Breville Barista Express vs Gaggia Classic Pro 

Breville Barista Express: geni.us/1HoQc Gaggia Classic Pro: geni.us/vM7uMkE Breville Smart Grinder Pro: geni.us/ly228 3rd Party Steam Lever for Breville: geni.us/HPF9Aj1 (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)

Went the Gaggia classic pro route. I like that it’s got a solid community. It’s a machine that’s able to be repaired /upgraded somewhat over time and I like a stand alone grinder since that can be upgraded later. The arc of it getting better over time is more appealing than convenience.

A superbly done video that checks all the boxes, brew, steam, latte art, pros and cons, perfect

I own both machines. Started with the Breville and found it a great introduction to home espresso. But, as I got more experienced, I found getting consistent results a bit frustrating. I upgraded the grinder first, to a Niche Zero, and then the machine to the Gaggia Classic Pro. I now find it a lot easier to get consistent results and to be able achieve a brew recipe like 18g in, 36g out in 20-30seconds, something that was nearly impossible on the Breville. I suspect this has a lot to do with pump pressure, the Barista Express is a far too high 15bar and the Gaggia a more reasonable 12bar (both a compromise to use pressurised baskets) . I have also modified my Gaggia OPV to 9bar. Overall I would still recommend the Barista Express to someone that doesn't have any experience but would like to learn, but be aware you will outgrow it. The Gaggia can hold its own against a lot more expensive machines even for an experienced barista and is a great choice on a budget. And, of course, don't forget the grinder. The Niche Zero was nearly twice the price of the Gaggia Classic, but worth every penny.

thanks man quality of your videos is outstanding

After extensive research, I purchased Gaggia classic. I am hoping to make quality espresso and/or latte for years to come. Personally I like Gaggia's simplicity. Most bells and whistles from any appliance are rarely used.

I have both ..... and I loved both of them. There are many variables to pull a great espresso shot and these machines are just tools to help us get there. I too, started with the Barista Express, then moved to the Classic Pro with a great hand grinder. I love them both .... 😊

As an owner of both, this video hit the head on the nail with comparisons. I would say another valid point is how far are you willing to invest time and money into the hobby? If you can afford and want to go down the rabbit hole go gaggia. If you can't afford to go all out on some areas but want the tools to get going for a long time then go breville. Another pro of gaggia though is the aftermarket scene. SO MUCH MODDING. At first this was something I was interested in, but I did not have the time or patience to go down the hole. Currently I am using the barista express as it fits my busier life style. As a former barista there are things I miss about the gaggia but the breville fills the holes quite well. I could go on sorry about that 😅

Best review and VS's video. This video made me decide which machine to get. Thank you.

Thanks for sharing this excellent, well-organized review. I have only used so far, for 10 months before it died under my very good care (regular descaling, washing frothing, baskets after every use, etc.), a Delonghi 3420 ($120). It ultimately completely stopped steaming and began leaking out of the portafilter. Thinking between the Gaggia Classic Pro and a number of other machines, the one, very important quality in the Gaggia is how user-serviceable it is. Something breaks or wears out, often the user can just buy the part, study the diagram, maybe watch a RU-vid video, get to work, and there you go - done. No shipping back and forth, haranguing for decent customer service, paying through the bleeding nose - just done. A lot of machines have more jelly beans built in than the Gaggia, but for me, a reliable espresso, from a reliable, serviceable machine is tops on my priority list. Also, if a built in grinder breaks, you’ve got a double problem - the machine *and* the grinder need each other/are interdependent. (Buy a Baratza with the Gaggia, and you can repair the grinder yourself as well, and Baratza customer service, repair instructions, etc, are stellar.) You can also modify the Gaggia in ways Breville and many others can’t be adapted or enhanced. Just thought I’d point those items out. For some, myself included, those factors are likely to be deal breakers, or deal makers. Thanks again for the good review!

A few things left out: The breville has a PID with some temperature control, pre-infusion and a drip tray fill indicator. Negatives of both these machines worth mentioning: the breville pump operates at 15 bar which encourages channeling. The Gaggia requires temperature surfing to get to optimum brew temps.

So glad I've found this channel. I'm a barista and have been really wanting to be able to make great coffees at home but I was getting so confused with all the options out there. I'm so indecisive bit thanks to this video I've finally decided I'm going to go with the gaggia classic pro 😊

Very fair comments. Well done! I have been enjoying your reviews. Keep it up.

