Gaggia Brera Vs Anima: Explore All The Differences

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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

Image
THE WINNER (#1)
Gaggia Anima Coffee and Espresso Machine, Includes Steam Wand for Manual Frothing for Lattes and Cappuccinos with Programmable Options,Black
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Gaggia Brera Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Small, Black, 40 fl oz
Model
Gaggia Anima
Gaggia Brera
Dimensions/Weight
8.7 x 13.4 x 17 inches/19.1 lbs
17.6 x 10 × 12.4 inches/18.7 lbs
Interface
Non-touch Display
Non-touch Display
One Touch Drink Options
3
3
Built-in Grinder
Ceramic Flat Burr Grinder
Ceramic Flat Burr Grinder
Grinding Settings
5
5
Heating System
Single Thermoblock Boiler
Single Thermoblock Boiler
Pump Pressure
15 Bars
15 Bars
Pre-Infusion
Milk Frothing System
Pannarello Steam Wand
Pannarello Steam Wand
Spigot Type/Cup Clearance
Single/4.3-6.5 inches
Single/3.5-4.5 inches
Water Reservoir/Bean Hopper
1,8 L/0.25 Kg
1,2 L/0.25 Kg
Filter
Yes (Optional)
Yes (Optional)
Compatible With Pre-ground Coffee
App Connectivity
User Profile
What I Like
Price
$721.78
$429.06
THE WINNER (#1)
Image
Gaggia Anima Coffee and Espresso Machine, Includes Steam Wand for Manual Frothing for Lattes and Cappuccinos with Programmable Options,Black
Model
Gaggia Anima
Dimensions/Weight
8.7 x 13.4 x 17 inches/19.1 lbs
Interface
Non-touch Display
One Touch Drink Options
3
Built-in Grinder
Ceramic Flat Burr Grinder
Grinding Settings
5
Heating System
Single Thermoblock Boiler
Pump Pressure
15 Bars
Pre-Infusion
Milk Frothing System
Pannarello Steam Wand
Spigot Type/Cup Clearance
Single/4.3-6.5 inches
Water Reservoir/Bean Hopper
1,8 L/0.25 Kg
Filter
Yes (Optional)
Compatible With Pre-ground Coffee
App Connectivity
User Profile
What I Like
Price
$721.78
More Info
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Image
Gaggia Brera Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Small, Black, 40 fl oz
Model
Gaggia Brera
Dimensions/Weight
17.6 x 10 × 12.4 inches/18.7 lbs
Interface
Non-touch Display
One Touch Drink Options
3
Built-in Grinder
Ceramic Flat Burr Grinder
Grinding Settings
5
Heating System
Single Thermoblock Boiler
Pump Pressure
15 Bars
Pre-Infusion
Milk Frothing System
Pannarello Steam Wand
Spigot Type/Cup Clearance
Single/3.5-4.5 inches
Water Reservoir/Bean Hopper
1,2 L/0.25 Kg
Filter
Yes (Optional)
Compatible With Pre-ground Coffee
App Connectivity
User Profile
What I Like
Price
$429.06
More Info

Last update on 2024-12-03 / 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 BreraGaggia Anima
Dimensions17.6 x 10 × 12.4 inches17 x 8.7 x 13.4 inches
Weight18.7 lbs19.1 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.

the old-school lcd screen on the gaggia brera
The old-school lcd screen on the Gaggia Brera

Spout Type & Cup Clearance

Gaggia BreraGaggia Anima
Spout TypeDualDual
Cup Clearance3.5-4.5 inches4.3-6.5 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 BreraGaggia Anima
Water Reservoir1,2 liter1,8 liter
Bean Hopper0.25 kilogram0.25 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 BreraGaggia 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.

both use a pannarello steam wand
Both use a Pannarello steam wand

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

Sale
Gaggia Anima Coffee and Espresso Machine, Includes Steam Wand for Manual Frothing for Lattes and Cappuccinos with Programmable Options,Black
  • 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 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Easy to use.
  • Compact footprint.
  • Fast heating with thermoblock technology.
  • Ceramic burr grinder works well.
  • Easy maintenance.
Cons
  • Has no airtight lid.
  • Only have a single boiler.
  • Fewer one touch drink.

Quick Rundown Of Gaggia Brera

Gaggia Brera Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Small, Black, 40 fl oz
  • Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use

Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Inexpensive.
  • Quick heat up system.
  • The ceramic grinder doesn’t generate heat.
  • Ease to use and clean.
  • Compact footprint.
Cons
  • Limited grinder settings.
  • Non-adjustable brewing temperature.

Product Videos

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References

5/5 - (2 votes)