When it comes to high-quality, built-in espresso machines, there are two top brands that reign supreme: Gaggia and Breville.
Both of these companies are known for their superior engineering and advanced technology, and they both offer a range of excellent models to choose from.
The Gaggia Classic is perhaps the most popular machine in the Gaggia lineup, offering robust performance and built-in accessories like an automatic milk frother for rich cappuccinos and lattes.
In contrast, the Breville Barista Express stands out for its modern design and customizable features, making it ideal for espresso connoisseurs who want more control over every step of the brewing process.
This guide will pit these two machines against each other in a battle of Breville vs Gaggia, so you can decide which one is the best fit for your needs!
Important: Gaggia and Breville have many models that vary in price and features. For the purposes of this guide, I will be comparing the Gaggia Classic and the Breville Barista Express. Different models will have different results.
Here is a list of Breville and Gaggia models to help you choose the best machine for your needs:
Breville:
- Breville Barista Express (bes870xl)
- Breville Barista Pro
- Breville Bambino Plus
- Breville Infuser
Gaggia:
- Gaggia Classic
- Gaggia Brera
- Gaggia Classic Pro
- Gaggia Anima Prestige
- Gaggia Babila
The Breville Power
Have you ever thought about it? Breville keeps coming out with all these new models, each one a little bit different from the last. Some have more power, some have different features, and some are just slightly tweaked versions of an existing model.
Breville started in 1932 in Australia. The company was founded by Bill O’Brien and Harry Norville, two friends who first created the company to make radios and later in World War 2 mine detectors.
After the war, they started making home appliances which is when they made their first foray into the world of espresso in 2001.
Gaggia, The 1938 Patent
Gaggia has a different story. It was started in 1938 by Achille Gaggia. The company was born out of a desire to create better espresso. At the time, most espresso was made with steam pressure which made for a weak and watery drink.
Gaggia’s invention used high-pressure pumps to force water through the coffee grinds, creating a much richer and more flavorful espresso. This method is still used today and is the standard for most espresso machines.
Get this free cheat sheet to step up your coffee game and learn about the different grind sizes!
The Important Differences Between Breville and Gaggia
I will focus on the important differences between these two companies so that you can make an informed decision when choosing your next espresso machine.
1. Ease of Use (Best For Beginners)
If you are a beginner, or if you just want an easy to use machine, then the Gaggia Classic or Gaggia Classic Pro is the way to go. These machines are simple to use and require very little setup or maintenance.
More specifically the Classic Gaggia Pro has the following features that make it beginner-friendly:
- User Interface
- Removable Water Tank
- Portafilter
- Plastic Tamper
- Removable Drip Tray
- 2 Year Warranty
The Gaggia Classic Pro doesn’t have a pre-infusion feature, but there are plenty of videos online showing you how to do a manual pre-infusion if you want to get that extra bit of flavor out of your coffee.
Here is one of them:
You won’t find any other espresso machine on the market that is this easy to use, which is why I recommend it for beginners. The high quality pumping system also means that you won’t have to upgrade to a better machine down the road.
2. Overall Value
The Breville Barista Express is the best overall value. It has all the features you need to make great espresso, without any of the bells and whistles that you don’t need.
Some of the key features include:
- Double-Wall Filter Baskets
- Magnetic Tamper
- Removable Water Tank
- In-Build Grinder
- Steam Wand
The price for one of these machines is around $700, which is a great price for an espresso machine with this many features. The only downside is that since its a hybrid machine the grinder can’t be as good as a standalone one, but it’s still good enough to produce great espresso.
Keep in mind that you don’t need a commercial machine for your home, so don’t get too caught up in the features. The Breville Barista Express will do everything you need it to do and more.
TIP: If you want to save some money, look for a used Breville Barista Express on Amazon. You can find them for around $600 which is a great deal.
Related Read: Why Are Espresso Machines So Expensive?
3. Making Latte’s and Cappuccino’s
If you want to make lattes and cappuccinos at home, then you need a machine with the best steam wand. The Gaggia Anima Prestige is the best machine for this.
The milk frothing system is super narrow and provides a lot of space underneath for steaming milk. This is important because it allows you to get the milk hot without scalding it.
The machine also comes with a built in grinder, which is a nice feature to have if you want to save some counter space. The price for this machine is around $800, which is on the higher end but worth it if you want to make latte’s and cappuccino’s at home.
I mostly like this machine because it’s very easy to use. The screen display is very user friendly and the machine does all the work for you.
Like the previous models, some key features I really appreciate with this machine:
- 15 Bar Pressure
- Ceramic Flat Burr Grinder
- Mostly Stainless Steel With A Few Plastic Parts
- Includes A Coffee Scoop
- Grease For The Brew Group
4. Small Space
If you live in a small apartment or home and don’t have a lot of counter space, then the Breville Infuser Espresso Machine is the best choice.
The built-in pressure gauge that it has will guide you brew the perfect espresso shot every time. The price for this machine is around $600, which is very reasonable considering all the features it has.
Some of the key features of this machine are:
- Volumetric control
What is volumetric control?
This allows you to program how much water dispenses for each shot. So, if you want a double shot, it will dispense twice the amount of water.
- Maintenance Indicators
- Flexible Shot Control for Better Extraction
- Best to Create Micro-Foam for Latte Art
My personal favorite feature is the volumetric control because it takes the guesswork out of making espresso. I tried this machine at a friend’s house and was really impressed with how user-friendly it was.
5. Super Automatic Machine
A super automatic coffee machine is one that does everything for you. You just add the beans and water and it extract the best espresso quality shot for you.
The best for this job is the Gaggia Breba. It’s the most affordable super automatic machine on the market, coming in at around $300.
Don’t let the price tag fool you, this machine is packed with features.
Some of the key features include:
- Bypass Doser For Pre-Ground Coffee
- Ceramic Burr Grinder (5 Settings)
- Manual Steam Wand
- Compact Size (10 x 15.5 x 11.5 Inches)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Cheaper Espresso Machines Worth it?
Cheaper espresso machines are fantastic for home baristas! While high-end models may offer everything you’ve always dreamed about, they don’t necessarily give better quality drinks.
In fact many affordable options today use state-of-the-art brewing technology that rivals even commercial grade equipment. And with things like milk frothers included in these cheaper prices it’s easy to see why more people choose them over more expensive alternatives.
How Well Can You Clean Breville and Gaggia Espresso Machines?
Cleaning your espresso machine is important to maintain its performance and longevity.
Luckily, both Breville and Gaggia machines are very easy to clean.
For Breville and Gaggia machines, the drip tray, portafilter, and group head can be removed and placed in the dishwasher. The steam wand can also be detached and washed with soapy water.
You can also use a descaling solution to clean the inner workings of your machine on a monthly basis. This will help remove any build-up of coffee oils and calcium deposits.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed this article on Breville and Gaggia espresso machines. These are two great brands that offer a wide range of machines to suit every need and budget.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me. I would love to hear from you!
Happy Brewing!
Evelina
Evelina’s passion for coffee could never been hidden. Having worked as a barista, she learned the true value of the coffee bean and its secrets. As she continued to evolve as a barista, so did her knowledge, techniques on making different coffee blends and most importantly how to operate every kind of gear when it comes to coffee. Having a degree in biomedicine and being a barista, allows her to provide our community with in-depth knowledge surrounding the topics of coffee.
Get this free cheat sheet to step up your coffee game and learn about the different grind sizes!