One of the best reviews. Realy great. thanks!

thanks for the video , really helping alot !

Helpful. Thanks, I’m learning towards the Breville.

Thanks! This is very helpful.

I bought the Breville barista pro after watching all your videos and I am so so happy with it! It took me quite a while to dial into it which was quite frustrating and i wasted heaps of coffee but now it’s great. I love the barista pro, the design is gorgeous and the 4 hole steam wand plus display and all the other extra features are definitely worth the price difference (compared to barista express). Thank you for your detailed Videos!

Thanks for the review! I bought the Breville on BF sale for 500, I have never made espresso but am eager to learn and I think the Breville is a little more entry level than the Gaggia. Also I feel I will want to make a quick espresso in the morning and the Gaggia is just too manual for that.

Love your review videos as always, very detailed, professional and easy to follow. Any plans to review grinders such as the single dose grinders DF64 (the Chinese noname grinder) vs. Niche Zero? :)

Just was gifted a gaggia! I’m so excited to try it out

exactly the info I was after. already have a baratza burr grinder and saw the Breville on sale at BBB w/ a 20% coupon and I think I'm still going to get the Gaggia. My friend is a big Breville fan but my older Gaggia is still trucking at he's on his 3rd Breville so there seems to be a significant build quality and serviceability difference as well.

Thanks for the video.

For me personally, as a dedicated Americano drinker (or „Verlängerter“ as we call it in the coffee capital Vienna) the hot water outlet is a must have killer feature. I use the Pro version and I am very happy with it.

Recently got myself a Breville infuser after my 2011 Gaggia classic died on me. It's a workhorse. I would say the key difference for me switching to BI is the pressure gauge, and temp PID for a balanced shot with a bottomless portafilter to refine my workflow. I journal my roast and my extraction and overall, it's easier for me to get a balanced shot on BI.

i just bought a seccond hand fore100 euro's gaggia 2009. Took it a part and descaled . A easy job if you are a bit handy. love the fact that it doesn't have microchips and electronics in it. over 20 Jears it still pulls a shot, and what is broken you replace in an hour. love it.

Just a suggestion for a future video. I think it would be interesting to see a blind taste test between these two using the Breville built in grinder, and then another blind taste test using a grinder such as the Niche Zero. I have seen a video in the past where the the Bambino beat out the Gaggia Classic Pro in a taste test, but it wasn't a blind taste test. The grinder they used was the Baratza Sette 270wi. I realize the comparison in the video used the same grinder, but it wasn't a blind taste tst.

Excited to have a gaggia classic pro-sette 270 combo soon.

My Breville machine has died after five years light use (1-2 cups daily) and a couple of rubber seal replacements. For me the pressure gauge is vital as it tells me whether I've got the grind right whenever I change beans ( I aim for "12 o'clock" extraction pressure). With the Gaggia I'd have to just use trial and error (taste test).

Best. Idea I’ve seen on coffee machines

I tend to steam the milk first on the Barista Express as it auto dumps and fills to bring the temp back for brewing quite fast.

The built in grinder is really a big limiting factor for me. I don't want to lose my grinder if I upgrade my espresso machine, and I also don't want an unused grinder on my counter if I upgrade to, say, a niche or something.

I love my smart grinder pro with my duo temp breville. I just find the portafilter handle on the breville better quality also the steam wand on the breville I find better. I just wish the gaccia had a swivel on the wand.

Fantastic vid, thanks so much.

Great video!

great comparison. ultimately gaggia could have done better with the wand ball joint, quality of portofilter handle and steam knob and height clearance. Hopefully gaggia listens and addresses these points because I love the design. Assume tho you can buy another portofilter that has better handle quality. 👍👍

I super love my breville barista express. I watched a lot of your videos before I buy my very first espresso machine. 😍

Awesome comparison. Very well explained and detailed, nice job. Btw I think these two machines look stunning, the Gaggia in dark blue and Barista Express in black.. wow

Love this video

The BBE is tricky when it comes to consistency. However, it will make a latte better than probably 75% of the shops in your area though.

A very good side by side comparison (and I must confess the Breville has the advantage of not needing to get a separate grinder). I like that you showed a classic blue coloured Gaggia - very helpful as I have a Niche Zero grinder on order in black & have been contemplating a coloured Gaggia (industrial grey ?) rather than classic stainless.... but having seen the grinder and classic pro together.... I'm wondering if their Thunder black alternative might be the right combo for me. Nice problem to have ! Many thanks.

