Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso vs Gaggia Classic Pro
Both made our Best Espresso Machines 2026 shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine if you want pID temperature control keeps shot temperature consistent shot to shot. Choose the Gaggia Classic Pro if you'd rather have commercial-grade group head and 58mm portafilter, the same standard used in professional espresso bars. Overall we rank the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Espresso Machines 2026 list.
Winner overall: Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine vs Gaggia Classic Pro compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 13 in Best Espresso Machines 2026 | #3 of 13 in Best Espresso Machines 2026 |
| Pick label | Best Prosumer Value | |
| Brand | Breville | Gaggia |
| Key features | Built-in conical burr grinder with dose control; 15-bar Italian pump; Manual steam wand for microfoam milk | Commercial-grade group head; 58mm portafilter; Steam wand |
| Biggest strength | PID temperature control keeps shot temperature consistent shot to shot | Commercial-grade group head and 58mm portafilter, the same standard used in professional espresso bars |
| Main trade-off | Real learning curve, dialing in grind size, dose, and tamp pressure takes weeks to master | No PID in the stock configuration, temperature surfing is required for consistent shots |
| Best for | Most buyers | value-focused buyers who want the most for their money |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick
Choose the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine if…
- PID temperature control keeps shot temperature consistent shot to shot
- Steam wand produces genuine microfoam for latte art, not just heated milk
- 22,000+ ratings at 4.6 stars show it holds up well over years of daily use
Prefer the alternative? See the Gaggia Classic Pro section.
#3 pick · Best Prosumer Value
Choose the Gaggia Classic Pro if…
- Commercial-grade group head and 58mm portafilter, the same standard used in professional espresso bars
- Made in Italy by one of the oldest espresso machine manufacturers
- The most moddable beginner machine, widely supported by the home espresso modification community
Best for: value-focused buyers who want the most for their money
Prefer the alternative? See the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine section.
Pros and cons of each
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine
Pros
- PID temperature control keeps shot temperature consistent shot to shot
- Steam wand produces genuine microfoam for latte art, not just heated milk
- 22,000+ ratings at 4.6 stars show it holds up well over years of daily use
Cons
- Real learning curve, dialing in grind size, dose, and tamp pressure takes weeks to master
- Daily cleaning (backflushing, purging the steam wand) is mandatory or the machine clogs
- Burrs and group head need periodic descaling and part replacement
Gaggia Classic Pro
Pros
- Commercial-grade group head and 58mm portafilter, the same standard used in professional espresso bars
- Made in Italy by one of the oldest espresso machine manufacturers
- The most moddable beginner machine, widely supported by the home espresso modification community
- Produces genuinely good espresso when paired with a quality grinder
Cons
- No PID in the stock configuration, temperature surfing is required for consistent shots
- Pairing with a quality grinder is mandatory, not optional
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine vs Gaggia Classic Pro: common questions
Which is better, the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine or the Gaggia Classic Pro?
Choose the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine if you want pID temperature control keeps shot temperature consistent shot to shot. Choose the Gaggia Classic Pro if you'd rather have commercial-grade group head and 58mm portafilter, the same standard used in professional espresso bars. Overall we rank the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Espresso Machines 2026 list.
What is the difference between the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine and the Gaggia Classic Pro?
The Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine stands out because pID temperature control keeps shot temperature consistent shot to shot, while the Gaggia Classic Pro stands out because commercial-grade group head and 58mm portafilter, the same standard used in professional espresso bars. The trade-offs differ too: the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine's main caveat is that real learning curve, dialing in grind size, dose, and tamp pressure takes weeks to master, and the Gaggia Classic Pro's is that no PID in the stock configuration, temperature surfing is required for consistent shots.
Is the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine worth it over the Gaggia Classic Pro?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Gaggia Classic Pro instead if real learning curve, dialing in grind size, dose, and tamp pressure takes weeks to master is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Gaggia Classic Pro instead of the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine?
The Gaggia Classic Pro suits value-focused buyers who want the most for their money.