Breville Bambino Plus vs Gaggia Classic Pro!

[@LifestyleLab_]

Breville Bambino Plus: geni.us/rzLTKQS Gaggia Classic Pro: geni.us/vM7uMkE Baratza Encore ESP: geni.us/NU8yw63 Fellow OPUS: geni.us/Uojeo Try our coffee! geni.us/4AAmhpj (As an Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases)

[@SamPattonMusic]

I've had a Gaggia Classic Pro for a couple of years and just bought a new Bambino Plus off Marketplace for half price. My Gaggia has the upgrades including the 9 bar spring and a bottomless portafilter. I have found the Bambino Plus to be much easier to use. Of course the automatic milk steaming is phenomenal. But it seems easier to dial in and get consistent shots with. With the Gaggia, it's very inconsistent from shot to shot. That has been my experience and I upgraded my grinder recently to see if that would help fix it, but it didn't.

[@ocnah]

Which grinder do you use to make espresso with the breville?

[@SamPattonMusic]

@@ocnah The Baratza Encore ESP.

[@geraldbraun6267]

These were the exact machines that I considered when buying a espresso maker. I chose the Gaggia after reading about mechanical failures with the Bambino. I have had the Gaggia Pro for three years and love it.

[@myrone9956]

Brilliant video: informative, thoughtful, great opinions without being opinionated, and perfectly paced. Many thanks!

[@LifestyleLab_]

Thanks for the kind words! Glad it has helpful

[@grahammusto7759]

Great video. I chose the Bambino Plus over the Gaggia. It's so easy to use and I use quality beans. If you want a challenge get the Classic; if you want a quick reliable machine get the Plus.

[@SamPattonMusic]

I wish I had gone with the Bambino Plus instead of the Gaggia. I think the ease factor gets left out too often.

[@NitroDragon]

@@SamPattonMusic Just a note on the Bambino. I've had mine for over a year, the drip tray is tiny and needs to be emptied every use, leaks from both tray and water tank. And to top it off, the milk pitcher temperature sensor broke causing the entire machine to stop working at all and requiring an RMA with Breville as they refused to just send me the part. Definitely better off with the Gaggia imo

[@simongibbs1968]

Great, insightful, balanced video. I agree with basically everything said. I had the Gaggia for a decade - worked well enough but was a chore to heat up (took ages), get good balanced shots (we didnt have a grinder but bought beans freshly ground) and steam with as the video notes. Have recently purchased the Bambino Plus, and it's a much easier experience all round, especially milk steaming - for which both auto and manual work well. Can't directly compare shot quality as it's been a while since the gaggia broke down for the final time, but the bambino is producing good coffee (may help that we now have a Baratza grinder) so I've no reason to complain at all!

[@Suedesi]

Thank you for your review - have been looking at the Gaggia Classic Evo as I primarily drink espresso and your video made my decision easy

[@BobbieGWhiz]

I have a bambino plus and drink only milkies. I never drink espresso straight up. I’ve had espresso machines for decades and know how to steam milk, but the automatic frothing does a very decent job alone so why bother. I can clean the portafilter during the steaming process.

[@hash5191]

Is the quality of the milk steaming cafe quality or on par with the Sage DB or less?

[@BobbieGWhiz]

@@hash5191 I’m not familiar with that machine. It does a decent job, but I’m not that particular so I may not be the one to ask. Foamy milk is foamy milk to me.

[@Petercoffeee]

Both machines make good coffee, but the compact size of the Bambino makes the difference. Great video 🙂

[@jamesmclaughlin3460]

Im retired always loved coffee. Now its my hobby also i have the classic pro changed out thespring to 9 bar took minutes literally. And im not someone who tinkers it was simple. Changed shower screen bottomless portafilter some new baskets. And Sylvia roky grinder both machines are built to last and basic. Keep it simple stupid theory her. Fresh beans and im dead serious my coffee is as good as are local roasters and theres is great. I couldn't be happier. Its one of my passions. Worth every penny.