I recommend the Gaggia with a Baratza 270. Great combo for the 💴.

Great video! I would love such lever on my sage barista express, however the link does not seem to work. Any idea where I could find it in Europe? Thanks!

Keep em coming

I researched entry level espresso machines for a couple of years. In my eyes the most bang for the buck is the Gaggia Classic Pro. I already had a decent burr grinder. This is a machine with a commercial sized group head and that's what really tipped the scales for me. With a couple of low cost mods it can perform with machines twice the cost. A recent video on a different channel showed how to employ preinfusion by opening the stean valve a quarter turn as you press the brew button. Close it after a few seconds and finish your pull. Catch the hot water in a cup and you'll be ready for that Americano. User friendly to repair and it's practically rebuildable with a huge following for tips, mods and accessories.

I've used both machines as well as commercial machines and I agree with everything that's been said. I think the only thing I wished the Gaggia Classic Pro had was a program mode and a ball joint steam wand. other than that it's a great machine. Edit: the Gaggia Classic I used was heavily modded so that might be why I liked it so much.

Would be interesting to compare the two after bringing the brew pressure down to 9bar

Great video. I only wish I had seen this before I bought my Barista Express. However, I'm not sure that I would have chosen the Gaggia instead.

Awesome video! I have a blue GCP and I just received my niche zero grinder, too! The same set up that you have! What advices would you give me with this set up? Thanks!

Nice vídeo!!

im considering buying a Gaggia OWC (old white coffee) device. Idk if it is any different from the Classic Pro. we will see i guess, unless any of you has any advice for me?!

Thanks! I think you forgot to mention Breville's pre-infusion. Does the Gaggia have a similar feature?

Gaggia also has a bottomless portafilter as an extra for those of us that prefer using one.

What about brew temperature? Isn't the BE more stable than the Gaggia? Does it make a difference in taste/work?

Recomend looking for older Gaggia Classics with the 3-way solenoid valve and the adjustable OPV valve so you dont have to worry about buying springs, you can adjust the pressure down to 9 bars with an allen wrench.

Can you also review nuova simonelli oscar II?

what cup is used here !?

I just Ordered the Gaggia and already have the Breville Smart grinder Pro. Would love to know what grind setting you used?

I really love my Barista Express but my dream would be La Marzocco $$$

Can you please tell me which setting should I make burr and the left outside grind settings and the dial on the front? Which setting for all please!!! I've watched your other videos too. Also do you have to dial in every time you use it?

I still remember when Breville barista express was listed for $599, and on sale for $499 on Black Friday.

I have not had a espresso machine for over 12 or more years, but now back on the track to buy another one. I must say I was chasing and often producing GodShots when I had my Nuovo Simoneli Oscar. It had a limited range and recovery , but when it hit, it was great! Though I was experimenting too much, so drank too much, and wasted too much expensive coffee(and this was when coffe is about 25-40% less costly than today). I have always loved the Astoria Gloria, and the LaSpaziel V2 orV3, but they are out of price point, so I am on the hunt for a bargain machine. But, these 2 look too entry,. Besides I have a Eureka Minion stepless grinder already, so no point in paying for something I don't need (Breville), yet, I think I should be able to do better in terms of espresso extraction. Yes, and a 58 portafilter I think is a must, specially to get some understanding on the basic playing field.

I bought a new portafilter. Ordering a new knob and flat drip tray soon. :-)

thanks for the comparison! will we also see a similar comparison to the Barista pro?

I was on the fence with this exact same dilemma. I ended up buying the Gaggia and absolutely love it. Does the Breville use ESE pods? The Gaggia does.

买了蓝色gaggia，很喜欢

I wonder if the Breville already comes with a preset for the shots or do I have to configure each one?... I'm starting out and I'm not sure if that configuration is needed or if it comes with some default times.

quality channel

Hi, if we use a good grinder (Eureka) with the Barista will the gaggia still pull better espresso because of the 54mm vs 58mm or its not that noticeable?

So I’m opening a very small coffee shop, I have no experience as a barista but I’m willing to learn. Also I need a espresso machine for begginners before I can buy a commercial one. So I looked into your videos and I’m between 3 options: Gaggia, Breville barista and Delonghi La especialista. Which one do you recommend? I’m mean I think those 3 have their pros and cons but wich one do you suggest?

