Gaggia Classic 2023 "Evo" Pro Vs Bambino Plus

Gaggia Classic Pro 2023 "Evo" model. Episode 2. Vs Sage/Breville Bambino Plus.
Exclusive Gaggia discounts: Gaggia Direct (UK) have given me discount codes exclusively for my fellow coffee botherers. You can find them all here: bit.ly/3B5qY1F
Blog post review(UK):
coffeeblog.co.uk/gc
coffeeblog.co.uk/bp
Other Links Of Interest:
News on Gaggia Classic Evo Pro Boilergate: coffeeblog.co.uk/boilergate-g...
Freshly roasted high-quality coffee beans from The Coffeeworks (my website): cworks.co.uk (use discount code yt25 for 25% off your first order).
Coffee blog: coffeeblog.co.uk
Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/coffeeblogkev
Current Gear:
Quick note. I'm including all of this info because when I was starting out, I found it really difficult to figure out what gear to use, so I'm hoping if there's anyone looking to set up for KZbin, this might help. If you need more help just email me, kev at coffeeblog.co.uk - if I don't know the answer I'll ask the professionals.
I'm listing the current setup first that the pros are using, and then my original more budget setup.
The pro stuff (new studio setup, with brickovenmedia.co.uk)
Blackmagic Pocket 4K amzn.to/3EnYAKJ
Samyang 35 mm T1.5 VDSLR II Manual Focus Video Lens amzn.to/3RB4Q4I
VILTROX EF-M2 II Focal Reducer Booster Adapter Auto-Focus 0.71x compatible with Canon EF mount Lens to M43 Cameras amzn.to/3e37Qcp
Glide Gear TMP100 Adjustable iPad/Tablet/Smartphone Teleprompter Beam Splitter Glass amzn.to/3C7hRgt
Promptsmart Pro bit.ly/3CAhXPl (tablet prompter app, includes voice tracking, very good! If you have it more than a couple of metres away from you, just use a lav mic with an extension so it can year you).
Aputure LS COB 300D II LED Continuous Fresnel Light 300D Mark II amzn.to/3SVy4ft
Aputure Accent B7C 7W RGBWW LED Smart Bulbs amzn.to/3RD0ABu
aputure light dome ii amzn.to/3M5XjcY
Sennheiser MKH 60
Sanken Cos 11 Lavalier
If you're interested in any of this gear but you don't want to buy new, check out www.mpb.com/en-uk
My budget setup (prior to working with Brickoven):
Canon M6 Mark ii amzn.to/3zoczes (quick note, knowing what I now know I wish I'd have gone for the pocket 4k, which you can get used from MPB for a few hundred more.
Blue Ember Mic (used mainly for voiceovers): amzn.to/3pT6WR1
RØDE VideoMic Pro: amzn.to/3DV7xHg (note, it's good for the £, but with what I now know thanks to the guys at Brickoven, I'd recommend the RØDE NTG4 amzn.to/3M8nIXy or RØDE NT5.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface: amzn.to/3e3qwFn
Amaran 100D LED Video Light, 130W 5500K (Key light): amzn.to/3oQYrqY
Aputure Light Dome SE Softbox: amzn.to/3ESdHcJ
Neewer Bi-color 660 LED Video Light and Stand Kit (Fill light): amzn.to/35jUtwp
Neewer Portable 56 inch/142 cm Aluminium Camera Tripods (I have a few of these, very good value) amzn.to/3pPlCke
Cayer BV30L tripod with fluid head amzn.to/3fJdEbr (mega tripod for the money!)
Please note, affiliate links included above.
Timecodes:
0:00 Intro
0:51 Round 1. Ease of use & convenience
1:42 Round 2. Longevity & value for money
3:20 Round 3. Coffee quality out of the box
4:20 Round 4. Potential shot quality
4:51 Round 5. Boiler materials
5:54 Round 6. Milk steaming
6:28 Round 7. Resale value
7:42 Round 8. Cost of use
8:28 Kev loses the plot
9:00 Result
9:48 Kev forgot to write the pointless fact again
10:00 Outro
10:12 Tatty Bye
#CoffeeKev #espressomachine #siebträgermaschine #gaggiaclassic #gaggia #homebarista #coffeelover #coffeeaddict #espresso #flatwhite #latte #coffeebeans #coffeelifestyle #coffeelife #gaggiaclassic

[@UPHOTO75]

This video really helped me a lot! After watching I realized I'm not the type to spend a bunch of time tinkering and figuring out how to get the best of the machine. I really want something that will work out of the box and the bambino seems like it's the one for me.