[@michaelsingh843]

Very nice presentation, sounds like the classic is a winner for me, however how often will i need to be dailing in if i make 1 espresso a day? I freeze my coffee, weigh out 15 grams everyday and pop it into my breville express and americanos most of the time.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Assuming your grinder is broken in and you're storing you beans as to not have them go stale (which you are) you shouldn't really see the need to re-dial in unless you switch coffees, or maybe slight tweaks from bag to bag of the same coffee. Same variables in = same results out.

[@michaelhimes8778]

My first espresso machine purchase was the Bambino and it has been great, but the build quality has become an issue. The water isn’t as hot and the pressure doesn’t make the same sounds it used to. I’ll be upgrading … possibly to the Gaggia because of its robust build and upgradability.

[@nbooky]

To me, the heating mechanism is the biggest difference. One is thermal block and the other one is single boiler. Which one is better from espresso quality perspective?

[@blakeskolnick6750]

Actually BBP is a thermojet which is better than thermoblock as it can maintain stable temperatures much better and can get to temp quicker than any other system. There is the argument that most people upgrade their GCP with a PID which is a minor improvement over BBP thermojet, but that is extra money and seems like the improvement wanted after a few years when you get an entirely new machine.

[@giogio4282]

If you are into good to very good Espresso you go with the Gaggia, if you want a quick and fail proof Latte you go with the Breville /Sage but i would recommend the Gaggia at any time this thing will be on your side for a Decade

[@lor7780]

My dilemma is that the gaggia takes a lot of time to heat up and i often hear people say that it’s very inconsistent. Also in my country the gaggia can be found new for cheaper.

[@LifestyleLab_]

@lor7780 I agree with the above comment. If you will be steaming frequently, go with the Breville. If only espresso drinks, go with the Gaggia. Buy with confidence and don't look back 👍

[@LimitedWard]

I'm surprised you didn't go into brew temperature stability. Unaure about the Bambino Plus, but with the GCP you need to temperature surf to get a consistent temperature, otherwise you'll inconsistent results. Honestly if the BB+ were available when I had purchased my GCP it would have been a no brainer pick.

[@piplup10203854]

I ended up going for the Bambino Plus but it was a really tough choice. I opted for it for the automatic milk steamer and PID I really don't want to fuse too much with trying to get the temperature right. I don't know if that changed in the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro but maybe if it had a PID and a metal knob for the steamer I would have gotten that instead but I am sure the Bambino plus will be more than enough for me once I learn how to do things like pre-infusion and how to set it up or put in an IMS shower screen and all that :)

[@blakeskolnick6750]

Yeah for the GCP, it has the traditional boiler and you have to install the PID while the thermojet already maintains stable temps on the BBP and PID is a minor improvement.

[@piplup10203854]

@@blakeskolnick6750 oh really? 🙁 oh shoot. Well I just got the Bambino plus. I don’t have my grinder in yet so I only pre-ground coffee but it’s turned out super super sour and bitter that it’s undrinkable 🙁 it’s a medium roast but I can’t make it right so I’m not sure how to fix it with pre-ground coffee

[@SamPattonMusic]

As a Gaggia owner, I’d go for the ease of the Breville if I had to do it over again.

[@piplup10203854]

@@SamPattonMusic Thank you :D I decided to pick the Breville as someone brand new and learning to make espresso that ease of use helps a ton! I just got it in. I only have pre-ground coffee and I don't know how to make a good cup out of it lol but I just bought a grinder and fresh beans so hopefully it turns out better soon lol

[@wilhelmpaulm]

​@@SamPattonMusicpeople don't realize that gaggia without pid is harder to dial in and get good consistent shots

[@frankazzuri8984]

How much % better is a dialed in gagga espresso vs the breville impress shot

[@LifestyleLab_]

Depends entirely on your grinder. Espresso machine plays very little role, it's more about functions and speed. Espresso quality comes down to the grinder

[@ebikecnx7239]

@@LifestyleLab_ agreed. I have GCP but the grinder cost more..Ceado E6x with big flat burrs, brilliant!

