The Gaggia Anima uses the patented Optiaroma brewing system found on many Gaggia espresso machines when it comes to brewing. This gives you a lot of control over the strength of your espresso. You can choose between five settings, which adjust the single-shot dose between 6.5 and 11 grams. Once you’ve been espresso brewing for a while, the unique Gaggia Adapting System learns your preferences and automatically adjusts the grind cycle to ensure you always get a perfect dose. Rather than considering semi-automatic machines, a closer comparison to the Gaggia Anima Prestige is something like a Nespresso coffee machine, which offers a similar one-touch convenience. In this comparison, the Anima is a clear winner in terms of coffee quality – and versatility, for that matter. Freshly ground beans will always taste better than encapsulated pre-ground coffee, and you’ll have a much larger selection of coffees when buying whole bean coffee instead of capsules. Not to mention the environmental downsides of pod coffee ( 6). Cleaning and Maintenance – 4.5/5 Now you’re good to go! I’d recommend playing around with all the settings until your coffee suits your tastes. Sure, you might waste some coffee beans in the process, but it’ll be worth it. Oh, and don’t worry – you won’t damage the machine during your experiments. It's a tad louder than the Brera, I think, but it's still fairly quiet – you're not going to wake the street up. Incredibly simple to use:

Gaggia Anima Prestige Super-Automatic Espresso Machine Gaggia Anima Prestige Super-Automatic Espresso Machine

Bean to cup is perfect for us, no more cleaning than the pod machines and the used coffee can go straight into our compost. I love the top loading for water and beans and emptying/maintaining is easy. The other plus for us being in a very hard water area is that you can install a water filter directly into the water tank, I’m hoping this will help extend the life of the machine. Our previous pod machines have only lasted a couple of years. On the downside, to get the best machine, you'll have to pay for it — the Temp IQ isn't cheap. Additionally, the semi-automatic brewing process is far more laborious than a fully automated machine. Still, after years of testing home espresso machines, we can unequivocally say that a bit of investment and effort is required if you want to recreate cafe-quality drinks at home. If you don't mind making these adjustments to get the best possible results, the Temp IQ will not disappoint. If you don't mind a little learning curve and elbow grease, this is some of the best espresso you can make at home Included Accessories: Measuring scoop, Water hardness test strip, AquaClean filter, Lubricant, LatteGo storage lid

Stamp, J. (2012, June 19). The Long History of the Espresso Machine. Retrieved from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-long-history-of-the-espresso-machine-126012814/ This is a must if you or anyone in your house likes their coffee white. While it’s possible to froth your own milk, getting it right can be a challenge.

Gaggia – Support Center - Whole Latte Love - The Salzman Group Gaggia – Support Center - Whole Latte Love - The Salzman Group

Today Gaggia is still manufacturing espresso machines, and customers still look to them for that elusive thing – the perfect espresso. The menu is a combination of easily-read LCD options and press buttons. Like most Gaggia automatic coffee machines, Anima also comes with an adjustable telescopic coffee dispenser. The clearance is large enough for most travel mugs.

To be honest, multiple user profiles on a machine at this price point would be a little too much to ask. However, the Anima Prestige’s memo function is pretty cool. You don't need another grinder. You don't need a tamper. You don't even need to do much cleaning (aside from regular maintenance). This espresso machine includes all the same drink customization features and includes an integrated milk carafe. However, its user interface is much more modern-looking. In fact, the Magenta Prestige looks more sleek and modern, overall. Add in the fact that there are 12 specialty beverages on offer, and you might find yourself willing to spend a little more.

Gaggia Anima Prestige Super Automatic Espresso Machine Review Gaggia Anima Prestige Super Automatic Espresso Machine Review

For those hoping to make cafe-quality espresso at home while spending as little as possible, the Breville Bambino should be at the top of the list. The Bambino manages to pull espresso and steam milk that belies its small stature and price point — we had trouble discerning between cappuccinos made with this machine and those made with cafe-quality equipment. It also takes up relatively little counter space and costs nearly half of what many comparably capable espresso machines do. Better than that, it makes all or any of these with one touch. You can modify each drink according to your taste preference. It offers five levels of coffee strength settings, three levels of coffee temperature, and you can also adjust the coffee or milk length for each drink. They’re not all for the coffee drinker, either. There’s a hot water option that gives tea drinkers the boiling water they need to start steeping their tea. Representing a true passion for the art of espresso making, the Gaggia Anima showcases Gaggia’s dedication to premium quality.

Brera makes the ideal introduction to the Gaggia espresso machine, so first-time users can get a taste of Gaggia’s capabilities without experimenting with the more elaborate machines.