ConsFirst / Espresso machines / Compare
Breville Bambino Plus vs Gaggia Classic Evo Pro (E24)
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Breville Bambino Plus ranks higher (#1 vs #2 of 8) and scores better on milk frothing, ease of use, cleaning & upkeep. Gaggia Classic Evo Pro (E24) wins on espresso quality, durability.
The biggest complaint about the Breville Bambino Plus is stops working within months; for the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro (E24) it's no pid: inconsistent temperature and shots. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Breville Bambino Plus | Gaggia Classic Evo Pro (E24) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in espresso machines | #1 | #2 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$ |
| Type | Espresso machine (no grinder) | Espresso machine (no grinder) |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 19% | 13% |
| Overall score | 3.7 | 3.6 |
| Espresso quality | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| Milk frothing | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Ease of use | 4.5 | 3.0 |
| Cleaning & upkeep | 3.5 | 3.0 |
| Durability | 2.5 | 4.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $300 · $$ $300–800 · $$$ over $800. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Breville Bambino Plus
- Stops working within months
Durability is a negative aspect in Amazon's review summary, with multiple owners saying it broke after about 5 months. Reliability gets mixed feedback, with some saying it stopped working after a month.
- Forced cleaning cycles; frother can over-foam
Amazon owners give maintenance mixed marks and say they are forced through cleaning cycles. Food Network found the frother can over-foam and the portafilter prone to dripping.
- Light body, limited wand reach, pricey for entry level
Walmart reviewers say it is so light you have to hold the machine down to remove the portafilter. Tom's Guide lists the limited steam wand movement and an entry-level price that is still high as its cons.
Gaggia Classic Evo Pro (E24)
- No PID: inconsistent temperature and shots
Wirecutter says shot consistency is harder to sustain back to back without PID control, and Tom's Guide says temperatures still aren't properly stable. Consistency is a negative aspect on Amazon.
- Leaks and spitting from the steam wand
Leakage is a negative aspect on Amazon, with owners reporting water spitting and dripping from the steam wand. Amazon's summary also says some report it breaking down after 1.5 years.
- Flimsy tamper, few accessories, awkward tank
Wirecutter and Tom's Guide both say the plastic tamper needs replacing, and there's no milk pitcher. Wirecutter found reinserting the under-boiler water tank and its tubes tricky.
Source: Wirecutter, Tom's Guide review
Who should pick which
Pick the Breville Bambino Plus if
Beginners who want lattes with hands-free milk
Small kitchens (about 7 inches wide)
Pairing with a separate grinder
Skip it if: You want a built-in grinder; You want a machine with a strong long-term reliability record; You want to tinker with every shot variable
Pick the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro (E24) if
Learning to pull café-quality shots
People who already own a good grinder
Long-term ownership with routine maintenance
Skip it if: You want push-button milk drinks; You want accessories in the box; You want consistent temperature without technique
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