[@lastzombi]

I like my bambino plus a lot but TBH, I want a better machine without going overboard with features. Somewhere between gaggia classsic pro and ascaso steel duo. Maybe a bambino pro model with adjustable PID and active grouphead/ portafilter heating would be the killer of all entry level machines??? Pressure gauge and adjustable opv would be great as well.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Profitec GO ;)

[@lastzombi]

@@LifestyleLab_ haha yeah i though about that a lot but wife loves auto milk steaming. And there is no pre infusion on that if i am not mistaken

[@er.mannov5735]

An other advantage of the Gaggia: It‘s easy to upgrade or repair and should last you for years. Not so much with the plastic Breville.

[@mike216514]

If you’re meaning a PID or OPV mod, the BB+ got it build-in. For flow profile, both machines takes it. Other than that, I’m not aware of any cup-quality-improving “upgrade” is available only to the GCP.

[@Jefafa73]

@@mike216514 True the Bambino has it built in, but the Gaggia PID mod will let you dial in whatever temp you want.

[@blakeskolnick6750]

@@mike216514yeah I keep hearing this lack of ability to upgrade for BBP along with better structural quality for GCP, though the latter is likely true, the former I haven’t seen evidence of. Also the thermojet heater is able to maintain better stable temperature than the boiler in the Gaggia, though likely not better than an installed PID, but that is extra money and doesn’t come installed. Also the BBp is not just plastic, it is stainless steel.

[@mike216514]

@@blakeskolnick6750 indeed. GCP may use more stainless steel, I still reckon BBP has more thorough thought on both internal and external design. Anyway, I hope everyone got their desired machine and has good coffee with it.

[@TomTague-mv4xn]

I've had both. Sold the Bambino. If you think steaming is hard or not good on the gaggia it's most likely user error.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Never said it wasn’t good steaming power, the steam arm itself is just terribly cheap feeling and is only on a swivel not a ball joint.

[@darklink594]

I was just debating which one to get yesterday since the gaggia was 100 off for black friday. Then I saw your video of the updated gaggia amd I did want a more manual espresso machine to dial in espresso so I went with the gaggia. Now I'm seeing this brand new video comparing them lol. I think the gaggia is more what I want since I want to get into the hobby of espresso more so than wanting coffee right away. Great video!

[@LifestyleLab_]

Don’t have buyers remorse, the Gaggia is a FANTASTIC machine. I think you made the right choice by the sounds of it

[@darklink594]

@@LifestyleLab_ thanks! I was wanting to get the Gaggia for the longest time. But I just assumed my wife would prefer a "push a button" automatic machine. But then she discovered the espresso subreddit and fell down that Rabit hole and wants a more manual machine lol. Plus since it's been around so long it's easier to get parts and it seems way more serviceable. Thanks for the affirmation though!!!

[@evan.whobrey]

@@darklink594 try out temperature surfing for consistent shots. Also if you really want to have fun. Check out Gaggiuino, a most spectacular modification.

[@blakeskolnick6750]

Thanks for the comment you helped me feel less remorse as I was also deciding between the two and first liked the BBP but realized I am in no rush in the morning and want to enjoy the process along with longevity being important as I am young and this needs to last a while

[@JJ-gm4ck]

the breville digital buttons WILL screw up. They always do and your buttons wont work without a full teardown.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Always??? I've owned literally every Breville for years and have never had an issue. Your individual experience doesn't indicate an overall issue

[@jpilot007]

Excellent breakdown, quick and to the point! I have the bambino and it’s a great little machine. What would recommend for a grinder to pair with bambino? I have the smart grinder pro but I’m thinking of upgrading.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Either of the two mentioned in this video will be an upgrade in grind quality from the SGP. If you want a bigger step up, explore the Eureka Mignon lineup, or the new DF64 Gen2.

[@jpilot007]

Will I see a noticeable enough difference with either of the two mentioned in the video over the sgp to worth the upgrade or the bigger step up right away will make more sense? Thanks for taking the time to reply by the way!

