mm Portafilter and Why Does It Matter?
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Winner: Gaggia Classic Pro E24
Heating System and Temperature Control
This is where the Bambino Plus has a clear advantage. Breville uses a ThermoJet heating system. It reaches the target extraction temperature in approximately three seconds. The machine also uses PID temperature control. That makes the Bambino Plus exceptionally convenient.
The Gaggia uses a traditional single brass boiler. The boiler needs time to reach brewing temperature. You also need to manage the transition between brewing and steaming. That traditional system is not inherently bad. It simply requires more patience.
For a beginner, the Bambino Plus is easier.
For an enthusiast who enjoys traditional equipment, the Gaggia can be more satisfying.
Winner for speed: Bambino Plus
Winner for traditional design: Gaggia Classic Pro E24
If you want to understand PID better, see our guide on PID temperature control in an espresso machine.
Internal link: PID temperature control in an espresso machine → What Is PID Temperature Control in an Espresso Machine?
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Milk Steaming: Bambino Plus vs Gaggia Classic Pro
This is one of the biggest differences between these machines.
The Bambino Plus includes an automatic steam wand. You place the milk jug under the wand and select your desired milk temperature and texture. The machine does much of the work. Breville also allows manual milk texturing when you want more control.
The Gaggia uses a traditional manual steam wand. You control the wand position. You control how much air enters the milk. You control the final texture. That creates a higher learning curve. But it also teaches you an important barista skill.
Winner for beginners: Bambino Plus
Winner for hands-on milk steaming: Gaggia Classic Pro E24
What About Lattes and Cappuccinos?
Both machines can make excellent milk drinks. The difference is how much effort you want to put into them.
The Bambino Plus is better for someone who wants a latte before work without spending much time preparing it. The automatic wand removes much of the guesswork.
The Gaggia is better for someone who wants to learn manual steaming and latte-art technique. You will need more practice. But you also gain more direct control.
If milk drinks are your main reason for buying an espresso machine, our guide to best espresso machines for lattes will help you compare more suitable options.
Internal link: best espresso machines for lattes → Best Espresso Machines for Lattes
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Ease of Use
The Bambino Plus wins this category comfortably. Its interface is simple. Press the one-cup button for a single shot. Press the two-cup button for a double. Use the steam button for milk. The automatic milk system handles another difficult part of the process.
The Gaggia requires more involvement. You need to manage the boiler. You manually control the steam wand. You manually stop the extraction. You also need to understand the machine’s temperature behavior.
Winner: Breville Bambino Plus
Speed: Which One Is Faster?
The Bambino Plus wins by a large margin. Its ThermoJet system reaches extraction temperature in about three seconds.
The Gaggia’s traditional boiler needs more time. This difference matters in the morning.
If you want one quick espresso before leaving home, the Bambino Plus is much more convenient.
If you enjoy preparing espresso as a ritual, the Gaggia’s slower workflow may not bother you.
Winner: Bambino Plus
Can You Brew and Steam at the Same Time?
Neither machine should be treated like a dual-boiler espresso machine.
The Gaggia is clearly a single-boiler machine. It must switch between brewing and steaming temperatures.
The Bambino Plus uses its ThermoJet heating system and is designed around rapid transitions, but it is still not a true dual-boiler setup.
For users making several milk drinks consecutively, this distinction matters. If you regularly prepare multiple drinks, our guide to single boiler vs dual boiler espresso machines explains what you gain by moving to a dual-boiler system.
Internal link: single boiler vs dual boiler espresso machines → Single Boiler vs Dual Boiler Espresso Machines
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Size and Counter Space
Both machines are compact. But they use their space differently.
The Bambino Plus measures approximately 30.3 × 18.8 × 36.2 cm (W × D × H).
The Gaggia Classic E24 measures approximately 20 × 35.5 × 27 cm (W × H × D) according to Gaggia’s official specifications.
In practical terms, both have a relatively small countertop footprint.
The Bambino Plus is particularly narrow.
The Gaggia is more substantial and heavier.
If you have limited counter space, our best compact espresso machines guide covers more options.
Internal link: best compact espresso machines → Best Compact Espresso Machines
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Build Quality
The Gaggia feels more substantial. Its metal body, brass boiler, commercial-style group, and traditional construction give it a sturdy feel. The Gaggia E24 weighs about 8.1 kg.
The Bambino Plus is also well designed. It uses stainless steel construction and has a much lighter overall body. Breville lists the machine at about 5.125 kg.
That extra weight can make the Gaggia feel more planted when locking in the portafilter.
Winner for traditional construction: Gaggia Classic Pro E24
Winner for lightweight compact design: Bambino Plus
Water Tank Capacity
The difference here is small.
The Bambino Plus has a 1.9-liter water tank.
The Gaggia E24 has a 2.1-liter tank.
The Gaggia therefore holds slightly more water. But this is not a major deciding factor.
Both capacities are sufficient for normal home use.
Winner: Gaggia Classic Pro E24
Maintenance
Both machines need regular cleaning. You should clean the group area, portafilter, baskets, steam system, and drip tray. You also need to descale the machine when required.
The Bambino Plus has several automated or guided cleaning functions. That makes routine maintenance easier for many users.
The Gaggia uses a more traditional manual maintenance approach. That fits its overall philosophy.
Neither machine should be neglected. Mineral buildup can affect performance over time. Our upcoming guide on how to clean an espresso machine will cover the routine maintenance process in detail.
Internal link: how to clean an espresso machine → How to Clean an Espresso Machine
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Upgrade Potential
This is where the Gaggia pulls ahead. The Classic platform has a long history among espresso enthusiasts. Its traditional design makes it attractive for modifications and aftermarket accessories. You can upgrade parts of the workflow as your skills improve.
