Last updated: August 19, 2026
Choosing between the Breville Bambino Plus and the Gaggia E24 (the machine most espresso fans still call the “Classic Pro” successor) comes down to how much control you want over your shots and how much counter space you’re willing to give up. The Bambino Plus uses Breville’s ThermoJet heating system to hit brew temperature in about 3 seconds and pairs a 54mm portafilter with automatic microfoam milk texturing, making it the faster, more beginner-friendly option. The Gaggia runs a 58mm commercial-style portafilter, a three-way solenoid valve for clean pucks, and a traditional steam wand that rewards practice with more consistent latte art.
Both machines are legitimately capable of café-quality espresso, but they attract different owners. If you want speed and a smaller footprint, the Bambino Plus in either Damson Blue or Black Stainless Steel wins. If you want a machine that grows with your skills and matches the 58mm portafilter standard used by most prosumer grinders, the Gaggia E24 is the better long-term investment. We’ve also included a few accessories, tampers and a spare 54mm portafilter, that solve real problems owners run into with either machine.
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Watch: Breville Bambino Plus vs. Gaggia Classic Pro: Which is Right for You? — Video Review
How to Choose
See also: The Best Espresso Subscription Boxes for Coffee Aficionados • Best Espresso Machine for Under $1000: Prosumer Powerhouses
- Portafilter size: Bambino Plus machines use 54mm baskets; the Gaggia E24 uses the more common 58mm size, which opens up more aftermarket basket and tamper options.
- Boiler type: ThermoJet (Bambino Plus) heats in seconds but doesn’t hold heat between shots as long as the Gaggia’s traditional boiler, which is better for back-to-back drinks.
- Milk workflow: The Bambino Plus automates microfoam texturing for you; the Gaggia’s manual wand takes longer to learn but gives more control over foam density.
- Countertop footprint: The Bambino Plus is roughly 7.7 inches wide, noticeably smaller than the Gaggia, which matters if you’re working with a compact kitchen.
- Tamper fit: Match your tamper to your portafilter, 53-53.3mm for Bambino Plus baskets, 58mm for the Gaggia, rather than assuming one size fits both.
The Best Picks Reviewed
Breville BES500DBL Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, Damson Blue
This is the easiest on-ramp into real espresso we’d recommend for a first machine. The ThermoJet heater gets you shot-ready almost instantly, and the automatic milk texturing takes the guesswork out of steaming for daily lattes and cappuccinos. The Damson Blue finish also just looks good on a small counter.
Breville BES500BST Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, Black Stainless Steel
Mechanically identical to the Damson Blue version, this is the pick if you want a finish that blends into a stainless steel kitchen instead of standing out. Same 54mm portafilter, same fast heat-up, same automatic steam wand, just a more neutral look.
Gaggia RI9380/46 E24 Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
The E24 is built around a 58mm portafilter and a three-way solenoid valve, the same core architecture that made the original Classic Pro a favorite among home baristas who eventually upgrade their grinder and basket. Expect a longer warm-up than the Bambino Plus, but more thermal stability once you’re pulling multiple shots in a row.
KNODOS 58mm Tamper, Rosewood, Self Leveling and Double Spring Loaded
Built specifically for 58mm baskets, this makes it the natural upgrade tamper for the Gaggia E24. The spring-loaded, self-leveling design applies consistent pressure so you’re not relying on your wrist to avoid channeling, and the rosewood handle is a nice step up from the stock stamped tamper most machines ship with.
54mm Portafilter Double Spout for Breville Barista Express, Bambino Series
A direct-fit replacement or backup portafilter for the Bambino Plus lineup. Handy if your stock portafilter handle loosens over time, or if you want a dedicated double-spout portafilter to leave pre-dosed while your primary one is drying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate grinder for either machine?
Yes for consistent results. Neither the Bambino Plus nor the Gaggia E24 includes a built-in grinder, so you’ll want a burr grinder that can dial in fine enough for espresso, ideally one that matches your portafilter size (54mm or 58mm baskets).
Is the Gaggia E24 harder to use than the Bambino Plus?
It has a steeper learning curve, mainly because of the manual steam wand and slower warm-up. The Bambino Plus automates milk texturing and heats almost instantly, which is why it’s the better pick for someone new to espresso.
Can I use a 58mm tamper on the Bambino Plus?
No. The Bambino Plus uses a 54mm basket, so you’ll need a 53-53.3mm tamper like the MUVNA Force for a proper fit. Using a 58mm tamper on a 54mm basket won’t seat correctly and can damage the basket rim.
Which machine holds temperature better for back-to-back shots?
The Gaggia E24’s traditional boiler generally retains heat more evenly across multiple pulls than the Bambino Plus’s ThermoJet system, which is optimized for fast single-shot heat-up rather than sustained volume.
Final Thoughts
For most home users, the Breville BES500DBL Bambino Plus is the pick, it’s fast, compact, and automates the trickiest part of espresso, milk texturing. If you already know you want to grow into 58mm gear and manual steaming, the Gaggia E24 is the better foundation. Either way, pair your machine with a properly sized tamper, the KNODOS 58mm for the Gaggia or a 53mm tamper for the Bambino, since basket fit affects extraction more than most beginners expect.
