Gaggia Anima Prestige Review: Versus DeLonghi Magnifica Evo
If you’re looking for a straightforward, well-designed fully automatic espresso machine that won’t break the bank, this Gaggia Anima Prestige review is for you. Often compared to models like the DeLonghi Magnifica Evo in the budget super automatic space, the Gaggia Anima Prestige offers a compelling combination of features and performance that make it a popular choice for home baristas. This article delves into the specifics of the Gaggia Anima Prestige, providing a detailed look for those considering it alongside the DeLonghi Magnifica Evo and other competitors.
Regular readers will know how highly Gaggia espresso machines are rated. The Italian manufacturer has made significant inroads into the North American market, largely due to the impressive price-performance ratio they offer. While the Gaggia Anima Prestige is one of the manufacturer’s older super automatics, giving it a slightly dated look, its capabilities and affordability make it a strong contender. With a price tag that reflects its budget positioning, the Anima Prestige is built to produce consistently excellent coffee and milk foam, standing as a workhorse in the home kitchen.
Solid budget machine
Gaggia Anima Prestige
Compact, affordable and easy to use
Space-saving design
Makes great espresso
Plenty of adjustable settings
Ceramic burr grinder
Milk system not the easiest to clean
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Gaggia Anima Prestige Review Overview
In the world of super automatic espresso machines, models typically priced under $1,000 are often classified as budget-friendly options. This positioning is relative, especially when compared to high-end machines like those from Jura. The Gaggia Anima Prestige comfortably fits into this budget category, yet it offers features and build quality that punch above its weight.
The construction includes more stainless steel than might be expected at this price point, contributing to a feeling of durability. Gaggia also paid attention to design, resulting in a slim profile and an integrated milk carafe that minimizes the machine’s counter space footprint – a definite plus for kitchens with limited room. The integrated frother, a key feature, is noted as being particularly effective.
While the user interface, with its pixelated screen and physical buttons, does give the machine a somewhat dated appearance compared to modern touch screens, it’s functional and easy to navigate. Some might even find the 80s arcade game vibe adds a touch of retro charm.
Performance-wise, the Anima Prestige delivers. Espresso quality is pleasing, and the milk foam for drinks like latte macchiato is excellent. Its low-maintenance nature and ease of cleaning are also significant advantages for busy users, making it a practical choice for daily use.
Gaggia Anima Prestige Super-Automatic Espresso Machine Features
Continuing the Gaggia Anima Prestige review, let’s explore its specific features in detail.
User Interface
Gaggia Anima Prestige front view showcasing the display and buttons
Despite its dated appearance, the user interface of the Gaggia Anima Prestige is highly functional. The large display and clearly labeled buttons make operation straightforward and intuitive. Navigating menus is simple, and dedicated buttons for one-touch specialties like cappuccino and latte macchiato, along with menu and aroma strength controls, mean users won’t need to constantly refer to the manual. Adjusting drink settings is easily managed through this interface.
Ceramic Grinder
The Anima Prestige is equipped with a ceramic burr grinder, known for its quiet operation. It offers five adjustment settings, which can only be changed while the grinder is running – a common practice with super automatic machines. Adjusting the grind requires using an Allen wrench, conveniently located on the underside of the included coffee scoop, within the bean compartment. While perhaps not as simple as some other machines, making adjustments in small increments (one grind level at a time) yields good results over a few brewing cycles. Remember, the effect of a grind change isn’t immediately apparent.
Bypass Doser
Following current trends, the machine includes a bypass doser for pre-ground coffee. While a convenient feature for emergency use (like running out of beans or needing decaf), bypass dosers can be prone to clogging, especially with fine grinds or in humid conditions within the machine. The brew group is designed for coffee ground to specific specifications, so using pre-ground coffee, particularly very fine or powdery types, should be done cautiously to avoid issues.
Water Reservoir
The Gaggia Anima Prestige features a removable 60-ounce (1.8-liter) water reservoir. It lifts out from the top and has a useful carry handle. The reservoir is compatible with an Intenza+ cartridge, which is highly recommended. Using a water filter improves coffee taste and significantly reduces limescale buildup, extending the machine’s lifespan. Users should utilize the included water hardness test strips to adjust the filter settings accordingly for optimal performance and reduced descaling frequency.
Gaggia Anima Prestige Milk Carafe: Milk Foam Quality
Close-up view of latte macchiato made with Gaggia Anima Prestige milk frother
The integrated milk frothing system on the Gaggia Anima Prestige is a highlight. Instead of external tubes, it uses a carafe that clips directly onto the front. This design is space-saving and convenient, allowing users to prepare milk-based drinks without moving their cup – simply slide the dispensing spout over the cup, select the beverage, and enjoy one-touch specialties. The quality of the milk foam produced is consistently impressive, yielding creamy and consistent results for drinks like latte macchiato.
