Gaggia Anima Coffee And Espresso Machine – Coffee Lover’s Pick
The Gaggia Anima Coffee and Espresso Machine is the first espresso machine in the new Anima series from Gaggia.
Gaggia has completely redesigned the exterior of this super-automatic espresso machine, adding sleeker front panelling and a stainless steel finish that contrasts beautifully with the rich black interior.
The Anima series is an excellent option for anyone looking for a super-automatic espresso maker at an affordable price.
It has all the features you’d expect from a Gaggia machine, including a Pannarello steam wand, a large water reservoir, a dreg bin, and a super-automatic function.
All you have to do is load the beans, tamp them in, and press the start button. Then, the machine does the rest, including frothing your milk, making the espresso, and dispensing the drink.
Let’s look at the features of the Anima machine.
Ceramic Burr Grinder
The Anima has a bean grinder as part of its overall functioning. But not just any grinder — this is a high-quality ceramic burr grinder. It is not only quick and efficient, but it can also handle varied roast levels without clogging.
Furthermore, burr grinders are recognized for providing consistent and even grinds regardless of the degree you're attempting to attain.
The ceramic burr grinder gives you the option of selecting one of five different grind settings according to your favourite brew.
Large Bean Hopper
The Anima can store your coffee beans until you’re ready to grind and brew. The hopper has a capacity of 8.8 ounces, which is rather considerable compared to other super-automatic machines on the market.
The only criticism we have is that the hopper's cover is not airtight. But, of course, it won't be an issue if you drink coffee every day or brew many cups throughout the day.
However, if you only use your machine every other day, you may be dissatisfied with the beans’ freshness if you put them in the hopper.
Automatic Shut-off Function
This Gaggia machine has an automatic shut-off mode that saves energy and promotes safety by shutting off the unit after a set time of inactivity. You may set this timer to anything from 15 minutes to 3 hours.
Pannarello Steam Wand
The Anima comes with a Panarello steam wand that quickly produces fluffy milk froth. It features a gleaming stainless steel finish and is simple to clean.
It may involve a learning curve, but you should be able to get the hang of it after a few attempts to obtain the perfect quantity of froth. Next, slide the Panarello off and use the steam wand as a single-hole steam pipe.
If you want to make anything other than thick foam with giant bubbles suited for cappuccinos, this may be a better alternative for you. For example, if you’re going to produce silky microfoam flat whites and lattes.
Intuitive Display
The LCD screen on this Gaggia machine provides a clear and straightforward display. It’s located in the upper middle of the device and is large enough to allow you to view your controls readily.
On both sides of the screen, next to the screen, six buttons allow for simple operation.
Large Water Tank
The Gaggia Anima has a big water reservoir with a capacity of 60 ounces. It can contain enough water to brew many cups of coffee, and even more if you’re mostly pulling espresso shots.
The tank is accessible from the back, as is usual in super-automatic espresso and coffee makers. Yes, it is less handy than front-access units, but it has a smaller footprint and better fits most kitchens.
We should also highlight that filling the water tank is a simple and mess-free process. You can quickly remove and reconnect it without any problems. There’s also an indicator light to let you know when it’s time to refill.
Brewing Settings
When it comes to brewing settings, it provides various options for creating a personalized coffee beverage.
Right away, you can regulate the temperature by selecting the best of three options. You may also choose from 5 dosage sizes, allowing you to fine-tune the taste and intensity of your coffee.
Changing the brew size can also help you use enough coffee dependent on the size of the cup you’re making, while the grind size levels provide you more control over specific factors like saturation.
The fact that all of these settings are located on the machine's front face, alongside the screen, makes it easy to see your options.
Furthermore, the Gaggia Anima includes an extra size option, allowing you to further personalize your beverages beyond the pre-programmed proportions.
Price
Even though this is a high-quality espresso and coffee maker, it is attractively priced.
You may find other machines with the same functions, but the Anima may be more cost-effective because it has everything you need and doesn't have any unnecessary extras.
To make this even more affordable, take advantage of the current price reductions on Amazon. The standard price of Gaggia Anima is $900, but you can get it at less than half off through Amazon’s “Exclusive Deals.”
Check Out The Latest Price Here
Pros
- The Gaggia Anima is an excellent choice for first-time coffee brewers who want to test the waters with full-fledged grinding/brewing/frothing equipment. It is owing to its user-friendly controls, many brew settings, and simplicity of cleaning.
- The Gaggia Anima coffee maker has 3 different temperature settings of 177.5°, 182.9°, or a maximum of 184.5° to make you the right cup of drink.
- You are also able to choose between using whole bean or pre-ground coffee
- Despite its modest size, this espresso machine has a small footprint that will fit in your kitchen counter.
- The Anima can produce high-quality espresso shots as well as espresso-based milk drinks.
- It is simple to clean and requires little care.
