Gaggia Classic Pro vs Breville Barista Pro BES878
As of June 13, 2026, the Gaggia Classic Pro ($499) is about $351 cheaper than the Breville Barista Pro BES878 ($850).
Both are prosumer-tier machines, so neither is a clear step up — pick on boiler design and features rather than prestige. The Gaggia Classic Pro uses a single boiler while the Breville Barista Pro BES878 uses a fast-heating thermoblock; that drives how fast it heats and whether you can steam and brew at once. At today's prices the Gaggia Classic Pro saves you about $351 (70.3%), a meaningful gap worth weighing against the features above. The Breville Barista Pro BES878 is MAP-priced (everyone lists the same number), while the Gaggia Classic Pro shows real retailer variation — it can be worth waiting for a dip. Remember the all-in cost: the Breville Barista Pro BES878 has a built-in grinder (ready to brew near $970), whereas the Gaggia Classic Pro needs a separate grinder, pushing a complete setup to about $998.
Price history
Key differences
- Boiler / architecture: Gaggia Classic Pro — semi-auto single boiler; Breville Barista Pro BES878 — semi-auto ThermoJet
- MSRP: Gaggia Classic Pro — $500; Breville Barista Pro BES878 — $900
- Current price: Gaggia Classic Pro — $499; Breville Barista Pro BES878 — $850 (70.3% gap)
- Built-in grinder: Gaggia Classic Pro — no; Breville Barista Pro BES878 — yes
- Complete setup from: Gaggia Classic Pro — $998; Breville Barista Pro BES878 — $970
| Gaggia Classic Pro | Breville Barista Pro BES878 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest now | $499.00 | $849.95 |
| Cheapest at | wholelattelove | wholelattelove |
| MSRP | $500 | $900 |
| Savings | save $1 vs MSRP | save $50 vs MSRP |
| Tier | prosumer | prosumer |
| Type | semi-auto single boiler | semi-auto ThermoJet |
| Retailers tracked | 1 | 1 |
| Price spread | 0% (MAP-tight / near-zero dispersion) | 0% (MAP-tight / near-zero dispersion) |
| Complete setup from | $998 | $970 |
Which is cheaper, the Gaggia Classic Pro or the Breville Barista Pro BES878?
The Gaggia Classic Pro is cheaper at $499, about $351 less than the Breville Barista Pro BES878 at $850 (as of June 13, 2026).
How big is the price difference between the Gaggia Classic Pro and Breville Barista Pro BES878?
About $351 (70.3%) at today's prices — the Gaggia Classic Pro is $499 and the Breville Barista Pro BES878 is $850.
Is the Gaggia Classic Pro or Breville Barista Pro BES878 better for a beginner?
They're both prosumer-tier, so neither is a clear beginner pick over the other — choose on boiler type (semi-auto single boiler vs semi-auto ThermoJet) and price.
Does either the Gaggia Classic Pro or Breville Barista Pro BES878 have a built-in grinder?
The Breville Barista Pro BES878 has a built-in grinder; the Gaggia Classic Pro does not, so you'll need a separate grinder (a complete setup runs about $998).
Prices last updated June 13, 2026. The cheaper pick is highlighted; “complete setup” adds a recommended grinder + essentials (see each product’s setup builder). Confirm the final price at the retailer.