[@TimothyScotts1]

I'm really looking forward to your video on the Gaggiuino video! It's something that made me willing to move on from my Breville Express Impress as I love tinkering with projects such as this. I would also love to see recommended settings and adjustments to further grow the knowledge base for everyone :)

[@timjoyce8047]

Thanks for this Kev 👍 just also secured one of your deals on the bambino plus to go with my smart grinder pro, again a sage deal with yourself. Can not wait to have a dabble and try some coffee! Ps keep up the great reviews

[@mikearlotta8635]

I want to upgrade from my delonghi ecp 3420.. ive been using a nice grinder/bottomless pf/ ims basket with it for a bit. What one would you upgrade to next?

[@jason0938]

I purchased my gaggia classic evo pro from whole latte love so it actually has a 9 bar spring pre installed! I personally didn’t find the learning curve hard at all. I was a total newbie other than watching lots of coffee content on KZbin but it was my first machine and I definitely reccomend it! Beautiful machine I got the lobster red! Also a plus for gaggia is you can upgrade the knob to a wood knob as well as lots of portafilter options as it is 58mm standard. That was really the selling point for me. Plus it just looks big and lovely

[@ritaweygint4038]

Here in the US, the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro now comes with the 9-bar spring installed. It is a great machine IMO, love it! Of course, I do intend to trick it out with mods (PID, pressure gauge), but I’m getting fabulous espresso just “As is.”

[@Coffee_Kev]

Yeah I believe so re the 9-bar OPV, I may be wrong but I think this is exclusive to Whole Latte Love? If you check out the Gaggia North America website they don't list the new OPV as far as I can see.

[@garnettbrown]

​@@Coffee_KevThat is correct. Gaggia North America and Gaggia Italy have 15 bar pressure. Meaning you must mod it for 9 bar or purchase from whole latte love that comes with it.

[@jessesalzman8435]

Gaggia North America has 9 bar @@garnettbrown

[@user-be9ge8se9w]

Amazon sells the 9 bar model too in the US

[@aimorallo638]

Hey Kev. I see a lot of used bambino plus on eBay. Are these units still good to go? Or are they crap units that shouldn't be bought?

[@joshuachaney3110]

I would love to see a side by side comparison of the two machines (or machine and appliance) making lattes from power on to finished drink while being timed. Time in the morning is valuable and speed of operation is one of the biggest reason I’m looking to purchase one of these two machines and move away from my Moka Pot coffees

[@louisd95714]

Great comparison Kev!

[@alexanderkowollik3681]

Excellent review, except for the current so called 'boilergate' issues. My March 2023 Evo performs very well, but it also starts to show tiny flaking via the steamwand...

[@kitcraft9516]

Kev, thanks for listening to your subs and bringing us videos like this. I have a Bambino Plus and often wonder if I'd have been happier with the GCP. I feel that my BBP needs a form of temp surfing as well. If I am making back to back shots i need to pull two dummy shots to get the portafilter to the same temperature as the second and I need to let it cool down to pull a third or my shot times will fluctuate by about 5 seconds. I also find I need to quick purge steam from the group for back to back shots. It may be convenient but to be consistent with back to back to back shots take some forethought. But that may be the hobbyist coming out in me. My wife could care less...

[@Coffee_Kev]

Thanks for the very kind words 😀. Yeah the Bambino plus might not be quite as convenient to use for that kind of use, they really in their comfort zone making one or two coffees at a time, they'll cope with bigger use than that but as you've said, a bit of additional workflow may be required. Cheers, Kev.

[@grahameconnolly807]

Hey Kev 🙂 Well this video is timely! My son has had a Bambino Plus for 3 years and it failed a couple of weeks ago….. non repairable so in the bin! I bought a Classic Pro 2023 for him as a complete surprise ( he has envied all his mates who have them and wanted one nearly all that time). By the way Raj at Gaggia Direct was amazingly helpful and was ‘in on the surprise’ (thanks Raj). My son got super keen, bought himself a Mignon Specialita, fresh beans, a bottomless Porta filter, and IMS basket and a New scale……….. He has gone away on hols (after trying and failing to get a good espresso) and I have taken over the challenge this week….. well, I bought some more beans (can’t keep wasting his!) and after many many attempts I am really struggling! Dial up, dial down, 18g in 36g out, 25 to 30 seconds and all that caper…… temp surfing etc….. still rubbish! I know it can be done and I know we will (maybe?) get there in the end…… but in the mean time a new Bambino Plus does feel like it might have been a better choice. This is just to say anyone who feels the same sense of inadequacy and guilt that I have, you are not alone! I just wish you didn’t make it look so easy Kev! I blame you (tongue firmly in cheek). All the best and keep up the good work!

