Comparing Gaggia Anima Prestige vs Velasca Prestige: Best Pick For Espresso Beginners

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There has been a lot of debate over the Gaggia Anima Prestige vs Velasca Prestige among espresso lovers. Since they both fall under the same price, it’s difficult to figure out their differences. But since there can only be one winner, i have to go with Gaggia Anima Prestige.

The winner Gaggia Anima Prestige has a more compact design while maintaining the powerful details like brew group and burr grinder. It also boasts of its 1.8L water tank capacity and variable temperature.

Velasca Prestige shares almost every feature that the Anima Prestige has. Its only minus point falls in the broader design, which requires a spacious kitchen stand. It also is slightly heavier. Other than these, this machine is as convenient and quality as the one above.

Gaggia Anima Prestige vs Velasca Prestige: Comparison Chart

Image
THE WINNER (#1)
Gaggia Anima Prestige Automatic Coffee Machine, Super Automatic Frothing for Latte, Macchiato, Cappuccino and Espresso Drinks with Programmable Options,Silver
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Gaggia Velasca Prestige Espresso Machine, Stainless Steel, 54 ounces
Model
Gaggia Anima Prestige
Gaggia Velasca Prestige
Dimensions
16.93 x 8.7 x 13.38 Inches
13.5 x 10.25 x 17 Inches
Material
Plastic
Plastic
Water Tank Capacity
1.8 Liters
1.5 Liters
Milk Carafe Capacity
0.5 Liter
0.5 Liter
Color
Silver
Stainless Steel
Weight
16 Pounds
19.62 Pounds
Maximum Cup Height
5.9 inches
4.5 inches
Twin Brewing
Coffee Pucks Container
15 pucks
10 pucks
Ceramic Burr Grinder
Variable Temperature
Fast Heat Up
Compact Design
Beverages Variety
6: Espresso, espresso lungo / caffè lungo, cappuccino, latte macchiato, milk froth, hot water
6: espresso, espresso lungo / caffè lungo, cappuccino, milk froth, baby cappuccino, hot water
Frother
Carafe
Carafe
What I Like
Price
$702.71
$599.00
THE WINNER (#1)
Image
Gaggia Anima Prestige Automatic Coffee Machine, Super Automatic Frothing for Latte, Macchiato, Cappuccino and Espresso Drinks with Programmable Options,Silver
Model
Gaggia Anima Prestige
Dimensions
16.93 x 8.7 x 13.38 Inches
Material
Plastic
Water Tank Capacity
1.8 Liters
Milk Carafe Capacity
0.5 Liter
Color
Silver
Weight
16 Pounds
Maximum Cup Height
5.9 inches
Twin Brewing
Coffee Pucks Container
15 pucks
Ceramic Burr Grinder
Variable Temperature
Fast Heat Up
Compact Design
Beverages Variety
6: Espresso, espresso lungo / caffè lungo, cappuccino, latte macchiato, milk froth, hot water
Frother
Carafe
What I Like
Price
$702.71
More Info
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Image
Gaggia Velasca Prestige Espresso Machine, Stainless Steel, 54 ounces
Model
Gaggia Velasca Prestige
Dimensions
13.5 x 10.25 x 17 Inches
Material
Plastic
Water Tank Capacity
1.5 Liters
Milk Carafe Capacity
0.5 Liter
Color
Stainless Steel
Weight
19.62 Pounds
Maximum Cup Height
4.5 inches
Twin Brewing
Coffee Pucks Container
10 pucks
Ceramic Burr Grinder
Variable Temperature
Fast Heat Up
Compact Design
Beverages Variety
6: espresso, espresso lungo / caffè lungo, cappuccino, milk froth, baby cappuccino, hot water
Frother
Carafe
What I Like
Price
$599.00
More Info

Last update on 2023-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Gaggia Anima Prestige vs Velasca Prestige: Differeces

Gaggia Anima Prestige wins 3 to 1 against Velasca Prestige thanks to its compact design, big water tank, super-automatic brewing process, and easy cleaning cycles.

Size/ Design

The Anima Prestige is Gaggia’s third model in the Anima line. So it can be thought of as the latest upgraded model for espresso. And the affordable price tag kind of adds to that charm.

By design, the Anima Prestige is small, slim, and sleek. It has what is absolutely needed to make espresso, nothing more or less. I’m talking about the spacious (for its size) bean hopper and easy-to-remove water reservoir that’s loaded on the top, rather than the back.

Capacity of different Machine details

Starting with the hopper capacity which in the Velasca Prestige is 10.5 ounces and in the Anima Prestige is 8.8 ounces. So clearly, the Velasca prestige takes the prize on this important factor of consideration.

Design Of Gaggia Anima Prestige Automatic Espresso Machine
Design Of Gaggia Anima Prestige Automatic Espresso Machine

But the Anima Prestige wins back its honor with a larger water tank capacity as it is 6 ounces bigger at 60 ounces. It also features a higher cup clearance height because the Velasca Prestige can only accommodate cups 4.5inch tall. 

