December 10, 2023 Jason Diep

Gaggia Classic Evo Pro vs. Breville Barista Pro

Ah, the sweet aroma of freshly brewed espresso – it's like a warm hug for your senses. But with so many espresso machines on the market, finding the perfect one can be a bit like hunting for the Holy Grail. Fear not, for in this epic battle, we pit two espresso heavy weights against each other: the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro and the Breville Barista Pro. Strap in, coffee lovers, because it's time for a caffeine-fueled showdown!

Gaggia Classic Evo Pro:

We kick things off with the Italian Maestro, the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro. A machine that exudes Italian charm and craftsmanship. Gaggia, a brand steeped in espresso history, has been delivering top-notch coffee experiences since 1938. The Classic Evo Pro proudly carries forward this legacy.

If you've ever dreamt of channeling your inner barista and want to learn the art of espresso making, the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro is your trusty sidekick. It's perfect for those who are eager to refine their skills and embark on a journey to brew espresso perfection.

Best Suited Consumer:

Aspiring Baristas: The Gaggia Classic Evo Pro is tailer-made for individuals who have a passion for coffee and aspire to become skilled baristas. It offers a platform for learning the art of espresso-making without overwhelming beginners with too many features.

Traditionalists: If you appreciate the classic and timeless design of Italian espresso machines and prefer a straightforward, no-frills brewing experience, the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro is your ideal companion.

Budget-Conscious Coffee Lovers: This machine is a great fit for those who want to enjoy high-quality espresso at home without breaking the bank. It offers excellent value for its price point, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers.

Occasional Espresso Drinkers: If you're not a daily espresso drinker but enjoy occasional homemade shots, the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro provides a hassle-free way to satisfy your cravings without too much complexity.

Breville Barista Pro:

Next up is the Aussie Innovator, the Breville Barista Pro, a modern espresso marvel hailing from Australia. Breville is renowned for its cutting-edge kitchen appliances, and the Barista Pro is no exception. It's designed for those who demand professional-level espresso without the steep learning curve.

If you want to skip the barista training and dive straight into espresso nirvana, the Breville Barista Pro is your ticket. It's tailored for coffee enthusiasts who crave exceptional brews without the fuss.

Best Suited Consumers:

Coffee Enthusiasts: The Breville Barista Pro is perfect for coffee enthusiasts who are passionate about their brew and want the highest level of control and customization. It's an excellent choice for those who are willing to invest in a top-tier espresso experience.
Busy Professionals: If find yourself typically rushing out the door, the Breville Barista Pro allows you to have some level of barista level coffee. Having the grinder and brewer 2:1 machine affords you the efficiency to get other things done whilst you make your coffee of choice.
Tech-Savvy Users: Consumers who appreciate modern technology and user-friendly interfaces will find the Barista Pro appealing. Its intuitive LCD screen and programmable options make it easy to create customized coffee drinks.
Home Espresso Aficionados: For individuals who take pride in crafting the perfect espresso or latte at home and enjoy experimenting with different coffee parameters, the Breville Barista Pro offers the tools and precision needed to achieve exceptional results.

Points of Difference:

Design and Build Quality:

In the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro corner, we have a timeless and elegant design, reminiscent of classic Italian espresso machines. Its stainless steel body not only looks great but also promises durability.

On the other hand, the Breville Barista Pro showcases a modern, sleek design with a brushed stainless steel finish, appealing to those who prefer a more contemporary aesthetic.

While both machines excel in build quality, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Are you a fan of classic charm or modern sophistication?

Brewing Performance:

When it comes to brewing performance, the Breville Barista Pro edges ahead with its ThermoJet heating system, boasting rapid heat-up times and precise temperature control. The higher pump pressure range can also result in more intense flavor extractions.

The Gaggia Classic Evo Pro, on the other hand, relies on a single boiler system, which is slightly slower but still delivers impressive results. Despite the speed, user experience has shown that a single boiler system for steaming milk can provide more consistently silkier froth than the Thermojet, which is a thermoblock.

