After putting Gaggia’s top two competitors – Gaggia Anima vs Velasca espresso machines in comparison, we have concluded that Gaggia Anima is the final winner. The Gaggia Anima is efficient and convenient. It features a high-quality steam wand, programmable menu, versatile temperature controls, low energy mode and removable bean hopper and water tank.
As for runner-up, the Gaggia Velasca still is a brilliant and performance-driven pick because it also has some core features like in Gaggia Anima. It is perfect for anyone who doesn’t have much space and wants something simple that can produce decent espresso from fresh beans.
Gaggia Anima vs Velasca– Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Which Is A Better Espresso Machine?
In comparison, the Gaggia Anima does offer a better variety of features to play with because of its higher price. In terms of the coffee spout, wand, the water reservoir, low energy mode, and bean hopper, Gaggia Anima wins 2-0 against Velasca
I’ll discuss the ones that matter the most below. And I hope that after reading this, you’ll know which features matter to you and why.
Tall Spout
The Gaggia Anima has a taller coffee spout which allows more than one size of espresso cup on the drip tray. This is more helpful than you think. It saves time, effort, and cleaning. Just select what coffee you want to drink and place the cup underneath. It brews a full cup with rich crema, no matter the espresso selection you pick.
Stainless Steel Wand
Both the Anima and Velasca feature a Pannarello wand. But the Anima’s made of full stainless steel which is has a faster heat-up time than food-grade plastic. It’s easier to clean even because it attracts no odor and is not at all stubborn to let go of milk residue.
Even aesthetically speaking, it looks better on an espresso machine than a plastic wand which, over time, looks clunky and cheap.
Low Energy Mode
This is the Gaggia Anima, the most efficient espresso maker. It features a low-mode feature that preserves energy after 60 minutes of no use. So the machine detects when it’s kept idle for as long as 60 minutes and after the 1-hour mark, automatically goes into low-energy mode.
Now I would have loved the automatic shut off feature instead of the low-energy mode. But I guess the low-energy mode makes the machine more energy efficient than a model that doesn’t have this feature. So it’s a good reason to want to buy the Anima.
Water Reservoir
The Anima has a water tank that’s around 6 ounces larger than the Velasca which is at 54 ounces. This would make the Anima’s water reservoir capacity up to 60 ounces which is convenient as much as it is useful.
This means you can take your time refilling the Gaggia Anima. Even if you drink espresso daily. Or even a few cups throughout a single day.
And since we’re on the topic of the water tank, the Anima’s you can access from the top left side of the machine. While the water reservoir of the Velasca is front loading making it easier to access in a tight, compact space.
Bean Hopper
The place where you store your fresh coffee beans before the brewing cycle begins is the bean hopper. Generally, in super-automatic espresso makers like the Anima and Velasca, the bean hopper also houses the grind setting dial and a secure, aroma-seal lid to keep the coffee beans fresh and moisture-free.
The Gaggia Anima has a durable and sturdy bean hopper. But it is slightly smaller than the Gaggia Velasca’s which is 10.5 ounces. And the Gaggia Anima’s is 8.8 ounce capacity. In both machines, you access the bean hopper from the top right which is comfortable.
Quick Rundown of Gaggia Anima
- 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
- MANUAL FROTHING FOR MILK-BASED DRINKS: Pannarello steam wand for frothing milk
- PROGRAMMABLE: Programmable brewing options for espresso and espresso lungo
- 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 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown of Gaggia Velasca
- Manual frothing for milk-based drinks: Pannarello steam wand for frothing milk
- Programmable: programmable brewing options for Espresso and Espresso Lungo 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 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Final Say
An espresso maker, no matter how you buy it, will suit you depending on a number of factors. Most importantly, the quality and convenience of the machines.
With that in mind, the Gaggia Anima and Velasca are like cousins. At its core, they share the same core functionality which is to deliver rich and smooth espresso in a variety of ways. But with a few deeper adjustments here and there, and of course the difference in price, you can figure out which espresso machine you like the best.
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I am a passionate coffee drinker. Since I left my job as a barista a few years back in 2012, I’ve been sharing my expertise on coffee and buying the best coffee equipment online. That’s how Wild Boar Coffee came to life.
I write about everything coffee-related under the sun. Where to buy the freshest coffee beans from? How to test coffee beans based on texture, aroma, and acidity?
I know all this from scratch – all thanks to my years and years of experience as a barista. So I’ve gotten real up-close-and-personal with coffee beans and different brewing techniques.