Grinder

Velasca Prestige offers more versatility and adjustability with its 10 grind settings than the Anima Prestige. That’s 5 times more than the Anima Prestige which only has 5 grind settings.

Nevertheless, 5 settings are fairly enough for any coffee grinding process. So i don´t consider Anima Prestige weak or inconvenient in this aspect. Velasca Prestige offers more grinding settings, as simple as that.

Cleaning

Let´s talk about Anima Prestige.

The convenient coffee spout with an almost 6.0-inch cup clearance. And right next to it is the integrated milk carafe that’s sturdy, removable, and easy to clean.

In fact, this carafe is dishwasher-safe and fridge-friendly. You can directly transfer the milk from the carton to the carafe and keep the carafe in the fridge. Believe it or not, if you’re keen on making quick lattes and cappuccinos, this is a huge time-saver!

The Automatic Rinsing System is unique in that it saves you time manually rinsing the integrated milk carafe.  So the milk carafe and all your frothy and creamy milk needs are taken care of.

As for Velasca Prestige, it also boasts of the same cleaning cycles as Anima Prestige. So both are easy-to-clean coffee makers that will make your life easier.

Velasca Prestige also is designed with easy cleaning cycles
Velasca Prestige also is designed with easy cleaning cycles

Controls and brewing

Moving on to the controls of Anima Prestige, the LCD display and buttons are large and visible. They control all the necessary programmable settings including temperature adjustments, grinding control, and automatic rinsing system.

I only have to select the coffee drink that I want to drink. And the machine takes care of everything that I previously thought I would have to do. It’s obvious that this is a super-automatic espresso maker, and one of Gaggia’s finest, but I didn’t expect it to be so fast and valuable!

Anima Prestige comes with LCD display
Anima Prestige comes with LCD display

If you’re willing to overlook the minor ups and downs of Velasca Prestige that I have noted, you’re still going to get a pretty amazing deal. The Velasca is known for its speedy performance and rapid heat-up for espresso and milk.

It makes espresso drinks automatically with a press of a button. And what’s more, you can also brew pre-ground coffee that means decaf and more precision over the strength and intensity of coffee you’d like.

Quick Rundown of Gaggia Anima Prestige

Sale
Gaggia Anima Prestige Automatic Coffee Machine, Super Automatic Frothing for Latte, Macchiato, Cappuccino and Espresso Drinks with Programmable Options,Silver
  • Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted.Filter type:Reusable
  • ONE TOUCH BREWING AND FROTHING: Bean-to-cup feature with automatic milk frothing for cappuccinos, macchiatos and lattes
  • PROGRAMMABLE: Programmable brewing options for lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos and espresso
  • TEMPERATURE CONTROL: 3 different temperature settings. Min/177.5 °F, Med/182.9 °F, Max/184.5 °F
  • EASY ACCESS TO WATER RESERVOIR AND BEAN HOPPER: Features a removable 60 oz water reservoir that can be accessed on the top left of the machine, and an 8.8 ounce capacity bean hopper with access from the top right of the machine

Last update on 2023-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Accurate temperature, volume, and strength controls for every cup.
  • The standby mode ensures smooth and efficient performance.
  • Silent and consistent automatic grinder.
  • Great-tasting and rich espresso shots every time.
Cons
  • All the brewing parts are made of ABS plastic.
  • Always wipe the surfaces with hot water after use.

Quick Rundown of Gaggia Velasca Prestige

Sale
Gaggia Velasca Prestige Espresso Machine, Stainless Steel, 54 ounces
  • Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted
  • One touch brewing and frothing: bean-to-cup feature with automatic milk frothing for cappuccinos, baby cappuccinos, and milk froth
  • Programmable: programmable brewing options for Espresso and Espresso Lungo, cappuccino, and milk froth, with 3 different temperature settings
  • Ceramic burr grinder and brew unit: ceramic burr grinder with 10 fineness settings, 5 brew strength settings, and bean hopper with 10.5oz capacity
  • Front loaded water reservoir: features a 54oz capacity and pulls out from the front of the machine, ideal for low hanging cabinets

Last update on 2023-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • The integrated milk carafe makes milk really hot and creamy.
  • Internal dreg bin can hold 10 servings of used coffee.
  • All important parts are sturdy and removable.
  • Intuitive and fast pre-infusion programmability.
Cons
  • Adding pre-ground coffee in the plastic bin is a bit tricky.
  • It requires a learning curve.

Product Videos

Final Verdict

The battle is actually between the Gaggia Anima Prestige which is an entry-level model and the Velasca Prestige which is an intermediate player. Both offer incredible features and a smooth and efficient brewing system.

Gaggia is a popular home appliance brand. Its coffee makers are used all over the world, and the commercial-grade ones can also be found in baristas. 

So if you’re unsure about buying a Gaggia for the first time, know that you’re buying a brand that top espresso professionals have bought. So it does make some really smooth and rich espresso.

Between the Anima Prestige and Velasca Prestige, think of features that cater to you personally. Such as ease of convenience, level of programmability, maintenance, and just as importantly, size. Jot these factors down and the better espresso machine will reveal itself to you automatically!

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