In the debate of Lelit Anna 2 vs Gaggia Classic Pro, 2 almost exactly the same espresso machines, I have found the ultimate winner: Gaggia Classic Pro.
Gaggia Classic Pro is a well-known choice among beginners who don’t have much experience with espresso machines. This model is affordable, easy to manage, brews delicious espresso, and has a pleasant steam wand. Overall, I think this one is a total package in the low price range.
As for Lelit Anna 2, I’m also impressed by this simple yet effective espresso machine. It shares the same features as Classic Pro, such as consistent espresso extraction and a decent steam wand for milk foam. However, this baby is significantly more expensive than the model above, and it doesn’t have as many color options as Gaggia Classic Pro. Thus, I don’t consider this one to be a better deal.
Lelit Anna 2 vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Lelit Anna 2 vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Differences
Gaggia Classic Pro wins 3-2 against Lelit Anna 2. The truth is that this pair shares tons of similar functions. But, Classic Pro is more worth buying since it is much more affordable. Also, other aspects of brewing and design make this one my more favorable product.
Coffee Flavor: Gaggia Classic Pro
+Dosing + tamping
Gaggia Classic Pro and Lelit Anna 2 have no integrated grinder and are semi-automatic. Therefore, every step requires manual involvement from grinding the beans to dosing the amount of coffee that I drink and then tamping the puck.
These machines come with removable portafilters, an essential tool for extracting espresso. What I like is that instead of limiting the portafilter’s baskets to freshly ground beans only, Gaggia Classic Pro has a pressurized basket that works magically with ESE pods.
ESE pods generally hold less coffee ground, and most of the time, it’s hard to achieve the best flavor since they aren’t freshly roasted beans. But, thanks to the extra accessories that come with Gaggia Classic Pro, aka the pressurized basket, I can extract better drinks with ESE pods and get thicker crema with them.
In conclusion, these espresso makers boast of a classic design and manual functionality. The good thing is that it’s not complicated learning how to manipulate them to make us rich espressos. That’s why I recommend the pair to even first-timers.
+Heating system
The pair uses a single boiler as a heating system. This means that we will brew espresso and froth milk consecutively, not simultaneously. And how do the single boilers work with each machine?
For me, I find the temperature performance very satisfying with the two of them. The drinks come out hot and steaming. If I drink right away, my tongue will feel tingling and burnt, but not too burnt. In other words, I love that I can enjoy coffee with ease thanks to this pair.
Thanks to the decent temperature performance, I get very balanced drinks. The flavor can be described as nutty, smooth, and nuanced. It’s not too bitter, and there is a slight sour tinge to it. Overall, the quality of flavor is good for me.
Milk System: Tie
After testing the steam wands, I find the actual performance slightly different from the promotion. Instead of making microfoam, Gaggia Classic Pro and Lelit Anna 2 froth creamy and smooth milk foam for latte and mocha or flat white. If you are looking for a drier milk foam texture, it’s best to invest in more high-end models.
Utilities: Lelit Anna 2
Lelit Anna 2 is equipped with a PID temperature control system and a manometer that tells the bar pump pressure at real-time operation. From my perspective, the manometer is the most useful feature out of the bunch. It helps me the most when detecting abnormalities in the brewing processes. One will know when the drinks come out too weak for too bitter. Knowing the pump pressure will help.
As for the PID technology, I’m not very impressed by the system, given that Gaggia Classic Pro has the same temperature performance without including this technology in this product.
Cleaning & Maintain: Tie
Cleaning Gaggia Classic Pro and Lelit Anna 2 won’t be too difficult, as long as you follow the indications in the manual. As far as I know, the drip trays and the brew groups are dishwasher-safe. So you can throw them in there for a quick trip.
As for descaling the boiler, we have to mix a descale powder or solution with water and pour the mixture into the water reservoir. Then, we successfully descale the entire system by running the brewing process and working with the 15 bars pump pressure until the water tank runs out.
Make sure to descale every month if the water is hard, and you frequently brew many times per day. And if the usage frequency is less hectic, descaling once every 2-3 months should be more than enough.
Design & Material: Gaggia Classic Pro
Firstly, I want to emphasize that the visual aspect of Gaggia Classic Pro and Lelit Anna 2 is almost identical. And the primary material that the brands use to build these products is stainless steel. Thus, this pair is almost like twins in terms of design and material.
However, with the collection of machine colors that Gaggia Classic Pro offer, I think it will be fairer that this product line wins the round, given that you can opt for a color that fits your household the most. The colors are: silver, black, red, white, and deep blue. As for Lelit Anna 2, it comes in silver only.
Also, judging from the similar design and the price tag of both devices, Gaggia Classic Pro is a better deal.
Lelit Anna 2 vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Similarities
If you wonder about the most important and relevant similarities between Gaggia Classic Pro and Lelit Anna 2, I have the answer here: semi-automatic functionality and simplicity in design.
Semi-automatic characteristics
Gaggia Classic Pro and Lelit Anna 2 is a pair of semi-automatic espresso machines. This means that many steps of the brewing process require users intervention, and in exchange, the price of the devices isn’t too high for beginners’ budget. From grinding beans to dosing and tamping, these step requires our attention to carry out smoothly, especially the dispensing step.
In this case, I believe Gaggia Classic Pro is the ultimate choice, given that the pair has 95% exact same feature, but Lelit Anna 2 is listed twice as expensive.
Good picks for beginners
From my experience with this pair, they aren’t hard to manage, and I believe even first-timers won’t struggle with how to carry out the brewing process. The cleaning part indeed requires some effort since the machines are semi-automatic and don’t have additional features that aid this process.
But, I don’t find the task difficult at all. Within a few days of brewing and cleaning, I believe any user can get used to Gaggia Classic Pro and Lelit Anna 2.
Quick Rundown of Gaggia Classic Pro
- Solid Steel Housing, Made in Italy
- 9 Bar Espresso Extractions
- Stainless Steel 58mm Commercial Portafilter
- Commercial Three Way Solenoid Valve
- Commercial Steam Wand
Last update on 2024-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown of Lelit Anna 2
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References:
- Gaggia Classic Pro: https://www.gaggia-na.com/products/gaggia-classic-pro
- Lelit Anna 2: https://lelit.com/product/anna-pl41tem/
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.