The Breville BES870XL Barista Express and the Gaggia Classic Pro are two of the most popular and recommended entry-level espresso machines, but they target very different users. The Breville is an all-in-one solution with a built-in grinder and user-friendly features, making it ideal for convenience. The Gaggia is a rugged, traditional machine with commercial-grade parts that offers more manual control and customization, appealing to hobbyists who want to learn the craft.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide which of these iconic espresso machines from Breville and Gaggia is a better fit for your kitchen counter.
Breville BES870XL Barista Express
The Breville Barista Express is designed to be a complete home cafe in a single appliance. It integrates a quality conical burr grinder, precise temperature controls, and a semi-automatic espresso maker into one user-friendly package. This approach simplifies the process of making espresso, allowing beginners to pull great shots with minimal setup and a much shorter learning curve.
- What it is: A semi-automatic, all-in-one espresso machine with an integrated conical burr grinder.
- Key features: Built-in steel conical burr grinder, digital temperature control (PID) for stable brew water, dedicated hot water outlet, pressure gauge to monitor extraction, 360-degree swivel steam wand.
- Price: Around $700 - $750
- Dimensions: 12.5" W x 12.6" D x 16.5" H
- Materials/Construction: Brushed stainless steel casing with high-quality plastic components. Portafilter is 54mm.
- Style: Sleek and modern design that fits well in contemporary kitchens. The layout is intuitive and clearly labeled.
- Pros: All-in-one convenience saves counter space and removes the need for a separate grinder. Easy for beginners to get started and pull consistent shots. PID controller ensures thermal stability for better espresso. Fast heat-up time.
- Cons: The integrated grinder limits future upgrade paths. At over $700, it's a significant investment. More complex electronics could be more challenging to repair than a simpler machine. The 54mm portafilter is non-standard.
The Barista Express is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy high-quality espresso and lattes at home without the complexity of a multi-part setup, prioritizing convenience and ease of use above all else.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes870
Gaggia Classic Pro
The Gaggia Classic Pro is a legendary machine in the espresso community, known for its robust build, simplicity, and ability to produce authentic espresso. Unlike the Breville, it focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well: pulling espresso shots. It uses commercial-grade components, including a standard 58mm portafilter and brass group head, giving it a professional feel and the potential for a very long lifespan. It requires a separate grinder and a bit more user skill, but rewards the owner with durability and a traditional brewing experience.
- What it is: A single-boiler, semi-automatic espresso machine that requires a separate coffee grinder.
- Key features: Commercial-grade 58mm portafilter, heavy-duty chrome-plated brass group and boiler for excellent heat stability, commercial-style steam wand, simple and robust rocker switches.
- Price: Around $450 - $500 (machine only).
- Dimensions: 9.5" W x 8" D x 14.2" H
- Materials/Construction: Heavy-duty, brushed stainless steel housing with rugged internal components.
- Style: Classic utilitarian Italian design. Has an industrial, almost retro feel that is timeless and built for function.
- Pros: Extremely durable and built to last. Uses commercial-standard 58mm parts, offering wide compatibility. More affordable initial price. Highly customizable and repairable. Powerful steam wand for excellent milk texture. Compact footprint.
- Cons: A quality grinder is required, adding at least $200-$300 to the total setup cost. Has a steeper learning curve to control temperature and variables. Lacks a PID, so temperature can fluctuate.
The Gaggia Classic Pro is for the aspiring home barista who wants to learn the art of espresso, loves a hands-on process, and values durability and customization over integrated tech.
Shop this product: gaggia.com/nuova-gamma-2019/classic-pro
Breville BES870XL vs. Gaggia Classic Pro Comparison
Features & Ease of Use
This is the most significant difference between the two machines. The Breville Barista Express is a complete package. With its built-in grinder and PID for temperature stability, it streamlines the workflow, making it incredibly beginner-friendly. You can go from beans to latte in just a few minutes with very little guesswork. All the tools you need are included, and the onboard pressure gauge gives you real-time feedback on your shot.
The Gaggia Classic Pro is the opposite. It is a simple, powerful machine that requires you to actively manage the brewing process. There's no PID to manage heat or a grinder to prepare your beans. This puts more responsibility on the user but also offers more control. The learning curve is high, as an owner will need to learn techniques like "temperature surfing" to get consistent shot temperatures. A separate grinder must be purchased, dialed in, and used for every shot.
