Gaggia Anima Prestige Review 2023: I’m Sold!

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.

Regular Coffeeness readers will know how highly I rate Gaggia espresso machines. From where I’m sitting, it’s no surprise the Italian manufacturer has made huge inroads into the North American market. I mean, it’s hard to find another brand that offers the kind of price-performance ratio you’ll get from a Gaggia.

With that said, the Gaggia Anima Prestige is one of the manufacturer’s older super automatics, so it looks a bit dated. Still, when you take the $801.81 asking price into account, I don’t think you can complain!

Besides, the Anima Prestige is a workhorse that’ll produce consistently excellent coffee and milk foam. Keep reading my Gaggia Anima Prestige super automatic espresso machine review if you want proof!

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

CHECK PRICE

Gaggia Anima Prestige Review Overview

In my super automatic espresso machine guide 2023, I generally classify models under $1,000 as budget coffee makers. Of course, it’s all relative, but when you consider the price of a Jura coffee machine, the Anima Prestige’s budget tag makes sense.

Anyway, for an affordable machine, the Gaggia Anima Prestige certainly packs a punch. For starters, there’s more stainless steel used in the construction than I’d expect.

What’s more, Gaggia obviously spent a lot of time on the machine’s design. Thanks to its slim profile and integrated milk carafe, the Anima Prestige has a conveniently small footprint. I’d say those of you with limited counter space will definitely appreciate that.

Incidentally, I don’t want you to think I’m glossing over that milk carafe – the Gaggia integrated frother is one of the best I’ve ever seen. I’ll discuss the machine’s milk foaming capabilities a little later in this Gaggia Anima Prestige review.

Remember how I said the Anima Prestige looks a little dated? Well, check out the user interface to see what I was talking about. Listen, I’m not the kind of guy who always needs a touch screen display. Still, I did chuckle when I first saw this Gaggia machine’s pixelated screen and outdated buttons.

Then again, I guess the Anima Prestige espresso machine does present a kind of 80s arcade game vibe, which gives it retro-chic bonus points!

Looks aside, the Anima Prestige performed admirably during my testing. I was more than pleased by the espresso quality on offer, and my latte macchiato milk foam was perfect.

Plus, this is a low-maintenance super automatic espresso machine that’s easy to clean. And last time I checked, those are the things that everyone wants from a fully automatic coffee maker!

Gaggia Anima Prestige Features

By now you will have realized that I’m a big fan of this super automatic espresso machine. Let’s continue my Gaggia Anima Prestige review by looking at all the features on offer.

User Interface

OK, so you’d be forgiven for thinking I was talking trash about the Anima Prestige’s user interface earlier, but I was just poking fun. Actually, the large display and clearly labeled buttons make it really easy to operate the machine. Plus, the user interface is very intuitive, and navigating the menus is a breeze.

There are big, chunky buttons for one-touch specialties like cappuccino and latte macchiato, as well as a menu button and an aroma strength button. I’ll talk more about adjusting drink settings a little later, but for now you should know that you won’t need to spend much time consulting the user manual.

Ceramic Grinder

The Gaggia Anima Prestige comes with a nice and quiet ceramic burr grinder with five adjustment settings. What’s important to remember is that the grind can only be adjusted during operation — which is common with super automatic espresso machines.

You do this in classic IKEA-style by using an Allen wrench in the bean compartment. Incidentally, there’s a key located on the underside of the included coffee scoop. I found that making adjustments isn’t as simple as with most other super automatic espresso machines, making it a bit impractical.

I should add that, with a little patience, the system works well — as it’s important to make adjustments in small increments. That said, my recommendation is to adjust only one grind level at a time.

Again, remember to only adjust the grind settings when the grinder is working. Also keep in mind that your grind change won’t be apparent immediately. You’ll only get to experience the results after a couple of brewing cycles.

Bypass Doser

Following trends in the coffee industry, the Gaggia Anima Prestige includes a bypass doser for pre-ground coffee beans. Overall, I’m not a fan of this feature from any manufacturer. All of their compartments seem to have the same problem: the coffee grinds get stuck because of the humidity in the machine.

On top of that, the brew groups don’t always get along with all kinds of pre-ground coffee, and sometimes they refuse to accept finer coffee grinds altogether. It’s easy to see why this happens, though: each machine is designed to grind coffee to the specifications suitable for its brew group.

In case of an emergency — like realizing you’re out of coffee beans on a Monday morning — yeah, you can make do with pre-ground coffee. Alternatively, you might need to switch to decaf coffee on a Monday evening, so the bypass doser will definitely come in handy.

Still, try to buy pre-ground coffee that isn’t too powdery, or else you could clog up the machine.

