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Quick verdict
Choose the Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS if you want 3-second heat-up eliminates the wait that discourages consistent daily espresso practice. Choose the Gaggia Classic Pro if you'd rather have the best machine for beginners who want to genuinely learn espresso craft rather than avoid it. Overall we rank the Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Espresso Machines Under $500 list.
Winner overall: Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS
Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS vs Gaggia Classic Pro compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
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- Best Espresso Machines Under $500
- Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS review
- Gaggia Classic Pro review
- All espresso machines
Bottom line
Choose the Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS if you want 3-second heat-up eliminates the wait that discourages consistent daily espresso practice. Choose the Gaggia Classic Pro if you'd rather have the best machine for beginners who want to genuinely learn espresso craft rather than avoid it. Overall we rank the Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Espresso Machines Under $500 list.
Best OverallBreville
3-second heat-up eliminates the wait that discourages consistent daily espresso practice
- 3-second heat-up
- Auto milk texturing
- PID control
- Compact
✓ Pros
- The best machine for beginners who want to genuinely learn espresso craft rather than avoid it
- 58mm commercial portafilter and group head produce espresso indistinguishable from a café when properly dialed
- The most active online beginner community of any single machine
- A machine that does not need to be replaced as skills develop
✕ Cons
- No auto features, requires more learning than the Bambino Plus
- Temperature surfing required without a PID mod
Best Learning MachineGaggia
The best machine for beginners who want to genuinely learn espresso craft rather than avoid it
- 58mm portafilter
- Commercial group head
- Real steam wand
- Made in Italy
✓ Pros
- The best machine for beginners who want to genuinely learn espresso craft rather than avoid it
- 58mm commercial portafilter and group head produce espresso indistinguishable from a café when properly dialed
- The most active online beginner community of any single machine
- A machine that does not need to be replaced as skills develop
✕ Cons
- No auto features, requires more learning than the Bambino Plus
- Temperature surfing required without a PID mod
FAQ
Common questions
Which is better, the Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS or the Gaggia Classic Pro?
Choose the Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS if you want 3-second heat-up eliminates the wait that discourages consistent daily espresso practice. Choose the Gaggia Classic Pro if you'd rather have the best machine for beginners who want to genuinely learn espresso craft rather than avoid it. Overall we rank the Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Espresso Machines Under $500 list.
What is the difference between the Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS and the Gaggia Classic Pro?
The Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS stands out because 3-second heat-up eliminates the wait that discourages consistent daily espresso practice, while the Gaggia Classic Pro stands out because the best machine for beginners who want to genuinely learn espresso craft rather than avoid it. The trade-offs differ too: the Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS's ma in caveat is that requires a separate grinder, and the Gaggia Classic Pro's is that no auto features, requires more learning than the Bambino Plus.
Is the Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS worth it over the Gaggia Classic Pro?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Gaggia Classic Pro instead if requires a separate grinder is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Gaggia Classic Pro instead of the Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS?
The Gaggia Classic Pro suits beginners and first-time buyers, while the Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS is best for buyers who want the best overall package.
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