Build Quality & Materials
Both machines are well-built with stainless steel exteriors, but their philosophies differ. The Gaggia Classic Pro is built like a tank. Its heavy-duty stainless steel frame, commercial-grade brass group head, and simple mechanical switches are designed for longevity and straightforward repairs. It feels robust and professional.
The Breville BES870XL also has a premium feel with its brushed stainless steel housing, but it incorporates more plastic in its construction and relies on more complex electronics. While it's a durable machine, the Gaggia’s simpler, heavier-duty build is often cited as being more likely to last for decades with proper maintenance.
Price & Value
At first glance, the Gaggia Classic Pro appears to be the more affordable option at around $450, compared to the Breville's $700+ price tag. However, the Gaggia requires a separate, high-quality burr grinder to perform well, which will add a minimum of $200-$300 to the total cost. This brings the full setup price for the Gaggia into a similar range as the Breville.
The Breville offers fantastic value as an all-in-one package, you get everything you need to start making good espresso in one box. The Gaggia route provides better long-term value for a hobbyist, allowing you to upgrade your grinder or modify the machine over time without replacing the entire setup.
Style & Footprint
With its modern, all-inclusive design, the Breville has a sleek, polished look that fits well in a contemporary kitchen. However, it takes up a bit more counter space with its integrated grinder housing, measuring 12.5" wide and 16.5" tall.
The Gaggia Classic Pro is noticeably more compact at just 9.5" wide and 14.2" tall. Its style is timeless and utilitarian, with a classic espresso machine posture that looks right at home in any coffee corner. Keep in mind you will need extra space for your separate grinder.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these are excellent machines, but they serve different goals and individuals.
Choose the Breville BES870XL if:
- You want an all-in-one solution that's ready to use out of the box.
- Convenience and ease of use are your top priorities.
- You're a beginner and want to make great-tasting coffee drinks with minimal fuss.
- You appreciate a modern, streamlined aesthetic and guided feedback from features like a pressure gauge.
Choose the Gaggia Classic Pro if:
- You're an enthusiast who enjoys the process and challenge of making espresso from scratch.
- You already own a good burr grinder or plan to invest in one.
- You value extreme durability, reliability, and the ability to repair and modify your machine.
- Longevity and a timeless design are more important to you than integrated features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Breville and Gaggia?
The Breville Barista Express is an all-in-one machine with a built-in grinder and user-friendly features designed for convenience. The Gaggia Classic Pro is a more traditional, manual machine that requires a separate grinder and more skill but is built with commercial-grade parts for exceptional durability.
Which is better for a beginner?
The Breville Barista Express is generally considered better for beginners. Its integrated grinder, clear interface, and precise temperature controls make it much easier to achieve consistent, tasty results right away.
Do I need a separate grinder for the Gaggia Classic Pro?
Yes, absolutely. To get the most out of the Gaggia Classic Pro, you need a capable espresso grinder that allows for fine adjustments. Using pre-ground coffee will produce poor results.
Is the built-in grinder on the Breville any good?
For an integrated grinder, it is very capable and sufficient for most home users starting their espresso journey. It is not as powerful or consistent as a high-end standalone grinder, but it performs well enough to pull excellent shots.
Can you upgrade the Gaggia Classic Pro?
Yes. The Gaggia Classic Pro is famously easy to upgrade and modify. Popular modifications include adding a PID controller for better temperature stability, installing a pressure gauge, and upgrading dispersion screens and baskets.
Which machine is more durable?
The Gaggia Classic Pro is widely regarded as the more durable machine due to its simpler mechanical design and robust commercial-grade components, like its brass boiler and group head.
Which one makes a better latte or cappuccino?
Both machines have powerful steam wands capable of producing great milk foam for lattes and cappuccinos. The Gaggia's commercial-style wand has more raw power, offering the potential for superior microfoam with practice. The Breville's wand is a bit more forgiving for beginners.
How much space do I need on my counter?
The Breville measures 12.5" W x 12.6" D x 16.5" H. The Gaggia is more compact at 9.5" W x 8" D x 14.2" H, but remember to factor in space for a separate grinder next to it.
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