Summary
Choosing the best espresso machine depends on how much control you want over the cup, how much counter space you have, and whether you care more about straight espresso or textured milk. Here we compare three popular manual machines sold in the United States: the De’Longhi Dedica EC685M, the Gaggia Classic Pro E24 and the Breville Bambino Plus. One thing should be clear from the start: this site does not physically test any product. We rely on the manufacturers’ technical documentation and on objective buying criteria, as we explain in how we choose.
| Product | Pressure | Boiler / heating system |
|---|---|---|
| De'Longhi Dedica EC685M | 15 bar | Thermoblock |
| Gaggia Classic Pro E24 | 15 bar | Lead-free brass |
| Breville Bambino Plus | 9 bar | ThermoJet |
Buying criteria
Before looking at specific models, it helps to understand what sets one espresso machine apart from another. These are the criteria we use to rank the three machines, and they work for any other model you are considering.
Boiler type and thermal stability
The boiler is the heart of the machine. It shapes water temperature, heat-up time and how consistent one cup is from the next. The three machines take different approaches.
The De’Longhi Dedica EC685M uses a Thermoblock system. This kind of heater warms water on demand, which usually means short waits. In return, thermal stability over long sessions tends to be lower than with a classic boiler design.
The Gaggia Classic Pro E24 lists a boiler made of Lead-free brass. It is a more traditional approach with more thermal mass, which usually asks for a little patience while it heats up in exchange for steadier temperature during extraction.
The Breville Bambino Plus uses ThermoJet technology, designed to heat very quickly and go from switched on to ready to brew in very little time. It is an approach geared toward everyday convenience.
As a general rule, if speed matters to you, the on-demand heating system wins. If consistency matters and you are willing to wait, the boiler with more mass wins.
Pump pressure
Pressure is one of the most repeated numbers in coffee machine marketing, and one of the most misunderstood. A high figure on a spec sheet does not mean better coffee by itself; what counts is the pressure that actually reaches the ground coffee and how it is regulated.
The De’Longhi Dedica EC685M lists a pressure of 15 bar, and the Gaggia Classic Pro E24 lists the same figure, 15 bar. The Breville Bambino Plus, in contrast, states 9 bar. That contrast is not a flaw: some brands advertise the pump’s maximum pressure and others the working pressure during extraction. That is why these numbers should not be compared directly without knowing each manufacturer’s convention.
What is useful to understand is that, for a good espresso, the combination of grind, dose and working pressure is what counts, not the highest number on the spec sheet.
Portafilter and accessory compatibility
The portafilter determines which accessories you can use and how much room you have to improve your coffee over time. A standard size opens the door to third-party baskets, tampers and distribution tools.
The Gaggia Classic Pro E24 has a portafilter of 58 mm, a format that is widespread in home and semi-professional espresso. That makes it easier to find compatible spare parts and accessories.
The Breville Bambino Plus has a portafilter of 54 mm, which is somewhat smaller. It works well with the brand’s own accessory ecosystem, although the third-party catalog is more limited.
For the De’Longhi Dedica EC685M, the documentation we used does not state the portafilter size, so we cannot say anything specific about it. If accessory compatibility matters to you, check the official site before deciding.
Milk system
If your go-to drink is a cappuccino or a latte, the steam wand matters as much as the boiler.
The De’Longhi Dedica EC685M includes an Adjustable manual milk frother, designed for people who want foam without too much fuss. The Breville Bambino Plus offers Automatic hands-free milk texturing, aimed at giving beginners more repeatable results with less manual work.
The Gaggia Classic Pro E24 lists a Commercial-style steam wand. It is a manual machine, and with manual machines the user’s technique has a large influence on the result.
Size, weight and water tank
Counter space is a limited resource. The De’Longhi Dedica EC685M stands out for its slim design, with dimensions of 5.86 W x 12 H x 13 D in, and a weight of 8.9 lb. It is a comfortable option for small kitchens.
The Gaggia Classic Pro E24 measures 8 W x 14.2 H x 9.5 D in and weighs 19 lb. It is a more solid machine that feels sturdy, although it needs a more generous spot and is less convenient to move.
Breville presents the Bambino Plus as a compact machine, but the documentation we used does not give dimensions we can rely on, so we do not list them. Keep in mind that manufacturers and stores do not always express dimensions in the same order, so check the real space available before buying.
As for the tank, the De’Longhi holds 33.8 fl oz and the Gaggia 72 fl oz. A larger tank means fewer refills over the week, which is welcome if you drink several coffees a day.
| Product | Weight | Power | Water tank |
|---|---|---|---|
| De'Longhi Dedica EC685M | 8.9 lb | 1,300 W | 33.8 fl oz |
| Gaggia Classic Pro E24 | 19 lb | 1,425 W | 72 fl oz |
Materials and build
The Gaggia Classic Pro E24 lists a finish of Brushed stainless steel, and the Breville Bambino Plus a body of Stainless steel. The documentation we used for the De’Longhi Dedica EC685M does not state its materials, so we do not rate it on this point. Metal finishes are usually associated with greater perceived durability and a more refined look, although a spec sheet does not let us judge the real quality of each internal part.