- The Gaggia Anima has a fine ceramic burr grinder that offers a uniform and consistent grind while retaining the natural oils of the coffee beans.
Cons
- Despite being composed of long-lasting ABS thermoplastic, the outside of the Gaggia Anima is still totally plastic, which some consumers find concerning in terms of lifespan.
- The bean hopper’s cover does not seal airtight, which implies that it may lose part of the smell and freshness of the coffee beans.
- This machine does not fully utilize the built-in pump for more delicate grind settings.
- This Gaggia espresso machine does not enable the storing of multiple profiles for personalized coffee settings.
FAQs
Is the Gaggia Anima a semi-automatic or super-automatic espresso machine?
The Gaggia Anima is a fully automated espresso machine. It grinds beans, expresses espresso, adds water (if necessary), foams and steams milk, and empties the wasted coffee ground puck into a self-contained storage bin at the push of a button.
Does the Gaggia Anima have a boiler or a thermoblock heater?
A single stainless steel boiler powers the Gaggia Anima. It is highly accurate and always warms to the temperature set.
Does it have a warranty?
Yes, Gaggia provides a one-year limited warranty.
Do the Gaggia Anima steam and froth milk automatically?
Yes, the Gaggia Anima features a frothing wand in the Pannarello style. It infuses the steam with a bit of quantity of additional air. Then, with a single button push, it produces a uniform, error-free smooth microfoam.
How long does a Gaggia Anima last?
For the average coffee drinker and home barista, the Gaggia Anima can last a few years. For avid and professional owners, it can last much longer.
How do you use ground coffee in Gaggia Anima?
You will need to grind the coffee beans for your Gaggia Anima. The user manual will specify the right amount of coffee grinds depending on the type of beans that you are using.
How do you clean a Gaggia Anima?
Have a cup of warm water ready. Wet a soft cloth with it and wipe the exterior of your machine to remove any built-up grime. Alternatively, use a clean sponge soaked in warm soapy water.
Is Saeco and Gaggia the same company?
No. Saeco and Gaggia are both Italian companies that produce traditional espresso and coffee machines. The only difference is their models and purpose.
Where are Gaggia machines made?
The Gaggia Home Espresso Machine is made in Italy.
What is the Gaggia Anima made of?
The Gaggia Anima is completely made of stainless steel.
Do you have to use Gaggia descaler?
No, you do not have to use Gaggia descaler. However, the descaling process prolongs the machine’s lifespan and ensures its optimum performance.
Is It Worth Your Money?
The Anima is the first of three lower-priced super automated machines from Gaggia, the oldest name in pump-driven espresso. The Gaggia Brera has very comparable characteristics.
However, if you need a bit extra capacity, the Anima is worth considering. Given the Gaggia brand and its "starter machine" characteristics, it is reasonably priced. Unfortunately, it also has a few extra tiny bells and whistles.
Customer Reviews
In general, the feedback has been good. Customers are pleased with the flavour of this Automatic coffee Machine. According to several customers, it is simple to use and clean.
The maintenance is quick and straightforward. The best aspects of the coffee are its quality and consistency. A few customers have complained about the machine's loud noise, but most do not find it bothersome.
The majority of the negative criticism concerned the product’s durability. Some comments complained about the sensor failing and the machine breaking down.
Even though the grinder was full of coffee beans, the machine showed that it was empty. There were no such difficulties for several customers.
The reviews suggest that the Gaggia Anima coffee machine should be maintained and cleaned regularly to avoid any problems.
In addition, customers advise t machine to disassemble and thoroughly clean to minimize blockage in the machine. In terms of performance, there were no significant problems.
However, the price was a deterrent for several of the customers who had difficulties utilizing the equipment. Consumers who were happy with the performance, on the other hand, verified that the price was justified.
Check Out The Latest User Reviews Here
Alternatives
Gaggia Brera
The Brera is a low-cost, limited edition Gaggia Super-Auto. It has substantially the same functions as the Anima, and both machines offer the same quality at a low cost.
Therefore, the Brera is suitable for those who want to invest in a super-automatic espresso machine but do not want to invest too much time and money into grinding and espresso shots.
Gaggia Classic
The Gaggia Classic is the entry-level Gaggia espresso machine with the most basic features. It has a stainless steel boiler, manual controls and can grind and expresso in three sizes.
Gaggia Synthia
The Gaggia Synthia is a cheaper competitor of the Anima that is still in the range of $300-$400. However, it is easy to use and produces superior quality coffee in just one or two brews like the Anima.
Conclusion
The Anima is the perfect coffee maker for those looking to build their first or second espresso machine. Many users find that it provides a better-than-expected flavour. There are, however, some complaints about the durability of the machine.
If you need a little extra capacity and quality in your espresso machine at a high-end price, then the Anima is for you. It offers superior taste and performance at a lower price than many alternatives while maintaining simple design and usability.
I hope that this article helped you to know whether this is the best machine for you!