Specialty Drinks
While the Anima Prestige doesn’t boast the widest variety of one-touch specialty drinks compared to some higher-end machines, it offers options like cappuccino and latte macchiato. Crucially, it allows for customization of espresso strength, espresso volume, milk froth volume, temperature, and grind size. This flexibility means users can tailor existing recipes or create their own, such as programming a small cappuccino to make an espresso macchiato or adding frothed milk to a manually adjusted espresso shot.
Memo Function
A useful feature at this price point is the Anima Prestige’s memo function. It allows users to program and save their preferred espresso and milk foam volumes by holding down a button and confirming the settings. The machine also remembers the selected coffee strength. This feature provides a level of personalization without the need for multiple user profiles.
Hot Water Function
To dispense hot water, for tea or Americanos, the milk container can be easily removed and replaced with the hot water nozzle, which clicks into place. This dedicated nozzle ensures that hot water does not come into contact with milk residue, preventing flavor contamination. While dispensing hot water requires a quick setting change in the menu, the process is quick and practical.
Cup Height
The height-adjustable dispensing spout on the Gaggia Anima Prestige accommodates a range of cup sizes. The maximum clearance is 6 inches (15.2 centimeters), suitable for latte glasses or travel mugs. It can be lowered to just over 3 inches (7.6 centimeters), ideal for espresso cups, minimizing splashing and preserving the crema.
Removable Brew Group
Gaggia Anima Prestige removable brew group shown outside the machine
The Gaggia Anima Prestige features a removable brew group, essential for thorough cleaning. While initially it might take a little practice to remove, its placement above a coffee residue collection drawer simplifies maintenance. The drip tray is located underneath this assembly. Proper seating of the collection drawer (ensuring yellow and black tabs are positioned correctly) is important to avoid jamming the brew group. The availability of replacement brew groups is a notable advantage, allowing for easy component replacement if needed.
How to Use the Gaggia Anima Prestige
Using the Gaggia Anima Prestige is quite intuitive. For first-time users of automatic machines, consulting the manual for details on installing the water filter and inputting water hardness is recommended. Before first use, rinsing all removable parts is a good practice. Then, fill the water reservoir and bean hopper, and power on the machine. Experimenting with settings like strength and volume is encouraged to find your preferred taste profile, and the machine is robust enough to withstand such adjustments. For milk drinks, ensure the hot water dispenser is replaced with the milk carafe, clicking it gently but firmly into place.
Espresso Preparation
For brewing espresso, maximizing the coffee strength (all five beans highlighted on the display) and using the finest grind setting are common approaches to get a robust shot. Espresso shots from the Gaggia Anima Prestige exhibit a good crema and can yield pleasant chocolate notes, which is a desirable characteristic for a super automatic. The espresso is generally rich and full-bodied. Brewing temperature is adjustable, though the default setting often produces good results. For black coffee preferences, making an americano by adding hot water to espresso is recommended over using the espresso lungo function, which can lead to bitter, over-extracted coffee.
Best Coffee for the Gaggia Anima Prestige
For optimal results with the Gaggia Anima Prestige, choosing high-quality, freshly roasted beans is key. A medium roast espresso blend with notes like chocolate and hazelnut often pairs well with the machine’s capabilities, producing balanced and flavorful shots suitable for drinking straight or with milk.
- Grind setting: 2 (adjust only when grinder is running)
- Espresso volume: 1.4 ounces (40 milliliters)
- Coffee volume (for larger black coffee): 4 ounces (120 milliliters)
- Temperature: Factory setting
- Coffee strength: 4
Gaggia Anima Prestige Cleaning
Gaggia Anima Prestige milk system cleaning process
Maintaining a super automatic machine might seem daunting, but the Gaggia Anima Prestige is designed for relatively easy cleaning. The integrated milk carafe requires regular attention; while it has an optional automatic cleaning cycle after use, a thorough manual cleaning, taking the carafe apart, is recommended weekly. Other removable parts like the brew group, drip tray, and used grounds container should be rinsed regularly. Cleaning the water tank is also important to prevent buildup. Periodic cleaning of the coffee circuit with Gaggia Coffee Clean tablets and descaling with Gaggia Decalcifier are also necessary, with instructions detailed in the user manual.
Gaggia Anima Prestige Specifications
| Gaggia Anima Prestige |
|---|
| Manufacturer |
| Model number |
| Product category |
| Removable brew group |
| Housing material |
| Color options |
| Milk frother |
| User interface |
| App |
| User profiles |
| Removable water reservoir |
| Water reservoir capacity |
| Number of boilers |
| Pump pressure |
| Maximum cup height |
| Minimum cup height |
| Grinder |
| Grind adjustment levels |
| Bean hopper capacity |
| Pre-ground coffee bypass |
| Grounds discard container capacity |
| Specialty drinks |
| Pre-infusion |
| Adjustable coffee temperature |
| Adjustable milk foam temperature |
| Adjustable milk temperature |
| 2-cup function |
| Pot function |
| Hot water function |
| Hot milk function |
| Milk foam only option |
| Water filter |
| Power consumption |
| Weight |
| Dimensions |
| Warranty |
| Notes |
| Current price on Amazon |
| All specifications |
Gaggia Anima Prestige vs. Competitors (Including DeLonghi Magnifica Evo)
When considering the Gaggia Anima Prestige, potential buyers often compare it to other popular models in the budget super automatic category, including machines from Philips and DeLonghi. The DeLonghi Magnifica Evo is frequently mentioned as a key alternative, offering a different approach to integrated milk systems and user interfaces. While a direct, detailed feature-by-feature comparison with the Magnifica Evo based on the same testing methodology isn’t provided here, it’s important to look at the Anima Prestige’s standing among its peers.