[@Coffee_Kev]

Well that's a very nice surprise! When you say non repairable, is that because it has a specific fault that would be costly to repair? Most issues can be repaired with the Bambino plus, it's just a case of whether you know someone who can do it for you and who can source the parts. That's a nice setup! Drop me an email, [e-mail], give me as much info as you can about what you're doing, what coffee beans you're using, recipe, and importantly what is wrong with the shots, and I'll see if I can help. Haha, well it does get easier over time, and I probably make it look really hard sometimes but Oli & Wes make me look good with very clever editing 😆 Ta Kev

[@_.alex.-]

Just found your channel Kev, good vids and quality content indeed. Do you have an opinion on whether it's worth buying then upgrading a Gaggia vs buying something like the newer Profitec Go, which has the fancy stuff built in? Looks incredibly promising. Ta!

[@ebirollz]

would love to know as well!

[@mv9143]

Great video, really like these comparisons. Gaggia classic pro sells at about the same price as breville barista pro here in AU/NZ though 😅

[@Coffee_Kev]

Oh right! Every day is a school day 😅

[@santiagollinas650]

Hi Kev, which portafilter are you using with the bambino plus? It is. It the one that comes in the box, thanks!

[@paolocoletti3424]

That's got to be it's stock one of course . The point of the vid is an out of the box comparison. Changing the porta would be a mod of course and potentially an unfair advantage for the GCP.

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi there, I’m using the nicer portafilter that comes with the barista express and barista pro, the taste is exactly the same, I just prefer the feel of these ones 😁👍

[@Coffee_Kev]

In the B roll clips, I'm using the stock portafilter with the Gaggia Classic. With the Bambino Plus I'm using the other Sage portafilter, it's only for the B roll clips, whenever I've done any testing of the Bambino plus I've used the stock basket, the espresso is the same, it's the same basket, I just prefer the other one with the metal splitter. Cheers.

[@adi_random]

Hello, I just bought a new one for Classic. I have a question about the On/Off button. Is it normal when we turn it on the machine and the button didn't coming back?

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi Adi, Can you please explain in more detail what you mean so I can help you, Cheers Kev

[@adi_random]

@@Coffee_Kev That On/Off button on the left side it didn't come back after you push it, is that normal?

[@Bryzgyman]

Oh man,i was absolutely sure that im going to upgrade my setup with the GCP And Now the "boiler coating gate" happened And im back in this problem again. Can someone with the Bambino tell me how good Is the Machine long term? Im currently using a dedica,i modded the Steam wand And learnt how to make a really decent foam with it, i also modded the portafilter to get good tasting shots, so i probably would be able to use the GCP too, but i also enjoy Milk drinks more than straight espresso.

[@Coffee_Kev]

From what I know about this, it appears to have been a batch issue with just part of a batch from one week, some of the machines made in that week have produced a few flakes of the coating material. It's not affected the one I've got here, and with the couple of instances of this I'm aware of, a good flush of the boiler appears to have removed the flakes.

[@richij]

Great points. I notice that in all of your B+ videos, you seem to be using the portafilter from the more expensive machines. Why is that?

[@Coffee_Kev]

Cheers :-). I'm not a fan of the stubby spout portafilters, to me they just don't quite look or feel right, much prefer the proper metal portafilter. It doesn't impact on the shot, I just prefer proper portafilters. I should have actually included portafilters as a round. Darn it!! GCP would have defo won that one.

[@ardobrzanski]

@@Coffee_Kev Can you recommend a double/dual spout portafilter for the B+?

[@NoZenith]

​@ardobrzanski Etsy seems to have the best selection if you're looking for something in the wood. My Reddit groups all seem to have gotten them off Etsy.

[@ciaran.laverty]

As a beginner, I’m swaying towards the bambino or bambino plus for ease of use. With most hobbies (I would class this a hobby at this stage! lol) the easier they are to do and keep up, the more likely you are to stick at it. Maybe invest in a more customisable machine like a gaggio later down the line when I discover exactly what I like and don’t like. At this stage all I want are nice consistent cappuccinos, cortados and flat whites at home lol

[@Coffee_Kev]

Good plan Ciaran :-)

[@dejedejsson]

You forgot an important aspect, the aesthetics, the aesthetics are of course subjective, but I think most people prefer the Gaggia look and after receiving a Gaggia today in SS, I can only say wow, it looks even better in real life than on image or in videos.

