Breville Barista Express BES870XL vs Gaggia Classic Pro (2019)

The Breville Barista Express and Gaggia Classic Pro represent two fundamentally different philosophies for entering the espresso hobby. The Barista Express is an all-in-one machine with an integrated conical burr grinder, PID temperature control, and a dose-control system that simplifies the workflow for newcomers. The Gaggia Classic Pro, by contrast, is a bare-bones single boiler that demands you bring your own grinder and master temperature surfing — but rewards you with a platform that's endlessly moddable.

Build quality diverges sharply. The Gaggia uses a commercial-style 58mm portafilter and a brass-lined aluminum boiler that heats quickly and responds well to OPV mods. The Breville relies on a thermoblock heating system and a 54mm portafilter — less industry-standard but perfectly capable. The Gaggia's simplicity means fewer things to break, while the Breville packs electronics (LCD, programmable shot volume) that some users love and purists distrust.

In the cup, the Gaggia can match or exceed the Breville once paired with a quality stand-alone grinder (Eureka Mignon, Niche Zero, etc.). But that pushes the total investment well past the Breville's all-in price of around $700. The Gaggia at roughly $450 looks cheaper until you factor in a $300-500 grinder.

Steam performance is a draw — both single-boiler-class machines require waiting between brewing and steaming, though the Breville's thermoblock switches faster. The Gaggia's Panarello wand can be replaced with a classic steam tip for latte art practice.

**Verdict:** Choose the Breville Barista Express if you want a turn-key solution with minimal counter clutter. Choose the Gaggia Classic Pro if you want a tinkerer's platform and plan to invest in a dedicated grinder — the long-term ceiling is higher.

Price: The Gaggia Classic Pro (2019) comes in at $450, which is $250 less than the Breville Barista Express BES870XL at $700. That's a 36% price difference that could be significant depending on your budget.

Features: The Breville Barista Express BES870XL additionally features PID Temperature Control, Pre-Infusion.

Boiler Design: The Breville Barista Express BES870XL 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 Breville Barista Express BES870XL is the heavier machine at 12.4 kg compared to 8.0 kg for the Gaggia Classic Pro (2019). Consider your available counter space and whether you need to move the machine frequently.

Our Verdict

Choosing between the Breville Barista Express BES870XL 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 Barista Express BES870XL delivers a premium experience. Both are capable machines that can produce excellent espresso in the right hands.