Here’s a comparison table including the Gaggia Anima Prestige and other relevant models often considered alongside it, demonstrating key specifications:
| Gaggia Anima Prestige | Gaggia Magenta Prestige | Philips 3200 LatteGo |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Gaggia | Gaggia |
| Model number | RI8762 | RI8702/46 |
| Product category | Super automatic espresso machine | Super automatic espresso machine |
| Removable brew group | Yes | Yes |
| Housing material | Stainless steel with plastic parts | Plastic with stainless steel parts |
| Color options | Stainless Steel | Black |
| Milk frother | Integrated carafe | Integrated carafe |
| User interface | Color LCD with buttons | Color TFT with buttons |
| App | No | No |
| User profiles | Memo function only | Memo function only |
| Removable water reservoir | Yes | Yes |
| Water reservoir capacity | 60.9 fl oz / 1.8 l | 60.9 fl oz / 1.8 l |
| Number of boilers | 1 | 1 |
| Pump pressure | 15 bar | 15 bar |
| Maximum cup height | 5.9 in / 15.0 cm | 5.9 in / 15.0 cm |
| Minimum cup height | 4.3 in / 10.9 cm | 4.3 in / 10.9 cm |
| Grinder | Ceramic flat burr grinder | Ceramic flat burr grinder |
| Grind adjustment levels | 5 | 5 |
| Bean hopper capacity | 8.8 oz / 250.0 g | 8.8 oz / 250.0 g |
| Pre-ground coffee bypass | Yes | Yes |
| Grounds discard container capacity | 15 | 15 |
| Specialty drinks | 6 | 10 |
| Pre-infusion | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable coffee temperature | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable milk foam temperature | No | No |
| Adjustable milk temperature | No | No |
| 2-cup function | Yes (non-milk drinks only) | Yes (non-milk drinks only) |
| Pot function | No | No |
| Hot water function | Yes | Yes |
| Hot milk function | No | No |
| Milk foam only option | No | No |
| Water filter | Yes | Yes |
| Power consumption | 1850 W | 1400 W |
| Weight | 19.1 lb / 8.7 kg | 17.0 lb / 7.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 13.4 x 8.7 x 17.0 in (34.0 x 22.1 x 43.2 cm) | 14.0 x 17.1 x 8.8 in (35.6 x 43.4 x 22.4 cm) |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Notes | Included accessories: Lubricant, Grinder adjustment key, Coffee scoop, Instruction booklet. | Included Accessories: Grease tube, Ground coffee spoon, water hardness test strip. |
| Current price on Amazon | #### $899.00 | $679.99 |
This table provides a quick comparison against other Gaggia models and a popular Philips alternative, showcasing how the Anima Prestige stacks up in terms of core features and specifications. Potential buyers comparing the Gaggia Anima Prestige Vs Delonghi Magnifica Evo should evaluate these specifications and features alongside specific details and reviews of the Magnifica Evo to determine which machine best meets their needs regarding drink options, milk system preference, user interface, and overall performance within the budget super automatic segment.
Verdict: Gaggia Anima Prestige Super-Automatic Espresso Machine Review
Based on an in-depth look, the Gaggia Anima Prestige proves to be a strong contender in the budget super automatic espresso machine market. It consistently delivers quality espresso and impressive milk foam, particularly noted for its performance with latte macchiato. Its compact design and integrated milk carafe are significant advantages for saving counter space.
While its user interface might feel dated compared to newer machines, it is highly functional and easy to use. The integrated carafe, while convenient for its design, can be slightly more demanding to clean thoroughly compared to some alternative milk systems, which is a minor drawback.
Considering its price point, the Gaggia Anima Prestige offers excellent value. Its robust functionality, focus on core coffee and milk capabilities, and overall ease of use make it a recommended choice for those seeking a reliable super automatic without a premium price tag. When comparing the Gaggia Anima Prestige Vs Delonghi Magnifica Evo, both machines cater to a similar audience, and the choice often comes down to specific feature preferences, design aesthetics, and milk system handling. The Anima Prestige stands out for its solid build and consistent output.
Anima Prestige Review FAQ
Where is the Gaggia Anima Prestige made?
The Gaggia Anima Prestige is manufactured in Italy.
What does the alarm code E05 on Gaggia Anima Prestige mean?
This error code refers to a blocked grinder.
Is Gaggia a good brand?
Yes, Gaggia is a respected company known for producing high-quality espresso machines.
