Breville Bambino Plus BES500 vs Gaggia Classic Pro (2019)
Side-by-side comparison of two espresso machines
| Specification | Breville Bambino Plus BES500 | Gaggia Classic Pro (2019) |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Breville | Gaggia |
| Price (MSRP) | $500 | $450 |
| Category | Semi-Auto | Semi-Auto |
| Boiler Type | Thermoblock | Single Boiler |
| Boiler Material | Stainless Steel | Aluminum |
| Boiler Capacity | N/A | 100 ml |
| Pump Type | Vibratory | Vibratory |
| PID Control | Yes | No |
| Pre-Infusion | Yes | No |
| Pressure Profiling | No | No |
| Flow Control | No | No |
| Group Head | 54mm Breville | Standard 58mm |
| Portafilter | 54 mm | 58 mm |
| Steam Wand | Auto | Commercial |
| Water Source | Reservoir | Reservoir |
| Reservoir | 1900 ml | 2100 ml |
| Cup Warmer | No | Yes |
| Dimensions | 198 x 320 x 310 mm | 230 x 240 x 380 mm |
| Weight | 5.9 kg (13 lbs) | 8.0 kg (17.6 lbs) |
| Power | 1600W | 1300W |
| Made In | Australia | Italy |
Expert Analysis
The Breville Bambino Plus and Gaggia Classic Pro represent two fundamentally different approaches to entry-level espresso. The Bambino Plus ($500) uses a thermoblock heater with PID control and automatic milk frothing via its steam wand, heating up in just 3 seconds and weighing a compact 5.9 kg. The Gaggia Classic Pro ($450) takes the traditional route with a single boiler, a commercial 58mm portafilter group head, and a proper commercial steam wand that requires learning to texture milk manually. The Gaggia has no PID control, so temperature surfing is essential for consistent shots. However, the 58mm portafilter opens up a massive ecosystem of aftermarket accessories including precision baskets, bottomless portafilters, and WDT tools. The Bambino's 54mm Breville portafilter is more limited in accessory options. For milk-based drinks, the Bambino's auto steaming is convenient but produces less microfoam control than the Gaggia's manual wand once mastered. The Gaggia at 8.0 kg offers more thermal stability during extraction. Verdict: Choose the Bambino Plus for convenience, quick heat-up, and automatic steaming. Choose the Gaggia Classic Pro if you want to learn proper espresso technique with a machine that rewards skill development and accepts industry-standard accessories.
Features: The Breville Bambino Plus BES500 additionally features PID Temperature Control, Pre-Infusion.
Boiler Design: The Breville Bambino Plus BES500 uses a thermoblock system while the Gaggia Classic Pro (2019) employs a single boiler configuration. This is a fundamental difference that affects workflow, steaming capability, and temperature stability.
Size & Weight: The Gaggia Classic Pro (2019) is the heavier machine at 8.0 kg compared to 5.9 kg for the Breville Bambino Plus BES500. Consider your available counter space and whether you need to move the machine frequently.
Our Verdict
Choosing between the Breville Bambino Plus BES500 and the Gaggia Classic Pro (2019) depends on your priorities. If budget is your primary concern, the Gaggia Classic Pro (2019) offers excellent value. However, if you're willing to invest more for additional features and build quality, the Breville Bambino Plus BES500 delivers a premium experience. Both are capable machines that can produce excellent espresso in the right hands.
Pros & Cons
Breville Bambino Plus BES500
- PID temperature control
- Pre-infusion capability
- Vibratory pump (noisier)
- Non-standard portafilter size
Gaggia Classic Pro (2019)
- Standard 58mm portafilter
- Reliable in its price segment
- No PID control
- Single boiler — wait between brew and steam
- Vibratory pump (noisier)