The Gaggia Classic Pro E24 is the espresso machine I recommend to anyone serious about home espresso. But before you buy it, let me tell you why the Bambino is a trap.
The Bambino looks sleek. It's compact. It promises espresso in seconds. But here's the problem: it sacrifices everything that makes espresso worth making.
The Bambino's heating system is too small. You'll spend more time waiting for temperature stability than actually pulling shots. The portafilter is undersized, which means less water contact with your grounds. And the steam wand? It's weak. You won't get the microfoam you need for proper milk drinks.
Most importantly, the Bambino locks you into a dead-end. You can't upgrade the internals. You can't improve the workflow. Once you hit its ceiling, you're buying a new machine.
The Gaggia Classic Pro E24 costs less than the Bambino, but it gives you everything the Bambino doesn't. It has a proper heating system. The portafilter is full-sized. The steam wand actually steams milk. And here's the kicker: it's upgradeable. You can mod it. You can improve it. You can grow with it.
The E24 is the machine that teaches you espresso. It's not a toy. It's a tool.
Check out the Gaggia Classic Pro E24
No espresso machine works without a proper grinder. The TIMEMORE Sculptor 064S is the grinder I use. It's precise. It's consistent. It grinds fine enough for espresso without choking your machine.
Check out the TIMEMORE Sculptor 064S
The Bambino is a shortcut that doesn't lead anywhere. The Gaggia Classic Pro E24 is the foundation of a real espresso setup. Skip the Bambino. Start with the machine that will actually teach you how to pull a shot.
Regardless of which method you choose, you need the right station to support it. I have written deep-dive guides on how I organize my own counters for both workflows:
And remember, the best brewer in the world can't save bad beans. I use Trade Coffee to ensure I always have fresh, single-origin bags ready to grind.
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