The Bambino Plus is less focused on modification. Its strength comes from the technology already built into the machine. That is not necessarily a disadvantage. In fact, it is exactly why beginners often prefer it.
Winner: Gaggia Classic Pro E24
Which Machine Is Better for Beginners?
The Breville Bambino Plus is the better beginner choice for most people. It heats quickly. It offers PID temperature control. It has simple controls. It makes milk texturing easier. It requires less temperature management.
The Gaggia can still be an excellent first machine. But it expects more from the user. You need to learn the workflow rather than relying on the machine to simplify it.
If you want to compare more beginner-friendly machines, see our guide to best espresso machines for beginners.
Internal link: best espresso machines for beginners → Best Espresso Machines for Beginners
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Which Machine Is Better for Experienced Home Baristas?
The answer becomes more complicated. An experienced user may appreciate the Gaggia’s traditional design. The 58mm portafilter gives you a wide range of accessories. The manual steam wand gives you direct control. The brass boiler provides a more traditional brewing platform.
But an experienced barista may also appreciate the Bambino Plus. Its PID system and fast ThermoJet heating make daily brewing extremely convenient.
So the answer depends on your priorities.
Choose Gaggia for control and modification.
Choose Breville for speed and consistency.
Which Has Better Espresso Potential?
Both have high potential.
The Bambino Plus gives you more technology out of the box.
The Gaggia gives you a more traditional platform to build on.
The grinder remains critical with both. A poor grinder can limit either machine. A capable espresso grinder paired with fresh beans can make both machines produce excellent results.
So I would not choose solely on theoretical espresso quality. Choose based on the workflow you prefer.
Breville Bambino Plus vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Specifications
| Specification | Breville Bambino Plus | Gaggia Classic Pro E24 |
| Type | Semi-automatic | Semi-automatic |
| Heating system | ThermoJet | Single brass boiler |
| PID | Yes | No |
| Portafilter | 54mm | 58mm |
| Water tank | 1.9L | 2.1L |
| Pump | 15-bar Italian pump | 15-bar nominal pump |
| Extraction | 9 bar | Traditional boiler system |
| Pre-infusion | Low pressure | No automatic pre-infusion |
| Milk system | Automatic + manual | Manual |
| Grinder | None | None |
| Solenoid valve | Yes | Yes |
| Controls | Buttons | Rocker switches |
| Dimensions | 30.3 × 18.8 × 36.2 cm | 20 × 35.5 × 27 cm |
| Weight | 5.125 kg | 8.1 kg |
| Body | Stainless steel | Brushed stainless steel |
| Made in | China/varies by production | Italy |
Breville Bambino Plus Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Extremely fast heat-up | 54mm portafilter |
| PID temperature control | Less traditional workflow |
| Automatic milk texturing | Limited modification potential |
| Manual steaming option | Lighter construction |
| Compact footprint | No built-in grinder |
| Simple controls | Smaller water tank than Gaggia |
| Excellent for beginners | More electronics |
| Consistent brewing workflow | Accessories are less standardized than 58mm |
Gaggia Classic Pro E24 Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Lead-free brass boiler | No PID |
| 58mm commercial-style portafilter | Slower warm-up |
| Strong traditional design | Manual milk steaming |
| Excellent upgrade potential | Requires more learning |
| Solid construction | No built-in grinder |
| 2.1L water tank | Single-boiler workflow |
| Made in Italy | Less convenient for beginners |
| Large accessory ecosystem | No automatic milk texturing |
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Breville Bambino Plus if:
- You want fast heat-up.
- You are new to espresso.
- You make lattes frequently.
- You want automatic milk texturing.
- You value PID temperature control.
- You want a simple workflow.
- You have limited counter space.
- You want good results without a long learning curve.
Choose the Gaggia Classic Pro E24 if:
- You want traditional espresso preparation.
- You prefer a 58mm portafilter.
- You want a brass boiler.
- You enjoy manual milk steaming.
- You want strong upgrade potential.
- You want to learn espresso technique.
- You prefer physical controls.
- You want a more substantial machine.
Our Verdict
Typical price: Bambino Plus around $500; Gaggia Classic Pro E24 around $455–$530
The Breville Bambino Plus is our overall winner for most home users. Its combination of rapid 3-second heating, PID temperature control, simple controls, and automatic milk texturing makes it easier to use every day.
The Gaggia Classic Pro E24 wins for traditional espresso enthusiasts. Its brass boiler, 58mm portafilter, manual steam wand, solid construction, and upgrade potential make it more appealing if you want to learn and experiment.
So our recommendation is simple:
Best for convenience and beginners: Breville Bambino Plus
Best for traditional espresso and enthusiasts: Gaggia Classic Pro E24
Overall winner: Breville Bambino Plus
But if your idea of a great espresso machine includes learning the craft and upgrading your setup over time, the Gaggia Classic Pro E24 may be the better long-term companion.
Final Thoughts
The Breville Bambino Plus and Gaggia Classic Pro E24 are both excellent choices, but they are aimed at slightly different users. The Bambino Plus removes much of the friction from espresso preparation. Its rapid heating, PID control, and automatic milk system make it an easy recommendation for beginners and busy home users. The Gaggia Classic Pro E24 takes the opposite approach. It asks you to participate more, but rewards that involvement with a traditional 58mm brewing platform, brass boiler, manual steam control, and excellent upgrade potential.
If you want convenience, choose the Bambino Plus. If you want to learn, experiment, and grow with your machine, choose the Gaggia.