Power consumption
The stated power affects heat-up time and the ability to hold temperature. The De’Longhi Dedica EC685M is rated at 1,300 W on 120 V mains, while the Gaggia Classic Pro E24 is rated at 1,425 W on 110-120 V. Both versions listed here are the North American models, rated for the 120 V-class mains used in U.S. homes. Always check the manufacturer’s manual for the exact electrical requirements.
What data we use and what we don’t
Every figure in this article comes from the manufacturers’ official documentation. We do not include third-party opinions or reproduce store ratings. You can learn more about who we are and how we work on the about us page.
Who each one is for
If you are starting out and want something compact: De’Longhi Dedica EC685M
This is the most logical option if you have little space and want a manual machine without too many complications. Its slim design fits small kitchens, and its adjustable manual milk frother lets you start making cappuccinos without buying additional accessories. It is a good entry point to the world of manual espresso.
If you want to learn and improve over time: Gaggia Classic Pro E24
This is the candidate for anyone who sees espresso as a hobby. Its sturdier build, its classic-style boiler and a standard-format portafilter invite you to experiment, swap accessories and fine-tune your recipe. In return, it asks for more space, more weight and a bit more dedication.
If milk and convenience matter to you: Breville Bambino Plus
It is designed for anyone who wants to go from a switched-off machine to a cappuccino in a short time, with an automatic milk system that shortens the learning curve. It is a sensible choice for people who value speed and repeatability over total customization.
If your priority is straight espresso
Of the three, the Gaggia Classic Pro E24 fits best thanks to its more traditional approach and its room for improvement. Even so, remember that the result depends heavily on your grinder and the freshness of your coffee, a factor no machine can make up for on its own.
If you don’t want to deal with maintenance
All three require periodic descaling and group cleaning, but machines with fast heating tend to be simpler to use day to day. Always check the manufacturer’s manual for the recommended maintenance.
Pros and cons
De’Longhi Dedica EC685M
Pros
- Very slim format, ideal for kitchens with little space.
- On-demand heating thanks to its thermoblock-type system.
- Adjustable manual milk frother for making cappuccinos.
- Light enough to move or store easily.
Cons
- The documentation does not state the portafilter size, which makes it hard to judge accessory compatibility.
- Thermal stability in long sessions can be lower than with a boiler with more mass.
- Less room for customization for advanced users.
Gaggia Classic Pro E24
Pros
- Sturdy build with a brushed metal finish.
- Lead-free brass boiler in a classic design.
- Standard-format portafilter, with a wide world of accessories.
- Generous water tank.
Cons
- Bulkier and heavier, and harder to move around.
- Takes some practice to get good results.
- The steam wand is manual, so milk texturing depends on your technique.
Breville Bambino Plus
Pros
- Very fast heating thanks to the ThermoJet system.
- Automatic milk system, convenient for beginners.
- Stainless steel body and compact format.
Cons
- Smaller portafilter, with fewer third-party accessories.
- The documentation we used does not state weight, power or tank capacity.
- Less room for anyone who wants to control every extraction variable.
If this is your first machine, start with our guide to the espresso machine for beginners. If you are looking to spend little, our guide to choosing a cheap coffee maker will help. And if you would rather have the machine grind the beans for you, see the guide to espresso machines with a built-in grinder or the comparison of super-automatic machines.
Where to buy
Frequently asked questions
What is the best espresso machine for beginners?
It depends on what you are looking for. The Breville Bambino Plus and the De'Longhi Dedica EC685M are the most accessible thanks to their quick heating and their milk systems, while the Gaggia Classic Pro E24 asks for a little more practice but offers more room to improve.
Do I need a separate grinder?
Yes, in practice it is strongly recommended. These three machines are manual and do not include a grinder, and the quality of the grind affects the final result as much as or more than the machine itself.
Does higher pressure mean better coffee?
Not necessarily. Manufacturers do not always measure pressure the same way: some advertise the pump's maximum and others the working pressure during extraction. What matters is the grind, the dose and the consistency of the extraction.
Have you tested these machines?
No. This site does not physically test any product. We compare the specifications published by the manufacturers and rank them with objective criteria. You can see how we work on the how we choose page.
How often do I need to descale the machine?
It depends on the hardness of your water and how much you use it. The most reliable approach is to follow the instructions in the manufacturer's manual and to use suitable water to reduce scale buildup.
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