[@morkrau]

I had the Smart Grinder Pro and then upgraded to a DF 64. And I personally really do think it was worth the extra cost over the other two mentioned grinders.

[@Mega000Alex]

Recently got the df64 gen 2 together with a Bambino plus. You really cant get any Better than this for the price

[@jpilot007]

Where did you guys buy the df64 from? I’m in Europe and I don’t seem to find a reputable site to order it.

[@adrianccopa]

Thank you for this information

[@thehonestptofficial-jarydm3904]

Is there any middle ground to get the quality of the Gaggia but a less manual experience? Something available in the UK?

[@LifestyleLab_]

Breville Dual Boiler

[@thehonestptofficial-jarydm3904]

@@LifestyleLab_ thanks, I was thinking of this one but wasn't sure how it compared. 😁👌

[@thehonestptofficial-jarydm3904]

@@LifestyleLab_ out of curiosity is there much difference in the espresso quality between Gaggia Vs sage dual boiler. (Enough for the average espresso lover to notice?)

[@LifestyleLab_]

The Dual Boiler will have better temperature stability thanks to the PID controlled boiler AND group head. But as is always the case, grinder quality is FAR more important than the machine itself once you get at or above the level of the Gaggia Classic Pro.

[@BPe-ie9je]

Do you know the WEIGHT of these two machines (ea) .??? I am flying with one of these machines. Thanks. I'm looking, cant find weight.

[@LifestyleLab_]

If you’re flying then I’d say definitely the Breville! The Gaggia portafilter alone weights a third of the Bambino. Bambino Plus - 1.4kg Gaggia Classic - 9.1kg

[@BPe-ie9je]

@@LifestyleLab_ thank you. very helpful. really good comparison video. now to figure out 'good grinder' for espresso,,,travel wt in mind.

[@LifestyleLab_]

@BPe-ie9je if you’re willing to put in the work for a hand grinder. The 1ZPresso K-Max is the easy choice. If electric, I’d say the Fellow Opus will be the lightest and easiest to pack

[@BPe-ie9je]

@@LifestyleLab_ Thanks so much. And guess where I'm going ? Ecuador. Land of fabulous coffee and chocolate 🙂

[@BPe-ie9je]

@@LifestyleLab_ Does Bambino Plus (size) use a 'standard' tamper ?

[@fsafh1331]

More accessories for gaggia, you can trick it out with wood knobs and portafilter handles

[@NitroDragon]

After over a year with the Bambino Plus I do say I regret it and am switching to the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro. The tiny leaking drip tray and leak prone tank were one thing. The tiny mass of the machine requiring you to hold onto it when using the portafilter is another thing. But the final straw was the stupid milk sensor that I have used only a few times broke, meaning the entire machine stopped working and required an RMA to Breville. Think i will be much better off with the Gaggia and can at least upgrade it over time to be even better.

[@sergei5879]

Would be cool to watch a vid on talking for worth of upgrade from. Im been using bambino for about a year with ims basket parried with baratza 30. And now watching all your profitec vids Im kind of twisted. Its quite appealing machines... Yet Im into a milk drinks, and not after all this "lite roast with fruity notes". Tully hard to justify spending just for having a shiny gadget. my 0.2$ - resell value for Gaggia probably would be better, + youll be left with proper portafilter baskets in case youll decide to get nonstock ones.

[@adifoodies2871]

Please make comparisan bambino plus vs dedica plus tq

[@antz123-m3f]

Great viv. To the point.

