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Quick verdict
Choose the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine if you want pID temperature control keeps shot temperature consistent shot to shot. 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 BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Espresso Machines 2026 list.
Winner overall: Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine vs Gaggia Classic Pro compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
Keep researching
- Best Espresso Machines 2026
- Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine review
- Gaggia Classic Pro review
- All espresso machines
Bottom line
Choose the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine if you want pID temperature control keeps shot temperature consistent shot to shot. 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 BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Espresso Machines 2026 list.
Breville
The pot fills up, the light turns off, and you drink whatever comes out without questioning it.
- Built-in conical burr grinder with dose control
- 15-bar Italian pump
- Manual steam wand for microfoam milk
- Digital PID temperature control
- Pre-infusion for even espresso extraction
- Removable water tank with venturi straw
✓ 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 BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine or the Gaggia Classic Pro?
Choose the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine if you want pID temperature control keeps shot temperature consistent shot to shot. 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 BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Espresso Machines 2026 list.
What is the difference between the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine and the Gaggia Classic Pro?
The Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine stands out because pID temperature control keeps shot temperature consistent shot to shot, 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 BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine's ma in caveat is that real learning curve, dialing in grind size, dose, and tamp pressure takes weeks to master, and the Gaggia Classic Pro's is that no auto features, requires more learning than the Bambino Plus.
Is the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine worth it over the Gaggia Classic Pro?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Gaggia Classic Pro instead if real learning curve, dialing in grind size, dose, and tamp pressure takes weeks to master is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Gaggia Classic Pro instead of the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine?
The Gaggia Classic Pro suits beginners and first-time buyers.
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