Water Reservoir

The Gaggia Anima Prestige super automatic espresso machine is equipped with a 60-ounce (1.8-liter) removable water reservoir. The water tank lifts out from the top of the machine, and it’s got a convenient carry handle for good measure.

I was relieved to see that you can install an Intenza+ cartridge in the Gaggia’s water reservoir, seeing as coffee always tastes better with filtered water. What’s more, using a filter will protect against limescale buildup and that’ll certainly prolong the life of your machine.

Incidentally, you should definitely take advantage of the included water hardness test strips and adjust the water filter accordingly. Trust me, you won’t have to descale your machine as often and your espresso will consistently taste its best.

Milk Foam

As I mentioned earlier in this Gaggia Anima Prestige review, the machine’s milk frother deserves special attention. I’ve always been very impressed by the quality of the milk foam I’ve prepared using Gaggia machines, and I’m happy to report that nothing’s changed here.

Rather than a separate cappuccinatore with pesky tubes, the Anima Prestige features an integrated carafe that clips onto the front of the machine. Plus, thanks to the carafe’s ingenious design, you don’t have to move your cup during drink preparation. You simply slide the dispensing spout over your cup before selecting your beverage and voilà! one-touch specialties!

What I find especially satisfying about the design of the automatic milk frothing system on this machine is that it saves a lot of space. The Gaggia Anima Prestige is nice and compact, leaving you with lots of room on your kitchen counters.

Specialty Drinks

If you’re committed to the idea of a super automatic espresso machine that’ll make all the milk-based drinks under the sun, the Anima Prestige might feel like a letdown. Still, just because there are limited options on the menu doesn’t mean you can’t create your own specialties.

Fortunately, you’re able to adjust espresso strength, espresso volume and milk froth volume along with temperature and grind size.

So, if it’s an espresso macchiato you’re after, you can simply program the machine to make a really small cappuccino. Alternatively, you can dial in an espresso to your liking then top it off with a little frothed milk.

Memo Function

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’ll use this feature when you’re programming espresso and milk foam volumes, and it’s as easy as holding down a button then pressing “OK.” Once that’s done, the machine will remember settings for next time.

Oh, and the Anima Prestige will also keep track of your strength selection. That’s not bad for a budget espresso machine!

Hot Water Function

To prepare tea with the Gaggia Anima Prestige, you can switch to the hot water function by just removing the milk container and plugging in the hot water nozzle. It’ll click into place and can be removed just as easily — by pressing on the side. You can then draw hot water to steep your tea.

I often don’t use this function myself because I prefer to use a stovetop kettle. However, all you tea lovers will definitely find this to be a valuable feature. Oh, and the hot water function is also ideal for making an americano.

The whole process is also quick and practical since the hot water nozzle doesn’t come into contact with milk at any time. That means you don’t have to worry about the taste of dairy tainting your clean water.

I should note that drawing hot water requires a quick setting change in the menu, but it’s nothing to worry about.

Cup Height

You won’t be surprised to hear that the Gaggia Anima Prestige has a height-adjustable dispensing spout. The maximum clearance is 6 inches (15.2 centimeters), which should give you enough room for a latte glass or travel mug. I certainly had no issues fitting my taller glasses under there.

On the flip side, you can lower the spout to a little over 3 inches (7.6 centimeters), which is ideal if you’re preparing straight espresso. You won’t experience irritating splashes all over your counter, and you’ll preserve the Gaggia’s lovely crema in your espresso cup.

Removable Brew Group

The Gaggia Anima Prestige comes with a removable brew group. Now, it’s not quite as easy to remove as I would have preferred. Still, with a little practice, you’ll be able to do it in your sleep.

The Gaggia brew group sits conveniently over a coffee residue collection drawer, which is easy to remove. Underneath the brew group and residue drawer there’s a drip tray. This well-designed combination allows for easy cleaning of the machine.

The method used to reseat the collection drawer is worth paying attention to — if you fail to do so correctly, the brew group can jam. So, make sure the yellow and black tabs are positioned properly. Otherwise, you won’t be able to remove the brew group that easily.

I should mention that you can order a replacement brew group, which is pretty awesome. So, in the event of a factory defect, you can replace this important component without loosening a single screw.

How to Use the Gaggia Anima Prestige

I have to say that operating this super automatic espresso machine is about as easy as it gets. In fact, I barely looked at the user manual during my Gaggia Anima Prestige review.

With that said, this wasn’t my first rodeo. So, if this is your first automatic coffee maker, you might want to read up on how to install the water filter and input your water hardness.

Before you start preparing drinks I’d highly recommend rinsing all removable parts. That’ll take care of any leftover factory fluff and dust. Once that’s done, fill the water reservoir and add coffee beans to the hopper. Oh, and don’t forget to plug the machine in – that’ll definitely help.