[@Coffee_Kev]

You're right, but that's really a subjective thing, not something I could really define one the winner. Cheers, Kev.

[@paolocoletti3424]

Totally agree. It might seem minor but for some if does need to go in ones kitchen on display 'full time' so shallow as it may seem to some looks also play a healthy part in the decision process also (can't help it I'm an Architect so fussy is just built in me) . In the stock satin SS, GCP with it's monolithic industrial 70's aesthetic v the SB+'s modern flashing led styling is pretty personal I do admit that . But as both machines now come in a range of COLOURS to complement ones decor it could be the diff between which to go for for some. Yes it's still very subjective but the GCP does (now as of 2023) flout quite the wacky colour range, so well done finally Gaggia 👏. Charging right into the 20th century here we come! .... because it blooming took them long enough to get their fingers out about that (so what exactly have they been doing all these years because come on, micro step improvements from the GCP 2019 model really 🙄 sigh, really have been sitting on laurels Gaggia rather than fulfilling customer demands, [cough] PID) From my point of view they both now come in sexy WHITE so I'm happier to still consider both machines ATM. I've sadly actually discounted the higher end Profitec Go (in my own potential line up to buy) because it's colour ways are so darn awful 🤢. Now if that came in white or fully cafe styled chrome (like real drop dead gorgeous old school expresso machines should be) I would likely have dropped the hammer by now (happy to pay extra for that warrantied factory installed PID ❤️) but as yet I'm still firmly perched on that fence (with money burning a hole in pocket) . So style and colour do matter too, soz. PS_Btw great channel love your content Kev ! Wannabe coffee botherer ☕❤️

[@paolocoletti3424]

​@@Coffee_Kevwell as the Gaggia comes in 2 1/2 x more colour/finish options I think you prob can give that one to the GCP 🤔😁

[@MrFboccia]

Brilliant. Laughing my ass off. My Gaggia took me a while to love it

[@flyertx50]

I'm new to this espresso world and about to make my decision. I've learned a lot from watching your videos as well as others. You said that the comparison is based on the "out of the box" usage. On round 4, "potential shot quality," you are talking about a mod to get the quality better. Shouldn't be included since they are both entry level machines. Most of us newbies probably will not do and don't want to do mods. So, from my perspective the Breville wins, and that's the one I'll be getting. Keep up the videos. I really enjoy them and thanks for helping in my decision.

[@Coffee_Kev]

Thanks :-)

[@mr_knight4701]

which of them has better quality espresso?

[@Coffee_Kev]

Depends

[@CH-yp5by]

common Kev there are other machines out there made by other manufacturers to review, its always Gaggia and Sage. What about an Ascaso, ECM or Profitec semi automatic domestic machines?

[@Coffee_Kev]

Have a look at my coffeeblog post: coffeeblog.co.uk/best-coffee-machine/ Cheers Kev

[@bosiorne2292]

How bambino achieves 9.bar from the pump or it has opv mod from factory !

[@Coffee_Kev]

The Bambino Plus has a 9 bar OPV, it's not a mod, they're built like that. Cheers, Kev.

[@danjv]

Hey, there is really no way to compare these two items. The GCP is a machine while the Bambino an appliance. So it is Pro vs amateur. That clearly indicates which is for whom. I love my GCP and cannot see me ever replacing it.

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi Dan, Glad you are enjoying the Evo, I have done this video as I get so many emails on which one of these machines to buy, I agree that they are different machines, but its good that there is a comparison video to help other people with their decisions :-)

[@texarkana3781]

Forgot to mention "Boilergate" issue with the Evo Pro

[@Coffee_Kev]

Yeah, about 8 months ago when this was filmed, I forgot to jump the time machine 😆. I've mentioned boilergate in later content, including: coffeeblog.co.uk/boilergate-gaggia-classic-pro-evo-boiler-problems/ Ta Kev

[@rxonmymind8362]

A lot of people are complaining about the non stick breaking apart and flowing through the steam wand.

[@Coffee_Kev]

Yeah, they have switched to uncoated boilers now.

[@alldayjack4830]

Can you use ese pods with the bambino?

[@carpNcoffee]

Perfect timing!!! My Bambino just died, auto frother sensor popped out and one of the wires snapped! Will not work now at all! Time for an upgrade ....