[@piplup10203854]

Dang this is such a tough choice 🫠 I do like Cappuccino's but that is really because I am using the milk to balance out the sour/bitterness of my aeropress espresso shot and I am pretty sure it's user error. I ended up buying the DF64 Gen 2 Grinder and upgraded the burrs and I am gonna learn to see if I can use my aeropress better to make more of what I am looking for. If I could drink coffee black without any additives like creamer or sugar I'd be a lot happier because I did have a coffee I liked black but I can't remember the name of it so I been trying to find it but no luck so back to adding milk. But, I am left unsure which machine to get. I lean towards the Bambino plus because I think it would be easier on the morning routine but I hear with the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro, I could just use a smart plug to have it turn on and heat up as I am waking up so all I'd have to do is purge it and have some water go through it and then I'd be set but I do like the automatic feature for the milk steamer and quicker heat up. I don't mind learning to steam milk manually but I am also not sure I'll get it and will end up spending more time frustrated because I just want to spend 10-15 minutes making my coffee and then having my omelette as I feed my cat in the morning lol then I have to figure out which is easier for my mom to use since she's retiring and living with me so I really don't know what to get since she uses her Keurig and pods lol

[@coffeeandshots]

I disagree on many of the points made in this video, imho the Gaggia is more focused on milk drinks made with darker roasts than the Breville. The Breville itself is more polyvalents and suited for all kinds of straight espressos, but also has good steaming capabilities. The Gaggia is equipped with a bimetallic thermostast with a large dead band which makes temperature stability shot to shot questionable unless you're temp surfing. This can be often an issue with lighter roasts while not really one with lattes and cappuccinos. Assuming that you are temperature surfing (and therefore starting everyshot at the same temp), then the Gaggia's tiny tiny boiler means that every shot is experiencing a stark temperature decrease as fresh cold water is brought in the boiler during every shot, this is good especially with darker roasts. On the contrary, the Bambino makes it easy with its PID controlled temperature and its ability to maintain a high temperature during each shot, it starts a little colder but also ends quite a bit hotter. The ability to maintain high temperatures is very useful if you go for shots with longer ratios, if you're striving for lighter roasts and turbo shots style shots, the Bambino will be better. In the same vein, precision is easier with the Bambino, a scale will severely limit your choice of cup with the Gaggia, not the case with the Bambino, tall cup which will make floral and fruit aromatic easier to smell will be easier to use with the Bambino, whereas the Gaggia is more suited for no scale with a cappucino cup, or a scale with a tiny cup. Finally, pressure consistency is a lot easier on the Bambino with its 9 bar OPV, with the Gaggia you either learn to surf it 13 bar OPV or you need to get an aftermarket OPV. Overall, if you like ristrettos, dark roasts and milk drink a Gaggia will be a nice choice, if you want to venture into lighter roasts straight shots and consistency matters a lot, then the Bambino offers more possibilities and is more suited.

[@PedroLuna-v1r]

Totally agree with you. Gaggia lacks of PID and electronics embarked ! Gaggia have an aggressive marketing and a a lot of people doing what "Simon says"

[@rabuuyoutube5949]

HELP! i received the bambino as a gift, can someone recommend a replacement filter that fits? ill be using a high quality grinder

[@LifestyleLab_]

The bambino comes with both pressurized, and non-pressurized baskets. You should be good!

[@rabuuyoutube5949]

@@LifestyleLab_ maybe it's an older one or I am dumb and threw it out by accident but I'm pretty sure it only has the pressurized ones. Uh oh

[@LifestyleLab_]

@rabuuyoutube5949 no worries, just pick up an IMS 54mm basket in the size of your choice. I have them linked in my must have Breville accessories video

[@rabuuyoutube5949]

@@LifestyleLab_ great, thanks!

[@0212080041]

The only thing I don't like in Gaggia is the buttons... it feels like a 80s machine...

[@dandoii]

That's the point. The buttons were a huge sell for me, I didn't want a digital interface. The classic look lasts longer and is easier to repair too

[@tummy_fritters]

I tried a Bambino recently and I was disappointed. The first shot always came out cold.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Need to pre-heat the portafilter with a blank shot or two!

[@JackJonner]

I had the Bambino plus for about two years before it self-destructed. It feels and looks like a big toy and reminded me of colouring pictures by numbers in that it makes it easy to make a coffee. Not much fun really. It’s also overpriced.

[@Nicklas25_DK]

Nice