Comparison · Updated
Breville Bambino Plus vs. Gaggia Classic Pro E24
These two cost about the same and both fit a small counter, but they are built for different people. The Bambino Plus heats in seconds and steams milk automatically. The Gaggia Classic Pro is a simple, full-size 58mm machine with a manual wand and one of the deepest upgrade communities in home espresso.
Breville
Bambino Plus
$500
The easiest way into real milk drinks: it heats in seconds and the automatic wand textures milk for you. Pair it with a capable grinder and it punches well above its price.
Choose it if
- You mostly drink lattes and cappuccinos
- You want good milk without learning to steam
- Fast mornings matter: it is ready almost instantly
Gaggia
Classic Pro E24
$499
A long-running classic with a full-size 58mm group. It rewards a little technique and has one of the deepest upgrade communities of any home machine.
Choose it if
- You mostly drink straight espresso
- You like learning technique and may want to mod later
- You want standard 58mm baskets and accessories
Prices as of Oct 27, 2026; they may have changed, so check the retailer. Links may become affiliate links; as of launch none are. Disclosure.
Specs side by side
| Spec | Bambino Plus | Classic Pro E24 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500 | $499 |
| Heating | ThermoJet heater | Single boiler |
| Temperature control | Yes (PID/electronic) | Manual |
| Heat-up | Fast | Moderate |
| Steaming | Great, automatic wand | Good, manual wand |
| Portafilter | 54mm | 58mm |
| Footprint | Small | Small |
| Skill level | Beginner | Intermediate |
| Retailers listed | 2 | 1 |
| Good for milk drinks | Yes | Yes |
| Fits a small counter | Yes | Yes |
| Beginner-friendly | Yes | No |
| Built-in grinder | No | No |
| Upgrade-friendly | No | Yes |
Specs are our editorial summary of manufacturer and retailer information and may contain errors. Verify with the manufacturer.
Verdict
Which should you buy?
For milk drinks with the least friction, the Bambino Plus. For straight shots and a machine you can grow with, the Gaggia Classic Pro. Either one needs a capable grinder; budget about $200–450 for it.
Grinders we would pair
-
With the Bambino Plus
Eureka Mignon Specialita ($449) or Eureka Mignon Silenzio 55 ($399)
-
With the Classic Pro E24
Eureka Mignon Specialita ($449) or Eureka Mignon Silenzio 55 ($399)