Breville Infuser BES840 vs Gaggia Classic Evo Pro
Side-by-side comparison of two espresso machines
| Specification | Breville Infuser BES840 | Gaggia Classic Evo Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Breville | Gaggia |
| Price (MSRP) | $580 | $500 |
| Category | Semi-Auto | Semi-Auto |
| Boiler Type | Thermoblock | Single Boiler |
| Boiler Material | Stainless Steel | Aluminum |
| Boiler Capacity | N/A | 100 ml |
| Pump Type | Vibratory | Vibratory |
| PID Control | Yes | No |
| Pre-Infusion | Yes | Yes |
| Pressure Profiling | No | No |
| Flow Control | No | No |
| Group Head | 54mm Breville | Standard 58mm |
| Portafilter | 54 mm | 58 mm |
| Steam Wand | Commercial | Commercial |
| Water Source | Reservoir | Reservoir |
| Reservoir | 1900 ml | 2100 ml |
| Cup Warmer | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 305 x 320 x 380 mm | 230 x 240 x 380 mm |
| Weight | 8.0 kg (17.6 lbs) | 8.2 kg (18.1 lbs) |
| Power | 1600W | 1300W |
| Made In | Australia | Italy |
Expert Analysis
The Gaggia Classic Evo Pro and Breville Infuser compete in the $500-580 range for enthusiast beginners. The Gaggia is an updated Classic with improved pre-infusion and the legendary 58mm commercial group. The Infuser features PID temperature control, pre-infusion, a shot timer, and Breville's polished user experience. The Infuser's built-in PID gives it a significant temperature stability advantage out of the box, while the Gaggia requires an aftermarket PID or temperature surfing. Both produce excellent espresso when dialed in, with the Gaggia's 58mm group offering wider accessory compatibility. Steam performance is good on both. The Gaggia's modding community is enormous, with established upgrade paths. Build quality on the Gaggia is more robust. Choose the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro for 58mm compatibility, extensive mod potential, and commercial DNA. Choose the Breville Infuser for out-of-box PID control, pre-infusion, and a polished user experience.
Features: Both machines offer Pre-Infusion. The Breville Infuser BES840 additionally features PID Temperature Control.
Boiler Design: The Breville Infuser BES840 uses a thermoblock system while the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro employs a single boiler configuration. This is a fundamental difference that affects workflow, steaming capability, and temperature stability.
Our Verdict
Choosing between the Breville Infuser BES840 and the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro depends on your priorities. If budget is your primary concern, the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro offers excellent value. However, if you're willing to invest more for additional features and build quality, the Breville Infuser BES840 delivers a premium experience. Both are capable machines that can produce excellent espresso in the right hands.