Bambino Plus vs Gaggia Classic Pro E24 (2026): Which Beginner Espresso Machine Is Right for You?
Breville Bambino Plus — best for most beginners
The default recommendation for most beginners reading this guide.
Check price on Amazon30-second verdict
The Bambino Plus is the better machine for most beginners. It heats up in 3 seconds, auto-froths milk consistently, and pairs perfectly with a beginner grinder. The Gaggia Classic Pro E24 is the better machine for tinkerers — it uses the industry-standard 58mm portafilter, has a huge modding community, and rewards learning with better long-term results.
Breville Bambino Plus — ~$350–400
Best for most beginners. Fastest path to consistent espresso and milk drinks.
Side-by-side table
| Feature | Bambino Plus | Gaggia Classic Pro E24 |
|---|---|---|
| Portafilter size | 54mm | 58mm |
| Heat-up time | ~3 seconds | ~10–15 minutes |
| Milk steaming | Auto (one-touch) | Manual steam wand |
| PID temperature control | No (thermojet) | Yes (E24 model) |
| Boiler type | Thermojet | Single boiler |
| Water tank | 64 oz | 72 oz |
| Dimensions | Compact | Medium |
| Mod community | Limited | Enormous |
| Price (typical) | ~$350–400 | ~$400–450 |
Daily milk drinks
The Bambino Plus’s auto-frother produces consistent, decent microfoam for lattes. The Gaggia’s manual steam wand produces better microfoam once you learn the technique — but the learning curve is real, and your first two weeks will include some terrible milk.
Learning curve and the 58mm advantage
Grinder dependency
Neither machine will produce good espresso with a bad grinder. But the Gaggia punishes poor grind quality more visibly — channeling, uneven extraction, and sour shots are more apparent with an unpressurized 58mm basket. This is actually a feature: it teaches you what good extraction looks and tastes like.
See our grinder comparison for the two grinders we recommend pairing with these machines.
Who buys the Bambino Plus
- You want great espresso without a steep learning curve
- You make milk drinks daily and want consistency
- Counter space is limited
- You’d rather spend more on the grinder than the machine
- You value convenience over customization
Who buys the Gaggia Classic Pro E24
- You enjoy learning and tinkering
- You want a machine you can mod and upgrade over years
- You plan to learn manual milk steaming
- You prefer the 58mm ecosystem (more basket and accessory options)
- You’re okay with a longer warm-up and more hands-on workflow
Who buys neither
If you want a single machine with a built-in grinder and the smallest possible footprint, look at the Barista Express Impress. It’s a compromise, but for some kitchens it’s the right one.
Suggested bundles
| Budget | Machine | Grinder | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~$500–650 | Bambino Plus | Encore ESP | ~$550–600 | See bundle |
| ~$650–850 | Bambino Plus | DF54 | ~$650–700 | |
| ~$900–1,100 | Gaggia Classic Pro E24 | DF54 | ~$700–750 |
Full breakdown with accessories: Beginner Home Espresso Setup Guide.
Shopping list
🛒 Machine Shopping List
| Item | Est. price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Breville Bambino Plus ⭐ | ~$350–400 | Amazon · Whole Latte Love · Seattle Coffee Gear |
| Gaggia Classic Pro E24 | ~$400–450 | Amazon · Whole Latte Love |
Merchant links are affiliate links. Full disclosure.
FAQ
Does the Gaggia E24 come with a PID now?
Yes. The E24 revision includes a factory PID, which was previously an aftermarket mod. This makes temperature management much easier out of the box.
Can I do latte art with the Bambino Plus?
The auto-frother produces decent foam, but latte art is easier with the manual wand version or after upgrading to a manual steam tip. It’s possible but inconsistent with the stock auto-frother.
Which one lasts longer?
The Gaggia has a longer track record of 10+ year lifespans with basic maintenance. The Bambino Plus is newer and more electronics-dependent. Both should last 5+ years with proper care.
What about the regular Bambino (non-Plus)?
The non-Plus Bambino drops the auto-frothing and a few convenience features. It’s $50–80 cheaper. If you only drink straight espresso, it’s a fine choice. For milk drinks, the Plus is worth the upgrade.