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Gaggia Anima Prestige
- Fully automatic milk steaming with self cleaning cycle
- Slender, compact stainless steel design that fits easily on a crowded counter
- Both espresso and milk functions are customizable and programmable
- Quality craftsmanship and the Gaggia reputation
- A generous 60 oz water reservoir and large dreg bin
Detailed Review And Breakdown
Like the others in the series, the Prestige features fully programmable, customizable shots according to grind size, grind amount, espresso amount, and water temperature.
The outer shell is entirely stainless steel. The profile is narrow at 8.5” wide. And, while holding 60 oz of water, and featuring an 8.8 oz bean hopper, it will still fit nicely under the kitchen cabinets, with the top access lids completely open.
The most significant difference between this model and the others in the series is the milk function. It automatically steams your milk for you from a removable carafe you can store in the refrigerator. In an age where convenience rules, this feature is king.
To accompany this exciting milk feature exclusive to this model, the LED screen gives you an option for one-touch programmable milk volume along with the programmable espresso that already comes standard in the series.
When you’re finished automatically brewing up drinks, you can also automatically clean the steaming mechanism with just the push of a button. It really is no mess.
Specifications
- 15 bar vibration pump
- Pre-infusion
- 17” tall with the top lids open
- 5” slim width
- Stainless steel paneling
- 5 to 11.5-gram dosing option
- 60 oz top load water reservoir
- Flat Ceramic 8.8oz top load bean hopper
- 1300 watt single boiler with rapid heat
- Beveled Edges
- Removable milk pitcher
- Automatic milk steaming
- Adjustable spout
- Removable brew group
- Can take Mavea Intenza water filter
- Programmable LED screen
- Adaptive brewing technology
Ease Of Use And Reliability
The Anima series is a relatively easy to use line of machines, especially considering that they sit at the entry level of the super automatic spectrum. They hold a generous amount of water, will keep up to 15 pucks in the dreg bin and will produce espresso – bean to cup – with the push of a button.
The Anima Prestige, however, takes the ease of use found in the Anima line one step further by not only automating the pull but making the milk steaming a one button push as well. The most work you need to do as the operator is to make sure the water reservoir, bean hopper, and milk carafe are full; and on occasion, rinse the removable brew group in the sink and empty the dreg bin.
Being a one boiler system is disappointing given the price. One of the things to watch out for it that the pulled drink may taste slightly on the watery side.
Cost
This machine may be priced slightly high compared to the other two models in the series. But, if you are looking for full automation from bean to cup from a brand that has a seventy-year reputation for quality the Prestige is worth your serious consideration.
Although you may be able to find others in the same category with similar features, you won’t have to worry about breakdowns anytime soon, all while enjoying your coffee with minimal mess.
Many other manufacturers that provide a fully automatic milk steaming option, also come with extra bells and whistles that you may not need or want… driving up its price. It sticks to the basics while providing full automation.
Other Options
If you’re looking to spend a decent amount of money for a finely crafted, low fuss product, then yes – this machine is definitely worth the investment.
The Anima Prestige is the third, and highest priced espresso maker of the three machines in the line. All three devices have the same standard features. But, it is different in a few key areas which makes the unit stand out and worth the bump up in price from the more basic models.
Our Opinion
Gaggia Anima Prestige
The Prestige is perfect for an avid drinker who wants a quick, mess-free morning cup on their way out the door, or any time of the day. It’s also perfect for those people who love to entertain and find that ending the evening with espresso is the ideal conclusion to a great evening.
This machine can produce drink after drink without interruption for up to fifteen pulls. That means a seamless party, or two weeks worth of mess-free, push the button and go kind of mornings. And, its stainless steel design and slim dimensions will class up your joint.
Other Options Worth Looking At
If you want more control over the fine tuning of the espresso and milk without the mess of manual drink making, take a look at the Delonghi Digital Super Automatic. You’ll be paying several hundred dollars more, but you’ll be able to get almost as specific as you want with the milk and coffee settings.
Or, if you don’t mind messing with the milk, but you like everything else you’ve read about the Prestige, then go for the Anima basic model. It will save you several hundred dollars, and you’ll still enjoy all the features that make this machine unique.