User-Friendliness:

If you're a beginner looking for a user-friendly experience, the Breville Barista Pro's intuitive LCD screen and adjustable steam wand are hard to beat. It takes the guesswork out of the brewing process, making it accessible even for those new to espresso making. It also helps with efficiency of allowing the machine to do the heavy lifting!

The Gaggia Classic Evo Pro, while not as feature-rich in terms of digital controls, is still beginner-friendly, thanks to the limited number of functions available. However, the classic evo pro will require a separate grinder, which has a learning curve in itself. To get a consistently fabulous shots, it's imperative that you develop a strict workflow that includes weighing and timing your shots.

We can not stress the importance of selecting an excellent grinder to accompany your espresso machine. We have an ultimate guide on grinders here.

If you are curious what electric grinder would best suit you, we have a quick quiz you can take here!

Customization and Control:

Here, the Breville Barista Pro shines with its programmable options. You can adjust grind size, dose, and extraction time to tailor your espresso to your exact preferences. This level of control is a dream come true for coffee connoisseurs who want to experiment and fine-tune their brews.

The Gaggia Classic Evo Pro doesn't offer any programmable features, but its simplicity is its strength for those who prefer a straightforward brewing experience. The Gaggia Classic Evo Pro is a great machine as introduction to what it's like to have a proper barista-style machine and workflow incorporating each element of a professional barista. The authentic barista experience at home!

The Breville Barista Pro also features a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID), which a fancy way to say temperature control. This is an incredibly powerful tool to those who love playing with variables to get as much out of a bean as possible.

Price and Value:

In terms of pricing, the Breville Barista Pro, while pricier, offers a comprehensive package with its advanced features and customisation options. Considering it has an in-built grinder, you're investing a bit more for a top-notch espresso experience, it's worth considering.

The Gaggia Classic Evo Pro generally falls in a more budget-friendly range, making it an excellent value for the quality it delivers. It's perfect for those who want a taste of Italian espresso craftsmanship without breaking the bank. However, you will also need to factor in a good quality grinder to take advantage of its' capabilities.

Specifications Comparison:

Specs	Gaggia Classic Evo Pro	Breville Barista Pro
RRP	$999	$1,399
Water Tank	2.1L	2L
Pump Pressure	15 bars	15 bars
Pre-infusion	Nil	Yes
Portafilter Size	58mm	54mm
Tamper	Plastic	Magnetic metal
Heating Element	1400 W	1680 W
PID	Nil	Yes
Interface	Manual rocker buttons	LCD screen
Grinder	Nil	In-built with 30 settings
Warranty	12 months	24 months
Boiler	Single	Thermocoil group
Boiler Material	0.1L Aluminium	Stainless Steel
Dimensions (WxDxH cm)	23 x 24 x 38	34.3 x 35.4 x 34.2
Weight	7.3kg	8.9kg

Conclusion:

In this epic showdown, we've witnessed two espresso giants battle it out for the title of "best at-home espresso machine." The Gaggia Classic Evo Pro, with its classic design, durable build, and budget-friendly price, caters to those who appreciate the simplicity and elegance of Italian espresso-making.

On the other hand, the Breville Barista Pro, with its cutting-edge technology, rapid heating, and extensive customization options, is a powerhouse for those who demand efficiency and control in their espresso shots.

So, who's the winner? Well, that depends on your preferences and priorities. If you're a budding barista looking to learn the art of espresso, the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro is a fantastic choice. It's a sturdy, reliable machine that won't break the bank. It will give you a closer experience to a barista and give you chance to unlock the flavour potential in beans using an adequate grinder.

However, if you're a coffee enthusiast who craves the utmost control over your brew, the Breville Barista Pro is the champion. Its advanced features and customisation options make it a true espresso aficionado's dream come true.

Ultimately, both machines have their strengths and will undoubtedly brew exceptional espresso. The choice is yours – classic charm and simplicity or modern innovation and customsation. May your espresso adventures be filled with delicious, aromatic cups of joy!