If you’re looking for a straightforward, well-designed automatic espresso machine that won’t break the bank, my deatiled comparison of the Gaggia Brera vs Anima is for you. First off, the Gaggia Anima is the better one, no if or but, as it offers a higher level of customization and can fit larger cup sizes. Meanwhile, the Gaggia Brera is one of the most affordable options out there but still delivers where it counts.
Gaggia Brera Vs Anima: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Gaggia Brera Vs Anima: Differences
This battle ended with a score of 2-1 in favor of the Gaggia Anima, and that is just the tip of the iceberg.
Design & Convenience
Winner: Tie
Dimensions & User Interface
| Gaggia Brera | Gaggia Anima | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 17.6 x 10 × 12.4 inches | 17 x 8.7 x 13.4 inches |
| Weight | 18.7 lbs | 19.1 lbs |
Both features a retro-style display complemented by a couple of well-labelled buttons, making operation straightforward and user-friendly. The user manual is always there for reference, but for now you should know that you won’t need to consult it often, I promise. As a bonus, both are compact enough to fit comfortably in limited spaces like a dorm room or a small apartment.
Spout Type & Cup Clearance
| Gaggia Brera | Gaggia Anima | |
|---|---|---|
| Spout Type | Dual | Dual |
| Cup Clearance | 3.5-4.5 inches | 4.3-6.5 inches |
You won’t be surprised to hear that these automatic machines both have a height-adjustable dispensing spout. You can lower their spouts when preparing straight espresso to preserve the lovely crema in the espresso cup. The Anima will surely give you enough room for a latte glass or even a travel mug, while the Brera might have some limitations.
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
| Gaggia Brera | Gaggia Anima | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 1,2 liter | 1,8 liter |
| Bean Hopper | 0.25 kilogram | 0.25 kilogram |
The Anima features a bigger water tank, meaning it needs to be refilled less often. The Anima’s water tank lifts out from the top of the machine and includes a convenient carry handle, whereas the Brera also easily slides out from the front for refilling.
The Brera has a tight lid, while the Anima lacks this. This nifty feature ensures that the beans are less exposed to air, moisture, and other environmental factors that can degrade their quality over time. This is particularly important if you don’t go through beans very quickly, as it helps maintain their freshness and flavor profile for a longer period.
Pre-programmed Coffee Options & Programmability
Winner: Gaggia Anima
| Gaggia Brera | Gaggia Anima |
|---|---|
| Espresso Espresso lungo Hot water | Espresso Espresso lungo Hot water |
With some super automatics, brewing up a flat white, a latte macchiato or any milk-based drink is as simple as touching a button. Still, these machines require a little legwork. If you want something that pulls out all your favorite coffee drinks with just one touch, you may need to consider increasing your budget.
Both models offer the ability to adjust grind size, espresso strength, and espresso volume. The Anima even allows you to change the brewing temperature, something the Brera lacks. Neither machine offers the ability to save these settings into user profiles, but they both have the capability to remember your settings for the next use.
Gaggia Brera Vs Anima: Similarities
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
Built-in Grinder
The Gaggia uses a ceramic burr grinder on many of their bean-to-cup machines, including the Brera vs Anima. Ceramic burrs are known for their durability and resistance to wear, not to mention that they are excellent at minimizing heat transfer during the grinding process.
They both have five adjustment settings. It’s important to remember that, as with many super-automatic machines, the grind setting can only be adjusted while the grinder is operating. Also keep in mind that when you change the grind setting, the result won’t be immediate – it comes after a couple of brewing cycles.
Heating System
They both use a thermoblock boiler, which means they can’t steam milk and brew espresso at the same time. But the thermoblock is designed to heat only the water required for each shot or steaming session, which makes these machines heat up quickly and be ready for use in a shorter period of time compared to machines with traditional boilers.
Brewing System
I firmly believe that pre-infusion is an indispensable part of brewing the perfect espresso. Here’s the science behind it: When you pre-infuse the coffee grounds, you’re actually releasing carbon dioxide trapped within the beans. This might seem like a minor detail, but it’s a game-changer. By releasing this carbon dioxide, you’re paving the way for a more even and effective extraction of flavors.
The folks at Gaggia seem to understand what many of us espresso lovers have known for a while. In both the Brera and Anima, pre-infusion is the default. Kudos to Gaggia for getting it right! It is just better if the interval of this pre-brew step is adjustable.
Milk Frothing System
Both use a standard Pannarello steam wand. If you’re familiar with manual steam wands, you’ll find tuning this one to create that perfect, velvety milk foam quite straightforward. The process is more art than science, and with a bit of practice, you’ll be whipping up cafe-quality foam in no time.
The wand isn’t mounted on a ball joint, which means its maneuverability is a bit limited. This isn’t a deal-breaker by any means, and in terms of functionality, you’re still going to get the job done. But for those of us who appreciate the flexibility of a fully adjustable steam wand, it’s a point to note.
Their wands can also double as hot water dispensers. Tea enthusiasts will definitely find this feature to be valuable. Well, this function is also ideal for creating an Americano.
Other Features
Bypass Doser
I’m not the biggest fan of this feature, but there are certainly scenarios where it is a lifesaver. Picture this: It’s a Monday morning, and you suddenly realize you’re out of coffee beans. Or maybe it’s a Monday evening, and you need to switch to decaf to avoid being up all night. In these instances, the bypass doser is a godsend.
Water Filter
The quality of the water you use has a significant impact on the flavor of your espresso. Hard water, which is high in minerals, can not only alter the taste of your coffee but also lead to limescale buildup inside your machine, affecting its performance and longevity.
This is where a water filter comes into play. Many high-end espresso machines, including the Brera and Anima, incorporate built-in water filters. The filter is designed to remove impurities and reduce the hardness of the water. The result? A cleaner, purer taste in your cup of espresso and less mineral buildup in your machine.
Plus, it’s a simple way to extend the life of your espresso machine. By preventing limescale buildup, you reduce the need for frequent descaling and maintenance.
Built-in Cup Warmer
Both have a built-in cup warmer. So why a cup warmer? Well, serving espresso or any coffee drink in a pre-warmed cup keeps the beverage at its optimal temperature for a longer period of time. Pouring espresso into a cold cup can result in a rapid temperature drop, affecting the flavor and overall enjoyment of your drink. A warm cup ensures that the espresso maintains its temperature and aroma, offering a more consistent and enjoyable taste from the first sip to the last.
The cup warmer works by using the residual heat from the machine’s boiler. As the machine heats up, the top surface where the cups sit also warms up. You just place your cups upside down on this shelf, and they gently warm up, ready for use. It’s a simple, passive feature that uses the machine’s existing heat, making it energy efficient as well.
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 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Gaggia Brera
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- Gaggia Brera: https://www.gaggia.com/automatic-machines/brera/
Felix Hendricks is a skilled barista with over 12 years of experience. He excels in crafting coffee and has a strong foundation in coffee machine mechanics. Felix holds a Coffee Machine Maintenance Certification from the Coffee Equipment Technical Institute, showcasing his ability to diagnose and repair coffee machines. He’s also worked as a quality control specialist, selecting premium coffee beans for optimal flavor. Felix has a diverse work history, including stints at renowned coffee spots like Café Euphoria & Starbucks. His expertise in both brewing and machine maintenance makes him a respected figure in the coffee industry.