[@Coffee_Kev]

Oh dear! Perfect excuse for an upgrade 😁

[@carpNcoffee]

@@Coffee_Kev falling deep down the rabbit hole! Now looking into PID E61 models! 😭

[@Gk2003m]

If you already have a Bambino, add a cheap remote thermometer to the thermoblock and a dimmer to the pump. If you don’t have a machine yet, skip the Bambino and get the Gaggia… and make the same modifications.

[@antmorgan9331]

And invalidate the warranty 😂

[@victordasilva5255]

I want the best tasting espresso. I don’t care if it needs 20 minutes of foreplay. My wife only gets 3…by the way 😊

[@Sorcerer86pt]

And following the first minutes talk, you then take the gaggia classic to the operating table, add some silicon ( Arduino or STM32F411" black pill"), some refinements and the gaggia becomes like a supermodel machine competing with a 3000$ one

[@Coffee_Kev]

Yeah the modding possibilities with the Classic are brilliant, I'll be doing a video soon on the Gagguino mod. gaggiuino.github.io/

[@Sorcerer86pt]

@@Coffee_Kev some other guys are actively doing updates or modifications to the usual bill of materials. One has used a bigger screen, other is trying to use raspberry pico with a rust framework

[@coolkid111111100]

Gaggia is probably more reliable and a better choice even tho I don’t like how they upped the price to 950 aud from 750 when you can get an espresso machine that has a bigger boiler and pid for around that price tag

[@tomscott4438]

I just checked out a Bambino Plus at a local cookware store. Sorry, but it feels very cheap and plastic. Right now WLL has the Gaggia on sale for $399, while the Bambino Plus is $500. I already have a better than average grinder (Baratza Vario W+) so the Gaggia makes more sense, especially with the significant price difference.

[@Coffee_Kev]

The Gaggia Classic Evo is a fantastic machine and if looked after correctly will last years, the Bambino Plus is more user friendly but if you are willing to learn the classics quirky ways then go for it. Cheers Kev

[@kgosingakane4749]

I am in an abusive relationship with my Gaggia classic pro. Sometimes I regret buying it

[@joshuahumphrey65]

WHY?

[@lenso010]

comparing gaggia to bambino is pretty unfair for bambino and insult for gaggia .

[@Coffee_Kev]

I recorded this video as it is a commonly asked question on my emails. Cheers Kev

[@lenso010]

@@Coffee_Kevthank you

[@giogio4282]

Someone who promotes that evil joke of a broken credit is noone you should listen to

[@ahy9888]

GAGGIA made in ITALY. Bambino made in CHINA

[@michelduccle3424]

And...?

[@sandydennylives1392]

I'll stick with my French press; 15 minute to drink time, always gives reliable shots, 3 mugs no problem, no chance of metal poisoning; minus issues...uses a lot of water to clean, and I have to boil a kettle and count 4 and then 5-7 minutes for two time periods.

[@thalesrodriguescardoso]

Well, it is not a espresso lol completelt different type of coffee.

[@sandydennylives1392]

Espresso machines are just to much faff with endless steps to dial in, clean, descale, buy accessories, and the rest plus the electric bill, that I don't think I'l tire of the long steeping goodness of a properly dialed in non press down French press. However I might try pour over, and I like the Lelit Mara X as a possible entry point for espresso one day, but I like Hi Fi as well and I'm looking to make a bedroom upgrade there first. I have the tools to make good espresso, if and when that day comes.@@thalesrodriguescardoso

[@bookies24k8]

Why would you watch a 15 minute video about espresso machines when you'd rather just have coffee?

[@sandydennylives1392]

There's nothing 'just' about my coffee, got a lovely lingering after taste for over 5 mins after my last cup, and that's just with supermarket beans, and an Izipresso ZX hand grinder. 3-4 clear flavors. And yes I also buy elite beans as well. Never say never is my approach, I like the unknown for in my local coffee shops the staff are disinterested and the espresso is crap. I guess I'm a barrista French non press downer after 15 years, no pride intended,one day I'll have a decent espresso, when I make it myself probably; Hi Fi takes precedence for now.What's your dream machine and grinder?@@bookies24k8

[@wezist]

That isn't espresso tho......

[@0212080041]

The only thing I don't like in Gaggia is the buttons... it feels 80s machines ... why not upgrade them?

[@Coffee_Kev]

I think a lot of people,including myself love the buttons on the Classic.