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.

If you want to make drinks with milk froth, don’t forget to remove the hot water dispenser. Then, gently click the milk carafe into place, rotating it slightly as you do so. My main piece of advice here would be to avoid forcing the carafe into place if it doesn’t want to engage. Rather, take the thing out and try again.

Espresso Preparation

When brewing espresso with a fully automatic machine, I like to max out the coffee strength setting. With the Gaggia Anima Prestige, that means making sure all five coffee beans are highlighted on the display.

I also set the grind level as fine as possible, though you can adjust the volume of espresso to be brewed using the memo function. 

The shots of espresso I brewed from the Gaggia Anima Prestige had a nice even crema and managed some pleasing chocolate notes — that’s not a given for a shot from a super automatic espresso machine. It was also rich and full-bodied. Ultimately, I’d say the espresso from the Gaggia Anima Prestige is above average in comparison with other machines.

You’ll also be happy to know that you can adjust the brewing temperature, depending on your preferences. To suit my personal tastes, I kept the machine at its default temperature setting. Still, all of you with asbestos tongues can adjust the espresso temperature as high as 184.5 degrees Fahrenheit (84.7 degrees Celsius).

When I’m in the mood for black coffee at home, I tend to use a drip coffee maker or French press. For those who would like to brew a black coffee at the touch of a button with the Gaggia Anima Prestige, I recommend going the americano route.

You simply draw an espresso or two, then top off with hot water. You can do so directly with the hot water function on the Gaggia Anima Prestige or by using water from a kettle.

Trust me, you’ll get a much tastier beverage than if you go with the espresso lungo option on the Gaggia. That’ll just give you bitter, over-extracted espresso, and nobody deserves that!

Gaggia Anima Prestige Cleaning

For quite a few folks, the main disadvantage to owning a super automatic espresso machine is that cleaning and descaling take up too much time. I get where they’re coming from, but there really isn’t that much to take care of.

As it happens, the Gaggia Anima Prestige is very easy to maintain. Still, the integrated milk carafe will need extra care and attention. Although there’s an optional automatic cleaning cycle after each use, you’ll need to take the thing apart for thorough cleaning. And I’d say you can expect to do this once a week.

Aside from that, all you’ll need to do is rinse all removable parts on a regular basis. I’m talking about stuff like the brew group, drip tray and used grounds collection container. Oh, and don’t neglect the water tank – unless you’re interested in growing slimy stuff in there.

Once in a while you’ll need to clean the coffee circuit using Gaggia Coffee Clean tablets. You’ll also have to descale the Anima Prestige with Gaggia Decalcifier every so often. I’ll leave it to the user manual to explain those tasks. After all, I don’t want this Gaggia Anima Prestige review to bore you to death!

Gaggia Anima Prestige Specifications

Gaggia Anima Prestige vs Other Super Automatics

My Gaggia Anima Prestige review wouldn’t be complete without a comparison section. So, let’s put this machine head-to-head with a couple of other affordable super automatic espresso machines.

Gaggia Anima Prestige vs Magenta Prestige

Costing $761.43 on Amazon, the Gaggia Magenta Prestige is pricier than the Anima Prestige, but not by much.

The Magenta Prestige sits squarely in the budget category, and I’d say it represents even better value for your cash.

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.

See Also: Gaggia Magenta Prestige Review 2023

Gaggia Anima Prestige vs Philips 3200 LatteGo

The Philips 3200 LatteGo is a really popular machine and for good reason. Costing $N/A, this is another super automatic that represents exceptional value for money.

Sure, the Philips is a little bigger and bulkier than the Anima Prestige, but it isn’t a behemoth. Plus, its integrated frother performs admirably and is really easy to clean.

While I found the Philips grinder to be overly noisy, I did appreciate the fact that the ceramic flat burrs have 12 adjustment settings. Overall, the Philips 3200 LatteGo gets a thumbs up from me, and it’s well worth checking out.

See Also: Philips 3200 LatteGo Hands-On Review 2023

Gaggia Anima Prestige vs Others Comparison Chart

Verdict: Gaggia Anima Prestige Review

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

CHECK PRICE

During my Gaggia Anima Prestige review I had to nitpick to find anything negative to say. To be honest, this compact machine really delivers. I was truly impressed by the quality of the espresso I prepared, and the latte macchiato milk foam was creamy and consistent.

With that said, I found the integrated carafe a little hard to clean, even though I appreciated its space-saving design.

Despite a few minor shortcomings, I’m impressed with the Gaggia Anima Prestige. So, it gets my recommendation, for sure. The price-performance ratio is balanced, and the design and functionality are really exceptional for a super automatic espresso machine priced at $801.81.

Gaggia Anima Prestige Review FAQ