I do not understand why Gaggia, as well as Rancilio with their Silvia single boiler, simply don't have a version of their coffee makers with PID out of the box. For example lacking PID is one of the main reason why I didn't go with the Classic Pro, nor Silvia. If it was equipped with PID for a few hundred dollars more, I most probably would have purchased it. Yes, mods can be done, but that voids the warranty. Have it available with it already installed. The Classic Pro and Silvia are for coffee hobbyists and Breville coffee makers are for the rest of us..

Need help please - old Gaggia Classic with niche zero OR breville dual boiler with smart grinder pro? I want cafe style / 3rd wave coffee at home (or close to) - thank you for your help :)

Can I steam the milk first before pulling a shot? so then when I pull my shot it'll be warm still

I wish someone had told me about the Gaggia back in the day. But Gaggia with a grinder would cost 100% more.

Oh man. The cup height is the latest thing to complicate my decision.

I wish the Gaggia was programmable. I used to be a barista and fully capable, but don’t want to be bothered with always watching my output. I use a super automatic now and will eventually upgrade and would love the Gaggia, but the lack of programming, lack of cup clearance, and lack of hot water spout makes me hesitant and lean towards the Breville.

Tell us your opinion about the BEEM espresso grind profession I believe is the evolution of the Breville Barista Express 870

Would prepackaged espresso work on these machines

A lot has been made about the gaggia's 58mm portafilter. Seriously does it make that much difference compared to the 54mm in the breville?

Hey man, your Amazon links all direct to Amazon India, did you set it that way or something is wrong with my browser?

I know it might add to the cost a bit, but I think Gaggia should just make a version of the Classic Pro that already has all the common modifications from the factory. It would also be good if they added a pressure gauge. It might end up being a $700 machine instead of a $500 machine, but that's still comparable in price to the Breville.

Haven’t been here in a while. When did you decide on the face reveal?!?

one of the few last high quality Italian factories left

I wonder how much it would really cost gaggia to built in a pressure gauge and maybe a PID? It's not even that hard to do DIY, and makes the machine so much more performant. I just feel like it's weird for a device to call itself 'pro' without either of those features.

I,m not a fan of an integrated grinder as the proximity of a boiler heats the coffee beans. Plus, if the the espresso maker reaches the of its lifecycle before the grinder does, you still have to buy a new grinder

Nice to see you face!

The Barista Express has volumetric dosing and not a timer as the video states. I think it’s one of the cheapest machines with volumetric control.

The Gaggia classic will always beat the Breville in terms of the overall capability and quality of espresso it can produce. That said, if you don't want a new hobby, the Brevlle is better for average, non enthusiasts

Gaggia has a boiler? so how long does it take for it to heat up after being turned on?

Do you think that Bambino Plus perform better vs Barista express due to 9 bar pressure?

There is not enough space to put in a scale in the Gaggia. But great review.

Barista Touch vs Gaggia Classic Pro - - which one is better if my priority is good quality AND convenience?

choose between convenience or absolute quality? wow

I really like the Gaggia but not its low clearance. I like pouring shots into latte glasses so any other good options?

Team gaggia ☕

Which one is noisier?

He left the steam button on on the Gaggia classic, I wouldn't recommend leaving it on after steaming milk due to the possibility of burning out the coil. 7:17

hey - having trouble getting crema and trouble getting the shot to pull for 20-30 seconds on the Gaggia- stock, with no modifications on the bar pressure. I have ground it down almost as fine as flour, and it still gushes through the standard basket in about 8-10 seconds for around 2-2 1/2 ounces- if i go the whole 20 seconds, it doubles to around 4-5 ounces- I've tamped it hard, doesn't make much difference- Tried coarser grinds, nope- doesn't help. The drinks are horrible- either too bitter, or too acidic- I've tried grinding my own beans, and also tried already ground espresso, but obviously that doesn't work well. Even i nthe pressurized basket they don't taste all that great and rip through the pull pretty fast- My machine is stock- just got it today- so bar pressure is around 14 i assume? Could that be why? I see other folks getting 20-30 second pulls- are all their machines modded to 9 bars of pressure?

Yeah, all good an all.... but what what colours your Bugatti fam?

omg why cant i just get the best of both worlds